EASTERN VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND ALLIED DISCIPLINE

RENOVATION TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY:

A MODERN TROPICAL DESIGN

A thesis proposal submitted in partial fulfillment

of the requirements for the degree of
Bachelor of Science in Architecture

KEISHA PEARL J. SILLA

BSAR-5A

APRIL 2021
 EASTERN VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND ALLIED DISCIPLINE
Architecture Department

This thesis proposal entitled, RENOVATION TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY: A MODERN

TROPICAL DESIGN, prepared and submitted by KEISHA PEARL J. SILLA of BSAR-5A, has been
approved to proceed to research proper and thesis-writing phase.

Archt. CHARLOTTE B. MONTANO, March

Class and Thesis Adviser

PART 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 PROBLEM STATEMENT:

Subject of the proposed study is located in Barangay San Jose, Dulag, Leyte. The

residential building is near the National Highway and a coastal area, which leads to noise

pollution, causing the residents discomfort especially during sleeping hours. The residential

building is located in an interior lot which leads to congestion since there are no known setbacks

between houses.

One common problem for this residential building is its roof. It leaks and stacks rain

water from its sides. Aside from its poor installation, the roof is in an inconvenient orientation

following the footprint of the building, which causes water to stay at the edge of roof because it

is parallel to the wall of the adjacent residential building.

Another problem is its poor planning. Spaces are congested and there are floor elevations

that are unnecessary and inappropriate to specific areas that causes discomfort for the occupants.

A solution to this is to add another storey because the rooms are too small for the total number of

occupants. Additionally, there are no available parking spaces outside due to the lack of space.

In addition to this, the ceiling and the floor itself needs to be renovated and restored due

to poor installation and the already deteriorating materials that were used. The ceiling is already
damaged and the floor is usually moist because of the humid weather especially that the building

is near a coastal area.

Another problem is the buildings’ water system and proper sanitation. Due to an

inadequate budget, the owner cannot install an improved water system and up until now they still

use manual water pump. And for sanitation, the comfort room needs a solution for clogging and

sustainable effective water supply.

This building needs to create a sustainable and an environmentally friendly approach.

Considering also the beautification of the whole building by adding greenery and landscape to

help lessen the heat because the whole building, including its exterior open spaces, are already

cemented.

1.2 Objectives of the Study

This study aims to develop an adaptable and sustainable residence for the Silla Family in

Barangay San Jose Dulag, Leyte. The following are the data required in order to achieve the

desired design:

1. Green Architecture

2. Tropical design strategies

3. Natural disaster adapting characteristics

4. Modern minimalist approach

5. Design considerations for coastal residences

6. Appropriate plumbing features and fixtures

1.3 Significance of the Study

This study aims to make a significant development in daily living of both the occupant

and their neighbors. This research can also be used as a guide for planning considerations when

designing a residential structure to have an impact for their community. This may also help

future owners and Architects to design a modern and tropical approach considering some

environmental factors, that will show harmony between human and nature.
1.4 Significance of the Project

Following the introduction and completion of this research, the Silla family would be

able to live safely and comfortably in their home. Resiliency for natural disasters and sustainable

living for the whole family.

1.5 Scope and Delimitation of the Study

With the COVID-19 pandemic occurring during the study and project, the access to

digital knowledge provided by the internet are the only resources available to them. Within the

boundaries of the home, the project's reach is minimal. The study’s relevant factors will be

based on the collected data for the design development for the improvement of the existing

residential property of the Silla’s residence and gather data only within the scope of the existing

house, its yard, and surroundings

Review of Related Literature

Urban Planning and Architecture Design for Sustainable Development - GREEN

ARCHITECTURE: A CONCEPT OF SUSTAINABILITY (UPADSD 14- 16 October 2015)

This research identifies sustainability concept as common interest of numerous disciplines. The
Concept of Green Architecture, that also known as "sustainable architecture" or "green building,"
considering theory, science and style of buildings designed and constructed in accordance with
environmentally friendly principles. It strives to minimize the number of resources consumed in the
building's construction, use and operation, as well as curtailing the harm done to the environment through
the emission, pollution and waste of its components.

The researcher seeks difficult and complex issues of sustainability which encompass the scope of
almost every aspect of human life. To design, construct, operate and maintain buildings energy, water and
new materials are utilized as well as amounts of waste causing negative effects to health and environment
is generated. In order to limit these effects and design environmentally sound and resource efficient
buildings; "green building systems" must be introduced, clarified, understood and practiced.

Green Building Materials - A Way Towards Sustainable Construction (Mokal, A., et al., 2015)

The article has examined numerous green building materials along with its benefits, functions,
and characteristics. Through the usage of these materials, the article enforces reduced environmental
impact, cost efficiency, durability, and is eco-friendly. The green building materials mentioned in the
article uses less energy and materials, also improving indoor air quality. Thus, providing health benefits
for its residents.

The researcher seeks to be knowledgeable of green building materials to support the study,
making it eco-friendly, sustainable, and energy efficient, improving the project. The article shows green
building materials that would be applicable to the proposed project, as well as its benefits, strength and its
applicability, enhancing the health of its residents.

Research and Design of Green Tropical Architecture (J. Appl. Environ. Biol. Sci., 1(11)492-499,
2011 © 2011)

This paper argues that climatic responsive design could directly be seen as significant
architectural language for defining local architecture by research and design. The tropical principle
illustrated an accurate prediction of controlling, filtering and responding to outdoor climate.

This paper explains the researcher’s view about traditional house to continuously sustain the
fundamental nature that is the language of climatic understanding into contemporary solution. Also, in
green architecture, design must be developed, justified predicted and evaluated of design alternative with
scientific reason.
Climate Change Adaptation Strategies in the Philippines - A Case Study Within the Leyte Region
(Zalameda, V., 2015)

The resilience, weaknesses, and capability of the Leyte region were examined in the research
paper. The study paper also includes climate adaptation methods as well as natural disasters such as
typhoons. It also includes disaster-prevention plans and disaster-reduction strategies.

With the help of this study, the researcher will be able to determine and collect relevant data for the
study's advancement. This will aid the researcher in determining the feasibility of the site, as well as
whether or not the region is vulnerable to earthquakes, climatic changes, or is a resilient location. The
researcher will then better prepare the project that has been proposed.

Minimalism in Contemporary Architecture as One of the Most Usable Aesthetically-Functional

Patterns (UDC 7.038.42:72)

The aim of the research is focused on recognizing the reasons for accepting this global
phenomenon. The research results should show whether it is a temporary occurrence or entirely new style
in architecture. It all depends on what the analysis of the characteristics of the given examples shows.
From this premise, two hypotheses are formed: Minimalism in architecture is the same as simplified
architecture and minimalism is a style of architecture. According to this, scientific methods are thus:
analysis of minimalism features and their impact in architecture, case study of representative examples
from recent history and synthesis of the results through classification of minimalistic idea types.

The researcher seeks influence contemporary life and defining relation of this phenomenon to the
reality. According to this task two hypothesis are formed at the start “minimalism in architecture is the
same as a simplified architecture” and “minimalism is a style of architecture”. After analyzing influences
and characteristics of minimalism in contemporary space including certain examples from practice, and
some case studies of the architectural achievements based on minimalist ideas, research results are
concluded and defined according to previous hypothesis. The conclusion includes understanding of
minimalism as a way of thinking and a life style.
An Overview of Passive Cooling Techniques in Buildings: Design Concepts and Architectural
Interventions (Department of Architecture, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh-202002, India)

This paper reviews and critically analyzes various passive cooling techniques and their role in
providing thermal comfort and its significance in energy conservation. Passive cooling systems use non-
mechanical methods to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and are a key factor in mitigating the
impact of buildings on the environment. Passive cooling techniques can reduce the peak cooling load in
buildings, thus reducing the size of the air conditioning equipment and the period for which it is generally
required.

With the help of this study, the researcher will be able to impart passive cooling techniques
reviewed and discussed with reference to their design implications and architectural interventions.
Aiming at better understanding micro-climates around buildings, and to understand and describe comfort
requirements under transient conditions during the summer period. Also, of importance are improving
quality aspects, developing advanced passive and hybrid cooling systems, and finally, developing
advanced materials for the building envelope.