Study on Bio-Architecture on Upland Cool Climate

Abstract—Bio-Architecture is necessary to rationalize the use of building materials for conservation of energy and the environmental efficiency of built environment. The main approach of bio-architecture is to create fractal fields that are implosive in nature and encourage life.

Climate is one of the prime influencing factors on built forms. Shan state generally rises from 3,000 to 4,000 feet above sea level. Shan State is suitable design approach for bio-house because its climatic condition is fair and plenty of natural resources.

Firstly, basic principles and strategies of bio-architecture, the Shan State climatic conditions, the basic principles of healthy living and local materials which are mainly taken into consideration. Secondly, foreign country case studies are analyzed with sustainable matrix. Finally, the possible guidelines are recommended for bio-house in Shan State. The purpose of this thesis is the emergence of bio-house by using local building materials, to create healthy living, comfortable and climate responsive house design guidelines for the citizens. Keywords—bio-architecture, design approach for houses, upland cool climate, environmental efficiency, climate responsive house design guidelines

I. INTRODUCTION

ifferent countries have different cultures and the way of designing buildings are in relevance with their cultures. In early days, constructions were link

with nature and most of the time materials that used for constructions, were selections of the nature, at that time there were not any environmental problem or any material problem owing to those buildings.

In present situation cultural oriented and environmentally friendly houses, buildings are being disappearing. In the present day early situation has been drastically changed and terms like safety, optimum use of energy, environmental impact etc, are arising and it has create a negative impact on the survival of people and the industry.

Bio-Architecture seeks to minimize the negative environmental impact of buildings by enhancing the healthy living for inhabitants and energy saving and moderation in the use of local materials and natural resources.

That is why Bio-House is the best possible approach in Shan State. There are plenty of natural resources, beautiful scenes and peaceful places for inhabitants in Shan State. Moreover, many local materials for building construction are available in Shan State.

Moreover, this research study could be contributed to the field of Bio-Architecture, which can be generated appropriate framework.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

New trends will be evolved between advanced technology and human development; emergence of Bio-Architecture and Eco-technologies during the 21st Century. Therefore, this thesis intended to achieve the following advantages.

To evolve the Bio Houses in upland cool climate region (Shan State).

To realize the importance of Bio-Architecture as the basic of sustainable development.

To analyze optimum orientation for getting most favourable features of upland cool climate.

To obtain the efficient ventilation and natural lighting for the indoor environment of the house.

To reduce the undesirable building impacts in Shan State.

To create the energy saving house using passive design strategies.

SCOPE OF THESIS

This thesis primarily scoped to focus on study and analysis of the following.

Study on Bio-Architecture, its principles, strategies and features.

Study on climatic conditions and the ways of passive design strategies in Shan State.

Provide guidelines for Bio-House which is accompanied with the upland cool climate of Shan State.

II. BACKGROUND HISTORY

Occupying the Golden Triangle region that borders Thailand, Laos, and China, Shan has an area of 155,801 sq km (60,155 sq mi). The state is located in an undulating region lying between 900 and 1,200 m (3,000 and 4,000 ft) above sea level. The capital is Taunggyi.

The main inhabitants of the plateau are the Shans, a people of Thai Chinese stock. The Shans came to Burma (the name was changed to Myanmar in 1989) from Yunnan in southwest China after the 12th century. The Shans ruled this region of northern Burma, called the Shan States, until the 16th century, when King Bayinnaung established Burmese control over all of the

Study on Bio-Architecture and Design Approach for Houses in Upland Cool Climate Region of Myanmar

(SHAN STATE) Mg Zwe Naing Htin, Daw Tint Tint San

D

Shan States. This continued until the annexation of Burma to India by Britain in 1885.

In the following year, the sawbwas (hereditary rulers of the Shan States) came under the rule of the governor of Burma. A system permitting limited local autonomy, was introduced into Burma in 1923, the Federated Shan States was created and placed under a superintendent and a council of local rulers. The region became the Shan state of newly independent Burma in 1948.

III. LITERATURE STUDY

1. Study on Green Architecture, Bio-Architecture and Sustainable Architecture

Table:I. Green Architecture, Bio-Architecture and Sustainable Architecture

Green Architecture Bio-Architecture Sustainable Architecture

Green architecture might mean different things to different people. This term include all aspects of architectural design and construction that enhance sustainable, healthy living. This might simply relate to choosing materials that do not offgas toxic chemicals, or it might relate to significant building designs that naturally capture and reuse all of the water and energy that is required for comfort-table living within. Characteristics of Green Architecture

Build a passive solar design

Ventilate attic spaces

Optimize the heat and AC systems

Reduce water consumption

Use renewable or recyclable materials

Safeguard the site

Use safe materials

Bio-architecture is the art and science of designing and building spaces which create, support and enhance life and living systems. Characteristics of Bio-Architecture

A holistic approach to design

Use natural building materials

Use local building materials

No way present of danger to health

Minimum disturbance to the living organisms and inhabitants

Energy efficiency

Use renewable energy

Use renewable or recyclable materials

A practice that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Characteristics of Sustainable Architecture

Build compact shapes

Heat with the sun

Keep the house is cool

Let nature cool for food storage

Be energy efficient

Conserve water

Use local materials

Use natural materials

Save the natural resources

Use recyclable materials

Build to last Grow the food

for inhabitants

Share facilities

Fig.1 Set of Sustainable Architecture

2. Features of Bio-Houses

3. Types of Climate Zones

4. Foreign Country Case Studies

Where;

A = SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE

B = GREEN ARCHITECTURE

C = BIO-ARCHITECTURE

D = OTHERS

Table:II. Analysis of Foreign Country Case Studies

Table:III. Matrix of Sustainability

IV. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS IN SHAN STATE 1. SOUTHERN SHAN STATE (TAUNGGYI)

Fig.2 Sunpath Diagram in Taunggyi

2. NORTHERN SHAN STATE (LASHIO)

Fig.3 Windrose Diagrams in Taunggyi

Fig.4 Optimum Orientation

in Taunggyi

Fig.5 Bioclimatic Chart

in Taunggyi

Fig.7 Windrose Diagrams in Lashio


in Lashio


in Lashio

Fig.6 Sunpath Diagram in Lashio

3. EASTERN SHAN STATE (KENGTUNG)

Fig.10 Sunpath Diagram in Kengtung

Fig.11 Windrose Diagrams in Kengtung

V. DESIGN GUDELINES FOR HOUSES IN UPLAND REGIONS (SHAN STATE)

1. Housing Layout

Taunggyi (Southern Shan

State)

Lashio (Northern Shan State)

Kengtung (Eastern Shan State)

SITE SELECTION

- South sloping topography is best for sun orientation

- South-West orientation is best for wind

- Sheltering against winter winds in SE and SW directions and utilizing the effects of sun’s heat from south facing

- South sloping topography is best for solar gain and daylighting

- South-West orientation is best for wind

- Sheltering against winter winds in SW direction and utilizing the effects of sun’s heat from south exposure

- South sloping topography is best for solar gain and daylighting

- North-West orientation is best for wind

- Sheltering against winter winds in NW direction and utilizing the effects of sun’s heat from south facing

LANDSCAPE

- Choose plant species which are indigenous in Southern Shan State

- Street layouts and space utilization into an irregular character

- Create a planting zone between house and path, enclosures, privacy, wildlife habitats and boundary treatments

- Choose plant species which are indigenous in Northern Shan State



- Choose plant species which are indigenous in Eastern Shan State



VEGETATION

- Vegetation which is too dense and too close to the building should be avoided

- Prevent dampness effect

- Evergreen trees are best for wind protection

- Evergreen trees are best located on SW & SE side of building to block the prevailing winter wind

- Deciduous trees provide access to

- Vegetation which is too dense and too close to the building should be avoided

-Prevent dampness effect

- Evergreen trees are best for wind protection

- Deciduous trees are suitable for shading purposes in summer and should be located on the South-West and West side of building.

- Vegetation is best located on North-West side of building to prevent prevailing winter wind

-Prevent dampness effect

- A green cover on South-West and West side of building to elimi-nate glare

- Deciduous trees should be located near house to achieve solar penetration in


in Kengtung


in Kengtung

winter sun but protect against summer sun

winter.

2. Shelter Design


State)



TYPE OF HOUSES

- Detached house or isolated design

- Row house or adjoining building which reduce heat loss

- Building may be large and grouped close together


- Row house or adjoining building which reduce heat loss


- Terraced buildings facing south may be appropriate

PLAN

- Elongated planning layout

- Room arrangement can benefit from solar radiation effects

- Winter wind blow from SE & SW. An air lock entry foyer should be located before entrance. The medium type and size of windows should be used on these sides.

- South facing living room is best condition.

- Bedrooms, kitchen, stores should be arranged on the west, north and east side.

- Sunspace should be located on south side.

- The higher the humidity on June to September, the more important is to provide cross ventilation in day-time



- Winter wind blow from NW & SW. Entrances should not be located on these sides. The number of windows should be kept to a minimum.



- Sunspace should be located on south side.

- The higher the humidity on June to December, the more important is to provide cross ventilation in day-time.



- Winter wind blow from N, NE & NW. Entrances should not be located on these sides. The number of windows should be kept to a minimum.



- Sunspaces should be located on south side.

- The higher the humidity on July to December, the more important is to provide cross ventilation in day-time.

FORM, VOLUME

- Compact shapes are preferable

- Elongated on East-West axis





- Optimum shape is 1:1.6

- The building proportion height to length of 1:4 is the optimal form because of less heat transmission.





ORIENTATION

- Sun orientation - 5º to 12º East of south

- Wind orientation - 45º West of South

- Optimum orientation for sun and wind - 70º East of South or 70º West of North

- Houses should be oriented away from prevailing winter wind.( South-East & South-West)


- Wind orientation -45º West of South

- Optimum orientation for sun and wind - 70º East of South or 70º West of North

- Houses should be oriented away from prevailing winter wind.( South-West & North-West)


- Wind orientation -45º West of North

- Optimum orientation for sun and wind - 65º East of North or 65º West of South

- Houses should be oriented away from prevailing winter wind.( North-West Direction)

INTERIOR

- A moderately compact internal room arrangement is benefit.

- Passive ventilat-ion strategies and appropriate type of windows (casement, awning window,..) can prevent from excessive relative humidity amount in rainy season.

- The uncomfort-able indoor cooling effect can prevent by using thermal insulation in building elements and by covering heavy drapes on windows and glazing areas at night







COLOR

- Light colors are good for roof, east and west wall surfaces.

- Dark colors are good for south-facing surfaces to absorb as much





winter sunlight.

- Psychologically, warm colors should be used rather than dark colors.

winter sunlight. winter sunlight.

3. Building Elements


State)



OPENINGS

- Many windows should be located on the south side.

- Glazed area should not exceed 50% of the south elevation.

- Casement windows, medium fixed windows and clerestory windows are suitable to use. Use medium size windows in SW and SE directions

- The joints between the win-dow frames and adjoining walls are airtight and carefully sealed.

- Double glazing or triple glazing is required on the South-West and South-East sides. Excessive glazing can lead to the overheating effect. So, cross ventilat-ion is possible solution in day-time.

- Operable skylights and clere-story windows should be used for solar penetration on south side.



- Windows should be of medium size with openings on east, west and north walls for the proper cross ventilation during the humid period


- Use vegetation or movable shad-ing devices on south, southeast and southwest orientations of building to avoid overheating in summer.

- Double glazing is required on the South-West side window areas to prevent air infil-tration rate



- Casement windows, medium fixed windows and clerestory win-dows are suitable to use.Use medium size windows in NW direction


- Use vegetation or movable shad-ing devices on south, southeast and southwest orientations of building to avoid overheating in summer.

- Double glazing is required on North-West and North sides win-dow areas to prevent air infil-tration rate

WALLS

- The cooler the climate, the better the thermal insu-lation and air-tightness of the outer walls should be considered.

- Ecofriendly Hollow concrete block walls filled

- Cavity walls and Trombe walls are suitable to use.

- Local timber species such as Pyingadoe, Inn-gyin, Teak , Yamanay planks (attached with insulation boards)

- Cavity walls and trombe walls are suitable to use.

- Local timber species such as Thityar, Thitael, Sagawah planks (attached with insulation boards) should also be

with byone sand, Cavity walls and Trombe walls are suitable to use.

- Dark colors are used at south walls for heat absorption and night time distribution

- Local timber species such as Teak or Inngyin planks (attached with insulation boards) should also be used

should also be used.

- Surfaces should generally have medium colors.

- Combine with exterior overhangs and minimal glazing on South-west and West sides.

- South glazing walls attached with sunspace should also be used for heat storage and night time heat distribution

used.

- Surfaces should generally have medium colors.

- Combine with exterior overhangs and minimal glazing on North-west and West sides.

- South glazing walls attached with sunspace should also be used for heat storage and distribution

THERMAL MASS

- Use high heat capacities materials (Concrete, Adobe, Byone bricks, etc…)

- Fireplace, interior partitions of brick or adobe can increase the ther-mal mass of a house

- Use high heat capacities mate-rials (Concrete, Adobe, Byone bricks, etc…)

- Use high heat capacities mate-rials (Concrete, Adobe, Byone bricks, etc…)

INSULATION

- Thermal insulation should be placed on the outside of walls and roof, so that the beneficial effect of the thermal storage capacity is not reduced.

- At light weight wood framing construction, the house should be well-insulated.

- Insulation materials - Shell of paddy, Burnt paddy husk, Sand, Cotton, Feathers, Crumpled newspaper

- Insulation should be used between the cavity walls and roof coverings.

- At light weight wood framing construction, the house should be well-insulated.


- Insulation should be used between the cavity walls and roof coverings.


FLOORS

- PTG floor over concrete slab is best solution

- Floor areas should be received direct solar radia-


- Floor must be projected on south side of building to


- Floor must be projected on south side of building to

tion.

- Use high heat storage capacity materials on floor.

- The rockbed filling system should be used in beneath of living room floor and sunspace floor

shade the glazing area and prevent overheating in summer.


shade the glazing area and prevent overheating in summer.


ROOFS

- The roof should be waterproofed and insulated.

- Pitch roofs (Hip, Gable, Lean to roof) are suitable for rain water flow.

- The roof slope should be greater than 30 degree.





SUNSPACES

- Integrate sun-spaces within the main building form to provide heating by passive solar gain.

- Glazed walls should be enclosed in sunspaces and oriented toward the south side.

- Require to achieve natural ventilation to prevent overheat-ing effects.







OTHERS

- Fireplace and chimney can be used for auxiliary heating purpose.

- Heat resisting materials should be used.

- All roof water is piped to a large ground tank or overhead tank of adequate capacity to meet all household needs.

- Dual-flush toilets should be used for water efficiency.









VI. CONCLUSION

In Taunggyi, the maximum wind speed is needed to achieve 600 ft/min in summer and the maximum solar radiation required to achieve 300 BTU/hour in winter.

In Lashio, the maximum wind speed is needed to achieve 700 ft/min in summer and the maximum solar radiation required to achieve 300 BTU/hour in winter.

In Kengtung, the maximum wind speed is needed to achieve greater than 700 ft/min in summer and the maximum solar radiation required to achieve 260 BTU/hour in winter.

For building orientation, it is recommended that best orientation for Shan State Climatic conditions is approximately long axis on East-West (South 5ºto 12º East) for sun and long axis on Southeast-Northwest for wind in Taunggyi and Lashio, long axis on Southwest-Northeast for wind in Kengtung respectively. The optimum orientation for both sun and wind is 70ºEast of South (or) 70º West of North in Taunggyi and Lashio, and then 65ºWest of South (or) 65ºEast of North in Kengtung.

For building form and volume, it is recommended that rectangular shape plan is better than square shape and in rectangular shape (1:1.6 to 1.7) is the best proportion for building layout. The building proportion height to length of 1:4 is the optimal building form in these upland regions.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The author would like to express gratitude and thanks to his parents, supervisor and co-supervisor from the Department of Architecture,Technological University (Thanlyin), for their encouragement, helpful suggestions, true guidelines and editing this paper. The author wishes to extend especially thanks to the Board of Examiners, for the invaluable knowledge and their valuable guidance and approval to submit this thesis.

APPENDICES

A. Case Studies for Sunspaces, Heat Storage and Distribution Methods

B. Maps and Respective Illustrations C. Local Materials in Shan State D. Energy Conservation and Environmental Efficiency

REFERENCES

[1] Bruce Anderson. September 1976. “The Solar Home Book”

[2] David Adler.1999. “Metric Handbook, Planning and Design Data”, Second Edition

[3] Department of Meteorology and Hydrology. 2001 to 2010. Climate Data Banks

[4] European Commission Directorate-General for Energy (DG XVII). September 1997. “Bioclimatic Architecture”, The demonstration component of the Joule-Thermie Programme

[5] International Energy Agency: Solar Heating and Cooling Program. July 1989. “Passive and Hybrid Solar Low Energy Buildings, Design Context”, Booklet 2

Study on Bio-Architecture on Upland Cool Climate

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