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BAHAY NA BATO: The Philippine Indigenous Home: PART I: Climate Investigation
BAHAY NA BATO: The Philippine Indigenous Home: PART I: Climate Investigation
PART I: Climate Investigation
The climate of MANILA is tropical and maritime. It is characterized by relatively high temperature, high humidity and abundant rainfall.
Temperature: Mean annual temperature is 82° F. The coolest months fall in
January with a mean temperature of 79° F while the warmest months occur in
April and May with a mean temperature of 85° F.
Humidity: Due to high temperature and the surrounding bodies of water, Manila
has a high relative humidity. The average monthly relative humidity varies
between 71 percent in March and 85 percent in September. It is especially
uncomfortable during April to May, when temperature and humidity attain their
maximum levels.
Rainfall: Rainfall is one of the most important climatic elements in Manila. The
mean monthly rainfall is 0.1 inches in February to 16.3 inches in August. At its
mean peak in August, rain occurs 24 out of 31 days and 154 days annually.
Daylight: Located at latitude 14°31’ N, the average length of day ranges from 11 to
13 hours measured at both solstice positions. However, climatic conditions affect
sky cover. With varying degrees of overcast cloud cover conditions prevalent, the
average period of direct sunlight ranges from 4 to 9 hours.
Wind: Constant prevailing moderate breeze ranging from 8 to 11 knots moving in
an easterly direction flows most of the year except during the heavy rainy season
where direction reverses.
Seasons: Using temperature and rainfall as bases, the climate in Manila can be
divided into two major seasons: (1) the rainy season, from June to November; and (2) the dry season, from December to May. The dry season
may be subdivided further into (a) the cool dry season, from December to February; and (b) the hot dry season, from March to May.
Typhoons: Typhoons have a great influence on the climate and weather conditions in Manila. A great portion of the rainfall, humidity and
cloudiness are due to the influence of typhoons. They generally originate in the region of the Marianas and Caroline Islands of the Pacific Ocean.
Their movements follow a northwesterly direction. The
Philippines sits astride the typhoon belt, and suffers an annual
onslaught of dangerous storms from July through October.
These are especially hazardous for northern and eastern Luzon
and the Bicol and Eastern Visayas regions, but Manila gets
devastated periodically as well.
In September 2009, typhoon Ondoy (international designation
0916 Ketsana), hit Manila as one of the worst typhoons in
recorded history. Producing only moderate winds, a record
amount of rainfall measured at 17.9 inches in 24 hours fell
which flooded the lower lying areas of the metropolis under
10 ft of water.
Climatic Analysis: Except for limited periods between December and February, the psychrometric analysis shows Manila’s climate to be well
beyond the comfort zone. The peak of discomfort would occur during the periods between April to May (red‐orange bubble) where the effects
of temperature and humidity interacting are at their highest. As in most tropical conditions, designing for effective heat insulation and natural
cooling strategies should be of primary concern.
Due to its azimuth, direct and/or indirect daylight all around the building is plentiful even in winter months where the sun’s path remains high
above the horizon. Orienting the longer side of the building in an East‐West axis will reduce solar heat gain. Consider proper shading on window
openings along the west side to minimize solar heat gain from the afternoon sun.
Consider how the use of materials with high thermal mass may contribute in cooling the building through strategies like night time flushing.
Due to the high amounts of precipitation, design for a water tight
building envelope and increased water run‐off. Consider flood
probabilities and study historical flood data.
Choice of building materials which can withstand high precipitation
and humidity should be taken into account. Consider the corrosive
effects of saltwater if site is located close to Manila Bay.
THE BUILDING ENVELOPE
Homework #1: Climate Responsive Building Design
Paul de Jesus
UC Berkeley Extension ‐ X413.3 ‐ Summer 2010
Instructor: Ryan Stroupe
Part II: Case‐Study ‐ BAHAY NA BATO: The Philippine Indigenous Home
Introduction
Built by my great‐grandfather in 1917, the Santos‐Andres residence stood tall in the sea‐level fishing
town of Navotas, north of Manila. It was designed in the typical Bahay na Bato fashion which has
successfully evolved over generations addressing local climatic conditions. In the years since, modern
industrial development had taken over as the driving force in design in lieu of historically functional
patterns. Flooding, congestion, along with other factors, led the
succeeding generations to leave their ancestral home. Four
generations later, the family sought to preserve their heritage by
deconstructing the entire structure and reconstructing it piece by
piece in the city of Antipolo 40 kilometers away. Now elevated 500 ft
above sea level on the gentle slopes of the Sierra Madre range
capturing the cooler mountain breeze, it proudly sits facing westward
overlooking the bustling Manila where it once did watching over the
fishing vessels returning to port along Manila Bay.
The Project
A herculean task of deconstruction ensued carefully taking apart each piece and recording its location for
the reconstruction which took 8 months to complete. Although originally built with a wooden structure, it
was decided to frame the house using reinforced concrete instead. Careful attention to finishing details
were implemented to ensure that the project would be restored to its original specifications. Revisions in
plan were adopted to allow for the project’s present needs. Ground breaking began in May 2000 with the
project completed over 2 years later.
Adaptive Changes
Ground Floor Plan – Originally designed for garage space (garaje) and an area
to store provisions (bodega), the basement (silong) is traditionally above grade
and never permanently lived in due to the annual inundation during the
monsoon months. Now located at a higher elevation, the revised plan converts
area into living spaces. Ground floor level is still raised about 2 feet above grade
to protect from water run‐off.
Originally, windows on the ground floor are normally smaller in opening
compared to those located in upper living spaces. This, along with very thick
high thermal mass walls, keep the interior cooler, ideal for storage. The original
window sizes were retained during reconstruction. Awnings (media agua) are
located above window openings. Revised layout exhibits an open plan
promoting better air flow and good cross ventilation.
The grand
foyer (entrada principal) still retains its location and original function.
Second Floor Plan – The main living area. The original plan called for recessed
sections to allow daylight to reach deep into the interior. Revised open plan
compensates for the removal of the recesses allowing for more functional
T&B’s to be added. Original house had only 1 functional T&B. Note that all
T&B’s are located along exterior walls and are naturally ventilated. Main dining
and kitchen are relocated. Dirty kitchen added and located in annex.
Interior partitions have punched wooden panels along top section to allow
cross ventilation even with doors closed. High ceiling maintained.
Third Floor Plan – Original bedrooms are combined and T&B added. Balcony
wraps around for 360° view. Operable windows all around for increased
ventilation. Deep overhanging roof provides solar and rain protection.
Ventilated attic plenum using punched wooden panels.
THE BUILDING ENVELOPE
Homework #1: Climate Responsive Building Design
Paul de Jesus
UC Berkeley Extension ‐ X413.3 ‐ Summer 2010
Instructor: Ryan Stroupe
Windows ‐ traditional windows with floor to ceiling arrangement in 3 sections – bottom
ventanilla (operable sliding solid panels from floor to sill), mid ventana (operable sliding
wood/glass panels from sill to top of awning) with plantation shutters, top transom (fixed
glass from top of awning to ceiling) providing maximum views, daylighting and ventilation.
Colored glass transom provides a colorful play of interior light.
Roof ‐ painted corrugated metal roof with wrap around and above‐
window awning. Metal roof was first introduced late 19th to early 20th
century which quickly replaced tile roof due to its weight advantage,
or nipa thatched roof which caught fire all too easily.
Deep overhangs provide ample shade while allowing windows to remain
opened even during heavy rains. Awnings could benefit from underside
insulation to lessen radiated heat from being transmitted into the interior.
Lighter colors help to reflect sun’s rays and lessen heat gain. Red is a favored
color due to its resemblance to clay tile roof.
Exterior wall ‐ wood and stone construction. Ground
floor of concrete (originally quarried natural adobe
with lime plaster) provides protection from damaging
effects of rain while providing cooling effects of
thermal mass. Although new location is no longer
prone to flooding, back‐splash from awning run‐off
can be as damaging. Second and third floor of wood
construction providing less thermal mass and heat
gain.
Present Living Conditions ‐ In an interview with its occupants at
the site several years ago, the relocation was considered a huge
success, proud in that it will last several more generations.
THE BUILDING ENVELOPE
Homework #1: Climate Responsive Building Design
Paul de Jesus
UC Berkeley Extension ‐ X413.3 ‐ Summer 2010
Instructor: Ryan Stroupe
Bibliography
Alejandro, Reynaldo; Santos, Vicente (2003) Tahanan: A House Reborn. Duende Publishing.
Zialcita, Fernando; Tinio, Martin (1980) Philippine Ancestral Houses. GCF Books.
Zialcita, Fernando; Javellana, Rene (1997) Filipino Style. Periplus Editions.
Villalon, Augusto (2001) Lugar: Philippine Heritage and Architecture. Bookmark, Inc.
Reyes, Elizabeth (2000) Tropical Living: Contemporary Houses in the Philippines. Periplus Editions.
http://www.climate‐charts.com/Locations/p/PH98429000000013.php
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/city_guides/results.shtml?tt=TT002730
THE BUILDING ENVELOPE
Homework #1: Climate Responsive Building Design
Paul de Jesus
UC Berkeley Extension ‐ X413.3 ‐ Summer 2010
Instructor: Ryan Stroupe