Building form and energy efficiency in tropical climates: A case study of Penang, Malaysia

Abstract Malaysia is a nation that has undergone massive development based on its abundance of fuel supply. The imbalance ratio between gross domestic products and energy demand clearly indicates the need to promote energy-efficiency strategies in country. This study investigates relationship building shape consumption by considering control excessive solar radiation tropical climate. In first step, four basic plan geometries, namely, square, rectangle, triangle circle shapes, are studied determine optimal terms Penang, Malaysia. Results simulation analysis using DesignBuilder software (Version 5.4.0) reveal most suitable form performance. second all buildings with extended shapes obtained from step simulated under same condition analyse thermal behaviour different forms. Amongst alternative cases, Case 3 90 cm depth without vertical offset top window superior performance sufficient natural daylight. contributes enhance efficiency new incorporating design process.