Houses in Critical Condition

Environmental sustainability objective Efficient utilization of building materials Environmental Criteria Restriction on overexploitation Findings Corrugated Galvanized Iron (CGI) comes from wrought iron, which is not a scarce resource. Wood is used for the housing frame; it is kept minimal during the construction. There is even evidence of the use of bamboo, a sustainable plant (see Figure?). Although the galvanization inhibits the corrosion of the steel beneath its coating, rusting is inevitable, leading to its degradation. However, the CGI used in the construction of the dwelling is a mixture of new and old CGI. Reusing of old CGI are practiced. Construction methods exhibit techniques of adaptability as CGI is only fastened to the wood frame by nailing. Construction process does not generate a lot of waste as a utilize all resources mindset is practiced. Some households even save unused materials (see Figure?) Verify if there are any CGI manufacturers in Baguio.

Extending the life of non-renewable materials by: y reduction in their use y re-use y recycling y switching to renewable substitutes

Construction methods that allow adaptability

Reduction in waste generation

Optimization of energy consumption (reduction in both embodied and operating energy)

Production of building materials close to construction sites

Careful planning and design in relation to ventilation and orientation

Dwellings are characterized by having CGI patched on to the exterior. Provisions for windows were not planned; however the incomplete walls allow air through, providing ventilation (see Figure). Orientation ????? CGI roofing allows the heat to transfer into the interior of the dwelling,

Use of building materials and methods that enhance thermal performance of

buildings

Protection and maintenance of biodiversity

Avoid sensitive ecosystems

building up heat gain. During the night, heat can easily escape as well. Heat loss is not favorable as Baguio experiences cooler nights compared to the rest of the Philippines. The dwellings in the site were constructed on idle forest land disturbing the natural habitat at the time. The river creek is polluted by the adjacent dwellings surrounding it. Litter is thrown into the river and accumulated. However, litter may have also flown downstream from barangays prior to its arrival in Holy Ghost. The construction of dwellings on idle forest land has disturbed on-site vegetation as these were cleared away to make room for the construction of settlements. The disturbance of the topsoil lessens the biological soil activities taking place; the occurrence of plant life is reduced.

Protect on-site vegetation and topsoil

Table:
Socio-economic sustainability objective Stimulate and support local economy; and community participation Socio-economic criteria Self-determination Findings Free will is practiced within the construction of the dwellings. Owners have control on the outcome of their settlements; their choice affects their product. The evolution of the building technology is static; the construction procedure used is still similar to the past (see Figure?). The construction of the settlement is labor intensive. However, what was used to flatten the soil??? And slopes of the barangay? SMALL SCALE?? Unskilled or Semi-skilled

Use of building technologies that: y have evolved over time y are labor intensive y are small scale y use un-skilled or semi-skilled labor

labor was utilized in the construction of the settlements as witnessed by the critical conditions of the settlement. Equity Socially acceptable The process of self-building develops a sense of pride and attachment with the structure; a sense of acceptability is developed. Owners value their efforts in the dwellings construction. Community participation in this type of construction can be achieved, similar to how the first barangay hall was constructed (see Figure) Training can be facilitated by an experienced resident; this type of building construction can be taught to unskilled laborers. The building materials used are not detrimental to the health of the occupants. However, its poor construction could lead to structural failure during natural disasters. In addition, the unfinished exterior gives entry to insects with diseases. The indoor environment of these dwellings is not recommended for working. There is limited provision for sufficient natural lighting. CGI in the exterior are not all securely fastened onto the framing of the building which allows potential hazards during strong typhoons. There is evidence of the utilization of laborintensive building technologies (see Fig.); Resources used in the construction process are not

Skills and capacity development

Allows community participation and control

Training

Human health and safety

Avoid the use of building materials or finishes that are hazardous to health

Healthy and safe working environment

Financial affordability

Labor-intensive building technologies

Abundant and locally available resources

found directly in the barangay. Added cost has been integrated into the purchasing of the construction materials manufactured elsewhere. Less emphasis on technical standards Lack of awareness of the National Building Code of the Philippines led to less emphasis on the technical standards of housing. The process of self help in the construction of the settlements gives the owner more control on the affordability of his dwelling. His decision-making capacity is tested on the allocation of his capital; the quality of the dwelling is not given priority. Traditional vernacular construction systems are not practiced anymore; the settlements have evolved from small cogon huts. Housing is done at a small scale; space and size conditions fulfill the minimum requirement with respect to the occupants own perception (see Table). The construction methodology of these settlements allows incremental additions to take place; this is due to the capital and resources available at the time of first construction. When money for the housing cost is available, improvements can take place. Addition or expansion can be accommodated in the future when the financial situations of the settlers allow it. Since the fixing details of these settlements are non-permanent or semi-permanent, nondestructive separation is practiced and materials can

Owner build/self help

Indigenous systems

Small scale

Adaptability

Construction methods that: y allow incremental addition y allow future expansion y fixing details that allow nondestructive separation

be recycled.

Table?:
Technical objective Performance (quality) Technical criteria Durability Thermal and condensation Structural strength and stability Behavior during fire Water Penetration and rising damp Structural serviceability Findings The use of CGI does not allow for a durable finish; CGI will begin to corrode once the zinc coating has been eradicated. Roofing structure is not durable as heavy objects (e.g. tires or rocks) are put on top of the roof to prevent it from getting