4 Storey Code Compliant Building

Case Study: A Four-Storey Code Complaint Building
A Case Study presented to-

The Faculty of College of Architecture-
2nd Year as a subject requirement for Architectural Design 4
2AR-7
ALPAY, Shaezer F.
BALBASTRO, Ralph Patrick V.
January 30, 2020

Chapter 1: Introduction
Background and Nature of the Project
Code Compliance is part and parcel of the architect’s responsibility not only to our
clients, but more importantly for the society we serve. The act of design for the profession of
architecture is seldom free. Service to society as a professional architect means that we have
to return the trust given to us by nurturing and applying a large and difficult body of
knowledge. The birth of local codes ensures public safety and convenience. It came from a
need to organize and enable efficient centralized services to solve problems like sanitation,
pollution, and fire — to name a few. In effect, active members of the society reinforce this
structure in order for dense communal living to happen. (Bachman, 2019).
A building’s resilience to seismic stress is determined by its compliance with
the National Structural Code of the Philippines (NSCP). Standards against earthquakes were
first mandated by the National Building Code via the NSCP in 1972, after the Casiguran
quake in the late ‘60s. Further landmark revisions have been made since. Code compliance
not only ensures the quality of a structure, but it also reinforces its key characteristics for the
protection of health, safety, and life in general. (Vazquez, 2019)
The design principles of this code pivots on the objective of preventing a building's imminent
collapse. It recognizes that physical damages to a structure will be inevitable in any
earthquake. But the structural design must be resistant enough to give its inhabitants enough
time to evacuate. All in all the design should always consider its users safety above all else.
Case Study: A Four-Storey Code Complaint Building 2
Statement of the Problem

Is the proposed design of the Four-Storey building code compliant to adhere to the
rules of the stringent codes of the Philippines and its local codes?
Project Goal
 To come up with a better proposal for a mixed-use four-storey building based on the
drawings and information available.
Project Objectives
1. To comply with the functions required by the client.
2. To ensure safety of the end-users of the four-storey structure by complying with

local
building codes.
3. To provide a comfortable and accessible environment for the community.
Significance of the Project
The purpose of the project is to use the iterative process of design, we build on
recognizable elements of architecture and find new ways of solving interesting problems at
hand.
Historical Context of the Site and Quezon City (Visayas Avenue)
“Is an inside lot located along the Visayas Avenue abutting multiple establishments on each side with
the frontage gaining access to the Road Right of Way”
Climate of the Site
Figure 13. Climate Graph (c. Silent Gardens)
Manila has a
tropical wet and dry/ savanna climate with a pronounced dry season in the
low-sun months, no cold season, wet season is in the high-sun months. The
mean annual temperature is 27.7°Celsius (81.9°Fahrenheit). Average monthly
temperatures vary by 4°C (7.2°F). Total annual precipitation averages 2061
mm (81.1 inches) which is equivalent to 2061 Litres/m2 (50.55 Gallons/ft2).
(Silent Gardens, 2019)
Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature
Design Innovations
Plants as Windbreakers or Buffers for Odor Management
Aside from ventilation, another way to reduce the odor in an area is using the
know-hows of landscape architecture. An effective way of reducing the odor is by
setting up specific plants to stand as a windbreaker or buffer for the structure. In
this case, trees and shrubs can serve as buffers by deflecting the odor plume into
the atmosphere above the buffer. It could help spread the odor which then lessens
the smell. In order to do this, the plant must be mature in height the spread of the
plant must be wide enough to deflect the odor. This may be the case but it’s best to
avoid setting up the same species of plant as windbreak. Having diverse species
has a better chance for tree survival (NRCS 2007).
Figure 15. Plants as Windbreakers or Buffers
Rainwater Harvesting System Design
Rainwater Harvesting is the process of collecting rainwater as a substitute

for potable water. The water is collected from the roof area of the building and has
a certain drainage system leading to a storage tank where it is held for use. The
collected rainwater can be used for cleaning, flushing the toilets, washing laundry,
gardening, and more. In these cases, a special and modified plumbing system will
be required for its distribution. A simple diagram is shown below.
Figure 16. Rainwater Harvesting Simple Plumbing Diagram

Solar Energy
Being in a tropical country, the sun is up most of the year and the best way
to maximize its use when it comes to building structures is to use solar energy.
Solar Power is energy from the sun that is converted into thermal or electrical
energy. It is the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy source. There are
three main ways to collect solar energy and that is through: photovoltaics, solar
heating & cooling, and concentrating solar power. Photovoltaics generates
electricity from sunlight through an electronic process and it can be used to power
small electronics like calculators and even road signs. Solar heating & cooling or
SHC and the concentrating solar power or CSP, both uses the heat generated by the
sun to provide space or water heating.
Figure 17. How Solar Works

Chapter 3: Case Studies with Analysis and Conclusion
INTERNATIONAL STRUCTURES
Portland, OR
Myhre Group Architects propose to build a 5-story, 37,000 square-foot residential and
commercial space near the historic Hollywood Theater in Portland, OR.
Seattle, WA
Construction on a six-story mixed-use residential and retail building at Broadway and

Jefferson is scheduled to start in August. Portland-based Gerding Edlen purchased the
property from Valencia Capital Management of Dallas for $5.6 million earlier this month,
according to the Seattle Times. Valencia paid $3.14 million for the property in 2007.
Central District News reported in December that owners of the property at 412 Broadway had
put the land up for sale months after the City Council authorized a rezone for up to 70 feet in
height.
The building, designed by Ankron Moisan Associated Architects, will have 118 residential
units and 6,500 ft of retail space. Twenty percent of the residential units will be “designated
affordable,” according to Gerding Edlen’s press release. They anticipate a LEED Gold
certification on the project.
The planned rail projects in the area seem to have played a part in the firm’s decision to
purchase the property, according to the press release:
Municipal plans for an extended light rail system from downtown to the Capital [sic] Hill, as
well as a streetcar line that will connect this light rail to Union Station in the International
District/Pioneer Square will offer direct access to a multi-modal transportation system for the
residents of 412 Broadway.
Gerding Edlen will start holding public meetings this summer to engage the community to
better fit into the neighborhood, said Ann Hudner, spokesperson for the firm.
“Gerding Edlen has a really wonderful approach to wanting to integrate and engage the
community in their projects,” she said. Other projects have included site-specific art by local
artists.
Seattle, WA
A 7-story residential/retail/commercial building at 4502 42nd SW (map).
Chicago, IL
Way back in April 2007, we caught wind of a proposed development in Grand Boulevard
called the Shops and Lofts at 47. The mixed-use project at 47th Street and Cottage Grove
Avenue was to have 167 condos, 45,000 square feet of retail space, and 15,000 square feet of
office space. It never moved forward, but apparently its developer, Mahogany Ventures, and
the Quad Communities Development Corporation never gave up on the idea.
LISC/Chicago’s New Communities Program reports that the project should break ground
later this year or in 2011 with one significant change in place — instead of condos, it will
feature apartments. According to LISC’s article, the project’s first phase will have 70
residential units and about 28,000 square feet of retail, while a second phase will have
another 70 units and 20,000 square feet of retail. A parking level on the second floor of each
building will buffer the ground-level retail from the upper-level residences.
Merrifield – OCR – Fairfax County, Virginia
Merrifield Revitalization Area

Decatur, Georgia
Construction has started on Trinity Triangle, a 5-story mixed-use project located in the
downtown district of Decatur, Georgia. The development will have 210 residential units
including 6 Live/Work units, as well as 6,000+ SF of street-level retail.
Chapter 4: S.W.O.T and Site Analysis

S.W.O.T
 Strengths
- Diverse plantations grow in the site.
- Sidewalks are too small for the pedestrians, and some are claimed by parallel
parked cars.
- Sun directly rises east of the site.
 Weaknesses
- The location of the site is a flood prone area.
- The firewall is attached to the adjacent property on the left side of the site
 Opportunities
- Passive cooling as well as cross ventilation can be utilized for the design.
- Foot volume and car traffic may be controlled using good designs for parking
spaces.
- The east side of the building can utilize the sun’s path for lighting.
 Threats
- When thunderstorms or typhoons happen, there is a chance that the building
on the site will be easily flooded.
- The west side of the building would heavily utilize machineries for air
conditioning and lighting.
Site Analysis
 The site faces the East and illuminated by the sunrise in the Southeast side and the
rear part of the site will catch the sunlight in which the sun will set at the Southwest.
The time in which the sun will be the warmest is at around 12 noon until near 3 in the
afternoon.
 The flood hazard map shows that the area is flood prone which will go through the
Fisheries Street all go all the way around to the Quezon City Circle especially when it
is rainy season, the Southwest Monsoon, comes in.
 When Southwest Monsoon starts which is in May or June, rains thunderstorms or
typhoons often come and a chance to flood the area and it ends on October or
November. The Northeast Monsoon starts on whether November or December gives a

little or moderate rain and also cool air, it will end on May or June.
 Visayas Avenue is connected to the Quezon City Circle which means vehicles will
always be present especially in the morning in which many are going to work or
school and at dawn which they were going home. Because of many vehicles passing
by, noise and pollution coming from the smoke cannot be avoided.
 There are not much trees or plants near the site and one reason is because there is a
huge space at the middle of the road which is use for U-turn for vehicles and second is
that the road going to the Quezon City Circle is used as an extension for parking
space.
Chapter 5: Technical Research Data

A. National Building Code of the Philippines
The National Building Code of the Philippines (Presidential Decree 1096) was used as the
primary reference for the design consideration of the project. Listed below are the applicable
information to the site and its probable design.
RULE VII - Classification and General Requirements of All Buildings by Use of Occupancy
SECTION 701. Occupancy Classified
v. Group E - Business and Mercantile

Division 1- Gasoline filling and service stations, storage garages and boat storage structures
where no work is done except exchange of parts and maintenance requiring no open flame, welding,
or the use of highly flammable liquids.
SECTION 704. Location on Property
1. General
a. No building shall be constructed unless it adjoins or has direct access to a public space,
yard or street on at least one of its sides.
b. For the purpose of this Section, the centerline of an adjoining street or alley shall be
considered an adjacent property line.
c. Eaves over required windows shall not be less than 750 millimeters from the side and rear
property lines.
SECTION 705. Allowable Floor Areas
SECTION 707. Maximum Height of Buildings

1. The maximum height and number of storeys of proposed building shall be dependent upon the
character of use or occupancy and the type of construction, considering end-user population density,
light and ventilation, width of RROW/streets particularly of its roadway/carriageway component,
building bulk, off-street cum off-site parking requirements, etc. and in relation to local land use plan
and zoning regulations as well as other environmental considerations, e.g., geological, hydrological,
meteorological, topographical, prevailing traffic conditions, the availability and capacity of public
utility/service systems, etc. (Refer to Guidelines on Building Bulk at the end of this Rule)
2. Determination of Building Height:
b. The Building Height Limit (BHL) of any proposed building/structure shall only be as
allowed under this Rule (as shown in table below) or under the duly approved city/municipal
(local) zoning ordinance, whichever is more restrictive.
4. Parking Slot, Parking Area and Loading/Unloading Space Requirements

b. The size of an average automobile (car) parking slot must be computed at 2.50 meters by
5.00 meters for perpendicular or diagonal parking and at 2.15 meters by 6.00 meters for
parallel parking. A standard truck or bus parking/loading slot must be computed at a
minimum of 3.60 meters by 12.00 meters. An articulated truck slot must be computed at a
minimum of 3.60 meters by 18.00 meters which should be sufficient to accommodate a 12.00
meters container van or bulk carrier and a long/hooded prime mover. A jeepney or shuttle
parking/loading/unloading slot must be computed at a minimum of 3.00 meters by 9.00
meters. The parking slots shall be drawn to scale and the total number of which shall be
indicated on the plans and specified whether or not parking accommodations are attendant-
managed.
Rule VIII - Light and Ventilation
SECTION 801. General Requirements of Light and Ventilation
a. Subject to the provisions of the Civil Code of the Philippines on Easement of Light and View
and to the provisions of this part of the Code, every building shall be designed, constructed,
and equipped to provide adequate light and ventilation.
b. All buildings shall face a street or a public alley or a private street which has been duly
approved.
SECTION 803. Percentage Of Site Occupancy

Maximum site occupancy shall be governed by use, type of construction, height of the building, use,
area, nature, and location of the site; and subject to the provisions of the local zoning requirements
and in accordance with the following types of open spaces:
a. Public open space streets, alleys, easements of seal/lakeshores, rivers, creeks, esteros,
railroad tracks, parks/plazas, playgrounds, and the like.
b. Total Open Spaces within Lot (TOSL) - courts, yards, gardens, light wells, uncovered
driveways, access roads and parking spaces. Consisting of 2 types:
i. Paved or tiled (hardscape areas); sub-classification of open space shall fall under
Maximum Allowable Impervious Surface Areas (ISA) within the Total Lot Area
(TLA); and
ii. Unpaved areas within the lot that are within exposed soil and planted (softscape), i.e.,
the Unpaved surface Areas (USA); this sub-classification is the true open space.
Table VIII.1. Reference Table of Maximum Allowable PSO, Maximum Allowable ISA, the
MACA, the Minimum USA and the TOSL by Type ofLAnd Use Zoning per Lot
SECTION 804. Size and Dimensions of Courts
Table VIII.3. Setbacks for Commercial Buildings

SECTION 811. Artificial Ventilation
Table VIII.4. Minimum Requirements for Air Changes
Table VIII. G.1. Easement Along water Bodies/Way by Location
Table VIII. G.7. Suggested Minimum Lot Sizes, Lot Dimensions and Types y Use or Occupancy
1. Roof Covering. The use of combustible roof insulation shall be permitted in all types of
construction provided it is covered with approved roof covering applied directly thereto.
2. Roof Trusses. All roofs shall be so framed and tied into the framework and supporting walls so as
to form an integral part of the whole building. Roof trusses shall have all joints well fitted and shall
have all tension members well tightened before any load is placed in the truss.
SECTION 1207. Stairs, Exits, and Occupant Loads
Table XII.1. General Requirements for Occupant Loads and Exits*
(*In all occupancies, floors above the first (1st) storey having an occupant load of more than ten (10)
shall have at least two (2) exits)
2. Exits
a. Number of Exits. Every building or usable portion thereof shall have at least one (1) exit. In all
occupancies, floors above the first storey having an occupant load of more than ten (10) shall not have
less than two (2) exits. Each mezzanine floor used for other than storage purposes, if greater in area
than 185 sq. meters or more than 18.00 meters in any dimension, shall have at least two (2) stairways
to an adjacent floor.
b. Width. The total width of exits in meters shall not be less than the total occupant load served
divided by one hundred sixty five (165).
c. Arrangement of Exits. If only two (2) exits are required, they shall be placed a distance apart to not
less than one-fifth (1/5) of the perimeter of the area served measured in a straight line between exits.
Where three (3) or more exits are required, they shall be arranged a reasonable distance apart so that if
one becomes blocked, the others will be available.
d. Distance to Exits. No point in a building without a sprinkler system shall be more than 45.00
meters from an exterior exit door, a horizontal exit, exit passageway, or an enclosed stairway,
measured along the line of travel. In a building equipped with a complete automatic fire extinguishing
system, the distance from exits may be increased to 60.00 meters.
3. Doors.
a. Swing. Exit door shall swing in the direction of exit travel when serving any hazardous areas or
when serving an occupant load of fifty (50) or more. Double acting doors shall not be used as exits
serving a tributary occupant load of more than one hundred (100).
b. Type of Lock or Latch. Exterior exit doors in a Group E or F Occupancy if there is a conspicuous,
readily visible and durable sign on or adjacent to the door, stating that the door is to remain unlocked
during business hours. The locking device must be of a type that will readily be distinguishable as
locked. Flush bolts or surface bolts are prohibited.
c. Width and Height. Every required exit doorway shall be of a size as to permit the installation of a
door not less than 900 millimeters in width and not less than 2.00 meters in height.
d. Door Leaf Width. No leaf of an exit door shall exceed 1.20 meters in width.
e. Special Doors. Revolving, sliding, and overhead doors shall not be used as required exits.
5. Stairways.
a. Width. Stairways serving an occupant load of more than fifty (50) shall not be less than 1.10
meters. Trim and handrails shall not reduce the required width by more than 100 millimeters.
b. Rise and Run. The rise of every step in a stairway shall not exceed 200 millimeters and the run
shall not be less than 250 millimeters. The maximum variations in the height of risers and the width of
treads in any one flight shall be 5 millimeters.
e. Landings. Every landing shall have a dimension measured in the direction of travel equal to the
width of the stairway. Such dimension need not exceed 1.20 meters when the stairs has a straight run.
Landings when provided shall not be reduced in width by more than 100 millimeters by a door when
fully open.
g. Distance Between Landings. There shall be not more than 3.60 meters vertical distance between
landings.
h. Handrails. Stairways shall have handrails on each side and every stairway required to be more than
3.00 meters in width shall be provided with not less than one intermediate handrail for each 3.00
meters of required width.
6. Ramps. A ramp conforming to the provisions of the Code may be used as an exit. The width of
ramps shall be as required for corridors.
8. Exit Enclosure. Every interior stairway, ramp, or escalator shall be enclosed as specified in the
Code.
a. Enclosure walls shall not be less than two-hour fire-resistive construction.
b. Stairway and ramp enclosures shall include landings and parts of floors connecting stairway flights
and shall include a corridor on the ground floor leading from the stairway to the exterior of the
building. Enclosed corridors or passageways are not required for unenclosed stairways.
d. There shall be no enclosed usable space under stairways in an exit enclosure, nor shall the open
space under such stairways be used for any purpose.
10. Exit Outlets, Courts, and Passageways
Every exit shall discharge into a public way, exit court, or exit passageway. Every exit court shall
discharge into a public way or an exit passageway. Passageways shall be without openings other than
required exits and shall have walls, floors, and ceilings of the same period of fire-resistance as the
walls, floors and ceilings of the building but shall not be less than one-hour fire-resistive construction.
a. Width
Every exit court and exit passageways shall be at least as wide as the required total width of the
tributary exits, such required width being based on the occupant load served. The reduction in width
shall be affected gradually by a guardrail at least 900 millimeters in height. The guardrail shall make
an angle of not more than 30º with the axis of the exit court.
b. Slope
The slope of exit courts shall not exceed 1 in 10. The slope of exit passageway shall not exceed 1 in
8.
d. Openings
All openings into an exit court less than 3.00 meters wide shall be protected by fire assemblies having
not less than three-fourth - hour fire-resistive rating. Except, that openings more than 3.00 meters
above the floor of the exit court may be unprotected
11. Exit Signs and Illuminations
Exits shall be illuminated at any time the building is occupied with lights having an intensity of not
less than 10.7 LUX at floor level.
12. Aisles
Every portion of every building in which are installed seats, tables, merchandise, equipment, or
similar materials shall be provided with aisles leading to an exit.
a. Width
Every aisle shall be not less than 800 millimeters wide if serving only one side, and not less than
1.00-meter-wide if serving both sides. Such minimum width shall be measured at the point farthest
from an exit, cross aisle, or foyer and shall be increased by 30 millimeters for every meter in length
towards the exit, cross aisle or foyer. Side aisles shall not be less than 1.10 meters in width.
b. Exit Distance
In areas occupied by seats, the line of travel to an exit door by an aisle shall be not more than 45.00
meters. The number of seats between aisles may be increased to thirty (30) where exits doors are
provided along each side aisle of the row of seats at the rate of one (1) pair of exit doors for every five
(5) rows of seats, provided further that the distance between seats back to back is at least 1.00 meter.
Such exit doors shall provide a minimum clear width of 1.70 meters.
c. Cross Aisles
Aisles shall terminate in a cross aisle, foyer, or exit. The width of the cross aisle
shall be not less than the sum of the required width of the widest aisle plus 50% of the total required
width of the remaining aisle leading thereto. In Groups C, H and E Occupancies, aisles shall not be
provided a dead end greater than 6.00 meters in length.
e. Slope
The slope portion of aisles shall not exceed a fall of 1 in 8.
13. Seats
a. Seat Spacing
With standard seating, the spacing of rows of seats from back-to-back shall be not less than 840
millimeters. With continental seating, the spacing of rows of unoccupied seats shall provide a clear
width measured horizontally, as follows: 450 millimeters clear for rows of eighteen (18) seats or less;
500 millimeters clear for rows of thirty five (35) seats or less; 525 millimeters clear for rows of forty
five (45) seats or less; and 550 millimeters clear for rows of forty six (46) seats or more.
b. Width
The width of any seat shall be not less than 450 millimeters.
Batas Pambansa Blg. 344
Batas Pambansa Blg. 344, also known as AN ACT TO ENHANCE THE MOBILITY OF
DISABLED PERSONS, was also considered for this project since it is a commercial area and a public
space. Shown below are the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) Amendments Minimum
Requirements for Accessibility.
A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
1. Accessible Ramps
1.1 Changes in level shall require a ramp except when served by a dropped sidewalk,
curb ramp, an elevator, or other mechanical device.
1.2 Accessible ramps shall have the following facilities and features:
1.2.1 Minimum clear width of 1.20 m.
1.2.2 Gradient not steeper than 1:12.
Fig. A.1.1
Fig. A.1.2
DESIGN OF RAMP WIDER THAN 1.20 M. BUT NOT LESS THAN 3000 mm. REQUIRING
INTERMEDIATE HANDRAILS
Fig. A.1.3
1.2.3 For accessible ramps 3m or more in width, provide intermediate handrails at the
center. Use of double “J” type handrail supports are recommended.
1.2.4. Maximum length of 6.00 m.: Accessible ramps with a total length longer than
6.00 m shall be provided with intermediate landings with a minimum length of 1.50 m.
Fig. A.1.4 RAMP DIMENSIONS
1.2.5 Level area not less than 1.80 m at the top and bottom of any ramp.
1.2.6 Handrails on both sides of the ramp at 700 mm and 900 mm from the floor of the
ramp. (See Fig. A.4.1; A.4.2)
1.2.7 300 mm long extension of the handrail shall be provided at the top and bottom of
ramps.
1.2.8 Curbs on both sides of the ramp with a minimum height of 100 mm.
Fig. A.1.5 CURB HEIGHT AT RAMP
1.3 Any ramp with a rise greater than 170 mm and leads down towards an area where vehicular
traffic is possible, should have a railing across the full width of its lower end, not less than 1.80
meters from the foot of the ramp.
Fig. A.1.6 RAMPS & VEHICULAR TRAFFIC
2. Slip Resistant Materials
2.1. Slip resistant materials shall have a Coefficient of Friction of 0.6 for level surfaces and 0.8 for
sloping surfaces (ASTM).
2.2. If carpets or carpet tiles are used on a floor surface:

2.2.1. it shall be securely attached; 2.2.2. have a firm cushion, pad, or backing; 2.2.3. have a level
loop, textured loop, level cut pile, or level cut/uncut pile texture; 2.2.4. maximum pile thickness shall
be 13 mm; 2.2.5. Exposed edges of carpet shall be fastened to floor surfaces and have trim along the
entire length of the exposed edge; 2.2.6. Carpet edge trim shall comply with 4.5.2. Appendix Note
(ADA).
3. Handrails and Grab Bars

3.1. Handrails shall be required for accessible ramps for changes in grade higher than 170 mm. 3.2.
Handrails shall be installed at both sides of ramps and stairs. Handrails may be provided at dropped
sidewalks but should not be installed beyond the width of any crossing so as not to obstruct pedestrian
traffic. 3.3. Handrails shall be installed at 900 mm and 700 mm above stairs or ramps.
Fig. A.3.1
Fig. A.3.2
3.4. Railings for protection should be installed at a height of 1100mm minimum, measured from the
top of the rail to the finish floor for ramps, balconies, landings or porches which are more than 750
mm above adjacent grade. These shall be installed in addition to the handrails required for accessible
ramps (Section C, Item 2). (per NBC Rule XII under Guard Rails.)
3.5. A 300 mm long extension of the handrail shall be provided at the top and bottom of ramps and
stairs.
Fig A.3.3 EASY TO GRASP DESIGN
3.6. Handrails and grab bars that require full grip should have an outside diameter of 38 mm
(minimum) to 45 mm (maximum).
3.7. Handrails attached to walls should have a minimum clear distance of 50 mm from the wall.
Handrails on ledges should have a minimum clear distance of 40 mm.
3.8. Stair handrails shall be continuous throughout the entire length and around landings less than
2100 mm in length, except where it is intersected by an alternative path of travel or has an entry door
leading into it.
4. Parking
4.1. Accessible Parking Slot Requirement
Where parking spaces are required to be provided, the number of accessible parking lots for vehicles
driven by persons with disabilities or vehicles with passengers with disabilities shall be in accordance
with Table B.1.1 below:
Table A.4.1 ACCESSIBLE PARKING SLOT REQUIREMENT
The building management should impose appropriate sanctions for the unauthorized use of the
reserved parking slots for vehicles of PWDs.
4.2. Parking slots for persons with disabilities should allow enough space for a person to transfer
from a vehicle to a wheelchair.
4.3. Accessible parking slots shall be located nearest to accessible main entrances.
4.4. PWDs should be on board the vehicle to be able to use the reserved parking space for PWDs (for
control use). In addition, an access parking sticker/card is required with control number.
4.5. Whenever and wherever possible, accessible parking slots should be perpendicular or an angle to
the road or circulation aisles.
4.6. Parallel parking is discouraged unless it can be situated so that persons entering and exiting
vehicles will be out of the flow of traffic.
4.7. Accessible parking slots shall have:
4.7.1 A minimum width of 3.70 m and a length of 5.00 m.
4.7.2 A walkway with a minimum clear width of 1.20 m. provided between the front ends of
parked cars.
4.7.3 Dropped sidewalks or curb ramps leading to the parking level where access walkways are
raised.
Fig. A.4.1: ACCESSIBLE PARKING SLOT (PLAN)
Fig. A.4.2: ACCESSIBLE PARKING SLOT (3D VIEW)
4.7.4 Pavement markings, upright, pole mounted signages 4.7.5 Have a firm, level surface without
aeration slabs.
Fig. A.4.3: ACCESSIBLE PARKING SLOT (SHOWING UPRIGHT/POLE MOUNTED

SIGNAGE
4.8. Parking slots for persons with disabilities shall never be located at ramped or sloping areas.
4.9. For multi-storey indoor parking structures, accessible parking slots shall be located right next to
accessible elevators, or as close as possible to accessible pedestrian entrances.
4.10. In buildings with multiple accessible entrances with adjacent parking, accessible parking slots
shall be dispersed and located closest to the accessible entrances.
4.11. In parking facilities that do not serve a particular building, accessible parking shall be located
on the shortest accessible route of travel to an accessible pedestrian entrance of the parking facility.
4.12. For all accessible parking slots, provide the following signage:
4.12.1 Pole mounted parking signage, 600 mm x 600 mm in size and mounted at a minimum
clear height of 2.00 m from the parking floor.
4.12.2 Pavement sign painted or marked on the designated lot complying with the following: (a)
a square with dimensions of at least 1.00 m but not more than 1.50 m; (b) be located in the
center of the accessible parking slot; (c) The International Symbol of Access shall be composed
of a white symbolized figure of a person in a wheelchair with a square background in UN Blue
Color. The symbolized figure shall always face to the right.
Note: An intercom may be installed at the vicinity of the accessible parking slot to enable persons
with disabilities to call the building management for assistance.
5. Signages
5.1. Symbol of Access
The International Symbol of Access shall be composed of a white symbolized figure of a person
in a wheelchair with a square background in UN Blue Color. The symbolized figure shall always face
to the right. Provide directional arrows when the space/area/function being referred to is facing left.
Fig. A.5.1
5.2. Directional and information (Audio, Visual, and Tactile) signages shall be located at points that
can be conveniently seen, heard, and felt by all persons with disabilities.
Fig. A.5.2
Viewing Distance (m) Size (mm)
Up to 7.0 60x60
7.0 to 18.0 100x100
Above 18.0 200x200 to 450x450
Height of Letters
Required Viewing Distance (m) Minimum Height of Letters (mm)
1.5 50
2.0 60
2.5 100
3.0 120
4.5 150
6.0 200
8.0 250
Table A.5.1
5.3. Signages should be kept simple and easy to understand. Signages should be made of contrasting
colors and contrasting gray value to make detection and reading easy. Tactile maps shall be provided
to guide persons with visual impairment.
5.4. The International Symbol of Access should be used to designate routes and facilities that are
accessible in combination with pictographs. Directional signs incorporating the INTERNATIONAL
SYMBOL OF ACCESS, as shown in Figure A.5.1, shall be installed at passageways, and at points
where there are changes in direction to lead persons with disabilities to various facilities such as
lifts/elevators, entrances, telephone booths, toilets, parking and the like.
Fig. A.5.2
5.5. Should a sign protrude into a sidewalk/walkway or route, a minimum vertical clearance of 2.00 m
should be provided. Obstacles, projections or other protrusions shall be avoided in pedestrian areas
such as sidewalks/walkways, halls, corridors, passageways or aisles. Pedestrians with visual
impairments often travel using the edge of the building line, hence, objects mounted on walls, posts,
or sides of buildings, should therefore not protrude more than 100 mm into sidewalks/walkways and
corridors.
5.6. Signs (graphics, text, and Braille) on walls and doors should be installed at a maximum height of
1.50 m from the finish floor to the center of the sign.
Fig. A.5.3: SIGN ON DOORS & WALLS

5.7. Signs shall incorporate graphic, text, and Braille.
Fig. A.5.4
5.8 Signs and labels for public rooms, areas, and places should have tactile symbols, letters or
numbers that should be embossed with a minimum height of 1 mm; Braille symbols shall be
incorporated in signs indicating public places and safety routes.
5.9 Tactile Ground Surface Indicators Positional, directional, and warning tactile blocks must be
provided to warn people with visual impairments that they are approaching:
5.9.1 Stairways, other than fire exit stairs
5.9.2 Escalators
5.9.3 Passenger conveyors or moving walks
5.9.4 Ramps other than fire-exit ramps, curb ramps, swimming pool ramps
5.9.5 In the absence of suitable protective barriers: a. overhead obstructions less than 2.0 m above
floor level b. areas where pedestrian and vehicular traffic intersect. 6.0 Tactile warning indicators
should have a 50% contrasting gray value from adjacent floor finishes.
a. Tactile Maps
Character Proportion
Tactile letters and numbers on signs shall have a width to height ratio between 3:5 and 1:1 and a
stroke width to height ratio between 1:5 and 1:10
Raised and Braille Characters and Pictorial Symbol Signs (Pictograms)

Letters and numerals shall be raised 0.75mm, upper case, sans serif or simple serif type and shall be
accompanied with Grade 2 Braille. Raised characters shall be at least 16mm high, but no higher than
50mm. Pictograms shall be accompanied by the equivalent verbal description placed directly below
the pictogram. The border dimension of the pictogram shall be 150mm minimum in height.
Finish and Contrast

The characters and background of signs shall be eggshell, matt or other non-glare finish. Characters
and symbols shall contrast with their background – either light characters on a dark background or
dark characters on a light background.
Type Purpose Descriptive Text
Warning Tactile Blocks -Indication of potential hazards Grid Pattern

ahead
Positional Tactile Blocks -Indication of possible change in Staggered

walking directions
Directional Tactile Blocks - Indication of intended safe path Strips
Table A.5.2
Figure A.5.5
Figure A.5.6
Figure A.5.7
Sample Usage of Tactile Surfaces

6. Stairs
6.1 Uniform risers of 150 mm (maximum) and treads of 300 mm (minimum) shall be used.
6.2 Tread surfaces shall be of slip-resistant material; nosings shall be slip resistant to further minimize
slipping.
6.3 Slanted nosings are preferred than protruding nosings so as not to pose difficulty for people
using crutches or braces whose feet have a tendency to get caught in protruding nosings.
6.4 Open stringers shall be avoided.
6.5 The leading edge of each step on both runner and riser should be marked with a paint or non-skid
material that has a color and gray value which is in high contrast to the gray value of the rest of the
stairs. 6.6 A tactile strip 300 mm wide shall be installed before hazardous areas such as sudden
changes in floor levels and at the top, bottom and intermediate landings of stairs; special care must be
taken to ensure the proper mounting or adhesion of tactile strips so as not to cause accidents.
6.7 Handrails shall be installed at 900 mm and 700 mm above stair treads. A 300 mm long extension
of the handrail should be provided at the top and bottom of stairs.
6.8 Stair handrails shall be continuous throughout the entire length and extend not less than 300 mm
beyond the top and bottom step.
Figure A.6.1
Figure A.6.2
B. OUTSIDE AND AROUND BUILDINGS
1. Dropped Sidewalks
1.1 Dropped sidewalks should be provided at pedestrian crossings and at the end of walkways of a
private street or access road.
1.2 Dropped sidewalks at crossings shall have a width corresponding to the width of the crossing.
1.3 For crossings and walkways less than 1.50 m. in width, the base/level surface at the bottom of
the ramp shall have a minimum depth of 1.50 m. with a width corresponding to the width of the
crossing.
For crossings and walkways less than 1.50 m. in width, the base/level surface at the bottom of the
ramp shall have a minimum width corresponding to the width of the crossing (4.00 M minimum for
national roads and as mandated by Local ordinances for local roads).
FIG. B.1.1 Perspective of Dropped Sidewalk
Fig. B.1.2: Plan of DROPPED SIDEWALK

Fig. B.1.3a: VARIATION OF DROPPED SIDEWALK AT CORNER
Fig. B.1.3b: OTHER VARIATION OF DROPPED SIDEWALK AT CORNERS

1.4 Dropped sidewalks shall be sloped towards the road with a maximum cross gradient of 1:100
(1%) to prevent water from collecting.
Fig. B.1.4: SECTION OF DROPPED SIDEWALK
1.5 The difference in elevation between the base/level area of a dropped sidewalk from the road or
gutter shall not exceed 19 mm.
1.6 Provide the following signage:
1.6.1 Pole mounted signage, 600 mm x 600 mm in size and mounted at a minimum clear height of
2.00 m from the sidewalk floor. Pole mounted signs (planted) should not obstruct the path of
pedestrians. {Refer to DPWH Guidelines (Road Signs and Pavement Marking Manual) for
installing pole mounted signs on sidewalks.}
1.6.2 Pavement sign painted or marked on the ramp complying with the following:
(a) a square with dimensions of at least 600 mm (for ramps less than 1.20 m wide) but not more
than 800 mm (for ramps 1.20 m. and wider);
(b) be located at the center of each ramp;
(c) the color of the International Symbol of Access shall be white on a blue background.
2. Curb Ramps
2.1 Curb ramps shall only be allowed when it will not obstruct a sidewalk/walkway or in any way
lessen the width of a sidewalk/walkway or lessen the level/turning area of 1.50 m x 1.50 m. Curb
ramps shall only be allowed if the width of sidewalks/walkways are more than 3.30 m with a
corresponding curb height of 150 mm, otherwise dropped sidewalks shall be used. 2.2 For drop off
points for persons with disabilities at loading bays, the minimum width of a curb ramp should be 900
mm.
Fig. B.2.1
Fig. B.2.2
Fig. B.2.3: CURB RAMP

Table B.2.1
2.3 Curb ramps shall have a gradient not steeper than 1:12.
2.4 Provide the following signage:

2.4.1 Pole mounted signage, 600 mm x 600 mm in size and mounted at a minimum clear height of
2.00 m from the sidewalk floor. Pole mounted signs (planted) should not obstruct the path of
pedestrians. (Refer to DPWH guidelines for installing pole mounted signs on sidewalks.)
2.4.2 Pavement sign painted or marked on the ramp complying with the following:
(a) a square with dimensions of at least 600 mm (for ramps less than 1.20 m wide) but not more
than 800 mm (for ramps 1.20 m. and wider);
(b) be located in the center of the ramp;
(c) the color of the International Symbol of Access shall be white on a blue background.
3. Sidewalks and Walkways
3.1 The gradient along the length of sidewalks/walkways should be kept as level as possible and shall
make use of slip resistant material. Slip resistant materials shall have a Coefficient of Friction of 0.6
for level surfaces and 0.8 for sloping surfaces (ASTM).
3.1 Whenever and wherever possible, sidewalks/walkways should have a gradient not steeper than
1:20 or 5%.
3.2 Sidewalks/walkways should have a maximum cross gradient of 1:100 or 1%.

3.3 Sidewalks/walkways shall have a minimum width of 1.20 meters.
Fig. B.3.1: SIDEWALK / WALKWAYS
3.4 If possible, gratings should never be located along sidewalks/walkways. When occurring along
sidewalks/walkways, grills of grating openings shall: a. be perpendicular to line of travel b. have a
maximum center to center dimension spacing of 13 mm between members; c. not project nor be
recessed more than 6mm above or below the level of the sidewalk/walkway.
3.5 Sidewalks/walkways should have a continuing surface without abrupt pitches in angle or
interruptions by cracks or breaks creating edges above 6 mm.
Fig. B.3.2: GRATINGS

3.6 In lengthy or busy sidewalks/walkways, spaces should be provided at some point along the route
so that a wheelchair may pass another or turn around. These spaces should have a minimum clear
dimension of 1.50 m and should be spaced at a maximum distance of 12.00 m between rest stops.
Fig. B.3.3: REST STOP ON BUSY OR LENGTHY SIDEWALK / WALKWAYS
3.7 To guide the person with visual impairment, sidewalks/walkways should as much as possible
follow straightforward routes with right angle turns.
Fig. B.3.4
3.8 Where planting is provided adjacent to the sidewalk/walkway, regular trimming is essential to
ensure that branches of trees or shrubs do not extend beyond sidewalks/walkways or paths, as not only
do these present a particular danger to the person with visual impairment, but they also reduce the
effective sidewalk/walkway width available to pedestrians in general.
Fig. B.3.5
Fig. B.3.6
3.9 Sidewalk/walkway headroom should not be less than 2.00 m and preferably higher.
Fig. B.3.7: SIDEWALK/WALKWAY HEADROOM

3.10 Sidewalks/walkways should not be obstructed by street furniture, bollards, sign posts or columns
along the defined route as they can be hazardous to persons with disabilities.
4. Open Spaces
4.1 Where open spaces are provided, persons with visual impairment can become particularly
disoriented. Therefore, it is extremely helpful if sidewalks/walkways or paths can be given defined
edges either through the use of planters with dwarf walls, or a grass verge, or similar, which provides
a texture different from the path. Tactile surfaces/markings should be provided.
4.2 Provide Pedestrian Dominated Priority Zones in commercial complexes, to create a feeling of
safety particularly persons with disabilities.
C. INSIDE BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES
1. Accessible Entrances
1.1 Entrances shall be accessible from arrival and departure points to the interior lobby.
1.2 One (1) entrance levels should be provided where elevators are accessible.
1.3 In case entrances are not on the same level of the site arrival grade, accessible ramps should be
provided as access to the entrance level.
Fig. C.1.1
1.4 Entrances with vestibules shall be provided with a level area with at least a 1.80 m. depth and a
1.50 m. width. (See Fig. C.1.2)
Fig. C.1.2 ENTRANCES WITH VESTIBULES
1.5 In cases where frameless transparent glass doors and any other vertical transparent glass panels
are provided, such glass panels should be provided with horizontal or graphical patterns with
contrasting gray value color against adjacent and background colors, between 800 mm and 1.50 m.
above the floor to prevent PWDs from bumping against it.
1.6 Accessible entrance/exit of a building shall be provided with large overhanging roof (canopy) to
protect PWDs as well as non-PWDs from rain.
2. Doors
2.1 All doors shall have a minimum clear width of 900 mm.
2.2 Clear openings shall be measured from the face of a fully open door at 90 degrees and the door
jamb
Fig. C.2.1 Plan of SLIDING DOOR
Fig. C.2.2 Plan of SWING DOOR
2.3 Lever type locksets should be operable by a pressure or force not more than 1.0 kg; the door
closer device pressure on an interior door shall not exceed 4.0 kg.
2.4 A minimum clear level space of 1500 mm x 1500 mm shall be provided before and extending
beyond a door;
EXCEPTION: where a door shall open onto but not into a corridor, the required clear, level space on
the corridor side of the door may be a minimum of 1200 mm corridor width.
2.5 Protection should be provided from doors that swing into corridors.
Fig. C.2.3
2.6 Out-swinging doors should be provided at storage rooms, closets, toilets and accessible restroom
stalls.
2.7 Latching or non-latching hardware should not require wrist action or fine finger manipulation.
2.8 Lever type locksets and other hardware should be located between 20 mm and 1.06 m above the
floor; 900 mm is preferred.
Fig. C.2.4
2.9 Vertical pull handles, centered at 1.06 m above the floor, are preferred to horizontal pull bars for
swing doors or doors with locking devices.
2.10 Doors along major circulation routes should be provided with kick plates made of durable
materials at a height of 300 mm to 400 mm.
3. Thresholds
3.1 Thresholds shall be kept to a minimum; whenever necessary, thresholds and sliding door tracks
shall have a maximum height of 19 mm and shall be beveled if higher than 6 mm with a gradient of
1:8.
Fig.
C.3.1
6. Toilets and Baths
6.1 Accessible public toilets shall permit easy passage of a wheelchair and allow the occupant to
enter a toilet compartment, close the door and transfer to the water closet from either a frontal or
lateral transfer. 6.2 The minimum number of accessible toilet compartments on each floor level or on
that part of a floor level accessible to persons with disabilities shall be one (1) where the total number
of water closets per set on that level is 20; and two (2) where the number of water closets exceeds 20.
6.3 Accessible toilet compartments shall have the following:
6.3.1 A minimum area of 1.70 m x 1.80 m.
6.3.2 One (1) flip-up grab bar to be mounted on the wide side of the compartment adjacent to
the water closet and be at a height between 280 mm and 300 mm from the top of the water
closet seat and extend not more than 100 mm in line with the front of the water closet. One (1)
vertical bar to be provided on the side wall close to the water closet and located between 350
mm and 450 mm from the front edge. Centerline of water closet (top view) is 750 mm from
finish to wall to grab bar.
6.3.3 A turning space of 2.25 sq. m with a minimum dimension of 1500 mm for wheelchair
users shall be provided outside water closet cubicles.
6.3.4 Accessories such as mirrors, paper dispensers, towel racks and fittings such as faucets
mounted at heights reachable by wheelchair users. Toilet accessories such as mirrors, towel and
soap dispensers, hand dryer, waste bin should be encouraged to have a color contrast.
Accessories should be placed near the accessible lavatory.
6.3.5 For lighting/illumination levels, please refer to the Philippine Electrical Code.
Fig. C.6.1: PLAN OF ACCESSIBLE TOILET FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Fig. C.6.2 3D VIEW OF ACCESSIBLE TOILET FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
Fig. C.6.3 BLOW UP FLOOR PLAN OF ACCESSIBLE TOILET FOR PErSONS WITH
DISABILITIES
6.4 A turning space of 2.25 sq. m with a minimum dimension of 1500 mm. for wheelchair shall be
provided for toilet compartments for lateral mounting.
6.5 All accessible public toilets shall have accessories such as mirrors, paper dispensers, towel racks
and fittings such as faucets mounted at heights reachable by a wheelchair user. Toilet accessories such
as mirrors, towel and soap dispensers, hand dryer, waste bin shall be encouraged to have a color
contrast. Accessories should be placed near the accessible basin. Lighting/illumination should be
fixed.
6.6 Water closets and lavatories should use colors of lighter contrasting grey value to tiles to aid
people with low vision impairment.
6.7 The height of toilet seat shall be 450 mm.
6.8 A lavatory shall be installed at 460 mm distance from center line to adjacent wall. Lavatories shall
be mounted at a height of 800 mm from the finish floor with a vertical clear leg room space not lower
than 650 mm.
Fig. C.6.4: L-TYPE GRAB BAR

Fig. C.6.5: ACCESSIBLE URINAL & LAVATORY COUNTER
6.9 Urinals shall be of the wall-hung type and should have an elongated lip; the maximum height of
the lip should be 480 mm from the toilet floor. It shall have a minimum clear floor space of 750 mm
wide (wing to wing) by 1200 mm (between the grab bar and wall) and privacy shields of 750 mm.
Fig. C.6.6: ACCESSIBLE URINAL (FRONT ELEVATION)

Fig. C.6.7: ACCESSIBLE URINAL (SIDE ELEVATION)
6.10 Toilet doors shall be designed to open outwards so that it would be easier for a rescuer to enter a
toilet cubicle if a person has fallen and is lying behind the door. To allow for assistance in case of
emergency, locks and latches should allow the door to be opened from the outside with a coin or any
simple device.
6.11 The use of sliding or folding doors that are easier to operate and require less wheelchair
maneuvering space should be considered.
6.12 An automatic push button door should be considered wherever possible since it is easier to
operate and maneuver around the doorway.
6.13 Individual accessible toilet compartment doors shall be provided with a horizontal pull bar fixed
at a height of 900 mm.
6.14 An emergency call button that is waterproof and contrasting color with the background shall be
provided and be located at a height between 400 mm to 600 mm from the finish floor.
6.15 The hot water pipes and drain pipes located within the knee space or toe space shall be properly
insulated.
7. Elevators
7.1 All elevators provided in a building shall include suitable provisions for persons with sensory
impairments and ambulant PWD as a means of access from one level to another.
7.2 It is recommended that all elevators should be made accessible to PWDs. Where different
elevators are programmed to serve certain floors during ordinary or peak periods, the elevator that is
designated for PWDs should be programmed to serve all floors.
Fig. C.7.1 ELEVATOR CARS
7.3 Accessible elevators should be located not more than 30.00 m from the entrance and should be
easy to locate with the aid of directional signs. 7.4 Accessible elevators shall be provided with
handrails mounted at a height of 900mm from the finish floor. 7.5 Accessible elevator cars shall
have a minimum clear dimension of 1400 mm in depth and 1200 mm in width, with a clear door
opening of not less than 900 mm.
Fig. C.7.2 FLOOR PLAN

7.6 Control panels and emergency system of accessible elevators shall be within reach of a seated
person; centerline heights for the topmost buttons shall be 1200 mm from the floor.
7.7 All elevator control buttons, including call buttons, emergency and other buttons, shall be
provided with Braille installed at the left of the buttons/tactile buttons.
7.8 Floor level indicators in Braille shall be installed at a height of 1200 mm from the finish floor on
one side of the door jamb on the same side as the elevator call buttons. This is so that persons with
visual impairment can discern what floor the elevator-car had stopped and what level they will
disembark.
Fig. C.7.3
7.9 Button sizes at elevator control panels shall have a minimum diameter of 20 mm and should have
a maximum depression depth of 1 mm.
Fig. C.7.4 BUTTON SIZES

7.10 The elevator assigned for persons with disabilities should have a homing/emergency rescue
device.
7.11 Accessible elevators should be provided with voice synthesizers for persons with visual
impairment.
7.12 Accessible elevators should have audio-visual indicators for emergencies for persons with visual
and hearing impairment.
11. Counters
11.1 Counter heights for accessible bank tellers, accessible workstations

reception/concierge/information counters, and the like range from 730 - 780 mm to meet the widest
range of users.
Fig. C.15.1
11.2 The clear floor area for a forward approach to a counter or table or a side approach is 800 x 1300
mm.
13. Restaurants, Eateries, and other Dining Establishments
13.1 Provisions of access shall be made available to persons with disabilities for all eating outlets
and establishments, such as hawker centers, food courts or centers, fast food outlets, restaurants, and
the like. 13.2 A circulation path of at least 1.20 m wide shall be provided in front of the stalls.
13.3 An accessible route with a minimum clear width of 900 mm shall be provided from the
circulation path to the tables intended for persons with disabilities.
13.4 Where fixed seating is provided in eating outlets and establishments, at least one (1) table for
every ten (10) tables or part thereof shall be provided for use by persons with disabilities or at least
two tables, whichever is the greater.
13.5 The height of the table provided for persons with disabilities shall not be higher than 780 mm
with a minimum clear knee space of 600 mm high and 480 mm deep.
Fig. C.17.1
5. Areas of Refuge
5.1 An area of refuge shall be separated from the building floor area by a fire separation having a fire-
resistance rating equal to that required for a fire exit in compliance with the latest edition of the Fire
Code of the Philippines.
5.2 An area of refuge shall be served by a smoke proof fire exit and adjacent to the designated
fireman's elevator.
5.3 Refuge areas shall be smoke proof in accordance with the latest edition of the Fire Code of the
Philippines.
5.4 The minimum area of refuge floor space shall be 850 mm x 1.2 m for one person who uses a
wheelchair.
Fig. D.1.1
5.5 Areas of Refuge shall be:

5.5.1 Identified by illuminated signage (Refer to Section on Illumination of Means of Egress of
the latest edition of Fire Code of the Philippines).
5.5.2 Be equipped with an emergency communication system in compliance with the latest
edition of the Fire Code of the Philippines.
5.5.3 Identified on all publicly displayed tactile and Braille floor evacuation plans.
5.5.4 Designated in evacuation procedure documents.
B. Fire Code of the Philippines
Rule X - Fire Safety Measures
Division 2. General Requirements
A. Every building or structure, new or old, designed for human occupancy shall be provided
with exits sufficient to permit the fast and safe escape 44 of occupants in case of fire or other
emergency. The design of exits and other fire safety construction shall be such that reliance for safety
to life in case of fire or other emergency will not depend solely on any single fire safety construction.
Additional safeguards shall be provided for life safety in case any single safeguard is ineffective due
to some human or mechanical failure.
B. Every building or structure shall be designed, constructed, equipped, maintained and
operated to avoid danger to the lives and ensure the safety of its occupants from fire, smoke, vapor
and fumes, during the period of escape from the building or structure.
C. Every building or structure shall be provided with exits of kind, number, location and
capacity appropriate to the individual building or structure, with due regard to the character of the
occupancy, the number of persons exposed, the fire protection available and the height and type of
construction of the building or structure, to afford all occupants convenient facilities for escape.
D. Every exit of buildings or structures shall be arranged and maintained to provide free and
unobstructed egress from all parts thereof at all times. No lock or fastening device that would prevent
escape from the inside of any building shall be installed except in mental, penal, or correctional
institutions where personnel are continually on duty and effective provisions are made to evacuate
occupants in case of fire or other emergencies.
E. Every exit shall be clearly visible. The route to the exit shall be conspicuously marked in
such a manner that every occupant of a building or structure will readily know the direction of escape.
Each route of escape, in its entirety, shall be so arranged or marked that the way to a place of safety
outside is unmistakable. Any doorway not constituting an exit shall be marked to minimize its
possible confusion as an exit. Likewise, passage constituting a way to reach an exit shall be marked to
minimize confusion.
F. All means of egress shall be provided with adequate and reliable illumination.
G. Fire alarm systems or devices shall be provided in every building or structure of such size,
arrangement, or occupancy, to provide adequate warning to occupants.
H. Every building or structure, section, or area thereof of such size, occupancy and
arrangement such that the reasonable safety of a number of occupants may be endangered by the
blocking of any single means of egress due to fire or smoke, shall have at least two means of egress
remote from each other, so arranged as to minimize any possibility 45 that both may be blocked by
any one fire or other emergency conditions.
I. Every vertical way of exit and other vertical openings between floors of a building shall be
suitably enclosed or protected to afford reasonable safety of occupants while using exits and to
prevent spread of fire, smoke, or fumes through vertical openings from floor to floor before occupants
have entered exits.
SECTION 10.2.13.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
A. Classification of Occupancy
2. Sub-classification of Occupancy
i. Class A. AII stores having aggregate gross area of two thousand seven hundred eighty-
seven square meters (2,787 m2) or more, or utilizing more than three (3) floor levels for sales
purposes.
SECTION 10.2.13.2 EXIT DETAILS

A. General
2. Where a stairway, escalator, outside stair, or ramp serves two (2) or more upper floors, the
same stairway or other exit required to serve anyone (1) upper floor may also serve other upper floors.
Exception: No inside open stairway, escalator, or ramp may serve as required egress facility from
more than one (1) floor.
3. Where there are two (2) or more floors below the street floor, the same stairway or other
exit may serve all floors, but all required exits from such areas shall be independent of any open
stairways between street and the floor below it.
B. Types of Exits
1. Exits shall be restricted to the following permissible types:

a. Doors;
b. Stairs and Smokeproof Enclosures;
c. Horizontal exits; and
d. Ramps.
D. Number of Exits
b. Not less than two separate exits shall be provided on every storey.
E. Arrangement and Access of Exits
1. Exits shall be remote from each other and shall be arranged to minimize the possibility that
both may be blocked by an emergency.
2. The aggregate width of all aisles leading to each exit shall be equal to 188 at least the
required width of the exit.
3. In no case shall aisle be less than eighty centimeters (80 cm) in clear width.
4. In Class A stores, at least one (1) aisle of one and one-half meters (1.5 m) minimum width
shall lead directly to an exit.
5. In the only means of entrance of customer is through one (1) exterior wall of the building,
two-thirds (2/3) of the required exit width shall be located in this wall,
H. Doors
2. All doors at the foot of stairs from upper floors or at the end of stairs leading to floors
below the street floor shall swing with the exit travel.
SECTION 10.2.13.3 PROTECTION
A. Protection of Vertical Openings
2. Exceptions for Class A or Class B stores

a. In any Class A or Class B store, openings may be unprotected between any two (2) floors,
such as open stairs or escalators between street floor and the floor below, or open stairs to second
floor or balconies or mezzanines above the street floor level (not both to the floor below the street
floor and above unless protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic fire suppression
system).
b. In any Class A or Class B store protected throughout by an approved, supervised sprinkler
system in accordance with Section 10.2.6.5 openings may be unprotected under the conditions
permitted by Section 10.2.6.2 of this IRR or between the street floor and the floor below the street and
between street floor and second floor or, if no openings to the floor below the street floor, between
street floor, street floor balcony, or mezzanine, and second floor, but not between more than three (3)
floor levels.
c. In existing Class A or Class B stores only one (1) floor above those otherwise permitted
may open if such floor is not used for sales purposes and the entire building is protected by an
approved, supervised automatic fire suppression system.
D. Automatic Sprinkler Protection

1. Throughout all mercantile occupancies three or more storeys in height.
2. Throughout all mercantile occupancies exceeding one thousand one hundred fifteen square
meters (1,115 m2) in gross area.
3. Throughout floor below the street floor having an area exceeding two hundred thirty two
square meters (232 m2) when used for the sale, storage or handling of combustible goods and
merchandise.
E. Hazardous Areas
1. An area used for general storage, boiler or furnace rooms, fuel 191 storage, janitor closet,
maintenance shops including woodworking and painting areas, and kitchens shall be separated from
other parts of the building by construction having a fire-resistance rating of not less than one (1) hour,
and all openings shall be protected with self-closing fire doors.
2. Areas which high hazard contents as defined in Division 4 of this Chapter, shall be
provided with both fire-resistive construction and automatic fire suppression system.
3. Cooking equipment shall be protected in accordance with NFPA 96, Standard for
Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations, unless the cooking
equipment is one of the following types:
a. Outdoor equipment;
b. Portable equipment;
c. Equipment used only for food warming.
SECTION 10.2.13.5 SPECIAL PROVISIONS
B. Open-Air Mercantile Operations

2. If mercantile operations are conducted in roof-over areas, they shall be treated as
mercantile buildings, provided that canopies over individual small stands to protect merchandise from
the weather shall not be construed to constitute buildings for the purpose of this Chapter.
Exit Details
b. No less than one-half (0.5) the required exit widths for each Class A or Class B store
connected to a covered mall shall lead directly outside without passing through the mall.
PLUMBING AND SANTIRAY CODE:
 2.18 Connection to Plumbing Systems Required – Every plumbing fixture, drain,

appliance or appurtenances thereto is to receive or discharge any liquid waste or
sewage shall discharge the sanitary drainage system of the building in accordance
with the Code.
 2.19 Connection to Water and Sewer Systems

-2.19.1 Availability of Water and Sewer – the water distribution and drainage
systems of any building in which plumbing fixtures are installed shall be connected to
a public sewer within of any property line of the premises or other reasonable distance
as determined by the Authority Having Jurisdictions.
-2.19.2 Private Systems – where either a public water supply or sewer system or both
are not available, a private individual water supply or sewage disposal system or both
shall be provided, and the water distribution system and drainage system shall be
connected thereto. Such private systems shall meet standards for installation and use
established by the Health Department or other agency having jurisdiction.
 2.20 Washroom and Toilet Room Requirements

- Light and Ventilation – Light and Ventilation shall be provided as required by
other applicable codes.
-Location of Piping and Fixtures – pipings, fixtures or equipment shall not be
located in such a manner as to interfere with the normal operation of windows, doors
and other opening exits.
References
BWSM Republic of the Philippines Department of Agriculture Online. (Accessed September 5,2019).
Upland soils in the Philippines. Retrieved from
http://bswm.da.gov.ph/PhilippinesSoils/LowlandSoils
Batas Pambansa 344 “AN ACT TO ENHANCE THE MOBILITY OF DISABLED PERSONS BY
REQUIRING CERTAIN BUILDINGS, INSTITUTIONS, ESTABLISHMENTS
AND PUBLIC UTILITIES TO INSTALL FACILITIES AND OTHER
DEVICES.”
PD. 1096 “National Building Code of the Philippines”
PD. 1537 “AMENDING PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1277 DATED JANUARY 4, 1978
ENTITLED "PROVIDING FOR THE PRESERVATION OF THE WALLS OF
INTRAMUROS AND THE RESTORATION OF ITS ORIGINAL MOAT AND
ESPLANADE" BY INCLUDING PRESERVATION AND RESTORATION
OF THE WALLED CITY.”
PD. 1616 “CREATING THE "INTRAMUROS ADMINISTRATION" FOR PURPOSES OF

RESTORING AND ADMINISTERING THE DEVELOPMENT OF
INTRAMUROS.”
Silent Gardens. (Accessed November 8, 2019). Climate: Regional Climate for Tourists. Retrieved
from https://www.silent-gardens.com/climate.php
Website References:
Vazquez, K. (2019). Do building codes in the Philippines prepare us for the Big One? Retrieved from
https://cnnphilippines.com/life/style/Design/2019/4/26/building-codes.html

4 Storey Code Compliant Building

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

You might also like

4 Storey Code Compliant Building

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

4 Storey Code Compliant Building

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Case Study: A Four-Storey Code Complaint Building

A Case Study presented to-

January 30, 2020

Statement of the Problem

1. To comply with the functions required by the client.

2. To ensure safety of the end-users of the four-storey structure by complying with

3. To provide a comfortable and accessible environment for the community.

Significance of the Project

Historical Context of the Site and Quezon City (Visayas Avenue)

Climate of the Site

Figure 13. Climate Graph (c. Silent Gardens)

Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature

Plants as Windbreakers or Buffers for Odor Management

Figure 15. Plants as Windbreakers or Buffers

Rainwater Harvesting System Design

Rainwater Harvesting is the process of collecting rainwater as a substitute

Figure 16. Rainwater Harvesting Simple Plumbing Diagram

Figure 17. How Solar Works

Chapter 3: Case Studies with Analysis and Conclusion

Construction on a six-story mixed-use residential and retail building at Broadway and

A 7-story residential/retail/commercial building at 4502 42nd SW (map).

Merrifield – OCR – Fairfax County, Virginia

Merrifield Revitalization Area

Chapter 4: S.W.O.T and Site Analysis

November. The Northeast Monsoon starts on whether November or December gives a

Chapter 5: Technical Research Data

SECTION 701. Occupancy Classified

v. Group E - Business and Mercantile

SECTION 704. Location on Property

SECTION 705. Allowable Floor Areas

SECTION 707. Maximum Height of Buildings

4. Parking Slot, Parking Area and Loading/Unloading Space Requirements

Rule VIII - Light and Ventilation

SECTION 801. General Requirements of Light and Ventilation

SECTION 803. Percentage Of Site Occupancy

SECTION 804. Size and Dimensions of Courts

Table VIII.3. Setbacks for Commercial Buildings

SECTION 811. Artificial Ventilation

Table VIII.4. Minimum Requirements for Air Changes

Table VIII. G.1. Easement Along water Bodies/Way by Location

SECTION 1207. Stairs, Exits, and Occupant Loads

Table XII.1. General Requirements for Occupant Loads and Exits*

a. Enclosure walls shall not be less than two-hour fire-resistive construction.

10. Exit Outlets, Courts, and Passageways

11. Exit Signs and Illuminations

The slope portion of aisles shall not exceed a fall of 1 in 8.

Batas Pambansa Blg. 344

Fig. A.1.4 RAMP DIMENSIONS

Fig. A.1.5 CURB HEIGHT AT RAMP

Fig. A.1.6 RAMPS & VEHICULAR TRAFFIC

2. Slip Resistant Materials

2.2. If carpets or carpet tiles are used on a floor surface:

3. Handrails and Grab Bars

Fig A.3.3 EASY TO GRASP DESIGN

Table A.4.1 ACCESSIBLE PARKING SLOT REQUIREMENT

Fig. A.4.1: ACCESSIBLE PARKING SLOT (PLAN)

Fig. A.4.2: ACCESSIBLE PARKING SLOT (3D VIEW)

Fig. A.4.3: ACCESSIBLE PARKING SLOT (SHOWING UPRIGHT/POLE MOUNTED