ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN 04:

REDESIGNING A FOUR-STOREY
BUILDING FOR CODE
COMPLIANCE

PRESENTED TO THE

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS

IN FULFILLMENT OF

THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE COURSE:

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN IV

BY:

BUENAVENTURA, AUGUSTINE RAINER B.

2AR3
 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE: GENERAL INFORMATION…………………………………...…………2

CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE…………..……………...……..3

CHAPTER THREE: CASE STUDIES…………………………………….…………..…...…8

CHAPTER FOUR: SITE PROFILE AND ANALYSIS……………………………...……...11

CHAPTER FIVE: SPACE PROGRAMMING AND ANALYSIS …………………………14

CHAPTER SIX: CONCEPTUAL DEVELOPMENT……………………………………….15

BIBLIOGRAPHY……………………………………….……………………..…………….20
 2

CHAPTER ONE: GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE GAPS OBSERVED

Designing accordingly to efficiency of space and site background has always

been relevant in urban design. Highly dense urban spaces such as Quezon City is filled
with a wide array of residential (condominiums, apartments) and commercial
(restaurants, banks) occupancies in order to perpetuate the flow of work, life, and
economy of the area. With proper code-review and analysis, the designer can enable a
site to its maximum efficiency in comfort and design safety standards. This leads to the
ultimate goal of the design – to transform a place into a tangible manifestation of the
needs and wants of its users.

In the given project, the students are tasked to redesign a four-storey mixed-
occupancy building situated along Visayas Avenue, Quezon City.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

1. Will the design be energy efficient and reduce the reliance on artificial ventilation?
2. Will the design provide proper safety measures and comply to code standards?
3. Will the design be environment-friendly especially in construction waste and
overall cost?

PROJECT GOAL:

To design a four-storey mixed occupancy building that conforms to user

comfort, safety and function.

DESIGN OBJECTIVES

1. To apply passive cooling techniques to reduce the reliance of artificial ventilation

2. To design a four-storey, mixed-occupancy building that provides proper safety
measures and code compliance
3. To design accordingly in reducing overall cost and pollution through innovative
construction methods and technologies
 3

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT

The project aims to identify misuse of codes and properly adhere to the needs of its
users whilst ensuring their safety. This also may become a learning paradigm for future
Architectural Design IV students.

CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.1 SUSTAINABILITY

Most buildings in the Philippines (especially in Manila), are constructed with

traditionally-sourced materials such as virgin lumber, concrete, steel and the like. These
materials often require several processes and resources to be worked on in the
construction site. These conventional methods prove to be impractical especially when
it comes to the rising threat and prevalence of climate change and global warming. The
following materials shall be utilized in constructing the four-storey building:

a. RICE HULL ASH CEMENT (RHAC)

Fig. 1 – RHAC hollow block

Based from the Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI),
Rice Hull Ash Cement (RHAC) can be easily mass-produced and could be used in
low-cost housing projects, with it requiring refined rice hull ash, cement and sand
to be created (½ part ash and ½ part cement with 5 parts of sand). It is also reported
that 2-3 million tons of rice hull are generated annually in the Philippines. All the
excess rice hulls are sold locally for approximately P1.80 per kilogram and are often
disposed of on the back of rice mills or are burned on the side of the road. Not only
does the utilization of rice hull ash in construction ease the disposal of excess rice
hull ash after the rice milling process, it also provides a more inexpensive and more
sustainable alternative to the traditional Portland cement.
 4

In sourcing the material, ingredients are abound everywhere. Transportation

costs would be lessened when compared to those sourced from the typical volcanic
origin of pozzolanas – a component of Portland cement. In the other hand, rice hull
ash can be sourced from rice mills all over the country. For processing the material
to fit it for construction purposes, equipment needed for the processing is locally
available as well.

In comparison to Portland cement, RHAC is as of the same durability as of those

of concrete hollow blocks. It also boasts superior durability in acidic environments.

Rice husks can also be potentially used as an admixture in cement paste and
concrete because it contains silica, a compound that serves as cement “binder.”,
according to Calica, M. By replacing 10-20% of the cement into rice hull ash, it
could practically save P20.00 for every P200.00 worth of a commercial cement bag.

b. GRASSCRETE

Fig 2. – Grasscrete sample

Fig. 2 – Grasscrete in a residential setting,

Bayan, Kuwait

Grasscrete is a sustainable paving technology developed by Cypress Bomanite

Incorporation. Grasscrete is internationally used in different scenarios usually in
landscaping, vehicular parking, and as well as sites near water environments such
as reservoirs and spillways.
 5

This type of paving is essentially a sustainable urban drainage system

consisting of cellular reinforced concrete slabs with voids patented for topsoil and
seed-planting, enabling vegetation to grow from within. In comparison to ordinary
grassland, Grasscrete in its most mature state is approximately 90% as effective
when it comes to its draining capability. Sites which are prone to seasonal run-off
and flooding are suited for this kind of sustainable drainage technology.

Fig. 3 – Mature Grasscrete detail

From the diagram above (see fig. 3), all storm water and run-off water
go directly down the native soil through the different layers of the Grasscrete.
The flat upper profile and pocket design of the Grasscrete also prevents tire
intrusion, enabling vehicles to directly park on the system. Grasscrete is also
able to withstand a bearing load of approximately 40 tons the gross vehicle
weight.

It is worth taking note that Grasscrete, in the likeness of any ordinary

grass lawn, requires maintenance but in a lesser degree. A maintenance schedule
of routine trimming and liquid fertilizing may be needed.

For the project, Grasscrete will be applied in the project, specifically by

the front area of the structure, to provide more drainage options for the flood-
prone area.
 6

c. DOUBLE SKIN GLASS

Fig. 4 – Double skin glass air and solar interactions

Double skin facades/glass is a façade system that consists of two layers of

glass that are sandwiched together in order to form a cavity that allows air
to flow from within. Its thickness of 20 cm (up to a few meters) acts as
insulation against extreme heat, wind, and sound. The air flow may be
manipulated to let air enter through the floors and also release air from inside
to the exterior.

In hot climates such as the Philippines, the cavity can

be vented outside the building to mitigate solar gain
and decrease the cooling load. Excess heat is drained
through a process known as the chimney effect,
where differences in air density create a circular
motion that causes warmer air to escape. As the air
temperature in the cavity rises, it is pushed out,
bringing a slight breeze to the surroundings while
isolating against heat gain.

Since it’s mostly composed of glass, it also allows for clear views and for
natural light to seep in. This technology will be utilized from the ground
floor up until the office spaces.
 7

d. GREEN WALLS

Fig. 5 – Green wall exteriors

Living green walls are panels comprised of plants which are grown
vertically through hydrophonics. These panels are then attached to walls and
serve as a form of living cladding.

These walls may be placed in both the interior and the exterior of a
structure, both in which produces the same positive effects for the structure and
its users. Green walls effect the environment similarly to how plants and trees
do – they absorb carbon monoxide and purifies the air. It also has noise reducing
capabilities, perfect for sites which deal with a lot of noise pollution. Aside from
its sustainable aspects, green walls also positively affect its users
psychologically. It increases the feeling of well-being and productivity as blood
pressure, heart activity, muscle tension, and brain activity could all be improved
by viewing plants for as little as 3 to 5 minutes. Environments enabled by green
walls also creates social cohesion and a “healing atmosphere” as it helps reduce
the chances of aggression, violence, and vandalism.
 8

2.2 RESIDENTIAL LOFT DESIGN

Fig. 6 – Loft with Love, Prague, Czech Republic

– CMC Architects
In a modern urban environment, living space has been rising into a
premium commodity, thus all space must be effectively utilized. In architecture,
a loft is commonly described as an upper space that is open on one side; it is
often used for storage in regards to industry and business purposes. The concept
of the loft eventually evolved into modern urban settlements – turning it into
the sleeping loft, enabling it to become a bedroom (usually the master bedroom).

CHAPTER THREE: CASE STUDIES

PARKROYAL ON PICKERING, SINGAPORE

Fig. 7 – PARKROYAL exterior and interiors

PARKROYAL on Pickering, designed by Singapore-based WOHA Architects,

is a hotel and urban parkland that stands distinctively among the vast concrete buildings
in the city of Singapore. The structure’s facade boasts sky gardens and curvaceous
hanging planter terraces that flows with tropical plants. These plants are maintained
through a systematic irrigation system that feeds the vegetation with nutrients and
 9

recycled rainwater. Meanwhile, its interior utilize similar

building technologies such as vertical green walls which
complements its exterior. These applications of
greeneries in the design have significantly made the site
healthier, apparently even doubling the green-growing
potential of the built environment.

The structure doesn’t only affect the environment

positively, but as well as its users and passerby’s.
Pickering is one of the busiest places in Singapore, most
of which involves businesses and other corporate
activities. The vegetation that gives life to an overgrowth
of a structure results to a lush and positive atmosphere.
The Parkroyal becomes akin to an oasis in a desert – a
calmness within a brutal environment.

Fig. 8 – PARKROYAL section

The designers of Parkroyal has long been advocating for an ideal green city to
flourish, especially within Singapore. It is the designers’ belief that commercial
architecture such as Parkroyal should respond to its civic duty – as public
architecture.As WOHA say… “We wanted to recreate an urban street scale, so that
people walking and driving could pick up interesting details. And we wanted to work
with the building’s mass and appearance, so we could avoid the usual city scale of
building-as-silhouette, and so we could implement a garden-themed aesthetic.”.

AIR WELL HOUSE, SINGAPORE

Fig. 9 – Air Well House perspective and interiors

 10

The Air Well House, designed by Singapore-based ADX Architects, is a small

(253 sqm) yet sustainable two-storey home. It was once a one-storey residential house
which was demolished to pave the way for the current residence. It follows the typology
of intermediate terrace houses in Singapore with a frontage of 6m and a depth of 21m.
The site is situated right in front of James Cook
University and is surrounded by the lush verdant
surrounds of the Thomson suburbs.

Common practice in designing intermediate

Fig. 10 – Air well and planting strip
terrace houses deals with maximizing the total
floor area. This results in only the front and rear
of the house enjoying the natural sunlight;
leaving most of the central area dark. Keeping
this in mind along with the client's love for the
outdoors, the designers applied air wells to allow

Fig. 11 – Ground floor plan Fig. 12 – Second floor plan Fig. 13 – Roof deck plan
 11

light and wind to permeate the house - enabling all parts of the house well-lit and
ventilated.

A planting strip is introduced at the frontage to create a distinct, green separation

between the neighboring houses. A continuous vertical green wall that spans one and a
half stories is installed to further reinforce this. This can be viewed from both the living
room and the master's bedroom. An air well is applied by the center of the house situated
between the dining area and kitchen. Above the staircase is a skylight and an open riser
staircase to further enhance the naturally lighted experience. In mitigating the west
directed sun from the frontage, sliding vertical screens are also installed. This results in
being a striking feature of the house without the risk of compromising user comfort.

CHAPTER FOUR: SITE PROFILE AND ANALYSIS

SWOT ANALYSIS:

Strengths:

1. Materials are sustainable and locally available

2. Transportation costs for construction will be significantly lowered
3. Reliance on artificial ventilation is significantly reduced

Weaknesses:

1. Scheduled maintenance for paving may be needed

2. Site subject to noise, air and light pollution
3. New construction technology may need to be imported from other
countries

Opportunities:

1. Heavy flow of people passes through the area

2. Can create more jobs and business opportunities because of new
commercial units

Threats:

1. Site is subject to possible flooding during heavy rains

2. Area may have passerby delinquents such as thieves and the like
 12

SITE ANALYSIS

The lot is 859.80 square meters in area and has a length of 43 m and a width of 20 m.
Various establishments such as restaurants, concept stores, residential buildings and a shopping
mall exist within the vicinity of the site.

Since the site is directly placed along Visayas Avenue, multitudes of vehicular traffic
pass by it. This leaves the site with noise and smoke mostly from the passing vehicles. Based
on personal reconnaissance, the site looms with air and noise pollution.

Heavy foot traffic can also be observed with mostly students passing by the day. This
creates a great opportunity for providing more options for the population of the area for services
and products that would cater to them better than the existing establishments currently.

Fig. 14 – Wind path of site

According to Windfinder, it is worth taking note that the frontage of the built
environment directly faces the east – which could be utilized for passive cooling.
 13

Based on the given sun path, it could be

observed that the left and right side of the site
will receive the morning and afternoon sun
respectively. It can also be observed that the sun
rises from the east and set from the west.

Fig. 15 – Sun path

 14

CHAPTER FIVE: SPACE PROGRAMMING AND ANALYSIS

In managing the space for the residential lofts, limitation in floor area and
furniture/fixture dimensions should be kept in mind. Since user activity in the Kitchen are
usually activities that requires the user to be standing, .6 m2 for the area per person was applied.
The rest of the areas that may require maneuvering, sitting, and lying are then assigned an area
per person of 1.2 m2.

Living Area – can accommodate at least 2 people and has an area of 4.49 m2.
 15

Dining Area – can accommodate 2-4 people if given a bigger table and additional
chairs. It has a total area of 5.47 m2.

Common T&B – The bathroom is fit with the standard water closet, shower stall, and
lavatory. It has an area of 3.97 m2.

Kitchen – The kitchen is equipped with appliances that can accommodate a small load
of food preparing such as a one-door refrigerator, sink, and gas stove. It has an area of
2.77 m2.

Bedroom loft – The bedroom loft is the only sleeping quarters in the residential loft,
typically suiting individual or pairs of tenants. It is located right above the common
T&B which enables the space to be more efficient through verticality. It has an area of
6.76 m2.

CHAPTER SIX: CONCEPTUAL DEVELOPMENT

Fig. 16 – Tropical rainforest layers

The design revolves around the concept of a tropical rainforest, placed in an urban
setting. The mixed-occupancy aspect of the building creates various “ecosystems” within the
different floor levels; this is accompanied by the proper design solutions to make the
experience even better for its users. The design then utilizes tropical design to provide the
same positive elements of thermal comfort, passive cooling, and natural light found in
tropical rainforests.
 16

The structure is divided into four layers:

1. Forest floor – the ground floor serves as the forest floor in which it serves as the
bridge to the other layers above. Most of its users will most likely be for business
purposes with the bank and perhaps those who would like to avail a unit to the
upper layers.
2. Understory – the second floor serves as the understory in which it contains all the
office spaces. The understory in a tropical rainforest receives only 2-15% light,
same as to how some office spaces rely on artificial lighting. For working spaces,
various studies have found out that natural light exposure boost alertness and
productivity when compared to those who work on low sun exposure. Thus,
sunlight is welcomed through various windows to enhance efficiency and
productivity.
3. Canopy – the canopy layer houses the two floors of residential units; which
compose of the majority of the users of the building; the canopy in a tropical
rainforest on the other hand, is home of 90% of the organisms in the ecosystem.
4. Emergent layer – the emergent layer consists of the roof deck wherein events may
be held. The emergent layer, similar to the roof deck of a building, receives the
greatest amount of sunlight (and consequently must endure high temperatures).
This is combated through proper roofing and the utilization of the air well applied.
 17

INITIAL CONCEPT SHEET:

INITIAL PLANS:

Fig. 17 – Basement plan

 18

Fig. 18 – Ground plan

Fig. 19 – Second floor plan

 19

Fig. 20 – Third and fourth floor plan

Fig. 21 – Roof deck plan

 20

BIBLIOGRAPHY

"Airwell House / ADX Architects" 15 Aug 2014. ArchDaily. Accessed 21 Feb 2020.
<https://www.archdaily.com/537242/airwell-house-adx-architects/> ISSN 0719-8884

Calica, M. G. (2008). Influence of rice husk ash as supplementary material in cement paste
and concrete. NLR Journal, 2. Retrieved from
http://pejard.slu.edu.ph/archives/vol2/influence-of-rice-husk-ash-as-supplementary-material-
in-cement-paste-and-concrete.pdf

Chiu, A., & Sengson, J. (n.d.). Philippine Biomass Utilization: A Country Paper Report.
PHILIPPINE BIOMASS UTILIZATION: A COUNTRY PAPER REPORT.

Grasscrete. (n.d.). Retrieved November 1, 2019, from http://connected-

sustainability.org/portfolio_page/grasscrete/.

Grasscrete Paving. (n.d.). Retrieved November 1, 2019, from

https://www.grasscrete.com/docs/paving/grasscrete.html.

Khan, Rawid & Jabbar, Abdul & Ahmad, Irshad & Khan, Wajid & Khan, Akhtar & Mirza,
Jahangir. (2012). Reduction in environmental problems using rice-husk ash in concrete.
Construction and Building Materials. 30. 360–365. 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2011.11.028.

Ong, G., & Flores, H. (2008, October 23). Rice hull ash used in hollow blocks. Retrieved
October 30, 2019, from https://www.philstar.com/business/science-and-
environment/2008/10/23/409232/rice-hull-ash-used-hollow-blocks.

"PARKROYAL on Pickering / WOHA" 23 Apr 2013. ArchDaily. Accessed 21 Feb 2020.

<https://www.archdaily.com/363164/parkroyal-on-pickering-woha-2/> ISSN 0719-8884

Simeon, L. M. (2016, November 26). Government promotes rice husk as alternative energy
source. Retrieved October 30, 2019, from
https://www.philstar.com/business/agriculture/2016/11/27/1645845/government-promotes-
rice-husk-alternative-energy-source.

Souza, E. (2019, August 20). How Do Double-Skin Façades Work? Retrieved February 20,
2020, from https://www.archdaily.com/922897/how-do-double-skin-facades-work

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (1998, July 20). Loft. Retrieved November 1, 2019,
from https://www.britannica.com/technology/loft.

Tirelli, G. (2019, April 2). Top 10 Benefits of Living Green Walls. Retrieved February 20,
2020, from https://ecobnb.com/blog/2019/04/living-green-walls-benefits/

Ultimate Guide to Living Green Walls. (n.d.). Retrieved February 20, 2020, from
https://www.ambius.com/green-walls/ultimate-guide-to-living-green-walls/#what-are-living-
green-walls.