1

BUILDING SYSTEM DESIGN said bidding, contractors should have a permit

coming from CIAP.

LESSON 1:
6. Republic Act (RA) 17846 or the Construction Industry
Authority of the Philippines (CIAP) Act - This law
As building professionals, it is essential to understand and
created the CIAP and mandates that contractors
comply with the laws and codes that govern our practice.
have a permit or license from the CIAP to enter into
These laws are designed to ensure that we maintain the
government projects.
highest standards of integrity, technical ability, and
objectivity in our work.
7. Republic Act (RA) 8495 or the Philippine Mechanical
Engineering Act of 1998 – States that mechanical
Laws – are defined as any rule of action or system of
engineering design should only be created/done by
uniformity that is enforced.
licensed Mechanical engineers.

Two categories:
8. Republic Act (RA) 7920 or the New Electrical
1. Law in its strict legal sense
Engineering Law - States that electrical engineering
– refers to the rules and regulations that are
design should only be created/done by licensed
enforceable by the state.
electrical engineers.
2. law in a broader sense
– includes social norms and moral conduct.
9. Republic Act (RA) 1378 or the Plumbing Code of the
Philippines - This law governs the practice of
LAWS AFFECTING THE PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
plumbing in the Philippines.
There are several laws and codes that affect our professional
10. Republic Act (RA) 9266 or the Architecture Act of
practice as building professionals in the Philippines. These
2004 - This law governs the practice of architecture
include:
in the Philippines.
1. Republic Act (RA) 8981 or the PRC Modernization Act
of 2000 - This law governs the practice of
11. Republic Act (RA) 10350 or the Philippine Interior
engineering in the Philippines and provides for
Design Act of 2012 - This law governs the practice of
reciprocity with other countries. It also mandates the
interior design in the Philippines.
modernization of the PRC to keep up with global
trends. (Pwede mo ipractice ang profession mo
12. Republic Act (RA) 9285 or the Alternative Dispute
internationally)
Resolution Act of 2004 - This law created the
Philippine Institute of Arbitrators and mandates the
2. Republic Act (RA) 8293 or the Intellectual Property
use of alternative dispute resolution in construction
Code of the Philippines - This law protects intellectual
contracts.
property, including music, art, and designs, and
applies to the building and design industry. (Hindi
CIAP DOC 101 = FOR GOVT CONSTRUCTION
pwedeng kompyahin ng iba ang design mo unless
CIAP DOC 102 = FOR PRIVATE CONSTRUCTION
permitted)
LAWS AFFECTING THE BUILDING DESIGN
3. Republic Act (RA) 386 or the New Civil Code of the
Philippines - This law provides for the liability of
These are the laws that effect on how we design and utilize
architects and engineers who drew up building plans
the development controls for the proposed projects.
for 15 years from the completion of the project.
(dapat within 15 years, nakatayo pa rin yung
13. Presidential Decree (PD) 1096 or the National
building)
Building Code of the Philippines - This code provides
guidelines on how to design and construct buildings
4. Republic Act (RA) 4566 or the Contractors License
in the Philippines.
Law - This law resulted in the creation of the
Philippine Licensing Board for Contractors (PLBC)
14. DPWH MO. 01 S2016 – This supplement the National
and mandates that contractors have a permit or
Building Code, and only applicable for certain
license from the PLBC to enter into government
projects dependent only on the floor areal. This is
projects.
created to address issues regarding the global
warming and climate changes by creating building
5. Republic Act (RA) 9184 or the Government
designs and using material that does not contribute
Procurement Policy Board – Government Projects are
to it.
mandated to undergo bidding, a condition to join this
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15. PD 957 or the Subdivision & Condominium buyer’s
protective decree - This is enforced by HLRB
(Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board)
16. BP 220 Or the Rules and Standard for Economic &
Socialized Housing Projects – applicable for low cost
and socialized housing Project
17. Bp 344 or the Accessibility Law Act to Enhance the
Mobility of Disabled Persons – This law mandates the
enhancement of the mobility of disabled persons in
the built environment. it requires the buildings to
cater the needs of persons with disability.
18. National Structural Code of Philippines - he NSCP is
essential for ensuring the safety and integrity of
structures against various hazards such as
earthquakes, typhoons, and other natural disasters.
19. Republic Act (RA) 9514 and its Implementing Rules
and Regulations - This law created the Fire Code of
the Philippines.
SUMMARY OF PD 1096
RULE 1:
Purpose of the Code:
To provide a framework of minimum standards and
requirements for all buildings in order to regulate their
location, design, quality of materials, construction, and use.
SCOPE OF APPLICATION
The National Building Code (NBC) applies to the design,
location, siting, construction, alteration, repair, conversion,
use, occupancy, maintenance, moving, demolition of and
addition to public and private buildings, except traditional
dwellings and BP 220 projects.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Construction
All on-site work done from site preparation, excavation,
foundation, assembly of all the components and installation
of utilities and equipment of buildings/structure.
Alteration
Construction in a building/ structure involving changes in the
materials used, partitioning, location/ size of openings,
structural parts, existing utilities and equipment but does not
increase the overall area thereof.
Renovation
Any physical change made on a building/ structure to
increase its value, utility and/or to improve its aesthetic
quality.
Conversion
A change in the use or occupancy of a building/ structure or
any portion/s thereof which has different requirements.
Repair
Remedial work done on any damaged or deteriorated
portion/s of a building/structure to restore its original
condition.
Demolition
The systematic dismantling or destruction of a building/
structure, in whole or in part.
Ancillary building/structure
A secondary building/ structure located within the same
premises, the use of which is incidental to that of the main
building/structure
RULE 2: ADMINISTRATION + ENFORCEMENT
Secretary of DPWH duties include:
✓ Policy making
✓ Memorandum circular
✓ Prescription of fees
✓ Appointment of building officials in all municipalities
The building official
✓ Tasked with the enforcement of the code in his
jurisdiction.
✓ Issues, denies, suspends and revoke permits.
✓ Undertakes inspection of buildings.
✓ Acts on claims.
Fees
✓ The DPWH secretary prescribes the fees.
✓ The building official collects the fees.
Fee Exemptions
✓ Public buildings
✓ Traditional family dwellings.
✓ A dwelling intended for the use by one family and
constructed of native materials (bamboo, nipa, logs,
lumber) the total cost of which does not exceed
15,000 pesos.
Prohibited Acts
✓ Proceeding with work without a permit Unauthorized
deviation from the drawings during construction.
✓ Non-compliance with work stoppage order.
✓ Non-compliance with order to demolish.
✓ Use of a building without securing a Certificate of
occupancy
✓ Change in use without the corresponding Certificate
of change of use.
✓ Failure to post cert of occupancy.
✓ Change in type of constriction without permit.
Dangerous Buildings
✓ Structural hazard
✓ Fire hazard
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✓ Unsafe electrical wiring LIABILITY CLAUSE

✓ mechanical installation
✓ Article 1723 of the Civil Code states that the engineer
✓ Inadequate sanitation and health facilities
or architect who draw up the plans and specifications
✓ Architectural deficiency
is liable for 15 years from completion of the building
should it collapse due to defects in the plans or the
Options for dangerous Buildings
ground.
✓ Repair
✓ In case the building collapses due to defects in
✓ Vacation
construction or the use of inferior martials, the
✓ Demolition
contractor, along with the construction supervisor
shall be liable.
RULE 3: PERMIT
EXPIRATION OF PERMITS
Building Permit
A written authorization granted by building official to an ✓ Construction does not commence within 1 year from
applicant allowing him to proceed with construction after date of issue.
plats, specifications and other permit documents have been ✓ Construction does not resume 120 days after
found to be confirmation with the code. suspension or abandonment of work.

NON-ISSUANCE, SUSPENSION, REVOCATION

WHEN IS A PERMIT REQUIRED?
Before constructing, altering, repairing, converting, moving, ✓ Errors in plans and specs
adding to, demolishing a building. ✓ Incorrect or inaccurate data declared.
✓ Non-compliance with the code.
BUILDING PERMIT EXEMPTIONS
INSPECTION + SUPERVISION
Minor Constructions
✓ The owner of the building must engage the services
✓ Minor structures 6 sqm or less detached from other
of a licensed architect or civil engineer to undertake
buildings, for private use only. (Example: sheds,
the full-time inspection and supervision of
poultry houses, greenhouses)
construction.
✓ Open terraces or patios not exceeding 120 sqm.
✓ Window grilles. RULE 4: TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
✓ Garden pools 500 mm deep of shallower.
✓ Garden masoning Waite not exceeding 1.20m in
height. TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION

Repairs TYPE I

✓ Not involving structural members. ✓ Wood construction

✓ Of non-load bearing portion walls. TYPE II
✓ Not involving addition or alteration.
✓ Of doors windows, floors, fences, and walls. ✓ Wood construction with fire-resistant materials
✓ Of plumbing fixtures. ✓ One-hour fire-resistive throughout

PERMIT REQUIREMENTS TYPE III

✓ Application forms ✓ Masonry and wood construction

✓ If lot is owned ✓ One hour fire resistive throughout
➢ OCT or TCT. ✓ Incombustible exterior walls
➢ Tax declaration.
TYPE IV
➢ Current real property tax receipt.
✓ If lot is NOT owned ✓ Steel, iron, concrete, or masonry construction
➢ Contract of lease or Deed of Absolute Sale in ✓ Incombustible interiors (ceilings, walls)
place of TCT.
✓ Five sets of plans and specs, signed and sealed by TYPE V
various professionals. ✓ Four-hour fire resistive throughout
ISSUANCE OF PERMITS ✓ Structural elements of steel, iron, concrete or
masonry
✓ 15 days from payment of fees

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RULE 5: FIRE ZONE RULE 7: OCCUPANCIES + ZONES + REQUIREMENTS

FIRE ZONE OCCUPANCY VERSUS ZONING

An area within which only certain types of construction are - Occupancies are assigned to buildings, while zones are
allowed, based on their occupancy, type of construction, and assigned to lands.
resistance to fire
Occupancies
FIRE ZONE DESIGNATIONS
✓ A - Residential dwellings
1. non-fire restricted zones ✓ B - Residentials, hotels, apartments
✓ C - Education and recreation
• All types of construction allowed ✓ D – Institutional
2. Fire restrictive zones ✓ E - Business and mercantile
✓ F – Industrial
• Type I construction NOT allowed ✓ G - Storage and hazardous
✓ H - Assembly other than Group I
3. Highly fire restrictive zones
✓ I - Assembly with 1,000 or more occupant load
• Types I, Il, and III NOT allowed ✓ J - Accessory

BUILDINGS IN MULTIPLE FIRE ZONES Zoning

• Shall be considered as part of the more restrictive zone if ✓ R – Residential

more than 1/3 of its total floor area is in that zone ✓ C – Commercial
✓ GI - General institutional
RULE 6 ✓ I – Industrial
✓ UTS - Utilities, Transportation, Services
Fire Resistive Requirements ✓ PRE - Park structures, recreation, entertainment
✓ CUL – Cultural
• The degree to which a material can withstand fire ✓ A – Agricultural
✓ Al – Agro-industrial
• Usually expressed in the form of a time period rating (how
✓ PUD - Planned unit development
long a material can withstand being burned)
OCCUPANCIES

A: RESIDENTIAL DWELLINGS

✓ A-1: Residential building for single family occupants

✓ A-2: Residential building for non-leasing occupants not
exceeding 10 persons.

B: RESIDENTIALS, HOTELS, APARTMENTS

Multiple dwelling units including boarding or lodging

houses, hotels, apartment buildings, rowhouses,
convents, monasteries and other similar building each of
which accommodates more than 10 persons.

C: EDUCATION + RECREATION

Buildings used for school or day-care purposes not

classified in Group H or l occupancies

D: INSTITUTIONAL

✓ D-1: Institutions where personal liberties are restrained

(mental hospitals, jails)
✓ D-2: Institutions for the care of non-ambulatory patients
and children under kindergarten age
✓ D-3: Institutions for ambulatory patients and homes for
children over kindergarten age

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E: BUSINESS + MERCANTILE ✓ Characterized by low-rise single-attached, duplex, or

multilevel buildings for use as multiple family
✓ E-1: No work is done except exchange of parts,
dwellings
maintenance without open flame, welding, or highly ✓ Further subclassified into:
flammable liquids (gasoline filling station, storage
✓ Basic R2
garage) ✓ Single attached or duplex, 1-3 floors
✓ E-2: Wholesale and retail stores, office buildings, dining ✓ Maximum R2
establishments ✓ Low-rise multi-level building, 3-5 floors
✓ E-3: Aircraft hangars and open parking garages (no
repair work) R3

F: LIGHT INDUSTRIAL ✓ High-density residential zone

✓ Characterized low-rise or medium-rise buildings for
✓ Light industrial use as multiple family dwellings
✓ Ice plants, power plants, pumping plants, cold storage,
✓ Includes low-rise or medium-rise condominium
factories and workshops using incombustible and non- buildings
explosive materials
Further subclassified into:
G: STORAGE + HAZARDOUS
✓ Basic R3
✓ G-1: Medium industrial, storage of highly flammable ✓ Rowhouses 1-3 storeys high
materials ✓ Maximum R3
✓ G-2: Medium industrial, storage of flammable materials:
✓ Medium-rise multilevel structure 6-12 storeys
dry cleaning plants, paint stores, spray-painting rooms high
✓ G-3: Medium industrial structures where loose
combustible fibers are generated: wood working R4
establishments
✓ Medium to high-density residential zone
✓ G-4: Medium industrial for repair garages and engine
✓ Characterized by low-rise townhouses or buildings
manufacturing
for use as multiple family dwellings
✓ G-5: Medium industrial for aircraft repair
✓ Refers to structures on an individual lot
H: ASSEMBLY FOR LESS THAN 1,000 ("townhouse")

✓ H1: Assembly buildings with stage for less than 1,000 R5

✓ H2: Assembly buildings without stage for 300 or more
✓ Very high-density residential zone
✓ H3: Assembly buildings without stage for less than 300
✓ Characterized by medium-rise to high-rise
✓ H4: Recreational/tourism developments not included in
condominiums
other H classifications (stadiums, reviewing stands, and
amusement parks) C1
I: ASSEMBLY FOR 1,000 OR MORE ✓ Light commercial
✓ Neighborhood to community in scale
- Any assembly building with a stage and an occupant load
of 1,000 or more ✓ Low-rise buildings (1-3 storeys)
✓ Low-intensity trade/activity
J: ACCESSORY ✓ Example: Small shopping centers

✓ J1: Agricultural structures C2

✓ J2: Carports/garages, fences, towers and pools
✓ Medium commercial
✓ J3: Stages, courts, tombs, mausoleums, zoos, and banks
✓ City or municipal in scale
ZONES ✓ Medium-rise buildings (3-5 storeys)
✓ Medium to high intensity trade
R1 ✓ Example: Shopping centers
✓ Low-density residential zone
C3
✓ Characterized by single-family and single-detached
dwellings ✓ Metropolitan commercial
✓ Metropolitan in scale
R2 ✓ Medium to high-rise buildings (3-5 storeys)
✓ Medium-density residential zone ✓ Very high intensity trade
✓ Example: Large to very large shopping malls

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GI ✓ Includes offices and facilities for agro-industrial

education and research
✓ General institutional
✓ Community to national level of institutional use PUD (PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT)
✓ Low-rise to high-rise.
✓ Land development or redevelopment schemes for a
• Two types: new project which has a CDMP (Comprehensive
Development Masterplan) or equivalent
✓ Education/Recreation ✓ Example: Bonifacio Global City
✓ Medical/Government
MIXED OCCUPANCIES
1-1 (INDUSTRIAL)
✓ Rule of thumb: The building adheres to the stricter
✓ Light industrial use requirements.
✓ Low-rise but sprawling ✓ Exceptions:
✓ Low-intensity manufacturing o If it's a one-storey building, in which case
1-2 (INDUSTRIAL) each portion shall conform to applicable
rules
✓ Medium industrial use o If the minor occupancy does not exceed
✓ Low-rise but sprawling 10% of the building, in which case it is
✓ Medium-intensity manufacturing ignored
UTS (UTILITIES, TRANSPO, SERVICE) LOCATION ON PROPERTY
✓ Utilitarian, functional uses RIGHT OF WAY
✓ Low-rise to medium rise
✓ Low to high-intensity community support functions ✓ No building shall be constructed unless it adjoins or has
direct access to a public space, yard, or street on at least
Two clusters: one of its sides.
✓ Transport terminals, intermodals, depots EAVES OVER WINDOWS
✓ Power/water generation/distribution, telcos, waste
mananement facilities ✓ Eaves over required windows shall at least be 750mm
from the side and rear property lines.

SPE (SPECIAL)
✓ Other vertical facilities not yet mentioned
✓ Included cemeteries and memorial parks
PRE (PARKS, RECREATION, ENTERTAINMENT)
✓ Low-rise to medium rise
✓ Low to medium intensity recreational functions
related to educational uses (parks on campus, other
recreational/assembly structures on campus)
CUL (CULTURAL)
✓ Community to national level of use or occupancy
✓ Low-rise to medium rise
FIREWALLS
✓ A fireproof barrier used to prevent the spread of fire
between or through buildings.
✓ Why are firewalls important? Because when they are
built, the building or part of the building extends into the
setbacks.
✓ A fireproof barrier used to prevent the spread of fire
between or through buildings
✓ Why are firewalls important? Because when they are
built, the building or part of the building extends into the
setbacks.
ALLOWABLE FIREWALLS
✓ R1: Not allowed

A (AGRICULTURAL) • However, an abutment up to 3.20m high is OK for carports

provided that above 1.50m, the abutment shall be
✓ Low to medium rise constructed of perforated concrete blocks.
✓ Low to high intensity agricultural activity
✓ Includes farms, but also offices and facilities for
agricultural research and training

AI (AGROINDUSTRIAL)

✓ Low rise
✓ Low to high intensity agro-industrial activity

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ALLOWABLE FIREWALLS

✓ R4: Two sides

• Maximum 85% of each side

• Total should not exceed 50% of lot perimeter

• Maximum height: three storeys

ALLOWABLE FIREWALLS

✓ R2: One side only

Maximum 80% of the length of side property line.

ALLOWABLE FIREWALLS

✓ R5: Two configurations allowed:

Option A: Two sides

• Maximum 75% of each side

ALLOWABLE FIREWALLS • Total should not exceed 50% @f lot perimeter
✓ R3: Two configurations are allowed: • Maximum height: 8 storeys
Option A: Two sides Option B: One side + Rear
• Maximum 85% of each side • Maximum 65% of side and 50% of rear
• Total should not exceed 65% of lot perimeter • Total should not exceed 60% of lot perimeter
• Two storeys high only • Maximum height: 8 storeys for side, 14m for rear
Option B: One side + Rear

• 90% of side or rear (up to 100% for rear if only 4m)

• Total should not exceed 50% of lot perimeter

• Two storeys high for side, 3.20m high for rear

ALLOWABLE FIREWALLS

• Commercial, institutional, and industrial:

Firewalls allowed on the ff. conditions:

✓ Provide sprinkler system

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✓ Install fire-retardant or fire-suppression, devices.

✓ Maximum 70% of lot perimeter
✓ RROW setbacks are complied with

ALLOWABLE FLOOR AREA

TGFA

✓ Total gross floor area

✓ The total floor space inside the building
✓ Keyword: inside/enclosed
✓ Includes services/parking (unlike GFA)

ALLOWABLE MAX. TGFA

✓ Table VII. 1, p.84 of Rule 7 & 8

✓ Format: Number of floors x footprint
✓ Depends on the ff.:
• Lot type
• Zoning
• Use of firewalls

BUILDING HEALTH

BHL

✓ Building height limit

✓ Given in Table VII.2 on p.89
✓ Depends on zoning

HOW IS BUILDING HEIGHT MEASURED?

✓ From established grade line to the topmost portion

of the building
✓ Excludes allowed projections above the roof, like:
Signage
• Masts BHL + RROW
• Antenna or telecom tower
• The RROW width also dictates the BHL:
ESTABLISHING THE GRADE LINE
o 6-7m RROW: 3.0 storeys or 9.0m
✓ Grade line = highest adjoining sidewalk or natural o 4-5m RROW: 2.5 storeys or 7.5m
grade line o 0-3m RROW: 2.0 storeys or 6.0m
✓ But if grade is sloping:
• Only exceptions: PUD
• If less than 3 meters diff., take highest grade
• If more than 3 meters diff., take the average PARKING
ESTABLISHING THE TOP OF BUILDING

• If roof is flat, top = rooftop

• If roof is sloping, top = middle of roof height

HEIGHT LIMIT PROJECTIONS

✓ Towers, spires and steeples

• If made of combustible materials, 6.0m above BHL

• If made of incombustible materials, limited only by

structural design

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PARKING REQUIREMENTS ✓ The building ingress and the intersection shall be at

least 50m apart (measured between the two nearest
✓ Given in Table VII.4 on p. 100
curbs)
✓ Based on occupancy and lot/floor areas

SAMPLE PARKING REQUIREMENTS

✓ Hotels
• If highly urbanized, 1 slot for every 3 rooms
• If not, 1 slot for every 7rooms
• 2 tourist bus parking slots
• 1 loading slot for articulated truck
✓ Churches
• For every 50qm. of congregation area, provide:
• 1 car slot
• 1 jeepney slot
✓ Public universities
• 1 car slot for every 5 classrooms FRONT YARDS AS PARKING
• 1 loading space for 2 jeepney or shuttle slots
• 1 school bus for every 200 students ✓ Not allowed for the following:
✓ Public hospital • R2 Maximum
• 1 car slot for every 25 beds • R3 Maximum
• 1 loading space for 2 jeepney/shuttle slots. • GI
• 1 slot for articulated truck • C1, C2 and C3
• 1 slot for standard truck for every 5,000sam ✓ 50% of front yard may be used as parking for R2
gross floor area Basic and R3 Basic
• Add truck maneuvering space outside RROW
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: GROUP A DWELLINGS
FRACTIONS IN COMPUTATIONS SANITATION
• When computing for parking slots, a fraction of 50% • At least one sanitary toilet and adequate washing and
or higher shall be considered as one slot.
draining facilities
• In all cases, at least one slot shall be provided unless
otherwise allowed. FOUNDATION

OFF-SITE PARKING LOTS • At least 250mm thick

• At least 600mm below the surface of the ground
✓ Reserved or leased parking slots may also serve the
parking requirements if: STRUCTURAL LOADS

• The slots are in a permanent parking building and • First floor live load: 200kg/sam ~
not in a vacant parking lot. • Second floor live load: 150kg/sqm
• Wind load for roofs: 120kg/sqm (vertical)
• The said parking building is:
STAIRS
➢ Not more than 100m away, if residential
➢ Not more than 200m away, if commercial • Minimum width: 750mm
• Maximum riser: 200mm
• Minimum tread: 200mm
MANEUVERING SPACE
• Note: These riser/tread dimensions do not match the
✓ Using the RROW as a maneuvering space is not general dimensions prescribed in Rule 12.
allowed
ENTRANCE + EXIT
✓ To prevent this, direct access of
parking/loading/utility slots to the RROW shall be • At least one entrance, and another one for exit
disallowed
DEVELOPMENT CONTROLS
TRAFFIC-GENERATING BUILDINGS
TERMS DEFINED
✓ Example: shopping malls
✓ The distance between such buildings and major road ✓ TLA = Total lot area
intersections is regulated ✓ PSO = Percentage of site occupancy

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• The part of the lot occupied by the building • For example, a FLAR designation of 1.50 means
(A.K.A. building footprint expressed in %) that a lot measuring 100sqm may accommodate
✓ TOSL = Total open space within lot a building whose total floor area is 150sqm.
• The part of the lot NOT occupied by the building • In a way, FLAR tells us how many lots can fit
✓ TLA = PSO + TOSL inside the building.
✓ USA = Unpaved surface area
• The portion of the open space that is unpaved
✓ ISA = Impervious surface area
• The portion of the open space that is paved
✓ Since "open space" = TOSL,

• TOSL = USA + ISA

✓ AMBF = Allowable max. building footprint

• Footprint expressed in square meters
✓ GFA = Gross floor area
• Total enclosed floor area (including balconies)
• Excludes the following enclosed areas:
➢ Parking, services, utilities
➢ Vertical penetrations in parking floors if not
used for residential or commercial purposes.
➢ Balconies exceeding 10sqm, uncovered
areas, fire escape structures, etc.
✓ Building bulk = Footprint x Height
✓ TGFA = Total gross floor area
✓ To get footprint:
• Includes all enclosed floor areas, no exceptions
• FLAR x TLA = Total floor area
✓ AMVB = Allowable max. volume of building
• Total floor area/Number of storeys = Footprint
✓ OFB = Outer faces of the building
✓ Hence, building bulk is equal to:
✓ FLAR = Floor and lot area ratio
• (FLAR x TLA)/number of storeys] x BHL
BUILDING BULK
METHOD 3: AMVB
✓ A volume quantity
1. AMBF x BHL = initial AMVB ("prism")
✓ In the simplest sense,
• Building bulk = Footprint × Height 2. Superimpose the angular plane originating from the
✓ However, the Code prescribes several different RROW onto the "prism."
methods for determining this quantity
• Angular plane: a plane originating from the RROW that
METHOD 1: AMBF PROJECTION establishes the outer limit for walls and building
projections.
✓ Determine the AMBF
✓ Determine the BHL (in meters) 3. Use the angular plane to reduce the volume of the
✓ AMBF x BHL = Building bulk prism This is the AMVR

METHOD 2: FLAR

✓ FLAR: Floor to lot area ratio

• Total floor area / lot area

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OTHER FORMULAS

- PSO = AMBF / TLA

- GFA = TLA x FLAR

- TGFA = GFA + Non-GFA

RULE 8: LIGHT + VENTILATION

INTENT

✓ Every building shall be designed, constructed, and

equipped to provide adequate light and ventilation.

VARIABLES

• Setbacks
• Site occupancy
• Room sizes
• Ceiling heights
• Window sizes
• Courts

MEASUREMENT OF SITE OCCUPANCY

✓ Taken at ground level and exclusive of courts, yards,

and light wells.

PSO, TOSL, USA, ISA

• TLA = PSO + TOSL

• TOSL = USA + ISA

• USA = minimum value

• ISA = maximum value

• These values are given in Table VII.1 on p.131

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LOT TYPES

• The Code defines seven lot types

• Inside lot

• Interior lot

• Corner lot

• Through lot

• Corner through lot

• Corner through lot abutting 3 or more streets

• End lot

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YARD VERSUS SETBACK

• Yard: the required open space left between the outermost
face of the building and the property lines
• Setback: the width of the yard

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• Separation wall: 2.00m high maximum

PARKING SPACES AND CARPORTS

• If a carport is roofed, it will be considered part of.
the building footprint and not the TOSL
COURTS • If a carport is roofed, it will be considered part of the
• Minimum dimension: 2.00m building footprint and not the TOSL
• Hence, minimum area: 4.00sqm
FRONT YARDS AS PARKING
• All inner courts shall be connected to a street or yard
• Only allowed for single family dwelling units falling
by a passageway at least 1.20m wide
under the following zoning classifications:
• Basic R-2
• Basic R-3
• R-4

FIREWALL EXTENSIONS
• Above the roof line: 400mm
• Under the eaves: 300mm
• From the building edges: 600mm

JOINING OF COURTS
• Minimum dimension may be reduced to 1.50m in
cluster living units with adjacent courts
• Minimum area per court: 3.00s qm

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EASEMENTS

EASEMENT IS PUBLIC LAND

• Situated outside of private property limits
• Should be equally enjoyed by all members of the
community
• The only uses allowed are those that support its
public recreational character

RROW

VIEW CORRIDORS + SIGHTLINES

• The carriageway shall be free of structures, particularly
commercial signs that will impede the view corridor and
sightlines within the RROW
• To dignify important public/historical buildings, all forms of
commercial signs intruding into the RROW leading to or away
said structures shall be disallowed

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ACCESS TO PROPERTY
• No building shall be constructed unless it adjoins or
has direct access to a public space, yard, or road on
at least one side.
• Interior or rear lots shall have an access road with a
minimum width of 3.00m. Provide a 4.00m wide
chaflan at the intersection with the main RROW.

RROW ABOVE GRADE

• From the finished surface of the roadway all the way
up to the air
• If utilized for whatever purpose, the use or air rights
must be compensated for (leased from the
government)
• Minimum clear height: 4.27m from crown of
carriageway

RROW AT GRADE
• From natural grade line to the finished surface of the
carriageway or sidewalk
• Generally utilized for the movement of the general public
(motorists and pedestrians)
• If utilized for whatever purpose, proponent must. lease/pay
the government

RROW BELOW GRADE

• From finished surface of roadway all the way down into the
ground
• If utilized for whatever purpose, proponent must lease/pay
the government

THREE RROW LEVELS

• RROW above grade
• RROW at grade
• RROW below grade
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SIDEWALKS
• The local planning authority shall determine which streets
shall have an open sidewalk or an arcaded sidewalk, or a
combination of both
• For a RROW width of 9.00m or more, the minimum sidewalk
width shall be 1.20m on each side of the RROW. For RROW
less than 9.00m, refer to Table VIII.G.3

DRIVEWAYS ACROSS SIDEWALKS

• If curb height = 200mm or lower, the driveway and the

sidewalk shall be on the same plane. Provide entry ramp of
slope 1/3 to ¼ connecting the carriageway to the
sidewalk/curb.

GRADE OF SIDEWALKS

• As much as possible, sidewalks shall be level and of

uniform grade throughout the length of the street
• When the street slope does not exceed 1/12, the
sidewalk shall follow the street slope
• When the street slope is 1/10, the sidewalk shall be
maintained level for every 20-40 meters of run,
each level joined by a ramp of a slope not
exceeding 1/6.
DRIVEWAYS ACROSS SIDEWALKS
• If curb height = greater than 200mm, a curb cutout for
the driveway may be allowed and the driveway may be
constructed along the entire width of the sidewalk. The
sidewalk and the driveway shall be joined by a ramp with a
slope of not more than 1/8.

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PLANTING STRIPS
• Sidewalks 2.00m or more in width shall include on
its outer side a planting strip of not less than
800mm wide up to a maximum of 1/3 of the
sidewalk width
• The planting strip is meant to separate the curb
from the sidewalk, and must always be placed near
the curbline.
RULE 9: SANITATION
BASIC SANITATION PROVISIONS
✓ All buildings shall be provided with the ff:
✓ Adequate and potable water supply
✓ Adequate plumbing installation
✓ Suitable wastewater treatment/disposal system
✓ Storm water drainage
WATER SOURCE
• Potable water shall be sourced from the existing municipal
waterworks system whenever possible
WASTE DISPOSAL SYSTEM
✓ Sanitary sewage from buildings shall be discharged
directly into the nearest street sanitary sewer main
✓ If no sanitary sewerage system is available, septic
tanks may be used
WATER QUALITY
✓ Shall conform to the criteria in the National Standards
for Drinking Water
WASTE DISPOSAL SYSTEM
✓ Sanitary sewage from buildings shall be discharged
directly into the nearest street sanitary sewer main
✓ If no sanitary sewerage system is available, septic tanks
may be used
STORM DRAINAGE
✓ Rainwater drainage shall not discharge into the sanitary
system
NATIONAL PLUMBING CODE
✓ All plumbing installations (water supply and drainage)
shall conform to the National Plumbing Code
RULE 10: BUILDING PROJECTIONS OVER PUBLIC
STREETS
ARE PROJECTIONS BEYOND THE PROPERTY LINE
ALLOWED?
✓ No. Unless otherwise allowed by the Code.
PROJECTIONS INTO THE RROW
✓ National roads or public highways: footings located at
least 2.40m below grade may project 300mm
(maximum) beyond the property line
✓ Public sidewalk: Foundations may encroach
✓ 500mm into the sidewalk if top of foundation is at least
600mm below grade
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PROJECTIONS INTO THE RROW

✓ In all cases, these projections shall not obstruct any
utilities/services, unless the owner is willing to pay for
the rerouting of said utilities/services.

BALCONIES
✓ Clearance between sidewalk grade and lowest
portion of balcony = 3.00m minimum
ARCADES
✓ Arcades may be constructed on sidewalks of streets
whenever allowed or required by existing building and
zoning regulations.
✓ Arcades shall be at least 3.00m above the sidewalk
RULE 11: PROTECTION OF PEDESTRIANS
grade.
PROTECTION OF PEDESTRIANS
• No person shall use or occupy a street or sidewalk for the
performance of work except in accordance with this rule
• No work shall be performed adjacent to a public way unless
pedestrians are protected as specified in this rule

STORAGE IN PUBLIC PROPERTY

✓ Shall not obstruct utility provisions (fire hydrants, fire
alarm box, manholes)
✓ Shall not interfere with drainage
✓ Shall not interfere with vehicular and pedestrian traffic

MORTAR MIXING
DOORS + WINDOWS
- The mixing of mortar or concrete shall not be allowed on
✓ Unless at least 2.40m above the pavement, no door or
public streets.
window shall project beyond the property line when fully
opened or upon opening.
TEMPORARY WALKWAYS
✓ When the Building Official authorizes a sidewalk to be
CHAFLANS
closed, a temporary walkway at least 1.20m wide shall
✓ Every corner building or fence on a public street less than
be provided
3.60m wide shall be truncated at the corner to form a
✓ If the street has no sidewalk, width may be reduced to
chaflan.
600mm.
✓ The chaflan shall be at least 4.00m wide.
✓ If RROW is 5.00m wide or less, no temporary walkways
are allowed.

FENCES + CANOPIES
✓ Fences shall entirely enclose a construction site
✓ Minimum height: 2.40 meters above curb

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✓ When the horizontal distance between the OFB and the
inner edge or the sidewalk is more than ½ the building
height, only a 2.40m high fence is required.
✓ When the horizontal distance between the OFB and the
inner edge or the sidewalk is equal or less than ½ the
building height, a canopy will be also be required in
addition to the fence.
✓ For canopies: provide a clear unobstructed height of
2.40m above the walkway
RULE 12: GENERAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
EXCAVATIONS
✓ Excavations must not endanger life or property
✓ Any person undertaking an excavation shall ensure that
the soil of the adjoining property will not cave in or settle.
✓ Cut slopes shall be no steeper than 2:1
(horizontal:vertical).
OCCUPANT LOAD
✓ The maximum number of persons that may be allowed
to occupy a certain room, floor, or area
✓ Shall be determined by dividing the floor area assigned
to that use by the unit area allowed per occupant as
shown on Table XII.1.
✓ Floor area/unit area per occupant.
NUMBER OF EXITS
✓ Every building shall have at least one exit
✓ Upper floors with occupant load of more than 10 shall
have at least two exits
✓ A mezzanine floor bigger than 185sqm or having more
than 18.00m in any dimension shall have at least two
stairways to an adjacent floor
✓ Every floor with occupant load of 500-999 shall have at
least 3 exits.
✓ Every floor with occupant load of 1000 or more shall
have at least 4 exits.
WIDTH OF EXITS
✓ Total width of exits = Occupant load/165
✓ Note: This is the total width in meters
ARRANGEMENT OF EXITS
✓ If two exits are required, the two exits must be apart by
at least 1/5 of the perimeter of the area served.
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✓ If three or more are required, they shall be arranged a
reasonable distance apart
DISTANCE TO EXITS
✓ If without a sprinkler system, 45.00m maximum
✓ If with a sprinkler system, 60.00m maximum
✓ Measured from any point in a building, measured along
the line of travel
EXITS DOORS
✓ When serving an occupant load of 50 or more, must
swing in the direction of exit travel
✓ Double acting doors shall not be used as exits when
serving a tributary load of more than 100.
✓ Must be provided with a view panel of not less than
1300 sq. cm.
TYPE OF LOCKS
• Exit doors shall be openable from the inside without the use
of a key or any special knowledge or effort
SIZE OF DOORS
✓ Minimum width of doorway: 0.90mm
✓ Minimum height of doorway: 2.00m
✓ Shall be capable of opening at least 90 degrees
✓ Maximum door leaf width: 1.20m
PROHIBITED DOORS
✓ The following shall not be used as exit doors:
✓ Revolving doors
✓ Sliding doors
✓ Overhead doors
FLOOR LEVEL CHANGE AT DOORS
✓ There shall be a floor or a landing on each side of an
exit door
✓ The floor/landing shall not be more than 50mm lower
than the door threshold
✓ Exception: For Group A or B occupancies, a door may
open over the top step provided that the landing is not
more than 200mm from the floor level and the door
does not swing over the top step.
CORRIDORS
✓ Minimum width: 1.10m
✓ This width shall be unobstructed, except that trim
handrails and doors when fully opened shall not reduce
the required with by more than 200mm.
✓ Doors in any position shall not reduce the width by
more than ½.
DEAD ENDS
✓ Maximum length: 6.00m
STAIRWAY WIDTHS
• 1.10m for occupant load more than 50
• 0.90m for occupant load of 50 or less
• 0.75m for occupant load of less than 10 (private)
• Handrails shall not reduce the width of stairways by
more than 100mm
RISER AND TREAD
• Maximum riser: 200mm
• Minimum tread: 250mm
• Note: Always keep in mind that the NBC requirement is a
maximum for risers, and a minimum for treads
STAIRWAY HEADROOM
• Not less than 2.00m measured from the nosing
LANDINGS
• Length = stairway width
• If the stairway has a straight run, landing length does not
need to exceed 1.20m
• Landing width shall not be reduced by more than
100mm by any door when fully opened
• Max. vertical distance between landings: 3.60m
HANDRAILS
• Stairways shall have handrails on each side
• If a stairway is more than 3.00m in width, at least one
intermediate handrail shall be provided
• Height of handrails: 800-900mm above the nosing of
treads
• Exceptions:
➢ In Group A or B occupancies, stairways 1.10m or
less in width serving one individual dwelling may
have one handrail only
➢ Stairways having less than four risers need not
have handrails
BASEMENT STAIRWAYS
✓ If a basement stairway and a stairway to an upper
storey terminate at the same exit enclosure, a barrier
shall be provided to prevent persons from continuing
into the basements
✓ Also provide directional exit signs
WINDING STAIRWAYS
✓ Allowed as exits as long as the required tread (250mm)
is provided at a point 300mm away from the narrow end
✓ However, the tread must not be narrower than 150mm
at any point.
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CIRCULAR STAIRWAYS
• May be used as exits provided that the minimum width of
run is not less than 250mm
AISLES
✓ Aisles leading to an exit shall be provided for all
portions with installed seats, tables, etc.
✓ Shall be at least 0.80m wide if serving only one side,
or 1.00m if serving both sides
✓ This minimum width shall be measured at the point
farthest from the exit, and shall be increased by 30mm
for every meter in length towards the exit
AISLE TRAVEL DISTANCE
• The line of travel to an exit door by an aisle shall not be
more than 45.00m
• Maximum 7 seats between wall and aisle
• Maximum 14 seats between two aisles
• Maximum slope: 1 in 8
• The number of seats between aisles may be increased
to 30 if:
• Exit doors are provided along each aisle at the rate of 1
pair of exit doors for every 5 rows of seats
• The back-to-back distance between seats is 1.00m
• minimum
• Minimum clear width of exit doors is 1.70m
FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS
• Automatic fire extinguishing systems are required for
the following:
• Habitable storeys with an area of 200 sqm or more with
an occupant load of more than 20
• Dressing rooms, rehearsal rooms, workshops or
factories with occupant load of more than 10
• Assembly halls under Group H and I with occupant load
of more than 500
• Automatic fire extinguishing systems are required for
the following:
• Habitable storeys with an area of 200 sqm or more with
an occupant load of more than 20
• Dressing rooms, rehearsal rooms, workshops or
factories with occupant load of more than 10
• Assembly halls under Group H and I with occupant load
of more than 500
• (сс)
DRY STANDPIPES
• All buildings 4 or more storeys in height shall be
equipped with one or more dry standpipes
• Standpipes shall be located within enclosed stairway
landings
• Siamese connections shall be located on the street-
front of a building 300mm-1200mm above grade
WET STANDPIPES
• The following shall have wet standpipes:
• Group H or I occupancy of any height
• Group C occupancy 2 or more storeys in height
• Groups B, D, E F and G 3 or more storeys in height
• Group G and E occupancy over 1800 sqm in area
• Exemption:
- Group H buildings without stage whose seating capacity is
less than 500
LOCATIONS OF WET STANDPIPES
• All portions of the building are within 6.00m of a nozzle
attached to a hose 23.00m in length (standpipes 58.00m
apart)
• For assembly occupancies:
• 1 outlet on each side of the stage
• 1 at the rear of the auditorium
• 1 at the rear of the balcony
RULE 13: ELECTRICAL + MECHANICAL
REFERRAL CODES
✓ All electrical systems and installations shall conform to
the provisions of the Philippine Electrical Code pursuant
to RA 7920 (Electrical
✓ Engg. Law)
✓ All mechanical systems and installations shall conform
to the provisions of the Philippine Mechanical Code
pursuant to RA 8495 (Mech.
✓ Engg. Law)
CLEARANCE OF SERVICE DROPS
✓ 2.50m from highest point of roofs
✓ 3.00m from the ground
✓ 1.00m (horizontal) from windows/porches
✓ 5.50m from the crown of the street or sidewalk
✓ No service drop conductors or any other wiring shall
pass over swimming pools
✓ 2.50m from highest point of roofs
✓ 3.00m from the ground
✓ 1.00m (horizontal) from windows/porches
✓ 5.50m from the crown of the street or sidewalk
✓ No service drop conductors or any other wiring shall
pass over swimming pools
ELEVATORS
✓ Hoistway pit: minimum 600mm from underside of car to
bottom of pit
✓ Maximum four elevators in a single hoistway
✓ Residential buildings 5 storeys or higher shall have at
least one passenger elevator on 24-hour constant
operation
ESCALATORS
✓ Maximum inclination: 30° from horizontal
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✓ Width between ballustrades: 560mm-1200mm.
✓ Shall not exceed the width of the step by more than
330mm
✓ Speed: 38 meters per minute maximum (common rule
is 90-120 fpm/27.5-36.5mpm)
AIR CONDITIONING
• Comfortable cooling standards:
• Temperature: 20°-24° Celsius
• Humidity: 50% - 60%
• Air movement: 4.60-7.60 meters per minute
• Comfortable cooling standards:
• Temperature: 20°-24° Celsius
• Humidity: 50% - 60%
• Air movement: 4.60-7.60 meters per minute
WATER PUMPING
• Installation of pumping equipment directly from the public
water supply system is prohibited
RULE 14: PHOTO FILMS + X-RAY FILMS
FILM STORAGE ROOMS
✓ Provide automatic fire extinguishing systems for the
following:
✓ When unexposed films in shipping containers exceed
✓ 14.00 cubic meters
✓ When shelving used for storing film exceeds 1.40 cubic
meters in capacity
FILM STORAGE ROOMS
• No films shall be stored within 600mm of steam pipes,
chimneys, or other sources of heat
RULE 15: PREFABRICATED CONSTRUCTION
PREFABRICATED ASSEMBLY
✓ A structural unit, the integral parts of which have been
built-up or assembled prior to incorporation in the
building
✓ To determine structural adequacy, they shall pass
special tests conducted by accredited material testing
laboratories
RULE 16: PLASTICS
APPROVED PLASTICS
• Those which have a flame-spread rating of 225 or less
• Those with a smoke density not greater than that obtained
from the burning of untreated wood
• Those whose products of combustion are no more toxic
than those of untreated wood
PLASTIC DOORS
- Plastic doors are allowed except for entrance doors and exit
doors, which should be of materials other than plastics
RULE 17: SHEET METAL SPRAYBOOTHS
SPRAY PAINT BOOTHS
✓ Paint spray booths shall be constructed of not less
than No. 18 US Gauge in thickness
✓ The area of a spray paint booth shall not exceed
✓ 150sqm
✓ The floor of the booth, if combustible, shall be
covered with non-combustible material
✓ Shall permit the free passage of exhaust air (cc)
RULE 18: GLASS + GLAZING
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
✓ Applies to all exterior glass/glazing except Groups
✓ A, B, and J not taller than three storeys
✓ Each glass panel shall bear the manufacturer's label
designating the type and thickness of glass
✓ Glass panels with special performance characteristics
shall bear the manufacturer's label indicating said
characteristics
✓ Measures shall be taken to keep persons from
walking into fixed glass panels where the floor on
both sides of the glass are the same level (guardrails,
etching, flower bins)
✓ Glass in large areas along shopping malls,
commercial buildings, institutional buildings, etc.
RULE 19: USE OF COMPUTERS
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
- The use of computers for all or any part of building design
is permitted provided that all programs to be used are
documented
PROGRAM DOCUMENTATION
• File with the OBO a reference to a publication accessible to
him where a detailed description of the program including a
description of the algorithms are found
• The software name, version number and the developer and
its address shall be provided as part of documentation
ce)
RULE 20: SIGNS
SIGNS
✓ No sign shall be erected in such a manner as to
confuse or obstruct the view or interpretation of any
official traffic sign/device
✓ Signs in any foreign language shall have a translation
in English or the local dialect
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ROOF SIGNS
✓ No signs shall be installed on rooftops of buildings of
wooden structures or of buildings with wooden roof
framing
✓ Provide grounding of metallic parts of roof signs
exposed to lightning

GROUND SIGNS
- Shall be located within the property line and under no
circumstances shall they occupy the RROW

PROJECTING SIGNS
• On non-arcaded RROW:
➢ Signs shall not project more than 1.20m
• On arcaded RROW:
➢ Signs shall not project more than 0.60m
• Buildings abutting RROW without sidewalks:
➢ Signs shall not project more than 0.30m
• Minimum vertical clearance
➢ Non-arcaded RROW: 3.00m from road surface to
lowest part of signs
➢ Arcaded RROW: 5.00m from road surface to lowest
part of signs.

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 BSD 323 – BUILDING SYSTEMS DESIGN
MODULE 4: TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION

LESSON 4 CONTRACT DOCUMENTS

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
✓ Learn and understand what is contract documents.
✓ Understand the importance documents of contract documents.

CONTRACT DOCUMENTS

What is contract?
According to Merriam Webster, a contract is a binding agreement between two or more persons or parties; especially: one legally enforceable.
Contract in civil engineering, is an undertaking by a firm or a person to do any work under certain terms and conditions.

Contract documents consists of the following:

a. Special provisions or conditions

b. General conditions
c. Drawings
d. Specifications
e. Tender/Bid documents

In government projects, the following documents are also included:

f. Instruction to Bidders
g. Bid Addenda
h. Bid Forms
i. Bonds
j. Prequalification
k. Surety
l. Notice of Award

Parts of Contract Documents

1. PROFORMA/SERVICE AGREEMENT
The term pro forma (Latin for :as a matter of form” or “for the sake of form”) is most often used to describe a practice or document
that is provided as a courtesy or satisfies minimum requirements, conforms to a norm or doctrine, tends to be performed perfunctorily
or is considered a formality.

In trade transactions, a pro forma invoice is a document that states a commitment from the seller to sell goods to the a buyer a
specified prices and terms. It is used to declare the value of the trade. It is not a true invoice because it is not used to record accounts
receivable for the seller and accounts payable for the buyer.

Simply, a “pro forma invoice” is a “confirmed purchase order” where the buyer and supplier agree on detail and cost of the product
to be shipped to the buyer. A pro forma invoice is general raised when the seller is ready for dispatching the material but they want
to ensure that the payment is being sent before dispatch. And similarly, the customer also wants to know which components are
included in the pro forma invoice to avoid disagreement later.

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 It is a contract between the owner and the contractor undertaking the project described in the Contract Documents including al
supplemental agreements thereto and all general and special provisions pertaining to the work or materials therefore.

2. GENERAL CONDITIONS.
The General Conditions define the relationship among the owner, the architects/building designers and the contractor and stipulates
the norms by which the contractor shall perform his work.

The General Conditions is based on the standard concept of practice in the building Profession by which the Architect performs his
services as the prime professional commissioned by the Owner to design and supervise a project which will be implemented by a
General Contractor.

Contract Conditions

• Rates inclusive of materials, labor, etc

• Amount of security money
• Time for completion of work
• Progress to be maintain
• Penalty for poor quality of work
• Mode of payment
• Time extension
• Termination of contract
• Compensation to labor minimum wages

3. DRAWINGS These are the graphical presentation of the work involved in the project. They include all supplementary details and
shop drawings

Civil/Structural Drawings
- Foundation Layout
- Floor Framing Plan
- Stair Details
- Roof Framing Details
- Column Layout and Schedule
- Beam Layout and Schedule
- Other Pertinent Structural Details

4. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
These are written or printed description of work to be done describing qualities of material and mode of construction.
✓ Specifications for a building project are written descriptions and the drawings are diagrammatic representation of the
construction work required for that project.
✓ The drawings and specifications are complementary.
✓ Good Specifications expand or clarify drawing notes, define quality of materials and workmanship, establish the scope of
the work, and describe the responsibilities of the contractor.

Construction projects use many different kinds of delivery methods, products, and installation methods, but one thing I common to
all – the need for effective teamwork by the many parties involved to ensure the correct and timely completion of work.

The successful completion of projects requires effective communication amongst the people involved, and that in turn requires easy
access to essential project information.

Example of construction specification:

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 Why are technical specifications needed?

1. Projected cost of completion

2. Quality Control
3. Construction management
4. Energy efficiency

5. BID/TENDER DOCUMENTS
These are collective documents that are referred to as provided or made available to prospective bidders which include the invitation
to Bid and a copy of the Contract which the winning bidders would be required to sign with the owner.
• Advertisement or Invitation to Bid
• Bid Bulletin
• Instruction to Bidders
• Bid Addenda
• Bonds
• Prequalification Statements
• Surety
• Work Schedule (PERT/CPM)
• Notice of Award

6. OTHER INSTRUMENTS OF SERVICE

Bill of Quantities – A list of the specific items of the work and their corresponding unit prices, lump sums and/provisional
sums.

References

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6oA2IlnJfc&list=PLI06XdlGahNp8PMNNT1nd-xT8zC4-bfaP&index=11&t=298s
Tagayun, V.A., (2010), Building Design and Construction, Tagayun Associates
Tagayun, V.A., (2010), Estimating Bill of Materials, Tagayun Associates

3
 BSD 323 – BUILDING SYSTEMS DESIGN

MODULE 5 – BUILDING ENVELOPE SYSTEMS AND ASSEMBLIES

LESSON 4 Building Envelope Systems and Assemblies

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
✓ Define what is building envelop system;
✓ Understand the basic principles involved in the appropriate selection and application of building envelope systems relative to
fundamental performance, aesthetics, moisture transfer, durability, energy and material resources,

INTRODUCTION
Building enclosure design must consider challenges such as energy efficiency, daylighting, indoor air quality, fire safety, thermal comfort,
etc. as expectations for high performance rise.

Performance – the level of service provided by a building material, component or system, in relation to an intended, or expected quality.

Richard Rush, in hi book The Building Systems Integration Handbook, defines a building in terms of only four systems:

• Structure
• Envelope
• Mechanical
• Interior

WHAT IS BUILDING ENEVLOPE SYSTEM?

The building envelope is the enclosure, barrier, and separator of the outdoor
environment and the desired indoor environment.

It is also the protector from the undesired outdoor threats of danger.

Fundamentals of Performance

Performance – refers to the desired level (or standard) to which the system must be
designed for a given requirement. The envelope has to response to both natural
forces and human values.

Fundamental Requirements

a. Structural – to support own weight and transfer lateral loads to building

frame.
b. Water – resist water penetration.
c. Air – resist excessive air infliction
d. Condensation – resist condensation on interior surfaces under service conditions.
e. Movement – Accommodate different movement (caused by moisture, seasonal or temperature variations and structural
movements)
f. Energy Conservation – resist thermal transfer through radiation, convection and conduction.
g. Fire safety – Provide rated resistance to heat and smoke
h. Security – Protect occupants from outside threats
i. Maintainability – Allow access to components for maintenance, restoration and replacement

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 j. Constructability – Provide adequate clearances, alignments and sequencing to allow integration of many components during
construction using available components and attainable workmanship.
k. Durability – Provide functional and aesthetic characteristics for a long time
l. Aesthetic – Do all of the above and look attractive
m. Economy – Do all of the above inexpensively.

Parts of Building Envelope System

1. Below grade – is a term that describes a space that is

below ground level. These below grade areas provide
functional spaces for uses such as storage, office space,
mechanical/electrical rooms, parking, tunnels,
crawlspaces.

In below grade system, durability of design is

mandatory.

Below grade enclosures are typically comprised of three

main elements:
• Foundation walls – a solid wall attached to the
footing and rising to the ground level. It is a
cast-in-place concrete retaining or basement
wall or a structural wall complete with load-
bearing pilasters.
• Slab on grade – a flat concrete structure, build
on top of the soil at ground level. It supports
the walls and other structural elements. It has
a limited design considerations for structural
support or environmental control functions.
• Plaza Decks – It is any supported slab that provides green escape, tree planters and/or vehicle pedestrian movement
over occupied space.
Buildings frequently have plaza decks below grade. The planning, development, detailing and construction of
waterproofing for such features are significant.

2. Exterior walls – It separates the indoor and the outdoor environment of a building. Its functions includes environmental control,
security, privacy, fire control and aesthetics.
Exterior Wall Types:
• Cavity Wall – A cavity wall is considered by many to be the preferred method of construction in most climatic and
rainfall zones.
• Barrier Wall – This type of wall system is commonly associated with precast concrete spandrel panels, certain types
of composite and solid metal plate exterior cladding systems, and early generation exterior insulation and finish system.
• Mass Wall – It rely principally upon a combination of wall thickness, storage capacity , and (in masonry construction)
bond intimacy between masonry units and mortar to effectively resist bulk rainwater penetration.

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 Classification of Walls:

Permeable – such as brick veneer

Impermeable – such as glass

Single Wythe – such as brick, glass,

stone, block.

Multi-Wythe – such as brick veneer with

metal stud or block backup and stone
cladding with block backup.

3. Fenestration – It refers to the opening in the building envelope, including the installation of windows, doors and skylights

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Inclusions of windows and other openings are necessary as they improve the overall environment inside the building.

Five Types of Fenestration System

a. Curtain Walls – any exterior wall that is attached to the building structure and which does not carry the floor or roof loads of
the building.

b. Exterior Doors – This includes entrance and exit doors, as well as industrial loading dock doors.

Industrial Loading Dock Door

c. Glazing – Glass has been used for thousands of years to allow daylight into our buildings, while providing weather protection.

d. Sloped Glazing – Early skylight systems consisted of plate glass in metal frames and frequently incorporated both an exterior
skylight and a decorative interior “diffuser” or “laylight”.

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 e. Windows – Commonly used window frame materials include aluminum, vinyl, fiberglass, steel wood, and PVC.

4. Roofs – Roof systems serve as a barrier against air, rain, snow,

hail, ice, branches and debris.
It is generally divided into two classifications: Low slope and
steep slope.

5. Atria – is a large open air or skylight covered space surrounded

by a building. It provides light and ventilation to the interior.

To have a properly functioning building envelopes the system needs to have these four key elements:

1. Support Function
- Enclosures must be capable of withstanding all internal and external forces applied to them. The majority of these forces
are structural loading. These loads include both static and dynamic loading including, but not limited to, live loads, dead
loads, wind loads, earthquake loads and possible blast loads. These loads have to be properly supported, resisted and
transferred.

- Imposed load: or live loads are temporary or a moving load. This dynamic loads may involve considerations such as impacts,
momentum, vibration, etc.

- Dead loads: are relatively constant over time, including the wait of the structure itself and immovable fixtures such as walls,
roof, etc. These are also called permanent or static loads.

- Wind load: it is used to refer to any pressure to a forces that the wind exerts on a building or structure. There are three types
of wind loads:

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 Uplift load – wind flow
pressure that creates a
strong lifting effect. Wind flow
under a roof pushes upward.

Lateral load – horizontal

pushing and pulling pressure
on walls that could make a
house slide of the foundation
or overturn.

Shear load – Horizontal wind

pressure that could cause
rocking of walls making a
house failed.

2. Control Function
- The control function refers to the ability of the building envelope to control and moderate the exchange of mass (air and
moisture) and energy (heat, sound, fire, light, etc.) due to the separation of interior and exterior environments.

These are some exchanges between internal and external environment:

- Heat: controlling thermal exchange between the inside and the outside environment.
- Wind: controlling airflow due to leakage, wind pressure or internal partitioning.
- Moisture: controlling moisture transfer due to rain, vapor diffusion or condensation.

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 - Sun: controlling solar transfer from fenestration or dealing with insufficient natural lighting
- Sound: controlling ambient sound, excessive sound or sounds due to vibration
- Fire: control the spread of fire from the inside and the outside through the use of fire doors and windows.

3. Finish Function
- The finish function at both the exterior and interior is the aesthetics of the finished surface, the visual, textural and other
aspects the designer wishes to convey with the visible elements of the system.

4. Distribution Function
- This function relates to the distribution of services through a building. This includes the distribution of power, communication,
water in its various forms, gas and conditioned are, to, from, and within the enclosure itself.

Regulating Building Envelopes

• National Building Code of the Philippines – concerned with the acceptable standard designs for building envelopes
• Philippine Green Building Code – a referral code the NBC that seeks to improve the efficiency of building performance through
a framework of acceptable set of standards
• National Structural Code of the Philippines – also a referral code to the NBC
• Fire Code of the Philippines – installation of fire resistive walls

AESTHETICS
Aesthetics is a core design principle that defines a design’s pleasing qualities. In visual terms, aesthetics includes factors such as balance,
color movement, pattern, scale, shape and visual weight. Designers use aesthetics to complement their designs’ usability, and so enhance
functionality with attractive layouts.

It is also the branch of philosophy that deals with the nature and expression of beauty.

Architecture is a design process which involves planning, designing, creating, erecting, constructing and executing construction of various
types of spaces that are functionally efficient, economical, and aesthetically pleasing.

Key Elements of Aesthetics

1. Mass and Space

2. Proportion

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3. Symmetry

4. Balance

5. Contrast

6. Pattern

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7. Decoration

8. Massing

9. Unity

10. Rhythm

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Aesthetics as an Influence
- It is not subject to scientific testing and measurement.
- It is a powerful influence in the system and material selection process.

Aesthetical Performance
In general, there are diverse processes that affect the aesthetical performance of building elements through their service lives.
- Weathering
- Decay
- Waterlogging
- Other processes/hazards

Weathering - Predominantly related to superficial level deterioration and its intensity depends on micro-climatic conditions.

Decay - Is a biotic degradation process affecting both a material’s functionality and aesthetics.

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Waterlogging - Is a slow deterioration process in anaerobic conditions due to the activity of bacteria.

Other processes/hazards
- Influences the appearance of building materials are impossible to forecast during designing phase.

In order to mitigate the risk and problems regarding the aesthetical performance of a building envelope system, a person assigned in
maintaining its quality performance must do something to protect and prolong its serviceability.

Continuity – The continuity of critical control functions is among the most significant considerations when dealing building enclosures.

These critical control functions include the control of the following:

- Control of Heat Flow
- Control of Air Flow
- Control of Water Vapor Flow
- Control of Liquid Water Movement
- Fire
- Aesthetics Conditions
- Cost
- Climate and Weather
- Strength
- Rigidity
- Stability
- Durability of Materials

RESOURCE PAGES that address building enclosure transitions to maintain continuity:

1. Integrating the Building Enclosure
2. Wall to Roof Transitions
3. Wall to Window Transitions
4. Wall to Foundation Transitions

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MOISTURE TRANSFER
Process where moisture move from one place to another.
Reduced the heat transfer from the outside to the inside of building envelope.

Four Primary Sources of Moisture:

1. Liquid water from precipitation
2. Water vapor
3. Liquid vapor from soil
4. Built-in moisture

Transport Process
• Vapor diffusion
• Vapor convection
• Liquid water capillarity
• Liquid gravity flow

What is Water Diffusion?

- Moves water vapor from regions of high vapor concentration to low concentration.
- Acts to move vapor through the air, or through the air within porous materials.

What is Vapor Convection?

- It is the primary transport mode used to move water vapor along ducts and to distribute it within a space.

What is Liquid Water Capillary?

- Capillary suction moves liquid moisture slowly and steadily through porous materials from regions of high liquid
concentration to regions of low concentration.
- Prefer small holes or pores rather than larger ones because large pore sizes can serve to “break” the flow of capillary water.

Evidence of Capillarity

- This action can best be controlled by providing a capillary “break”.

What is Liquid Gravity Flow?

- Very large quantities of liquid water, often measured in liters per second, can flow downward through openings, cracks,
pipes, or air spaces when driven by gravity.
- The keys to control the water are to direct is away from the building and seal any holes that water might come through.

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Summary and Conclusion
The control of moisture in buildings is key to their durability, functionality, health and efficiency. Understanding the sources of moisture and
the mechanisms by which they move within the building and the building enclosure allows professionals to design better buildings and
conditioning systems. All moisture management and control strategies and techniques must be solidly based on this understanding.

DURABILITY

- Durability is the ability of a physical product to remain functional, without requiring excessive maintenance or repair, when
faced with the challenges of normal operation over its design lifetime.
- It is the resistance to degradation of products, materials, buildings and other built assets over time.
- It is the capability of concrete to resist weathering action, chemical attack and abrasion while maintaining its desired
engineering properties. It normally refers to the duration or life span of trouble-free performance.

Factors that Affect Durability of a Building

Importance of Durability to the Building Envelope

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 • The long-term durability of a building envelope is important to retaining its investment value as well as its continues function as
a safe, healthy, and sustainable living environment.
• A durable building envelope requires less maintenance, which saves as money.
• Provides more comfortable, affordable, efficient and sustainable building to its occupants.

ENERGY AND MATERIAL RESOURCES

- The building envelope is very important because it directly influences thermal comfort, visual impact and energy usage.
- “The building envelope has a direct impact on the energy consumption of a building, thus, an improvement in the building
envelope using energy-efficient material can yield the desired energy performance.”

One of the main objective of sustainable design is to avoid resource depletion of energy, water and raw materials.

Fundamental Principles that Ensures Sustainable Design

1. Optimize Energy Use
a. Optimize Thermal Insulation – Optimize the thermal insulation performance of the envelope opaque elements for both
heating and cooling seasons.
b. Incorporate High Performance, Spectrally Selective Glazing - should be appropriate for the climate of the building. Carefully
analyze the thermal (U-factor), solar (solar heat factor -SHGF) and daylighting ((visible transmittance – VT) performance of
glazing on each elevation of the building.
c. Employ Effective Solar Shading Devices – use of exterior shading devices such as overhangs, vertical fins and light shelves
as energy efficiency measures (with consideration of maintenance and security/safety issues).

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 d. Consider Using Lighting Sensors to control lighting level when adequate daylight is available to reduce power and HVAC
loads.
e. Integrate Photovoltaic Panels – incorporate Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) panels as part of the building envelope
system or solar shading system as a way of generating on-site, renewable energy.
f. Analyze Envelope Performance with Energy Simulation – use energy simulation and life-cycle analysis tools to optimize the
performance of all components of the building envelope.
g. Commission Envelope Elements – commissioning of the building envelope can identify areas of concern, related to air
infiltration and leakage, moisture diffusion, surface condensation, and rain water entry – all issues that can negatively impact
building’s energy performance and indoor environmental quality.

2. Optimize Site potential

a. Consider Climatic Conditions – consideration of the local climatic conditions (temperature, moisture, wind) can influence
the materials of construction of the building envelope, the amount of and performance of glazing used specific to each
orientation, and the overall energy performance of the building.
b. Reduce Urban Heat Islands – the design of the horizontal elements (roof) of the building envelope should consider the
impact on the site’s urban heat island. Finish the facility’s roof with light colored finish materials or vegetated components
to reduce energy loads and extend the life of the roof, especially in warmer climates.

3. Use Greener Material Evaluate Environmental Preferability Using LCA – employ life-cycle assessment (LCA) tools like Athena
Impact Estimator and BEES too evaluate environmental performance of building envelope components or products. Embodied
energy (energy required to acquire, manufacture, transport, assemble, install) should be minimized where possible.
a. Eliminate the use materials that pollute or toxic during their manufacture, use or reuse. Where possible, evaluate and
consider the use of building envelope assemblies that can be easily “de-constructed” at the end of their useful lives.
b. Maximize Recycled Content – where possible, incorporate recycled content in building envelope construction materials,
especially post-consumer recycled content.
c. Use Wood from Sustainably Managed Forests – when using wood products as part of the building envelope, ensure they
are supplied from forests that are certified for their sustainable management practices.

References
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmJnJTERDzU&list=PLI06XdlGahNp8PMNNT1nd-xT8zC4-bfaP&index=16

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AGmqTmjgxI&list=PLI06XdlGahNp8PMNNT1nd-xT8zC4-bfaP&index=14

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