Architectural Design 6

PUP+CAFA+ DEPARTMENT OF ARHITECTURE

PREPARED AND SUBMITTED BY:

Navarra, Anthony Al C.– 2009-01796-MN-0 – Leader
Ambagan, Ronald A.– 2009-01312-MN-0
Aparecio, Karen Mae A.– 2009-06022-MN-0
Orinoco, Jon Tobi M.– 2011-04339-MN-0
Tahamil, Aira Alnissa T.– 2009-01009-MN-0

SUBMITTED TO:
ARCH. RENATO VERGARA SANTOS
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN 6 ADVISER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: g. Hillside Design Consideration

I. TOPOHGRAPHICAL CONSIDERATION IN DESIGN h. Hillside Development Guidelines

a. What is Topography? i. Hillside Construction Technologies

b. Topographic Mapping  Old/ Traditional Construction

c. Topography Type  New/ Latest Bldg. Technologies Used

d. Topographical Consideration II. HILL HOUSING

 River Topography a. Cantilever Construction

 Hill Topography b. Stilts Construction

 Beach Topography c. Laws, Provisions, Ordinances

e. Topographic Map CHAPTER 2:

 Drainage I. CASE STUDY

 Slope a. Foreign

 Climate b. Local

 Contour CHAPTER 3:

 Soil Map I. Summary

 Erosion II. Conclusion

 Erosion and Sediment Control III. Recommendation

f. Topography in Philippines
Chapter 1
I. TOPOGRAPHICAL CONSIDERATION IN DESIGN
WHAT IS TOPOGRAPHY?
 The term topography originated from the words ―topos‖ and ―graphias‖ which mean
―place‖ and ―to write‖ respectively. This refers to writing about place or places, what
now refers to ―local history‖.
 Topography is a field of planetary science comprising the study of surface shape and
features of the earth and other observable astronomical objects including planets,
moons and asteroids. The topography of an area could also mean the surface shape
and features themselves.
 It is the art and science of making maps that show the height, shape, features
(mountains and rivers) of the land in a particular area.
 Topography, specifically involves recording of relief or terrain, and the identification
of specific landforms.
 Topography may be measured with lines that connect the points representing the
same elevation; these are called topographic contours.
OBJECTIVES OF TOPOGRAPHY
The objectives of topography are the following:
1. To determine the position of any feature or more generally any point in terms
of both horizontal and vertical coordinate systems such as latitude, longitude
and altitude.
2. To identify features and recognize landform patterns.
3. Detailed information about the terrain and surface features is essential for the
planning and construction of any civil engineering, public works, and
reclamation projects.
TOPOGRAPHIC MAPPING
WHAT IS TOPOGRAPHIC MAP?
A map is a representation of the Earth, or part of
it. The distinctive characteristic of a topographic
map is that the shape of the Earth’s surface is
shown by contour lines. Contours are imaginary
lines that join points of equal elevation on the
surface of the land above or below a reference
surface, such as mean sea level. Contours make
it possible to measure the height of mountains,
depths of the ocean bottom, and steepness of
slopes. Fig.1 Topo Map of Mount Marcy
A topographic map shows more than contours. The map includes symbols that represent such
features as streets, buildings, streams, and vegetation. These symbols are constantly refined to
better relate to the features they represent, improve the appearance or readability of the map,
or reduce production cost.
Consequently, within the same series, maps may have slightly different symbols for the same
feature. Examples of symbols that have changed include built-up areas, roads, intermittent
drainage, and some lettering styles. On one type of large-scale topographic map, called
provisional, some symbols and lettering are hand drawn.
STANDARDIZED COLOR SCHEME How to read Topographic Map?

The first features usually noticed on a topographic map are the area features, such as
vegetation (green), water (blue), and densely built-up areas (gray or red).
The colors of the lines usually indicate similar classes of information: topographic contours
(brown); lakes, streams, irrigation ditches, and other hydrographic features (blue); land grids
and important roads (red); and other roads and trails, railroads, boundaries, and other cultural
features (black). At one time, purple was used as a revision color to show all feature changes.
Currently, purple is not used in our revision program, but purple features are still present on
many existing maps.
MAP LEGEND
Legends in map layouts automatically use the sets of styles you have set up for vector
elements to generate a set of corresponding legend samples. You can change the size of the
legend samples, reorder them, and edit the text explanations. Multi-object legends also let you
use word-wrap and text justification to provide a professional look to longer legend entries.
The example at right is a section of a topographic map. The
brown lines are the contour lines. The thin lines are the normal
contours, the thick brown lines are the index contours. Notice
that elevations are only marked on the thick lines.
Fig.3 Contour Lines
Because we only have a piece of the topographic map we can not look at the margin to find
the contour interval. But since we know the elevation of the two index contours we can
calculate the interval ourselves. The difference in elevation between the two index contours
(800 - 700) is 100. We cross five lines as we go from the 700 line to the 800 line (note we
don't include the line we start on but we do include the line we finish on). Therefore if we
divide the elevation difference (100) by the number of lines (5) we will get the contour
interval. In this case it is 20. We can check ourselves by counting up by 20 for each contour
from the 700 line. We should reach 800 when we cross the 800 line.

Due to space constraints, the legend on the attached Montara topographic map is confined to One piece of important information we can not determine from the contour lines on this map
an explanation of the road classification is the units of elevation. Is the elevation in feet, meters, or something else. There is a big
and highway symbols. The illustration difference between an elevation change of 100 ft. and 100 m ( 328 ft). The units of the
above shows an expanded legend that
contour lines can be found in the margin of the map. Most topographic maps in the United
could be constructed for the map,
States use feet for elevation, but it is important to check
incorporating line and polygon hydrologic
because some do use meters.
features and an explanation of the land
cover symbology. This sample was created
Once we know how to determine the elevation of the
as a single multi-object legend using
unmarked contour lines we should be able determine or at least
information from three different vector
estimate the elevation of any point on the map.
objects in the layout. You can find more
information about legends in the tutorial Using the map below estimate the elevation of the points
booklet Making MapLayouts. marked with letters.
Fig.2 Map Legend Fig.4 Contour Lines
Point A = 700
An easy one. Just follow along the index contour from point A until you find a marked
elevation. On real maps this may not be this easy. you may have to follow the index contour
a long distance to find a label.
Point B = 740
This contour line is not labeled. But we can see it is between the 700 and 800 contour
line. From above we know the contour interval is 20 so if we count up two contour lines
(40) from 700 we reach 740.
Point C ~ 770
Point c is not directly on a contour line. But by counting up from 700 we can see it lies
between the 760 and 780 contour lines. Because it is in the middle of the two we can
estimate its elevation as 770.
Point D = 820
Point D is outside the interval between the two measured contours. While it may seem
obvious that it is 20 above the 800 contour, how do we know the slope hasn't changed and the
elevation has started to back down? We can tell because if the slope stated back down we
would need to repeat the 800 contour. Because the contour under point D is not an index
contour it can not be the 800 contour, so it must be 820.
How to create Profiles?
1) Pencil the line of your interest in lightly on your
map.
Fig.5 Step 1
2) Place a blank piece of paper along the line you have
drawn.
Fig.6 Step 2 & 3
3) On both the blank paper and the map, mark clearly
the starting and ending points of your line of section. Below these marks, write down the
elevation of the startingand ending points of your
section.
4) Make a tic mark wherever the paper crosses a
contour line on the map, making larger tics for the
index contours and smaller tics for the intermediate
contours. Write the elevation of the index contours Fig.7 Step 4
below their tics on your paper. You might want to start off writing the elevation of the
intermediate contours as well to avoid confusion, but it will soon become tedious.
Make a note of the highest and lowest points on the profile for use later. Be sure to keep
track of the number of intermediate contours between the major contours; if there are more
than four intermediate contours it means that there has been a change in slope and you need
to check to see if you crossed a hill or a valley.
5) Once you are certain you have all of the appropriate
tic marks and elevations, remove your paper from the
map. Get a piece of graph paper that is at least as long
as your line of section. Place your paper with the tic
marks on the graph paper and mark the starting and
ending points of your line of section on the graph
Fig.8 Step 5
paper.
6) Draw vertical lines above your starting and  Terrain
ending points, these will be the boundaries of your
Terrain, or land relief, is the vertical and horizontal dimension of land surface. When relief
profile.
is described underwater, the term bathymetry is used.
Terrain is used as a general term in physical geography, referring to the lay of the land. This
is usually expressed in terms of the elevation, slope, and orientation of terrain features.
Terrain affects surface water flow and distribution. Over a large area, it can
Fig.9 Step 6
affect weather and climate patterns.
7) Beginning with your starting elevation, go
CONTOURS
directly above the tic mark on your paper and make
a small dot on the graph paper at the corresponding Contours are imaginary lines that join points of equal elevation on the surface of the land
elevation. Make a small dot for each tic mark on above or below a reference surface, such as mean sea level. Contours make it possible to
your paper. measure the height of mountains, depths of the ocean bottom, and steepness of slopes.

Hill: represented by a concentric series of closed

Fig.9 Step 7 contours.

8) Connect the dots on the graph paper, and you have

a topographic profile.

Fig.11 Hill

Fig.10 Step 8

LANDFORMS Depression: indicated by hachure marks on the

downhill side.
Landforms are irregularities of the earth’s surface which are derived from volcanic, glacial or
erosional processes.

 Description of landforms is Physiography.

Fig.12 Depression
  Hypsography is the study of the distribution of elevations on the surface of
Rule of Vs: Contour lines ―V‖upstream when the Earth.
crossing a stream. The point of the ―V‖points uphill.
 Branch of geology dealing with the origin and nature of landforms with emphasis
on erosional process is Geomorphology.
Geomorphological process:

Fig.13 Rule of Vs
-erosion and deposition along rivers

Contour Interval -erosion of cliffs by the sea

-rocks breaking away from mountain sides of frost action joints
A contour interval on a topographical map refers to the difference in elevation represented by
each contour line on the map or the difference in elevation between successive contour lines. -landslips occurring where surface materials are not yet at a stable angle in relation to the
When it is considered as a ratio against the map scale, local geological structure.
a sense of the hilliness of the terrain can be derived.
SLOPE
Index Contour

Topographic maps may have many contour lines. It is
not possible to label the elevation of each contour
line. To make the map easier to read every fifth
contour line vertically is an index contour. Index
contours are shown by darker brown lines on the
map. These are the contour lines that are usually labeled.
ELEVATION
The elevation of a geographic location is its
height above a fixed reference point,
The percent change in the elevation at a certain distance
Degree or deviation of a surface from horizontal, measured in a numerical
ratio, percent, or degrees
 Slope analysis
Fig.14 Contour Lines
A slope analysis is done to identify the areas of steep slopes and the possible location for
building sites and access. The slope analysis is usually a graphic representation of slope
shown in classes or ranges
-aids in recognizing areas suitable for building locations, roads, parking or play areas.
-it may show if construction is feasible

Fig.15 Elevation
Breakdown of Grades:

0-3% ---------level to very gently sloping RECTANGULAR DRAINAGE PATTERN

3-8% ---------rolling to hilly The rectangular drainage pattern is found in regions that
have undergone faulting. Streams follow the path of least
8-18% ---------gently sloping to undulating
resistance and thus are concentrated in places were
18-30% --------moderately sloping to rolling exposed rock is the weakest. Movement of the surface
due to faulting off-sets the direction of the stream. As a
30-50% --------steep hills to mountainous Fig.17Rectangular
result, the tributary streams make shape bends and enter the main stream at highDrainage
angles.
Pattern
50% ---------very steep hills to mountains TRELLIS DRAINAGE PATTERN

DRAINAGE Trellis drainage patterns look similar to their namesake, the

Drainage system is a system of watercourses or drains for carrying off excess water.
DRAINAGE PATTERN
DENDRITIC DRAINAGE PATTERN
Dendritic drainage pattern occurs when the tributary
systems subdivides headway like the limbs of a tree.
These patterns usually form in horizontal
sedimentary or in intrusive igneous rocks where the
rock mass is reasonably homogeneous. The
tributaries in steep terrains tend to be somewhat
subparallel and join at acute angles. Any marked
structure (joints, faulting) will tend to interfere with
the development of the dendritic drainage pattern.
Fig.16 Dendritic Drainage Pattern
common garden trellis. Trellis drainage develops in folded
topography like that found in the Appalachian Mountains of
North America. Down-turned folds called synclines form
valleys in which resides the main channel of the stream. Short
tributary streams enter the main channel at sharp angles as they
run down sides of parallel ridges called anticlines. Tributaries
join the main stream at nearly right angles. Fig.18 Trellis Drainage
Pattern
RADIAL DRAINAGE PATTERN
The radial drainage pattern develops around a central
elevated point. This pattern is common to such conically
shaped features as volcanoes. The tributary streams
extend the headward reaches upslope toward the top of
the volcano.
Fig.19Radial Drainage Pattern

PARALLEL DRAINAGE PATTERN
Parallel drainage patterns form where there is a pronounced slope
to the surface. A parallel pattern also develops in regions of
parallel, elongate landforms like outcropping resistant rock
bands. Tributary streams tend to stretch out in a parallel-like
fashion following the slope of the surface. A parallel pattern
sometimes indicates the presence of a major fault that cuts across
an area of steeply folded bedrock. All forms of transitions can
Fig.20Parallel Drainage Pattern
occur between parallel, dendritic, and trellis patterns.
DERANGED or CONTORTED DRAINAGE
PATTERN
Deranged or contorted patterns develop from the disruption of a
pre-existing drainage pattern. Figure 5.1.6 began as a dendritic
pattern but was altered when overrun by glacier. After receding,
the glacier left behind fine grain material that forms wetlands
and deposits that dammed the stream to impound a small lake.
The tributary streams appear significantly more contorted than
they were prior to glaciation.
Fig.21Parallel Drainage Pattern
DRAINAGE BASIN or WATERSHED
Drainage basin or watershed (North American English
usages) is an extent or an area of land where surface
waterfrom rain and melting snow or ice converges to a
single point at a lower elevation, usually the exit of the
Fig.22 Drainage Basin or Watershed
basin, where the waters join another waterbody, such as
a river, lake, reservoir, estuary, wetland, sea, or ocean.
Other terms that are used to describe a drainage basin are catchment, catchment
area, catchment basin, drainage area, river basin and water basin. In North America, the
term watershed is commonly used to mean a drainage basin (though in other English-
speaking countries, it is used only in its original sense, to mean a drainage divide), the one
meaning an area, the other its high elevation perimeter of that area. Drainage basins drain into
other drainage basins in ahierarchical pattern, with smaller sub-drainage basins combining
into larger drainage basins.
CLIMATE
Topography deals with the surface and features of the land, such as whether it is flat or has
hills. Areas that are closer to water have milder climates. Areas with mountains tend to have
extreme weather because the mountains act as barriers. An area's topography can have a
major effect on its climate.
High elevations such as mountains affect climate by changing the patterns of temperature,
wind circulation and precipitation.
The most obvious effect is on temperature, which decreases with elevation. Air temperature
decreases at a rate of approximately 6.5 degrees C. per kilometer.
Mountains also play a direct role in changing the pattern of atmospheric circulation (wind).
Think of the wind as a stream and a mountain as a rock in the middle of the stream. Wind
currents are deflected around the mountain and the current is changed downstream.
The orientation of a mountain affects precipitation. Windward slopes, those facing into the
wind, are wetter. That's because as the air is forced up the slope, it gets cooler. And since
cooler air can hold less moisture than warm air, it snows or rains.
On the other slope of the mountain (the leeward side), the opposite occurs. That's because as of pedometric mapping, both predictions and simulations (2D or 3D — geographic location
air is forced down the slope, it gets warmer. Since warm air can hold more moisture than cool plus soil depth) of values are visualized and used for GIS modeling.
air, it doesn't rain -- which makes for dry, almost desert-like terrain.

Air temperatures are also affected by a mountain's orientation. Slopes facing into the Sun are SOIL MAP OF THE PHILIPPINES
warmer than those facing away from it.

SOIL MAP

Soil map is a map i.e. a geographical representation showing diversity of soil types and/or
soil properties (soil pH, textures, organic matter, depths of horizons etc.) in the area of
interest.It is typically the end result of a soil survey inventory, i.e. soil survey. Soil maps are
most commonly used for land evaluation, spatial planning, agricultural extension,
environmental protection and similar projects.Traditional soil maps typically show only
general distribution of soils, accompanied by the soil survey report. Many new soil maps are
derived using digital soil mapping techniques. Such maps are typically richer in context and
show higher spatial detail than traditional soil maps. Soil maps produced using (geo)
statistical techniques also include an estimate of the model uncertainty.

In the digital era, soil maps come in various digital vector and raster formats and are used for
various applications in geosciences and environmental sciences. In this context, soil maps are
only visualizations of the soil resource inventories commonly stored in a Soil Information
System (SIS), of which the major part is a Soil Geographical Database. A Soil Information
System is basically a systematic collection of complete (values of the target soil variables
available for the whole area of interest) and consistent gridded or vector soil property and/or
class maps with an attached report, user manual and/or metadata. A SIS is in the most cases, a
combination of polygon and point maps linked with attribute tables for profile observations,
soil mapping units and soil classes. Different elements of an SIS can be manipulated and then
visualized against the spatial reference (grids or polygons). For example, soil profiles can be
used to make spatial prediction of different chemical and physical soil properties. In the case

Fig.23 Soil Map of the Philippines

ALFISOLS
Soils with subsurface horizons of clay accumulation and medium to high base supply; either
usually moist or moist for 90 consecutive days during a period when temperature is
ENTISOLS
Soils without pedogenic horizons; either usually wet, usually moist or usually dry
INCEPTISOLS
Soils with pedogenic horizons or alteration or concentration but without accumulation o
translocated materials other than carbonate or silica; usually moist or moist for 90
consecutive days during a period when temperature is suitable for plant growth
OXISOLS
Soils with pedogenic horizons that are mixture principally of kaolin, hydrated oxides, and
quartz, and are low in weather able minerals.
ULTISOLS
Soils with subsurface horizon of day accumulation and low base supply usually moist or
moist for 90 consecutive days during a period when temperature is suitable for plant growth.
VERTISOLS
Soils with high content of swelling clays; deep wide cracks develop during dry periods.
SOILS IN AREAS WITH MOUNTAINS
Soils with various moisture and temperature regimes; many steep slopes; relief and total
elevation vary greatly from place to place. Soils vary greatly within short distances and with
changes in altitude; vertical zonation common.
EROSION
Erosion consists of two main types, erosion by water and erosion by wind. Water erosion is
divided into the three subtypes of sheet, rill and gully erosion.
Sheet erosion is described as the removal by water of more or
less an even amount of soil surface from an area of land. Instead
of the soil washing away in spots, it is carried away as a sheet
from the surface area. Unfortunately, this type of erosion is not
readily noticed and much damage may occur before the producer
is aware of what is happening.
Fig.24 Sheet Erosion
Rill erosion produces rills or small channels as the soil is carried
away by water. Usually, rill erosion results from a heavy rain,
particularly in the spring when soil is being tilled. During the
spring, there are few, if any, plants with extensive root systems
and protection from crop residue has been reduced by tillage.
Fig.25 Rill Erosion
Gully erosion is where water cuts a small rill or channel into a
ditch that is difficult to cross with farm machinery. Gullies
usually are formed in a natural drainage way. Although gully
erosion does not cover as much area as sheet or rill erosion, the
Fig.26 Gully Erosion
gullies themselves can be viewed as an obstruction resulting in a substantial decline in the
value of the land. When they become numerous in a field, it may restrict cropping use and
After completion of the site work and the grading of all disturbed banks, open areas are
could in time require permanent seeding into grass.
seeded, fertilized, and prepared in accordance with specifications and cultural requirements of
Wind erosion is, as its name indicates, the removal of soil by the action of wind. The action the site. Temporary erosion and sediment pollution controls should be maintained throughout
of wind can affect the productivity of land. Wind erosion usually carries the smallest the duration of the work and until the site is stabilized. After a rain, the devices should be
particles for many miles, but may move the large participles only a short distance. Thus, a
checked and inspected for condition and integrity. Devices that require maintenance, repair,
loam soil can through time actually be changed to a sandy loam if the wind blows away
enough silt and leaves the heavier sand particles behind. clean-out, or replacement shall be addressed.

EROSION and SEDIMENT CONTROL TOPOGRAPHY TYPE

1. Mountain
The essence of the principles lies in the fundamental difference between the prevention of Mountains are land masses that project well
erosion and the control of sediment. Erosion prevention and sediment control are proactive. above their surroundings. They are higher and
steeper than hills and end in a peak. Mountains
While it is not possible to have site development without some earth disturbance, often the
are defined base on volume, elevation, relief,
amount of disturbance is well beyond the area required. Since sediment control features such
spacing, steepness and continuity. Mountains
as filter fences, sediment traps, stone filters, check dams, and sediment basins are designed are often defined by their highest point reaching
according to the size of the disturbed area, the smaller the area disturbed, the lower the cost of at least 1000 feet above the base. Fig.27 Mountain
site control.
2. Hills
Hills are mounds or raised areas of land. Hills
Sediment control is, in effect, planned damage control. These efforts are geared entirely
are generally not as steep or tall as mountains.
toward collecting, directing, capturing, filtering, and releasing sediment-laden runoff, after Hills are often defined as by their highest point
erosion has occurred. Practically speaking, in most cases erosion control is not among the reaching between 501 and 999 feet above the
first things a site designer or a builder is concerned with. Their attention is drawn to many base, with anything higher constituting a
issues in the course of the project, and erosion control is usually dealt with as part of these mountain.
Fig.28 Hills
issues. Erosion and sediment control consists of both temporary and permanent measures.
 Mound -hills that are created artificially
Permanent measures are provided to prevent erosion from occurring after construction is
completed. These permanent measures include stabilized and established vegetation and
paving.
3. Plains
Plains are a type of flat land that only experience
slight changes in their elevation. Another type of
flat land is the plateau, but plateaus are higher
than surrounding land areas. Plains feature
relatively high reliefs with flats. Types of plains
include steppes and prairies. Plains occur both as
plateaus and lowlands
4. Glacier
Glaciers are masses of ice that move slowly over land. Glaciers make up the
largest fresh water reservoir on the planet, and
cover large areas in the polar regions and
mountain ranges on every continent. There are
several types of glaciers, including tidewater
glaciers, alpine glaciers and ice sheets. Glaciers
are formed when snow and ice are
accumulated, compacted and compressed into
ice crystals which grow over a period of
hundreds of years.
5. Water
Different bodies of water exist in topographical
maps, including rivers, ponds, lakes and
oceans. Oceans make up two-thirds of the
earth's surface, and are comprised of salt water.
Lakes and ponds are bodies of fresh water, and
lakes are larger than ponds. Rivers are flowing
bodies of water that flow into larger bodies of
water such as seas and oceans.
TOPOGRAPHICAL CONSIDERATION
RIVER TOPOGRAPHY
A river is a natural watercourse, usually freshwater, flowing towards an ocean, a lake, a sea,
or another river. In a few cases, a river simply flows into the ground or dries up completely at
the end of its course, and does not reach another body of water. Small rivers may be called by
several other names, including stream, creek, brook, rivulet, and rill.
Fig.28 Plains
Topographical Classification
Alluvial River
Alluvial rivers have channels and floodplains that are self-formed in unconsolidated or
weakly consolidated sediments. They erode their banks and deposit material on bars and their
floodplains.
Bedrock River
Bedrock rivers form when the river down cuts through the modern sediments and into the
underlying bedrock.
Fig.29 Glacier
 Youthful river: A river with a steep gradient that has very few tributaries and flows
quickly. Its channels erode deeper rather than wider.
 Mature river: A river with a gradient that is less steep than those of youthful rivers and
flows more slowly. A mature river is fed by many tributaries and has more discharge
than a youthful river. Its channels erode wider rather than deeper.
 Old river: A river with a low gradient and low erosive energy. Old rivers are
characterized by flood plains.
Fig.30 Water  Rejuvenated river: A river with a gradient that is raised by tectonic uplift.
HYDROLOGY TOPOGRAPHY IN THE PHILIPPINES
-The surface and subsurface drainage patterns on a site greatly influence land use. The Two Largest Islands
-Important in developing a system for site drainage that makes use of existing watershed Luzon in the north, 104,688 square kilometers in area.
drainage patterns.
Mindanao in the south, 94,630 square kilometers-comprise 67.1 percent of the total
River basins land area of the country.
River basin indicates the area from which water is gathered to fill streams and rivers. The Philippines has four major plains
 a project area near a stream is flood prone; flash floods may occur. Central Luzon Plain is the largest lowland area in the north and is considered the rice granary
 It is necessary to determine the total surface drainage system and plot into a map the of the Philippines.
water catchment area that feeds any local surface water. Cagayan Valley, in Northeastern Luzon is the leading tobacco-producing region in Asia.
Floodplains Agusan-Davao Plain
Cotabato Valley
 a plain along a river or stream subject to periodic
flooding The Most Known volcanoes in the Philippines
 in building adjacent to streams or rivers, detailed
• Mayon in Albay -most active; the most famous
flood studies and special permits are necessary
• Iraya in Batanes Islands
Mountain Topography Fig.31 Floodplains • Taal in Batangas
• Banahaw in Quezon
The elevation of a mountain usually refers to its summit. The elevation of a hill also refers to • Apo in Davao del Sur
the summit. A valley's elevation is usually taken from the lowest point but is often taken all
• Makaturing in Lanao del Sur
over the valley.
• Hibok-Hibok in Camiguin Island
In topography, a summit is a point on a surface that is higher in elevation than all points • Isarog in Camarines Sur
immediately adjacent to it. Mathematically, a summit is a local maximum in elevation. In • Bulusan in Sorsogon
terms of elevation opposite to it are foothills. The topographic terms "acme", "apex", "peak",
and "zenith" are synonyms.
DENR’s Geohazard Mapping and Assessment Program 6. Benguet

What is Geohazard? 7. Nueva Vizcaya

Geohazards are naturally occurring geological phenomena that pose danger to people’s lives, 8. Batangas
properties, infrastructure and communities. These include landslides, flooding and land subsidence.
However, in some cases, geohazards can also be induced by human activities. 9. Mt. Province

The Geohazard Mapping and Assessment Program is a on-going priority program of the DENR, 10. Romblon
which is being implemented by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB). Its main objective is to
identify areas in the country which are susceptible or vulnerable to various geologic hazards, or  The said program also identified the Top 10 provinces highly susceptible to flooding:
geohazards. The program also seeks to provide information to various stakeholders in order to lessen
or mitigate the impact of these events. 1. Pampanga

 The program comprises three major activities: 2. Nueva Ecija

1. rapid assessment survey to generate geohazard maps that will indicate which areas are prone to 3. Pangasinan
natural dangers like landslides, flooding and ground subsidence;
4. Tarlac
2. printing and reproduction of maps, manuals and information materials for public dissemination;
5. Maguindanao
3. and conduct of seminars and workshops for local government officials and public school teachers
to increase their awareness and preparedness on various natural hazards, as well as teach them on 6. Bulacan
the proper use of the geohazard maps
7. Metro Manila
 The said program has identified Top 10 provinces which are highly susceptible to landslides:
8. North Cotabato
1. Marinduque
9. Oriental Mindoro
2. Rizal
10. Ilocos Norte
3. Cebu
 Completed the geohazard assessment and mapping of all the 1,634 cities and municipalities,
4. La Union
with a scale of 1:50,000
5. Southern Leyte
  Distributed a total of 75,000 map sheets to all local government units down to the barangay
level, with corresponding training and capability-building to interpret the maps.
 Started the preparation of more detailed geohazard maps in 2011, with scale of 1:10,000,
initially targeting 218 municipalities.
HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES
This study will focus on hillside houses which is the best way to have insights about
topographical considerations on designing structure but first let us define what is a hillside?
Hillsides are defined as lands with a slope angle of 10% or greater, when we say 10%
it means that when you divide the vertical distance to its horizontal distance and the quotient
is multiplied by 100 you will get the percentage slope so we have this formula:
Fig.32 Percent Slope
Ofcourse not all places to live will always have a flat land especially on rural areas so
we need to study on how we will be able to develop these hillsides to be used for construction
purposes especially for homes. It is not impossible to build on sloped areas, and it also
doesn’t meant to flatten it, as designers and developers, as much as possible we have to
maximize and preserve the existing land and take it as a challenge to design and construct a
building without suffering substantial natural resources and habitat. So this is where
development comes, hillside development means, grading, erecting or construction on a
hillside area.
Hillside development needs a wise preparation, planning and because we’re dealing
with land usage, the development will get a comprehensive plan by the government agencies
responsible for hillsides.
Consistent interpretation by City staff, consultants and the development industry is
key to successful implementation of hillside objectives. Relevant bylaws will be written and
implemented with room for flexibility and innovation in mind. A pre-application meeting is
necessary to determine application requirements. Hillside Development Permit applicants
may be required to submit reports, prepared by qualified professionals, to address visual,
geotechnical, hydro-geological, environmental, wildfire, grading/retaining, and stormwater
management needs.
Designing hillside projects requires a coordinated approach due to competing objectives.
There is also a high risk of erosion and an increased risk of landslides both during and after
construction. The developer is strongly encouraged to hire a coordinating professional, who
recognizes that trade-offs may be necessary, in order to clearly identify where compromises
are needed and are rationalized.
Studying the site needs, of course, a map. The map must be detailed and shall consist
of steep slope and constrained slope areas. Specific determination of steep slope and
constrained slope areas shall be made at the time of a development proposal by the applicant
for alteration or development for the respective properties. Topographical survey shall be
prepared for the entire sit, it shows trees or tree clusters and 2 foot contours, and shall be
provided by the property owner or applicant for development approval.
Hills are associated mostly of plants and trees and it has a big factor on the design
and construction so proper guidelines should be observed so that we will be able to preserve
the endemic green elements. Removal or replanting of approved vegetation species of native
plants must be kept on file and permitted. Disturbed areas shall be replanted in approved
vegetation ad tree cover. Development shall not result in cuts or fills in excess of 3 feet
except for basement construction unless specifically approved. The applicant’s engineering
plans shall certify that runoff and sedimentation from the site will not increase more than Whether we like it or not a lot of factors will affect on the design of the building so even the
(10%) above conditions present on the site as of effective date of ordinance. site and its adjacent places should be taken to consideration or manipulated somehow.

In areas of steep slope, the following standards shall apply: VISUAL IMPACTS
a. [12% to less than 16%] slope: No more than [40%] of such areas shall be
developed and/or regraded or stripped of vegetation. The impact of development o • n views should be
b. [16% to 25%] slope: No more than [30%] of such areas shall be developed mitigated to ensure:
and/or regraded or stripped of vegetation, with the exception that no more
than 20% of such areas may be disturbed in the case of poor soil suitability.  Structures and building faces do
c. More than [25%] slope: No more than [15%] of such areas shall be developed not
and/or regraded or stripped of vegetation, with the exception that no more dominate the landscape
than 5% of such areas may be disturbed in the case or poor soil suitability.  Structures are screened through
d. All erodible slopes shall be protected in accordance with the erosion and effective use
sedimentation control standards contained in Section X.XX.X. of landscape materials
e. For any existing lot or parcel demonstrated to have been rendered not buildable  Significant natural features and
by application of this ordinance, the property owner may apply for a hardship  landforms, including ridgelines,
variance for waiver of land development restrictions and prohibitions found are retained Fig. 33 House blends into natural vegetation
in this section. A decision regarding hardship variances will follow the or enhanced
procedures and standards of Article [list appropriate reference to variances]  Street and building lighting is not dominant
of this ordinance.  The project is designed to benefit all by
 ensuring view corridors from the project are
With these guidelines, it aims to achieve goals on hillside development such as to maintained.
protect wildlife habitat, corridors, avoid unstable or hazardous sites and protect lives and
property from hazardous conditions, such as rock falls, storm runoff, erosion, etc., provide
safe year round access for residents, visitors and service providers, be compatible with
adjacent development, open spaces and natural features by respecting existing views, privacy,
access to light and safety, support innovative, low impact buildings, support mixed
development densities that provides variety in housing opportunities and affordability, and
minimize infrastructure maintenance requirements and costs thereby enhancing the financial
sustainability of proposed development.

HILLSIDE DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS Fig. 34 Placing homes on top of a
ridge,
On designing a site, expect that there are lot of things to be considered, should be silhouetted against the sky like these
paid attention and take into action in order to ensure safety and fulfillment on the consumer. homes, is
discouraged.
Fig. 35 These hillside homes are placed
well below the ridge, and preserve the
view of the ridge.
 GRADING

1. Minimize grading. Utilize retaining walls to

reducelong cut and fill slopes.

2. Avoid grading to create benched or terraced

hillside sites. Grading on sloping terrain for the
purpose of accommodating houses designed for flat
land conditions will not be a basis for an acceptable
Fig. 36-37 Stark landscape can be improved with strategic placement of
hillside site plan. Fig. 40 When grading is necessary, rigid
mature trees
contouring like this looks man made
3. Limit grading for house construction in hillsides to and shouldbegarage
driveways, avoided.pads and
RETAINING WALLS understructure areas. House foundations should step
with the terrain to minimize grading and to protect
 Match the building design
trees in the vicinity of the house.
 Use of retaining walls to create backyards in hillside areas is not appropriate
 Provide landscaping to minimize the visual impact of retaining walls 4. Use slope rounding methods

5. Avoid grading in creek or ravine areas which

should be used as natural drainage ways.
Fig. 41 When regrading is necessary, the
6. Cut and fill slopes should generally not exceed a contours should be rounded and
undulate to
2:1 gradient (horizontal: vertical) appear natural.

Fig. 38 Retaining wall mitigated with landscape Fig.39 Large retaining structure effectively
treatment screened with landscaping
Fig. 42 Grading hillsides to create flat pads in Fig. 43 Homes on hillsides should be
order to construct flat land home designs is to be split-level, following the slope. Grading Fig.45 Small rear yard with manufactured slope mimics Fig. 46 House and yard construction
avoided. should be minimized. natural terrain respects natural slope

GARAGE LOCATION AND DRIVEWAYS

1. Ensure new driveways have safe site lines and distances.

2. Orient garage door away from the street wherever possible.
3. Provide accessory structure that is consistent with overall design
4. Driveways should be located away from street intersections
5. Minimize the amount of paved areas as much as possible. Use of circular
Fig. 44 driveways or large paved areas is discouraged.

YARDS STREETS

1. Landform alteration to create yards is discouraged. 1. Use the narrowest road available, consistent with emergency vehicle needs, to
2. Develop all open space with well-designed drought-tolerant minimize grading.
landscaping suitable for fire prone areas. 2. Design street alignments, utilities and drainage improvements to promote
3. Eliminate use of excessive retaining walls retention of trees and other important site features.
4. Cut and fill type grading is discouraged.
II. HILL HOUSING STILT CONSTRUCTION

Stilt construction started since Neolithic age and Bronze age.

CUT AND FILL
In earthmoving, cut and fill is the process of constructing a railway, road or canal whereby
the amount of material from cuts roughly matches the amount of fill needed to make
nearby embankments, so minimizing the amount of construction labor.
Stilts are used in dwellings near bodies of water to protect them from flood.
It was also used in houses like Nipa hut to protect them from animals that may come from
the ground.

But in building structures, its minimal, because it makes the ground more prone to erosion. Stilts are support members of the stuctural elements.

The cut part was filled to the other part of the slope to balance the level of the base In hillside construction, it was used to support the part of the structure which is in the lower
level.

.
Fig. 45
A cantilever is a beam anchored at only one end. The beam carries the load to the support
where it is forced against by moment and shear stress. Cantilever construction allows for Fig. 46
overhanging structures without external bracing. Cantilevers can also be constructed with It was also used to minimize cut and fill.
trusses or slabs.
Unlike the cantilever construction, stilts provide more strength as a support to the structure
Cantilever construction is used on hillside to minimize cut and fill.

It requires high strength support.

Chapter 2
Sharp angular lines define the house in space
I. CASE STUDY from the outside but also direct viewers to
look back out once within the structure, past
FOREIGN : OPEN HOUSE the pool and deck and to the cityscape below.

Comfortable interior spaces give way to

narrow circulation areas that, in turn, open
back up to the broader outside world.

True to its name, the Open House by Xten Architecture is incredibly spacious inside and has
innumerable amazing views out onto the surrounding landscape from its luxurious
Hollywood Hills vantage point.
Deeper within the house, spaces become increasingly
private – tucked between the building itself, retaining
walls and the hillside behind.

The Openhouse is embedded into a

narrow and sharply sloping property in
the Hollywood Hills, a challenging site
that led to the creation of a house that
is both integrated into the landscape
and open to the city below. Retaining
walls are configured to extend the first
floor living level into the hillside and
to create gardens on two levels. The
front, side and rear elevations of the
This is yet another example of taking a strangely sloped site and making the best of each of
house slide open to erase all boundaries
its site elements – the hillside behind the house, the vista out the front and everything in
between indoors and out, connecting
between.
the spaces to gardens on both levels.
FOREIGN : SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE As a starting point, stands a large, comfortable terrace ending in a longitudinal swimming
pool, which represents the main living space.
On both sides of the plot, green areas may be
found, which allow for natural illumination on
the lower levels. These green areas define a
lighter upper volume, which when separated
from the base, takes the stage as the central
element of the composition. This volume was
given a starring role by working it in a closed
way and by giving it a light, clearly defined
aesthetic.

A project by: RRMR Arquitectos

Location: Playa El Golf PanamericanaSur, CañeteLima,Peru
Built in 2011

The housing unit is a temporary summer home developed in the coastal desert of Lima, 95Km
from the city. The stretch of land stands on a moderate slope in a privileged location with a
frontal view to a golf course and a lateral view to the sea.
 Another element which incorporates The materials used, the walls
the diagonal aesthetic is the perimeter painted in white, and the exposed
walls. Along with providing privacy to
concrete walls and veneered floors
the lower level, they bring together into
in gray, give the interior a neutral
the composition the suspended upper
volume and the lower frame of the atmosphere, carefully illuminated,
secondary bedrooms. This ends up which allows to appreciate the use
unifying smoothly and continuously the of space and the fluidity in the path
unit’s three levels into one single between the different ambiences.
dynamic element.

Access to the house is from the more elevated part in the back, and the layout considers three
The sun sets towards the back of the lot, which is used in the solution to provide the levels: the top gives way to vehicular and pedestrian access. The entrance is from the side
necessary shade to the deck by extending the volume’s upper edge, making it more distinctive with a tangential view to the suspended volume. An open courtyard leads to the hall of the
and dynamic. The suspended main house, and from this point, stairs go down to the social area, a bridge gives access to the
volume then shows a notorious master bedroom. The social area,
diagonal that may be seen front the pool and kitchen may be found at
deck and from outside the plot. This the mid-level. These areas are
resulting diagonal is taken as a more open and are designed to
composition gesture that is repeated as connect with the landscape. The
an inclined plane in the entrance, in secondary bedrooms, family room
the two stairways and in the irregular and service area are found in the
openings in the side facade. lower level. Two of the bedrooms
have a frontal view, while the other
areas are lit through the lateral
openings.
 The extensive program of this housing unit
includes five bedrooms, living room, dining
room, terrace, swimming pool, family room,
kitchen, two car garage, storage area, laundry
area and service bedroom and bathroom.

Traditional building methods were followed,

using a concrete structure and brick walls,
plastered and painted.
Chapter 3
I. Summary, Conclusion
Topography, as we have learned from the previous discussions on our design class
and from this research, has to do with land formation, contours, slopes and elevations.

It is important to know first the topography of an area/site before planning and

designing because with the knowledge of topography, we will know which portions of the
land is feasible/ suitable for construction. The topography of a site may dictate the purposes
for which the site may be practically used and eventually the layout of the proposed project.
The location of buildings and roads, pedestrian circulation, and the arrangement of storm
water features are all commonly affected by topography. We must consider how the existing
topography affects the proposed structure and vice versa.

Topography and slope should be considered when drawing up site plans for any
construction projects. Consideration of the slope of the land is important to reduce
construction costs, minimize risks from natural hazards such as flooding and landslides, and
minimize the impacts of proposed development on the natural resources such as soils,
vegetation, and water systems.

II. Recommendation
As future builders and planners, we must have knowledge about the existing
topographical condition of our country. Since Philippines is an archipelago located in the
Pacific, at the same time prone to typhoons, it has just become a normal scenario for us to
experience landslides and flooding. Through the help of proper topographic analysis which
includes slope map analysis and drainage analysis, we can avoid building on the areas which
are prone to natural hazards such as flash floods, landslides, etc. With this we can, if not
directly avoid, lessen the casualties of a disaster. 
REFERENCES:
LINKS

http://edtech.mit.edu/fcgi-bin/pgt?part=1.5.0

http://www4.uwsp.edu/geo/faculty/ritter/geog101/textbook/fluvial_systems/drainage_patterns
.html

http://faculty.chemeketa.edu/afrank1/topo_maps/index.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soil_map

http://dornob.com/extreme-modern-hillside-home-with-an-amazing-view/#ixzz2kRFyDf8r

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/

PDF

Earth Science Lesson 6. Weather and Climate (Grades 8-12 ).Climate and Topography
USGS. Topographic Map Symbol
Site Planning & Design Handbook
Land Value and Purchase. Using Soils Information