DELOS SANTOS, Paul Gabriel S.

BS Architecture 5-2

Natural Materials
Random-straw or Coconut Fiber Stabilized Soil

Straw-soil mix is an early construction material and has been used in many countries for centuries.
Application of modern geotechnical techniques to this material can further improve both strength and
durability. By utilizing silty clay and the standard AASHTO Compaction method will yield to a result that
shows for every 1% increase in the weight of the straw added, the tensile strength increases three times
than that soil with no straw and also by introducing straw in the soil allows the material to become
more ductile. However, the straw weight can only be used up to 1.6% of the weight as furtherly
increasing the straw material will decrease its tensile strength. From wet-dry test results, the coconut
fiber gives better durability. If a sulfur coating is applied to the compacted straw-soil mix, better water
resistance is gained.

Bamboo

China, holds 50% of the world’s total share of bamboo production. Its widespread availability and rapid
growth in areas of China, Japan and India has made this grass an interesting structural material due to
its affordability, easy assembly and relatively long durability. A bamboo hut was constructed in 1955
which was treated with 4 percent CCa and since it has no deterioration. But bamboo culms offer some
disadvantage like Bamboo has a circular profile which makes it inherently difficult to connect other
members. Also, Bamboo has no support in the middle as it is hollow there, hence it cannot be subjected
to high compressive forces perpendicular to the culms face.

Corrugated Bamboo Roofing Sheet:

A successful roofing material with a development of

traditional material comes from Bamboo Board. It is
eco-friendly, light- weight, strong and durable and
has minimal fire hazard when compared to thatch
and other roofing materials. These sheets can be
used for roofing, walling, door and window shutters
and other components in building construction.

Main Advantages:
Fig. 1 Corrugated Bamboo Roofing Sheet Manufacturing
 Bamboo roofing sheets are Source: guaduabamboo

environmentally friendly and a safe

alternative to plastic, zinc or corrugated asbestos roofing panels.
 They have the same standard measurements as conventional corrugated roofing
sheets.
 Bamboo roofs are quieter in the rain and cooler in the sun than conventional metal or
plastic sheets. A study has shown that cows in sheds roofed with bamboo yield more
milk than those under corrugated zinc sheets because of the cooler environment.
 Bamboo sheets are durable and strong with excellent internal bond strengths and a
high resistance to weathering, fire or insect attacks.
 They have an attractive and natural appearance and are easy to work with.
DELOS SANTOS, Paul Gabriel S.
BS Architecture 5-2

Earth

Earth is the oldest building material known to mankind. But its widespread use is hindered due to the
limitations like water penetration, erosion of walls at level by splashing of water from ground surfaces,
attack by termites and pests, high maintenance requirements etc. These limitations can be overcome
by using compressed earths block and non-erodible mud plaster.

Compressed Earth Block

Also known as a pressed earth block or a

compressed soil block, is a building material made
primarily from damp soil compressed at high
pressure to form blocks. Compressed earth blocks
use a mechanical press to form blocks out of an
appropriate mix of fairly dry inorganic subsoil, non-
expansive clay and aggregate. If the blocks are
stabilized with a chemical binder such as Portland
Fig. 2 Earth Block Mold
cement they are called compressed stabilized earth Source: Wordpress
block (CSEB) or stabilized earth block (SEB).
Typically, around 3,000 psi (21 MPa) is applied in compression, and the original soil volume is reduced
by about half.

Fiber Cement Composites

From centuries, mankind has used the various

natural fibres for a wide spectrum of applications
ranging from consumption to housing. In recent
days many researchers have explored the
possibilities of using the natural fibre obtained from
different plants, which includes bagasse, cereal
straw, corn stalk, cotton stalk, kenaf, rice husk/rice
straw etc as an alternative building material. Due to
the light weight, high strength to weight ratio,
corrosion resistance and other advantages, natural Fig. 3 Natural Fiber Cement Boards
Source: Wikipedia
fiber-based composites are becoming important
alternatives for building materials for use in civil
engineering fields.

Cement fiber composites are found to have superior properties as compared to concrete blocks. This
is mainly due to addition of fibers. The superior properties comprise of better workability, resistance to
cracking, lighter weight, high fracture toughness and a higher degree of flexibility. These properties
make it a suitable material for use in low cost construction.
DELOS SANTOS, Paul Gabriel S.
BS Architecture 5-2

Man Made Materials

Structural materials

The Industrial Revolution introduced many foreign sub-stances which were the byproducts of industries
like fly ash and rice husk and created problems for their disposal. But on further research into their
properties it was observed that these materials possess excellent pozzolanic properties. Hence these
can be used as alternative building materials.

Polymer-bamboo Reinforced Concrete

Bamboo is lightweight, extremely resistant to

tensile stress, and has for a long time been used in
traditional construction. However, as an organic
material it has natural flaws which limit its
applications. Architect and professor Dirk Hebel has
developed a new material made of bamboo fibers
mixed with organic resin that could be used as
rebar to reinforce concrete. Bamboo is an
abundant, inexpensive resource and is the ideal Fig. 4 Bamboo used as an Alternative Material for Rebar in
Concrete Slab
replacement for steel reinforcement. Its rapid
Source: Architect Magazine
growth means that it absorbs large quantities of
C02 when cultivated – increasing the material’s
environmental credentials.

Pozzolona Material (fly ash/slag/calcined clay) as

Blending Material with Cement

Up to 35% of suitable fly ash can directly be

substituted for cement as blending material
keeping the structural considerations. Addition of
fly ash significantly improves the quality &
durability characteristics of the resulting concrete.
Use of blended cement has now become quite
popular world over, from durability and
environmental benefits point of view. The
advantages achieved with the use of blended Fig. 5 Alternative Cement Blending Materials
Source: Slideshare
cement in concrete are quite well documented:
Reduced heat of hydration, improved workability & ease of pumping, superior microstructure leading
to lower permeability, higher long term strength, better performance in aggressive environment
(Sulphates, Chlorides etc.), reduced risk of alkali silica reaction and higher electrical resistance leading
to lesser chances of reinforcement corrosion are some of the benefits of pozzolona material blends.
While Portland pozzolona cement saves energy by 20%, lime pozzolona mixture shows up to 70%
savings in energy.
DELOS SANTOS, Paul Gabriel S.
BS Architecture 5-2

Fly Ash

The mineral residue produced by burning coal and the fine glass powder recovered from its gases is
called Fly Ash. The major constituents of fly ash are silica, alumina and iron. Coal fired electricity
generating plants are the primary producers of fly ash nowadays. Fly Ash can be substituted for many
constituents in building materials making it the ideal choice for alternate building material. Some of
them are discussed as under

Fly Ash Brick

Fly Ash Brick is a construction material, masonry

unit comprising of Class C Fly Ash and water. Due to
the high concentration of calcium oxide in Class C
Fly Ash, the brick can be described as self-
cementing. These properties make fly ash bricks
energy efficient, mercury pollution resistant, lower
water penetration, light weight, thermal insulation
and cost effective the only major disadvantages of
using fly ash brick is that there is very less
information on its toxic fume emission. Also, it
contains many unhealthy elements like silica,
Fig. 6 Building Made with Fly Ash Bricks
aluminum, iron oxides, arsenic, cadmium and Source: GreenWay Bricks and Blocks Manufacturer
mercury. Its mechanical bonding is weak and
presents poor outlook.

Composition of Most Fly Ash Bricks

1. Flyash -40%
2. lime- 10%
3. Gypsum - 5%
4. Stone Dust - 45%

Fig. 7 Flow Diagram: fly ash brick Manufacturing Process

Aerocon Panels
Source: GreenWay Bricks and Blocks Manufacturer

Aerocon panels are the inorganic bonded sandwich

panels made of two fiber reinforced cement sheets
engulfing a light-weight core consisting of Portland
cement, binders and a mix of siliceous and
micaceous aggregates. The use of Fly ash and its
substitution for timber-based products makes the
panels environmental-friendly. The property
attributes are eco-friendly, faster construction, no
wet plastering and on-site curing, light weight, high Fig. 7 Flow Diagram: fly ash brick Manufacturing Process
thermal insulation, fire resistant, excellent sound Source: GreenWay Bricks and Blocks Manufacturer

reduction properties, water and termite and weather resistant, suitable for Seismic and Cyclone prone
zones, relocatable, thin walls (space saving), smooth finish, mini- mum foundation or ground
preparation required and easy workability.
DELOS SANTOS, Paul Gabriel S.
BS Architecture 5-2

Plaster
Fiber reinforced clay plaster

Clay Plaster can achieve better sticking properties by reinforcing it with

fibers. These fibers can be natural plant (cellulose) fiber or artificial fibers
of polypropylene. Plant fibers in fiber reinforced plaster act as
reinforcement and create voids thus controlling cracking due to drying
shrinkage and thermal movements. The dried plaster is less brittle than
conventional plasters and can withstand small movements of the
substrate.

Fig. 8 Haitians using Fiber Reinforced Plaster in their

homes
Source: Pinterest

Roofing
Micro concrete roofing tiles

Micro Concrete Roofing (MCR) tiles are a

durable, aesthetic and inexpensive
alternative for sloping roofs. Micro
Concrete Roofing (MCR) tiles are made
from a carefully controlled mix of
cement, sand, fine stone aggregate and
Fig. 9 Micro-Concrete Roofing tiles installed in a school in Columbia
water. Source: Ecosur

References:
A. Rai and C. N. Jha, “Natural Fibre Composites and Its Potential as
Building Materials,” 2004.

A. L. Moslemi, “Technology and Market Consideration for Fiber Cement Composite,” 11th International Inorganic Bonded
Fiber Composite Conference, Madrid, 47 November 2008.

Science Tech Entrepreneur, “Green Building Materials for Low Cost Housing,” 2009.

Fly Ash Brick. www.wikipedia.com

J. Sunu, “Eco-Friendly Inorganic Bonded Sandwich Panels (Aerocon Panels): Production Properties and Applications,” 11th
Inorganic Bonded Fiber Composite Conference, Madrid, 47 November 2008

G. Leake, K. Toole, P. Divis and C. Torres, “Sánchez Bamboo as a

Solution for Low-Cost Housing and Storage in Pabal (India),” 19 February 2010.
DELOS SANTOS, Paul Gabriel S.
BS Architecture 5-2

Existing Housing Conditions in the Philippines

Introduction
The Philippines has a growing population of 104.9 Million in the year 2017 and with that
increasing number leads to increased provision of housing units to accommodate the basic need of a
person. The economic, socialized and low-cost housings have the highest demand as the country is
mostly comprised of middle to poor citizens. The current situation of the housing provision in the
Philippines could be defined by the housing backlog which is recorded as 3.9 million households in the
current setting and by the year 2030 the backlog will reach 6.5 million even with the average production
of housing units of 200,000 units annually.

Discussion
Urban Poor and Slums

The increased number of the Informal Settlers in the Metro Manila has been recorded during
the time when industrialization reached the Philippines which lead to the migration of people from the
rural areas to work near the factories (eg. Paco-Pandacan Area) which lead to the establishment of the
Informal Housing Settlements within the vicinity of their workplace to reduce other costs. Informal
activities has become prevalent due to the majority
of the incomes earned by the urban poor does not
meet the necessary cost for buying land parcels
which ranges from P3,000 to P42,000 per square
meter, considering also the costs involved in legal
paperwork and the construction works. The
proliferation of slums in Philippine cities is thus
seen as a coping mechanism for urban dwellers
with incomes that are too fragile to afford land
ownership.
Fig. 1 Informal Settlement Area beside the Train Tracks
Source: Philippine Headline News Online
Slum areas are often blighted, overcrowded, and
lacking in standard conveniences such as electricity, water, drainage and health services. These
settlements are usually located in high-risk areas such as flood-prone embankments, waterways,
railroad tracks, under bridges and beside dumpsites; but slum dwellers endure these unsanitary and
dangerous conditions to be close to their sources of income. But not all informal settlers are income
poor. While around 44 percent of the urban population in Metro Manila live in slums, 25 percent are
not necessarily income-poor. Surveys and anecdotal evidence show that from the time they settle
illegally on unoccupied tracts of land, some informal settlers will have acquired non-land assets that
allow them to gradually improve their conditions and status. Not a few middle-class urbanites and
professionals also opt to reside in slum areas to avoid the financial burden attendant to owning formal
housing or land.

Natural Disaster

The Philippines, located close to the equator, is highly prone to natural disasters where it has been
recorded that the country experiences an average of more than 20 tropical storms a year and is also
prone to earthquakes and volcanic erupstions. In 2013, large-scale devastation in the wake of Typhoon
DELOS SANTOS, Paul Gabriel S.
BS Architecture 5-2

Haiyan or locally known as Bagyong Yolanda left the Eastern coast of Samar Island wrecked. The
Typhoon has taken the lives of 6,201 people during its devastation and also has left Four million people’s
homes severely damaged or destroyed (550,000 houses destroyed and an additional 580,000 houses
were severely damaged). The government has responded with the lack of shelters with a series of
controversial projects that left the recipients of the housing units hanging. The reports in the year 2017,
4 years after the disaster, the permanent housing projects for the Yolanda victims are only 33%
completed which is far from the proposed 205,128 houses, and also, the housing units completed are
not utilized and only 11.4 % of the 33% are occupied.

Housing Programs of the Government

Pag-IBIG Affordable Housing Program

The Home Mutual Development Fund (HMDF, or Pag-IBIG) offers the Affordable Housing Program
(AHP), which is designed for minimum wage earners or whose gross monthly income does not exceed
P17,500. Up to P750,000 may be borrowed under this program, with interest rates of 4.5% or 6.5% in
the first ten years of the loan, depending on the gross monthly income of the borrower.

The Pag-IBIG AHP housing loan may be used to finance the following:
• Purchase of a fully developed residential lot or adjoining lots not exceeding 1,000 square
meters;
• Purchase of a residential house and lot, townhouse, or condominium unit;
• Construction or completion of a residential unit on a lot owned by the member.

Based on computation, a qualified Pag-IBIG member can borrow up to P394,722.32 loan amount
under the AHP, with a monthly amortization of P2,000 for the first ten (10) years of the loan. This
illustration is under a 4.5% interest rate and 30-year repayment period. The gross monthly income
required for this loan amount and interest rate shall not exceed P15,000 for those working in the NCR
and for OFWs, and P12,000 for other regions.

Community Mortgage Program (CMP)

The Community Mortgage Program (CMP) aims to improve the living conditions of homeless
and underprivileged Filipinos by providing them affordable financing with which they can secure
tenure on the land they occupy.

The CMP is a mortgage financing program which assists legally organized associations of residents of
blighted or depressed areas to own the lots they occupy, providing them security of tenure and
eventually improve their neighborhood and homes to the extent of their affordability.

Abot-Kaya Pabahay Fund Developmental Loan Program (AKPF - DLP)

The Abot-Kaya Pabahay Fund Developmental Loan Program (AKPF – DLP) aims to provide low-income
families with affordable housing packages in key Philippines urban areas and other localities with
pronounced housing demand. The purpose of the DLP loan assistance is to serve as seed money for
the development of property and construction of housing units thereon.