Case Studies for

Office Buildings

Pusat Tenaga Malaysia Zero Energy

Office Building

Location:
Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor in Malaysia
Gross Floor Area:
4,000 m
Project status:
March 2006 October 2007
Architect/s:
Dato Ruslan Khalid Architects

The Pusat Tenaga Malaysia Zero Energy Office

Building (ZEO Building) was built a prototype of
an achievable example of a carbon neutral, zero
net energy commercial-scale office building.
ZNE and carbon neutral status is achieved
through the incorporation of many energy
efficiency and renewable energy producing
technologies and strategies.

Features
Double-pane windows reduce heat gain but
provide natural light.
Day lighting with integrated blinds and light
shelves.
High efficiency pumps and fans.
Desiccant heat wheel dehumidification.
Concrete slab thermal cooling and storage.
Wet/ trickling water night cooling roof.
Thermal Wall

Natural Ventilation

The building incorporates features utilizing passive

techniques as well as orientation and vegetation, balanced with
active features seen in efficient lighting systems, floor slab
cooling, double-glazed windows as well as a thermal wall at its
east- and west-facing faades.
The implementation of high performance glazing and
sealed double-glazing also complements the call for energy
efficiency. This is reflected in its ability to harness high visible
light at low infra-red (IR) and ultra-violet (UV) transmittance.

UNEP and UN-HABITAT Office

Location:
Nairobi, Kenya in Africa
Gross Floor Area:
16,000 m
Project status:
May 2009 2010
Architect/s:
David Beglin and Si Simon Woods

Climate
Nairobi enjoys one of the kindest climates in the world.
Daytime temperatures are typically in the mid-20s Celsius,
while evenings are sometimes cool enough to warrant a log
fire. Two rainy seasons typically from late March until
early May, and mid-November until mid-December and
the winter months of July and August bring cloud and
cooler days, but the city and its surroundings offer a
comfortable and pleasant climate all year round.

Features

All cooling will be taken care of by natural ventilation.

Green zones and wells of natural light have been designed
in to the interior space, with the atrium's translucent
vaulted roof allowing daylight to illuminate the central
area.
The gently rolling land around the building is newly
planted with more indigenous trees, which will grow to
create valuable shade and encourage biodiversity while
helping absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. Indigenous
plants are also more drought-resistant and encourage birds
and other smaller wildlife.

In addition, the building is designed to use natural flow of air as

a substitute to air conditioning.

The building is passively and naturally ventilated through cross

ventilation because all office windows can be opened and closed
and by the chimney effect of warm air rising through the
landscaped atrium, which in turn draws through cooler external
air from offices.

90% of all offices have been converted to a predominantly open

plan environment, which has maximized office usage and
improved the use of natural light and ventilation throughout the
office floors.

Four buildings, linked by airy walkways, flooded with natural

light, and with green areas individually landscaped and themed.

 Inventive design that maximizes cooling natural airflow

through the building, all contribute further to
sustainability.
Chimney design ensures good airflow and comfortable
internal temperatures.
The buildings open office layouts not only encourage a
cooperative working atmosphere, but also greatly assist in
airflow and temperature regulation.

Materials
Where local materials were not a viable option, the highest
quality materials were imported from elsewhere. These
include the frameless curved glass and spider fittings on
the stunning, full height, east and west entrances.
The windows are fitted with solar glass to prevent heat
penetration from sunlight and insulates the building
helping to keep it cool in hot weather and warm in cold
weather.

TERI Office Building

Location:
Domlur, Bangalore in India
Project status:
Ongoing
Architect/s:
Sanjay Mohe and V Tushar

Features
Comfort requirements are met through dexterous use of
the five basic natural elements sun, air, earth, water and
sky to ensure natural lighting, ventilation and space
conditioning.
The building opens to the north to take maximum
advantage of glare-free light. Continuations of skylight
spaces carry natural light into the building.

 Adequate natural lighting and ventilation is provided

through an optimized combination of solar passive design,
energy-efficient equipment, renewable sources of energy
and materials with low embodied energy.
A cavity wall on the southern side insulates the building
from solar heat gain.
Gardens along with earth berms provide good heat
insulation and moderates fluctuations in temperature.

Day Lighting
Openings have been designed such that requirement of artificial
lighting is minimal throughout the day when the building is under
maximum usage.

By creating atrium spaces with skylights, the section of the

building is such that natural light enters into the interiors of the
building, considerably reducing the dependence on artificial
lighting.

 Strategic window
placement for daylight
optimization

Atrium space
with skylight

Natural Ventilation
A blank wall towards the south (facing the drain) allows the
breeze to flow over the building. This creates a negative
pressure which pulls fresh air from the north into the building.

The sections are designed such that hot air rises to the top and
make the building breathe.

Air in the cavity in the south wall on the south creates negative
pressure, thereby enhancing the convection currents in the
building.

Roof Garden

Submitted By:
Campollo, Larimae J.
Nicolas, Iana Clarice C.
Ar1121 / Tropical Architecture

Submitted To:
Arch. A. Verdote