FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, PLANNING AND

SURVEYING
BACHELOR OF QUANTITY SURVEYING (HONOURS)

______________________________________________________
CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY IV
(QSM 552)
GROUP: AP2244A
PREPARED FOR
MADAM NURUL AFIDA ISNAINI BINTI JANIPAH
PREPARED BY
NAME

MATRIC NO.

ALVERA SERAPAIN

2013732785

CHARLOTTE BILLY

2013572583

NUR AFIQ ASYRAF BIN UJAL

2013146483

NORASHIKIN BINTI ABDUL LAATIB

2014189771

NORHALIZA BT ZABIDI

2014177849

HAMISAH ERDAWATY BT HAMID

2014596905

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................3
1

CASE STUDY...........................................................................................................................4
2.1 INTERNATIONAL CASE STUDY: GLASGOWS RIVERSIDE MUSEUM OF
TRANSPORT AND TRAVEL...............................................................................................4
2.1.1 Background of Study.................................................................................................4
2.1.2 Method of Construction............................................................................................4
2.1.3 Suitability..................................................................................................................5
2.2 LOCAL CASE STUDY: SURUHANJAYA TENAGA (ST DIAMOND), PUTRAJAYA,
MALAYSIA...........................................................................................................................7
2.2.1 Background of Study.................................................................................................7
2.2.2 Method of Construction............................................................................................8
2.2.3 Suitability................................................................................................................12
2.3 COMPARISON OF METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION AND SUITABILITY.............15
CONCLUSION........................................................................................................................18
REFERENCES.........................................................................................................................19

INTRODUCTION
Wall can be defined as a vertical structure which forms one side of a building, or
divides an internal space. Cladding can be defined as a protective covering protecting the
outside part of a building. Wall cladding is any lightweight material used to cover the exterior
part of a building, and also a method of enclosing a building structure through the attachment
of elements capable of spanning between given points of support on the face of a certain
building, eliminating the need for a continuous background structure. Cladding can increase
the external design quality of a building, which will eventually rise up the value of a
structure. Cladding also acts as a skin to a building, covering and protecting the structure
from harsh external environment, including sunlight. Wall cladding is any non-load bearing
system of boards, prefabricated materials, stone, brick, or sheeting being attached to a
structure frame as weatherproofing components or as an interior or exterior finishes.
There are two case studies (international and local) used as a reference or example of
two types of wall cladding in this report. For the international study, Glasgows Riverside
Museum of Transport and Travel was used, and as for the local study, we chose Suruhanjaya
Tenaga (ST Diamond) which is located at Putrajaya, Malaysia.

CASE STUDY
2.1 INTERNATIONAL CASE STUDY: GLASGOWS RIVERSIDE MUSEUM OF
TRANSPORT AND TRAVEL
2.1.1 Background of Study
Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel is a new development of Glasgow
Museum of Transport. It was completed on 20 th June 2011, located at Pointhouse Quay in
the Glasgow Harbour regeneration district of Glasgow, Scotland. Riverside Museum was
designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. The cost of this building is 74 million ($120 million).

Being beautifully designed and built, Riverside Museum has been described as flowing
between the city and waterfront. The building achieved a new level of uniqueness as it is
occupied with a roof form shaped like cresting waves, running along the length of the
building. The roof and walls are all covered in 15,000 m2 of zinc cladding, which results in a
uniform and sculptural looks.

2.1.2 Method of Construction

Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel is a new development of Glasgow
Museum of Transport. This building had constructed with standing seam zinc wall cladding
method. Standing seam or secret fix systems use a specially designed profile for the
weather sheet, which incorporates a clipped joint between adjacent sheets. This eliminates
the need for exposed fasteners and improves the weather tightness of the cladding system.
The Standing Seam cladding system is one of the most versatile cladding systems available.
It is suitable for both roofs and facades, making it an ideal choice for challenging projects.

The Standing Seam system is the most adaptable cladding profile lending itself to
flat, curved, concave, convex, conical and domed applications. It inspires creative freedom,
allowing architects and designers to share and explore relationships with surrounding
landscape and transcend the local environment. The Standing Seam system requires two
panel seams (male and female) to lap each other. The construction method is it is laid on a
continuous decking, each panel is secured with concealed clips. Each panel is crimped
securely together with the use of special tools.
Standing Seam Cladding is one of the easiest systems to use when challenged with
multiple windows, doors and complex shapes. The detailed arrangements required to
integrate from flashing to panel is made all the more easy by choosing the Standing Seam
system and it range is available in most finishes. Standing seam cladding provides the
freedom to create an architectural masterpiece which is difficult to realize with the use of
traditional construction materials. Posses a technique that can be machine or hand
produced. It reflects the individual architects concerns for line and shadow and produces
designs that have a historical perspective. Standing seams may be used vertically as wall
cladding.
2.1.3 Suitability
There are many variations available on the construction of wall cladding. In the case
study of Riverside Museum of Transport, standing seam wall cladding system is used, in
which the material is zinc. Standing seam is a ventilated cladding system that can be used in
both renovations and new build. This cladding is suitable for roofing applications as well as
wall. Also, this type of metal cladding is actually more durable and have a positive
contribution to wall cladding with their sustainable quality.
Zinc wall cladding is incredibly resistant to various weather conditions, in which it has a
strong resistance to the high winds and reliably protects the material from corrosion. This is
why this type of wall cladding is suitable in the construction of Riverside Museum of
Transport as beforehand, there was a major load consideration which was the force of the
wind that can gust in at over 100 mph from the Atlantic.
Additionally, standing seam wall cladding fits for any building that has flat or curved faade
with large radius and also for aesthetic appearance. The reason for this is that metal is very
soft, easy to form and to can be adapted to cover even unusual shapes and challenging
angles. It is often applied in the construction of hangars in industrial zone and also on
modern buildings and new housing estate as it is highly cost-effective, both from initial
procurement and design life perspective.

With zinc material, it is completely recyclable and can be reused, which makes this building
material ideal and friendly for the environment. This ensures that maintenance requirements
will be minimal throughout the systems life which is likely to last for several decades and
that the materials installed appearance will be retained for many years.

2.2 LOCAL CASE STUDY: SURUHANJAYA TENAGA (ST DIAMOND), PUTRAJAYA,

MALAYSIA.
2.2.1 Background of Study
Suruhanjaya Tenaga (ST Diamond) building is a green building landmark in South
East Asia that is designed to showcase technologies that cut down energy consumption and
potable water usage, promote the use of sustainable building materials and provide
enhanced indoor environmental quality. It is a physical evidence reflecting the determination
of the nations regulatory body for energy policies, standards and safety implementing arm,
energy efficiency was a top priority in 2005 when the Energy Commission of Malaysia,
Malaysias regulatory body for energy policies, standards and safety, embarked on building
its own headquarters building in the countrys administrative capital of Putrajaya.
However, the project team decided to venture beyond energy efficiency by going
green, a relatively new term in Malaysia at the time. The resulting double Platinum-rated
building is now a tourist attraction within the global sustainable community and serves as an
example for private industry.
This building comprises of seven floors above ground and two underground levels for
parking. The seventh floor includes a small theatre, board room, and dining room. This
building used low-e glazing which helps reduce direct solar heat gain for the east and west
faades. The glazings visual light transmittance (VLT) of more than 0.5 allows for effective
natural lighting to the office interior in conjunction with light shelves. The inverted diamond
shape increases the ground space available for landscaping, which helps reduce the heat
island effect.

Project Name

: Headquarters of Energy Commission of Malaysia

Location

: Putrajaya, Malaysia

Status

: Built and Operating since 2010

Completion Date

: June 2010

Project sum

: USD$21.5 million

Site Area

: 4,000m2

Gross Floor Area

: 14,690m2 excl car park

Client/Owner

: Energy Commission of Malaysia

Architecture Firm

: NR Architect

Principal Architect

: Dr Soontorn Boonyatikam (Thailand)

Main Contractor

: Putra Perdana Sdn Bhd

Sustainability Consultant

: IEN Consultants Sdn Bhd

Mechanical & Electrical Engineer

: Primetech Engineers Sdn Bhd

Civil & Structural Engineer

: Perunding SM Cekap

Landscape Architect

: KRB Enviro Design Sdn Bhd

Quantity Surveyor

: ARH Jurukur Bahan Sdn Bhd

2.2.2 Method of Construction

Malaysia Energy Commission Headquarters (Diamond Building) is a green building.
In order to make the building in a green function, the exterior wall cladding must be different
from other building. This building had constructed with metal wall cladding and glass wall
cladding. Both of these wall cladding were ventilated. The method of construction of each
wall cladding differs from other wall cladding. The method of construction for metal wall
cladding and glass wall cladding will be discussed in next subtopic.
2.2.2.1 Opaque glass curtain wall
ST Diamond Building is using low-e glazing. The main function of this glazing is for
heat minimisation. The glasses are tinted green integrated with spectrally selective coat that
reflect near infrared radiation. This glazing is efficient to control solar heat gain, which in
turn will lead to reduce energy consumption for controlling solar heat loads.

Diagram 2.0: Picture of glass opaque curtain wall

Diagram 2.1: Picture of glass opaque curtain wall

This curtain wall system refers to whole areas of the ST Diamond exterior faces
where the design called for an opaque spandrel glass at the floor slabs and low e-glazing
exterior wall designed to extend the full height of several floor.

Diagram 2.2: Opaque spandrel glass at the floor slab and wall

10

Spandrel glass is just ordinary glass with an opaque coating on the protected side. It
is used in curtain walls to hide the structural and mechanical stuff that would otherwise be
visible between floors.
Most curtain wall systems consist of vertical mullions which span from slab to slab,
and horizontal rails which span from mullion to mullion. Within the grid created, glass panels
are inserted. The mullions and rails are typically extruded aluminium sections.

When

assembled on site, they are known as stick construction and when pre-assembled into
rectangular panels, they are known as unitized construction.

Diagram 2.3: Picture of unitized and stick system

2.2.2.1.1 Unitized system

Unitized system for this building is the unit or panel system. Individual panels (units)
are fully assembled and glazed in the shop. The panels are then loaded onto a flatbed and
delivered to the job-site. There are basically two ways to set the panel on the building.
Using a crane, racks of unitized panels transported up to the floor of the building in which
they will be used. Then each panel is set from inside the building. Or, each panel were set
on the building from the outside using a crane.
2.2.2.1.2 Stick system
Stick system also known as knocked down. The curtain walls are installed in long
pieces between floors vertically and between members horizontally. Framing members like
mullions, transoms and sash are fabricated in a factory but all installation and glazing is
performed at the job site. The process of installing stick system curtain walling is begun by
constructing the vertical mullions.

The horizontal transoms are then secured to this

structure, and these are followed by internal gaskets, which hold the infill panels. Correct
installation of the gaskets is important, because they act as the barrier which keeps out both
wind and rain. Having installed the gaskets, the thermal barrier is added, and following that,

11

the glazing or infill panels, which are secured by pressure plates.

The curtain walling

assembly is then finished off with a capping to achieve the desired aesthetic.
2.2.2.2 Metal cladding wall
ST Diamond also used metal cladding wall. The system used for this building is
ventilated cladding system. This cladding were used on the lower part of the building and
every corner of the diamond building.

Diagram 2.4(a): Metal wall cladding

Diagram 2.4(b): Metal wall cladding

The ventilated is a cladding system that Architects and product manufacturers have
embraced in their effort to improve the moisture performance of traditional metal panel
cladding systems.

12

Diagram 2.5: Ventilated cladding system

Method construction of ventilated cladding system is fixed the bracket on the wall.
Then insert insulation panel on the wall. After lay insulation panel, aluminium structure was
fixed on the wall as to hold the panel. Then customised the clip position. The fixing was
hidden and cannot be seen as perfect clean surfaces.
The ventilated separates the exterior metal panel from the building enclosure with a
ventilated air space and a layer of rigid insulation. Instead of allowing air to pass through the
waterproofing layer, the waterproofing layer is also an air barrier as well. The stud cavity is
uninsulated and is not sealed with a vapour barrier. Therefore, air from the building interior
can dry out the stud cavity.
2.2.3 Suitability
2.2.3.1 Unitised wall cladding
Unitised systems are used where the movement or deflections in a building are such
that a stick system is inappropriate. Their principal benefits are speed of installation, minimal
on site labour, and lower installation costs of ST Diamond. However, these are obviated to
an extent by the increased storage and shipping costs, the need for very careful site
handling, and the requirement for expensive lifting equipment on site.
ST Diamond chooses unitised systems because they eliminate, or reduce, the need
for onsite sealing, therefore making them less reliant on the standard of site workmanship.
However, for unitised systems to perform to their full potential, it is critical that the brackets to
which the components are fixed are accurately installed. Unitised systems do not require
decanting during refurbishment contracts.
Unitised systems comprise narrow, storey-height units of steel or aluminium
framework, glazing, and panels pre-assembled under controlled. Mechanical handling is

13

required to position, align, and fix units onto pre-positioned brackets attached to the concrete
floor slab or the structural frame of ST Diamond. Unitised systems are more complex in
terms of framing system, have higher direct costs, and are less common than stick systems.
The smaller number of site-sealed joints in unitised curtain walling simplifies and
speeds the closing-in of the building, requires fewer site staff and can make such systems
cost effective. The reduced number of site-made joints compared with stick systems,
generally leads to a reduction in air and water leakage resulting from poor installation.
However if mullion and transom construction joints interlock, consideration must be made as
to how damaged units could be removed and replaced.
2.2.3.2 Stick frame system/ structural glazing
Stick systems allow on site adjustment, but the performance of the systems is
dependent upon the quality of the installation in what are often uncontrolled conditions. Stick
systems are economical and, if correctly designed, detailed and installed, extremely reliable.
Stick curtain walling is very common and versatile and can be used for anything from
multi-storey glass towers to single storey shop fronts. The number of joints in stick curtain
walling accommodates variability and movement in the building frame. It is also suitable for
irregular shaped buildings such as ST Diamond.
However, assembly is slow compared with pre-assembled systems and performance
(e.g. water tightness) is dependent on skilled installers who are familiar with the assembly
and sealing procedures for the particular system. Some pre-assembly of stick curtain wall
frames is possible by the use of ladder frames. Many manufacture Insulated panels, usually
designed for the project, and may be faced with anything from aluminium or steel sheet, to
glass or expensive stone composites. Some companies produce project-specific designed
systems - either designing frame profiles from scratch for each job, or using standard details
for some parts of the frame and simply altering some small aspect to give the appropriate
structural properties or appearance. The type, complexity, and budget of the project will
normally determine whether a standard or specifically design curtain wall is used.
2.2.3.3 Ventilated System of Metal wall Cladding
Metal wall systems offer an advanced, attractive and durable form of wall
construction which maintain high levels of thermal performance, weather resistance and
also, when required, acoustic and fire resistance. Wall cladding is the most visible element of
any building and most specification decisions will start with the aesthetic.
A ventilated Cladding system of ST Diamond is a protective or decorative surface
applied as an external layer to the vertical perimeter walls of buildings.

The ventilated

facade is anchored to the walls of the building with metal structures and supports made from

14

aluminium/ galvanised steel and stainless steel. A space must be left between the ventilated
facade and the wall of the building to allow external insulation of variable thickness to be
inserted. An "air curtain" of between 2 and 20 cm must therefore be left. The ventilated
facade is often used to mask the less aesthetic elements of various systems on the outside
of the building ST Diamond and, if stone is used, does not require constant maintenance.
The installation ventilated system suitable for metal structures in ST Diamond. To
choose system ventilated for metal wall cladding for ST Diamond must be assessed in terms
of the walls of the building, the shape and weight of the slabs forming the ventilated facade,
wind pressure, the height of the building and the complexity of the cladding pattern.

15

2.3 COMPARISON OF METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION AND SUITABILITY

Aspects

Types of wall cladding

Method of construction

International Case Study: Glasgows

Local Case Study: Suruhanjaya

Riverside Museum of Transport and

Tenaga (ST Diamond) Putrajaya,

Travel
Zinc wall cladding
- The Standing Seam system

Malaysia
Metal and glass wall cladding
This building was constructed with

requires two panel seams

(male and female) to lap
-

each other.
The construction these
method is it laid on a
continuous decking, each
panel is secured with

concealed clips.
Each panel is crimped
securely together with the

use of special tools.

Once the roof area has been

(a) Glass
(i) Unitized System
- Unitized system for this
building is the unit or panel
system.
-Individual panels (units) are
fully assembled and glazed in
the shop.
-The panels are then loaded
onto a flatbed and delivered to

divided, the pre-profiled

the job-site.

panels are installed.

Using at least two screws,

-Using a crane, racks of

the click roll cap fasteners

are fastened to the
-

metal and glass wall cladding:

substructure.
The capping is clicked
directly on to the fastener
and secured to prevent

unitized panels transported up

to the floor of the building.
Then each panel is set from
inside the building.
-Or, each panel were set on
the building from the outside
using a crane.
(ii) Stick System

slipping.

- The process of installing stick

system curtain walling is
begun by constructing the
vertical mullions.
-The horizontal transoms are
then secured to this structure,
and these are followed by
internal gaskets, which hold
the infill panels
- Thermal barrier is added, and

16

after that, the glazing or infill

panels, secured by pressure
plates.
- Then it is finished off with a
capping to achieve the desired
aesthetic.
(b) Metal
(i) Ventilated Cladding
System
- Construction of ventilated
cladding system is by fixing
the bracket on the wall.
- Then insert insulation panel
on the wall.
- Aluminium structure was
fixed on the wall as to hold the
panel.
- Then customised the clip
position.
- Separates the exterior metal
panel from the building
enclosure with a ventilated air
space and a layer of rigid
Suitability

1. Standing seam cladding

system can be used in both
renovations and new build.
2. This cladding is suitable for
roofing applications as well
as wall.
3. It has a strong resistance to
strong wind and reliably
protects the material from
corrosion, making it suitable
in the construction where
there is a major load
consideration on external

insulation.
1. Unitised systems are used
where the movement or
deflections in a building are
such that a stick system is
inappropriate.
2. Stick curtain walling is very
can be used for anything from
multi-storey glass towers to
single storey shop fronts.
3. Stick curtain walling is also
suitable for irregular shaped
buildings.
4. Metal wall systems offer an
advanced, attractive and

forces.

17

4. Fits for any building with flat

durable form of wall

or curved faade with large

construction which maintain

radius as the metal is very

high levels of thermal

soft, easy to form and can

performance, weather

be used to cover unusual

resistance and also, when

shapes and angles.

5. Often used in the
construction of hangars in
industrial zone and on
modern buildings and
housing estate

18

required, acoustic and fire

resistance.

CONCLUSION
To sum it all up, there are two case studies used for the references on wall cladding.
The first one is a local case study which is Suruhanjaya Tenaga (ST Diamond) building
located in Putrajaya, Malaysia meanwhile the second one is Riverside Museum of Transport
and Travel located in Glasgow, Scotland. ST Diamond Building is a green building which
uses wall metal wall cladding and glass (opaque glass curtain wall, unitized and stick
system) wall cladding. On the other hand, Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel
building has the same material used for roof and wall that is zinc cladding (standing seam
system). Overall, the case studies for both local and international have their own justification
on the choice of systems and materials which mainly depend on the suitability of the building
in any different country.

19

REFERENCES
1. Architectural Cladding. 2014. Standing Seam. [Accessed on 25th November 2015].
Available at: http://www.designsheetmetal.com.au/StandingSeam.aspx
2. Ashrae, F., Izdihar, A., & Chen, T.L. (2015). Malaysia Green Diamond. Malaysia
Energy Commision Headquaters (Diamond Building), 20-33.
3. Japheth Lim. (October 15, 2013). ST DIAMOND BUILDING, The Green Building
Landmark in SouthEastAsia. [Accessed on 25th November 2015]. Available at
http://blog.japhethlim.com/
4. Murrye, B. 2012. Case Study: Zaha Hadid Architects Riverside Museum of Transport
and

Travel.

[Accessed

on

24th

November

2015].

Available

at:

http://buildipedia.com/aec-pros/featured-architecture/case-study-zaha-hadidarchitects-riverside-museum-of-transport-and-travel-part-2
5. TL Chen, P.E., C.Eng., Fellow ASHRAE and Ahmad Izdihar, P.E. (2015). Malaysia
Energy Commission Headquarters: Putrajaya, Malaysia. [Accessed on 21 st
November 2015]. Available: http://www.hpbmagazine.org/Case-Studies/MalaysiaEnergy-Commission-Headquarters-Putrajaya-Malaysia/.
6. VM Zinc. 2009. Standing Seam: Guidelines for specifications and installations.
[Accessed

on

25th

November

2015].

http://www.quinnroofing.ie/downloads/standingseam.pdf

20

Available

at: