SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND

DESIGN
BACHELOR OF QUANTITY SURVEYING (Hons)
MARCH 2015 INTAKE
Construction Technology 1 (BLD60104)
Assignment
Group members' name: Darren Loong Chi Yoong (0318029)
Lau Chin Sheng (0317899)
Kiing Kiu Chun (0318727)
Lee Jian Ru (0318132)
Tutorial group: 1 - Tuesday (2pm-4pm)
Lecturer: Ms. Azrina

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction ........................................................................ 3-5

- Objective of this assignment
- Location background

Type of Roof .................................................................... 6-17

Type of Windows ........................................................... 18-24

Type of Doors ............................................................... 25-30

Type of Stairs ................................................................. 31-34

Conclusion ......................................................................... 35

Introduction
The aim of this project is to identify, compare and contrast of the type
of roof, type of windows and doors, and type of stairs of chosen
building. This project split in 3 parts.
Part 1
Illustrate the type of the building with plan / sketches / photo /
diagrams.
Part 2
Identify and explain the type of roof, type of windows and doors and
type of stairs of the building with sketches/ photo / diagrams.
Part 3
Compare and contrast with one other types of and recommend an
alternative to replace the existing type of roof, window and door,
staircase.

Location Background
3

IOI Mall in Puchong is a modern 3-storey shopping and entertainment mall

with a total area of approximately 650,000 square feet. This mall with a
Mediterranean architecture was launched in June 1996. It is one of the major
shopping centre for residents in Puchong and the vicinity. The other shopping
centre is TESCO Puchong which is located just beside the shopping mall.
Servicing the needs of the people, this shopping mall has a few main tenants
that provide branded goods as well as entertainment for the entire family.
The 3 floors has a total of 147 outlets divided into Food Street, Entertainment
Wing, Education Corner and Fashion City to name a few. Jusco departmental
store houses a wide range of branded and local goods that you can choose from.
Example of goods offered at Jaya Jusco include clothes, food stuff, stationary
shoes and a variety of household products. Most of the items here are
reasonably priced.
Address :
IOI Mall Puchong
Bandar Puchong
Batu 9 Jalan Puchong
47100 Selangor.

Floor Plans

Types of Roof
The types of roof found at the city mall we have chosen which is IoI city mall,
Puchong consists of the main roof is the pitched roofs, additional smaller
roofing which are glass roofs which are in a cone like shape and trapezoidal
roofs.

Function of the pitched roof

First and foremost, there are several types of roofing we have saw on our visit
to the city mall and we noticed each type of roofs found in the mall serves a
different purpose for the mall. The purpose of the main roof which are the
pitched acts as a shelter which provides protection from animals and weather,
notably rain, but also heat, wind and sunlight.

Right section of IoI Mall

Left section of IoI Mall roof

Middle section of IoI Mall

Besides that, the roof also has roof tiles. For IoI mall, they use clay roof tiles.
The reason for using clay roof tiles is because it is very durable as it does not
corrode (chemically inert) so it can withstand the climate change in Malaysia, it
provides a very aesthetically pleasing roof system and it is environmentally
friendly.

Clay tiles found at IoI Mall

Close up pictures of IoI Mall roof

Suitability
The pitched roof used for IoI Mall is very suitable as Malaysia has a tropical
climate which means it experiences high temperatures and high humidity
throughout the year. Daytime temperatures rise above 30C (86F) year-round
and night-time temperatures rarely drop below 20C (68F).
In this case, a pitched roof which has a slope can provide proper shade during
the day as well enhance the drainage as it will allow the rainwater to flow
towards the gutters which can help reduce the problems such as leakage if the
rain water has not been properly removed.
In addition, as most houses and residential area in Malaysia uses pitched roof as
well, using this type of roof is a good plan as it will be able to blend in nicely
with its surroundings and not stick out like a sore thumb.
In conclusion, the pitched roof is a good choice to be used as the roof for IoI
city mall as it sustain the climate change of Malaysia, it helps the shopping mall
blend in with the other residential areas in its surroundings and the clay roof
tiles used as the finish gives it a very aesthetic pleasing appearance.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Pitched roof

Advantages

Disadvantages

Loft Space
- constructed in such a way as to Expense
afford plenty of usable space, either
as much-needed storage or even as -the more complex design, additional
building materials and extra manadditional living space.
hours cost significantly more than a
flat roof.

Lifespan

Foundations

-is almost certain to offer a

much longer lifespan than a
flat roof, with materials that
are more durable and weather
resistant.

-Pitched roofs also place a greater

burden on the foundations of the
building and this may have
implications for the depth of the
footings.

-The internal accommodation

will
be
more
efficiently
insulated and will not suffer
from
the
extremes
of
temperature.
Natural
- can be more effectively
blended in to either the rest
of the property (in the case of
an
extension)
or
to
neighbouring buildings, while
also helping to retain a sense
of individuality and character.

Leakage problem
-a few slipped tiles may be the result
of failure of individual tiles or the
effect of a storm or extreme weather.
-moss on roof could create blockage
which could prevent rainwater from
flowing to the gutters outlets and
other drainage points on the roof.

One of the possible problems

that will be faced when a
pitched roof is used which can
lead to leakage problem which
is the blockage of the gutters
which could have been the
cause of moss growing on the
roof

Function the glass roof

9

Secondly, we also noticed there was the presence of glass roofs. The function
for the glass roof is to provide the shopping mall with more light so it will give
off a more welcoming atmosphere compared to a shopping mall which is dark
and gloomy which will give off a more dull atmosphere. Less lighting would be
needed with the presence of glass roof as they are used to provide more light
from the sun. Hence, with the presence of the glass roofing, the IoI mall can
reduce the energy usage. Besides that, it is weather resistant therefore the
maintenance would be lower as it will not corrode or rust even if there is drastic
climate change.

Bottom view of the glass roof

Top view of the glass roof

Suitability
The glass roof is very suitable to the IoI mall. This is because the glass roof is
not only nice but the benefit it has provided for the mall such as providing extra
light from the sun which gives the sun a more welcoming look as it looks
bright. Besides that, it also saves energy as it provides natural lighting which
reduces the need for light bulbs to help light up the room.
The glass roof also indirectly helps regulate the temperature for the shopping
mall. This is because the glass roof is a poor heat insulator, hence it allows sun
to pass through the roof which can make the temperature in the room less
chilly.
10

In conclusion, the glass roof is a suitable to be used at IoI mall because it brings
a lot of benefit to the mall even though it is quite costly to build, in the long
run, it can help the mall save more money from the lack of usage of light bulbs.

Advantages and disadvantages of Glass Roof

Advantages
Lighting Factor
-this installation does not reduce light
in the room, rather provides more
light.

Energy saving
-glass roofing allows the sun to pass
through. This allows the place to
receive more sunlight which reduces
the amount of light bulbs needed for
the mall to brighten up the shopping
mall.
Aesthetic look
-glass roofing gives the shopping mall
a more modern look to the building.
This will make it look more appealing
to the customers which go to the
shopping mall.

Disadvantages
Heat Factor
-during hot days, the areas which are
under the glass roofs would tend to
have higher temperature as glass is
not a good heat insulator which
allows the heat energy to go into the
shopping mall.
Easily dirty
-Those areas which are under the
glass roof are noisy and easily
accumulate dirt, if we close these
spaces with glazed roofs would not
present such inconveniences.
Expensive
-to improve the safety and security of
the roof to prevent breakage, glass
can be either toughened or laminated.
Hence, it will increase the price of the
glass roofing would increase.

The glass roof could easily get dirty

which means it is high maintenance to
keep as glass is quite prone to dirt
sticking to it.

The picture on the left shows the

effects of using glass a roof. The
glass roof does not reflect or insulate
the heat away hence it will increase
the temperature inside the roof.

11

Function of the trapezoidal roof

Last of all, we have found the zinc coated trapezoidal roofs. Unlike most
shopping complex, IoI mall has a rooftop parking. With the presence of the
rooftop parking, a shade must be provided for the cars. The function of the
trapezoidal roofs are to reflect the sun away from the car as well as to provide a
proper shade for the cars. This is to ensure the car does not absorb the heat
given off by the sun which could spoil the car if the car is exposed to the heat of
the sun in the long run.

Trapezoidal roofing which provides shade for

the cars

The trapezoidal roofing is still strong even with

a layer of rust which means it has been
galvanized

Suitability
In my opinion, the trapezoidal roofing is suitable choice as a shade for the cars.
This is because it is made of metal which makes it a good heat insulator. This
can help remove excess heat given off by the sun.
Besides that, it is the sheet metal has been galvanized which means it has an
extra protective layer on top of the metal. This will act as a sacrificial metal
which will rust instead of the metal beneath of the sacrificial metal. This will
make the sheet stronger as the layer of rust can prevent further rusting.
Last of all, it is economical which means it is cheap. This tells us that it can be
easily replaced if some damage were to have been done towards the sheet
roofing such as dents or if the sheet roof was already faulty from the start.
In conclusion, I think the use of trapezoidal roofing is a good choice as the roof
for the carpark as it is a god heat insulator, economical and it is durable.

Advantages and disadvantages of Trapezoidal roofs

Advantages
Disadvantages
Good Heat Insulation
-the colour coating on these sheets
has strong insulating properties and
thus these sheets give the excellent
protection against heat.

Noise
-the sound of rain tapping on the roof
is like living inside a drum. In a
rainstorm or hailstorm, living beneath
thin sheets of metal is bound to be
noisier than living beneath thick slate
12

Corrosion Resistance
-manufactured using superior quality
of steel and aluminium, these sheets
have
excellent
anti-corrosion
properties.
Economical
-requirement of extra costs like
installation and maintenance costs are
minimum due to which these sheets
have excellent economical value.

or tile.
Denting
a metal roof can dent if large
hailstones fall on it. Aluminium and
copper, much softer than steel, are
more prone to denting.
Lightning
-there
are
many
documented
instances of lightning striking trees or
other high objects located near metal
roofs rather than the roofs themselves

The dent which has been made on the

sheet would reduce the appearance of the
sheet.

Using these sheet roof can cause a lot of

noise to occur during rainy season which
could be very irritating to some people

13

Since the roof is made of metal, it is more

prone to getting lightning strike which
could damage the cars in the process

Part 3
Substitute for the pitched roof
For the main roof, I would suggest to change the type of the roof used which is
from pitched roof to gambrel roof. I would suggest this because it is quite
similar to pitched roof but has a few added advantages to which I believe the
mall needs.

Examples of Gambrel roof

A gambrel, or barn roof, is much like mansard in a sense that it has two
different slopes. The difference between the two is that the gambrel only has
two sides, while the mansard has four. Recently, this style or roof is not only
found on top of barns, farm houses and log cabins. They are also seen on Dutch
Colonial and Georgian style homes, as well. Hence this proves that, gambrel
style of roofing is getting more popular.

Advantages and disadvantages of gambrel roof

Advantages

Disadvantages

Loft space
Weather
-Much like the pitched, the gambrel - These roofs are not ideal or
14

provides extra living space for a advisable

in
areas
that
garret, attic or loft. Plus its simple to experience snowfall, heavy winds,
frame out.
and heavy breezy weather as it is not
tough enough to handle the pressure.
Cost
Facing
-These roofs are not only easy to - South facing heavy winds and rain
build. However, they are time and can harm the roof top area.
cost saving too.
Style
Discrimination
-the roof has two curved lines that - It is not very easy to differentiate
present an uncomplicated and stylish between gambrel roofs and bold roofs
look. The unwavering style looks that posses change in affix designs.
satisfying and fashionable.

Substitute for glass roof

For the glass roof, the thing I would subsititute would be the shape of how the
glass roof has been constructed which is in a cone like shape which I think to
be more costly instead of replacing it with a flat roof which serves the same
purpose but saves costs on the material used.

A cone like shape which is found at IoI mall

15

The flat glass roof which I suggest to change which is

cheaper and it can be an extra walk way.

Advantages and disadvantages of flat roof

Advantages
Cost
-flat roofing is generally
considered to be a more
affordable option at the point
of construction and involves
considerably less materials
and labour than a pitched
roof.

Disadvantages
Poor drainage
-flat roofs do drain, but not nearly as
efficiently as a roof with any kind of
pitch. Therefore water has a tendency
to puddle and remain on the roof,
which could lead to the roofing
material breaking down or to eventual
leaks, particularly along the seams.

Design

Maintenance

-typically the design of choice

for smaller structures, such as
garages
and
extensions.
While flat roofs are designed
to hold standing water to
some degree, a slight pitch of
only a few degrees is usually
incorporated
to
enable
rainwater to drain away into a
hopper.

-constant checking for leakage is

required so a leakage does not occur.
The materials used for flat roof are
not usually long lasting which the
normal lifespan given is about 20
years only.

16

Stability
-Although any excursion to the roof
should be dealt with using care and
caution, flat roofs offer significantly
more stability and horizontal surface
than sloped roofs do.

Collects Debris and Dirt

-A roof that is flat, such as a
flat concrete roof, is more
likely to collect debris that will
typically slide off a sloped
roof.

Method of Installing
The method of installing the roof for both gambrel roofing and glass roofing are
the same. Hence, both have the same procedure:
1st step: Tearing off the roof and preparing the roof deck (remove the old roof and fix
the problems found in the previous roof such as leakage)
2nd step: installing roof deck protection (deck protection for is in the foundation
on which a good roof system is built)
3rd step: install leak barriers (prevent leakage)
4th step: starter strip shingles (to help in wind resistance)
5th step: nailing of shingles (take your time nailing the shingles as improper
nailing could cause future problems)
6th step: installing your shingles
7th step: install flashing and ridge vents (flashing is used for water proofing and
ridge vents help reduce hot moist air in your attic)
8th step: install ridge cap shingles (helps protect some of the highest stress and
vulnerable areas of the roof)
9th step: cleaning up the job site

Substitute for trapezoidal roof

As for this roof, what I suggest for substitution is the material used which in
this case, they use a metal which will rust which makes the sheet roof looks
worn out as well as dirty. The material I suggest that should replace the current
material is aluminium roof sheets.

17

Pictures and examples of aluminium sheet roofing to replace the

old material

Advantages and disadvantages of aluminium sheets

Advantages
Does not rust
-aluminium is a metal that will not
rust. Hence, it can retain the original
appearance of the sheets.
Strong
-strength-wise it is comparable to
steel. It is much stronger than steel at
lower temperature. Unlike steel,
aluminium does not become more
brittle during lower temperature.
Lightweight
-aluminium is light. Hence, it is easier
to work with as well as carry around.
Repair would be faster with carrying
a light weight metal such as
aluminium.

Disadvantages
Expensive
-Aluminium at $1250 per tonne, is
almost ten times as expensive as steel.
Noise
-the sound of rain tapping on the roof
is like living inside a drum. In a
rainstorm or hailstorm, living beneath
thin sheets of metal is bound to be
noisier than living beneath thick slate
or tile.
Low melting point
-aluminium has low melting point
compared to most metal such as steel.
The melting point of aluminium is
roughly 660 degree celcius.

Method of installing metal roof

1st step: Make sure the first panel is installed square - all the other panels will
follow it.
2nd step: On exposed fastener panels: While you don't have to predrill holes for
your screws, predrilling panels will make it easier to get the screw lines
straighter. - You can predrill a stack of about 10 panels at a time. - Make sure
you measure for predrilling accurately.
18

3rd step: If you pop lines for your screws, make sure to use blue chalk, and NOT
RED CHALK. Red chalk is very difficult to get off and can stay on for months,
while blue chalk will usually wash off with the next rain.
4th step: If you need to cut panels lengthwise, you can score them with a box
cutter several times, and then bend it back and forth until it breaks off,
producing a clean edge. You can also use tin snips or the TurboShear Drill
Attachment for cutting them.
5th step: Screw your fasteners in straight, and don't overtighten them. The best
way to do this is to set your drill tension, preferably testing it out on a scrap
piece of metal or on an area that will be covered over by a ridge cap or other
flashing.
6th step: Wear protective rubber coated gloves while working with metal roofing
and flashings. This not only protects you from the sharp metal edges, it also
gives you a better grip on the metal roofing.
7th step: After you finish installing the metal roofing, make sure to brush off any
metal filings / shavings that are on the roof. Otherwise they will cause unsightly
rust spots where they rest on the metal roofing.

Types of Window
The types of window found at the Puchong IOI city mall, are Awning window
and fixed/picture window.

Function of the Awning window.

To provide a means for admission of natural daylight to the interior of
building.
Serve as a means of providing the necessary ventilation.

19

 Three general objective of providing a means of ventilation are:

- To extract moisture from existing space where it is produced in
significant quantities.
- To provide for occasional rapid ventilation where moisture presence is
likely to produce condensation.
- To achieve background ventilation which is adequate without
affecting the comfort of the existing space.
Awning window

Suitability
We can say that the reason Awning window is used in IOI mall alone or in
combination with other windows is because theyre often placed above or
below a fixed (picture) window to allow ventilation without blocking the view.
Theyre the perfect window for rainy days, as their awning-like angle lets in
fresh air but keeps the rain out; correctly placed, they can also be an excellent
option for letting light and fresh air into your place and maintaining privacy.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Awning window

ADVANTAGE
They maximize ventilation but still
block rainwater from coming
inside.
Can be positioned anywherenext
to windows, arranged in columns,
or placed above patio doors and
picture windows.

DISADVANTAGE
Screens for awning windows are set
on the inside, so you may end up
with some dirt on your floors.
Awnings that are within reach from
the exterior ground of the home can
pose a security risk.

20

Awning windows are great for If youre installing an awning high

bedrooms and other areas that need up, consider self-cleaning glass for
to maintain privacy but still let the exterior surface. Otherwise,
some light in.
cleaning is a tougher task.
*Self-cleaning glass : if dust and crud accumulate on the glass in the horizontal
position, rain or a quick squirt of the hose is all it takes to get the window clean.

Function of the Picture/fixed window.

-Excellent insulation
-Weatherproofing
-Picture windows uncluttered simplicity minimizes obstruction of your desired
view.
-not for ventilation (its fixed; couldnt open.)

Picture/fixed window

21

Suitability

Advantages

Disadvantages

In
the IOI
mall,
the
picture
window
(also
known
as the
fixed

Picture windows offer an

Generally for looks only and wont
unobstructed view of the outdoors. help with ventilation on their own.
If combined with patio doors or
The large expanse of glass can
open-and-close windows, picture
make them vulnerable to breakage.
windows bring the perfect balance
of light and ventilation.
Excellent insulation and
weatherproofing.
window) is the simplest and yet most versatile element of the window dcor,
letting in light but keeping out the elements. Because it doesnt open and has no
moving parts (hence, its fixed), the picture window offers excellent
insulation and weatherproofing. Plus, the windows uncluttered simplicity
maximizes the view of the outdoors and allowed more daylight to enter the
existing space.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Picture/fixed window.

Part 3
22

Substitute for both Awning and

Picture windows.
For the type of window, I would suggest to
change all windows in Puchong IOI mall into
picture/fixed window with stained glass. This
is because stained glass provide more
aesthetic ambience to the existing space.
Hence, it will be another attractive spot of the
mall. However stained glass contribute limited
daylight to enter the mall and limited
ventilation from the picture/fixed window but
these problems can be overcome by installing
ventilator and a more sophisticate lighting
system.

Normal Stained glass

window.

23

Advantages and Disadvantages of Picture/fixed

window(with Stained Glass.)
ADVANTAGES
DISADVANTAGES

Versatile. Stained glass is

no longer limited to inoperable
picture windows. It can be
found on many different
windows from awning to
casement.

Limited light. Light can still

pass through, but busy designs
and dark colors can limit the
amount of passable light,
making the room appear darker.

Attractive. Stained glass

windows are often used to add
visual interest to a boring
room. The window becomes
the focal point, while giving
the space a personal touch.

Obstructed views. Stained

glass windows offer privacy, but
distorted views work both ways.
When looking out or in, the
scenery can appear blurry and
washed in color.

Privacy. Because theyre

ornately decorated, stained
glass windows offer more
privacy than other windows.

Overuse. When used as an

accent piece, stained glass can
be pleasing to the eye. Outfit an
entire room with it and the look
goes from elegant to garish.

24

Method of installing
1. Installation against double channel sealed unit.

25

2. Installation against single channel sealed unit.

3. For installation in locations with condensation problems or against

single pane windows, additional vents for air movement are needed

26

Types of Door
The types of door that we found at the mall we have chosen which is IoI mall,
Puchong are, exterior and interior doors, then it is further broken down as
solid wood doors, glass door and automatic sliding glass door.

Function of the Door

Exterior doors and interior doors that we found in IoI mall, Puchong serve a
different purpose for the mall. The purposes of exterior door are provide
security for the shops and people who visit the mall, preserve the internal heat
of building, maintain levels of sound insulation, protection from weather such
as thunderstorm, and glass doors that are transparent help to increase the
appearance of the mall. The purposes of interior door are used to close the
access through internal walls, provide security, and some of the solid wood
door inside the mall act as fire door.

Function of Glass Door

In IoI mall, Puchong, we noticed that there are two types of door, glass door
and solid wood door, and both of them serve a different purpose for the mall.
Glass doors mostly serve as shop front in IoI mall, Puchong.

27

Frameless glass shop front

Automatic sliding glass door

Automatic sliding glass door that is found in front and at the sides of IOI mall,
Puchong. Automatic sliding glass door will detect whether there are people in
front of the door. If someone is detected, the door will open automatically,
when no one is detected, it will automatically close the door.

Suitability
Glass doors are a great choice for businesses and it provides a lot advantages.
One of the distinct benefits of doors made from glass is the fact that they allow
light to pass through. For doors which open to the outside there is the benefit of
being able to enjoy natural sunlight entering the mall. Not only does this
sunlight look and feel much more pleasant than artificial light, but it also helps
to reduce the need for that artificial lighting, lowering costs as well as
representing a greener alternative.
But even in cases where the door is not an exterior one, a glass door still allows
light to pass from one room to the other, not only creating a visually more
attractive space, but also a more practical one, since there are fewer shadows
and darker areas, maximising the efficient use of the room.

28

Automatic sliding glass door that operate automatically is more convenient for
customers who want to enter particular enclosed place.
In conclusion, I think the glass door is a good choice to be used as the door for
IoI mall as it is convenient and suit the business purposes .

Advantages and Disadvantages of Glass Door

Advantages

Disadvantages

Appearance
- The glass doors add richness, light, Privacy
beauty and charm.
- Glass doors need curtains to install
along with them to attain privacy.
Easy cleaning

Fragile
-Liable to crack or break if
-They do not swell from they receive a very sharp
exposure to moisture, bring knock or heavy blow.
visual
openness,
easy
cleaning.

29

Intensive installation
-Hard to install, labour cost increase.

Good Resistance
-Resistant to termites and other
insects.
-Cannot rust, peel, come off, or
corrode.

Function of Solid Wood Door

We also noticed that there are solid wood door inside IOI mall, Puchong. Solid
wood door mostly serve as fire door in IoI mall, Puchong.

Fire door in the

mall

Fire door in the

mall

30

Fire doors are part of a building's passive fire protection system, an essential
requirement for public buildings. Fire door serves to protect escape routes of
the mall.
Besides, we also found that solid wood doors are used as the back doors of the
cinema in IOI mall, Puchong

Suitability
Solid wood doors are a great choice for fire doors because it fulfils the
requirement of fire doors. Fire doors are manufactured to withstand the spread
of fire for a given period of time, normally a minimum of 30 minutes. Fire door
may be solid construction or made with a special core, often flax board or wood
composite material that required longer time to burn. Solid wood doors can be
made from a variety of hard or soft woods. Therefore solid wood doors can say
have high fire resistance because fire has to burn through many materials. Solid
wood door is also good sound resistance, which suit cinema theatre door
requirement.
In conclusion, I think the solid wood door is a good choice to be used as the
door for IoI mall as it is durable and have good sound and fire resistant.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Solid Wood Door

Advantages

Disadvantages

Durable
- Solid wood door will last very long Cost
if good materials are used.
- A good quality hardwood can be
very expensive.
Good sound resistance
- Have the greatest sound
deadening abilities.

Heavy
-Heavy and hard to carry.

31

Good fire resistance

-Provide more resistance to
fire than engineered wood or
hollow core doors.

shrinkage and expansion

-More prone to shrinkage and
expansion due to temperature and
moisture changes.

Substitute for solid wood door

For the solid wooden door, the thing I would subsititute would be the steel
doors. Some people may feel that they can save some money by purchasing
wooden doors. Actually, sometimes wooden doors are more expensive . Wood
absorbs moisture easily, it can peel, bubble, bow, twist and warp; resulting in a
costly replacement. Wooden doors are not energy efficient and they require
routine maintenance. But, steel metal doors require less maintenance .Steel
doors are energy-efficient and can even lower your establishments heating and
cooling costs. Obviously these traits are especially handy in environments with
high precipitation and temperatures like Malaysia. Steel doors even have higher
fire resistance than solid wood door.

Example of steel
door

Advantages and Disadvantages of Steel Door

Advantages

Disadvantages

Durable
- Steel door last longer than wooden Easily dented
door
- Dent easily when get knocked by
hard object.
32

Good resistance

lack of insulation
-Not suitable in climates with
-Metal doors can handle bad
very low or very high
weather and will not need any temperatures.
annual upkeep.
-It wont rot and spilt
Good fire resistance

Intensive installation
-Hard to install, labour cost increase.

-Provide more resistance to

fire than wood

TYPE OF STAIRS
Introduction
There are various types of stairs that can be built in different type of spaces, such as straight
stairs, L-shaped stairs, U-shaped stairs etc. The suitability what kind of stairs is to be used
depends on the design and size of the space. Stairs that are used for the construction of malls
is usually only used as an emergency staircase because most malls today have an escalator or
travelator installed.

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Examples of the type of

stairs that can be built.

There are many stairs that can

be found in IOI Mall and they
are only used as an
emergency stairs. The type of
stairs that is used in all the
emergency stairs in IOI Mall

is the U-Shaped stairs or is also called 'Half landing stairs'.

The U-shaped stairs that is used as the

emergency stairs of IOI Mall.

Function of U-Shaped Stairs

The basic function of a stairs is that it is a path that connects one level to another level. As
the stairs in IOI Mall acts as an emergency stairs, its specific function is to allow the patrons
to use the stairs in the event where there is an unforseen circumstance such as a breakdown
in the lifts or the escalators and when there is a fire. The U-shaped stairs is basically two
parallel flights of stairs connected by a rectangular landing that requires 180-degree turn in
the walk line. The 180-degree turn creates a substantial space for patrons to land, unlike
other type of stairs where there is limited or no space to land.
180-degree turn creates a
landing space.

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A clear photo showing three flights of stairs

where the top stair and middle stair is
connected by the 180-degree turn.

Advantages
Easier fit into an architectural plan
- U-shaped stairs is easier to draw out on a
plan of a building compared to other type of
stairs. It is also easier to be measured by the
quantity surveyor. This makes U-shaped
stairs the most common type of stairs used in
to construct commercial buildings.

Disadvantages
Difficult to build
- Requires a longer period of time to design
and build because of its number of flights of
stairs and the landings.

The landing has a wide space

- The landing of a U-shaped stairs is very
wide and usually in a rectangular shape. This
creates a space for patrons to rest while
climbing up the stairs or even rush down
without having to collide with other patrons
in the unlikely event of an emergency.
Safe
- The flights of stairs are shorter so a fall
down a staircase will be unlikely and even if
there is a fall the injury may not be serious,
as he or she will stop at the landing.

Requires more floor space to build

- U-shaped staircase a wide staircase due to
its separation of the flights of stairs with a
rectangular landing therefore it requires a
wider space to build.
Costly
- Constructing a U-shaped staircase is costly,
as it requires more building materials and
more labour cost.

Advantages & Disadvantages of U-Shaped Stairs

Suitability of U-shaped Stairs
U-shaped stairs is probably the most suitable type of stairs to be used as an emergency
staircase in a commercial building such as a mall. This is because it is the safest type of stairs
compared to other types of stairs. The patrons of the mall can rush down the stairs quickly
during the event of an emergency. It is also user friendly because of the 180-degree turn
landing, making patrons who have difficulty in walking have a temporary space to rest.

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A short flight of stairs before a

landing makes it safer for
patrons to climb and go down.

A photo showing three flights of

stairs taken from below. The
180 degree turn can be seen
clearly.

Substitute to U-Shaped Stairs

The type of stairs that is suitable to substitute U-shaped stairs is straight stairs with central
landing. This type of staircase is similar to the U-shaped stairs except there is no turns and
the landing is smaller than that of a U-shaped stairs.

Advantages
Easy to construct
Straight stairs with
- Straight stairs is easy to design and
central landing.
construct. It does not require a large
workforce to construct it.

Inexpensive
- Straight stairs is less costly than U-shaped
stairs because construction is simpler and

Disadvantages
Falls can be serious
An example of a straight
- As a straight stairs directly connects one
stairs with a landing.
floor to another without any turning, unlike
the U-shaped stairs, the flight of stairs would
be longer and a person who falls down while
walking on the stairs may result in severe
injury.
Requires more space to construct
- A landing which is to be constructed
between a flight of a straight stairs may
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less time consuming.

Uninterrupted view
- A person who is travelling up or down a
straight stairs has a clear view of the entire
flight therefore there is a lower risk of
collidng with someone who is going in
another direction.

require extra space. This will also result in

difficulty accomodating in the floor plan.
No visual barrier
- Because there is no visual barrier between
the two floors connected by a straight stairs,
there is often a lack of privacy.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Straight Stairs

CONCLUSION
Through this assignment, our group managed to anaylse and identify the types
of roof, windows, doors and stairs of IOI Mall Puchong. We have used our
knowledge that we have learned in Construction Technology 1 and apply it in
this assignment. We have understood that different types of building have
different types of roof, windows, doors and stairs. The selection of the types of
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roof, windows, doors and stairs depends on the design of the space and the
peference of the contractor and designer. Different types of roof, windows,
doors and stairs have different functions and its advantages and disadvantages.

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