NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY

OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

College of Architecture

LA SPIREATER

A PROPOSED SPIRITUAL RETREAT CENTER

( A Case Study )

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ARCHITECTURE

Submitted by:

Mungcal, Reymar Bagan

Submitted to:

Arch. Marian Joyce B. Corpuz

Date of Submission

March 22, 2021

 NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY
OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
College of Architecture

INTRODUCTION

The title “La Spireater” is a jumbled word came from the

project title A Proposed Spiritual Retreat Center which is the
origin of the word “Spireater” and the first word “La” is came
from the word “Labi” which is the place where the proposed
project to be build. In spanish “La” means “The” and “Spireater”
is came from the word “spirea” which is a meadowsweets plants or
steeplebushes, it symbolizes wealth, fortune and prosperity. La
Spireater is a proposed Spiritual Retreat Center situated in
barangay Labi municipality of Bongabon and province of Nueva
Ecija.

The christian retreat defined as a definite time spent away

from one’s normal life for the purpose of reconnecting with God.
The meaning of a spiritual retreat can be different for
different religious communities. Spiritual retreats are an
integral part of many Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and Sufi
(Islamic) communities. In Hinduism and Buddhist, meditative
retreats are seen by some as an intimate way of deepening powers
of concentration and insight.

We as human beings have an inner connection with our

environment by physical, mental, emotional and spiritual means.
This connection with our environment is key in keeping a balance
within ourselves. As Hippocrates, the great philosopher and
pioneer of early medicine stated, “The natural healing force
within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well.”
With this in mind, one must truly be aware of their natural
state in order to take full advantage of their inner healing
force.

The World Vision International is a global humanitarian organization, devoted to improving lives of
children, their families and communities to overcome poverty. In partnership with the municipality of
Bongabon Nueva Ecija, the said organization decided to develop their acquired land in the town by
proposing a Retreat Center that will cater not only for their respective
employees (from their Institution-arm partners) but the locals
as well.

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OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
College of Architecture

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The study aims to propose a retreat center that will cater not only for their respective
employees (from their Institution-arm partners) but for the locals as well.

The following statement are problems to be answered:

I. To have a space for recreation and relaxation where they can get away from the hustle and bustle
of their daily lives for a period of time.

II. A place for temporary getaway from the city.

III. A sanctuary where they can reconnect with nature.

IV. The propose project is programmed for various activities specifically highlighting the physical and
mental health and wellness of every individual.

V. The said project will also be the venue for other group and individual activities such as team
buildings and summer camps.

SCOPE AND DELIMITATION

The scope of the project focus on recreation and relaxation

of their respective employees and local citizens. The propose
project is programmed for various activities specifically
highlighting the physical and mental health and wellness of
every individual. The said project will also be the venue for
other group and individual activities such as team buildings and
summer camps.

The delimitation, is by using development controls and space programming by which authorities
manage the extent and nature of growth in local areas. Landowners or leaseholders wishing to develop
are typically required to apply to a local authority for permission prior to commencing any development
work, Space programming is a primary task during the schematic design process, to produce a
geometric configuration of a space layout that is in accordance with the project's requirements. By
nature, space programming is an iterative process that evolves according to the client's requirements.

DETAILED SITE ANALYSIS

Macro Site Analysis

Municipality of Bongabon is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Nueva Ecija, Philippines.
According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 64,173 people.  It has an area of 28,352.90 hectares
(70,061.5 acres), and is the leading producer of onion in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia.

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OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
College of Architecture

 Sibuyas Festival is celebrated annually on the 1st to 2nd week of April as a form of thanksgiving,
and a way to promote and show their town as one of the largest producers of onion in Asia.
 Falls Deesap at Barangay Labi - A good place to visit during summer, the falls offers a cold
shimmering water perfect to beat heatwaves. Its water comes from the untainted Sierra Madre
Mountain.

 Mount Labi Peak at Barangay Labi

 Ilog Jordan at Barangay Olivete is a popular Lenten destination for people seeking spiritual
rejuvenation and healing.

 The Art and Culture of Basket Weaving support Basket Industry in Bongabon also the Ecology
and the Environment to create a plastic free Bongabon, to influence the province and the whole
country to go back to the basics, of using Rattan baskets,so popular during the early 50’s and 60’s.
 Climate type is Tropical Monsoon Climate.

Climate data for Bongabon, Nueva Ecija

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year

Average high 29 30 31 33 33 31 30 29 29 30 30 29 30
°C (°F) (84) (86) (88) (91) (91) (88) (86) (84) (84) (86) (86) (84) (87)

Average low 19 19 20 22 23 24 24 24 23 22 21 20 22
°C (°F) (66) (66) (68) (72) (73) (75) (75) (75) (73) (72) (70) (68) (71)

Average
4 6 7 12 61 89 96 99 81 88 37 13 593
precipitation
(0.2) (0.2) (0.3) (0.5) (2.4) (3.5) (3.8) (3.9) (3.2) (3.5) (1.5) (0.5) (23.5)
mm (inches)

Average rainy
2.5 3.0 4.1 6.3 15.8 19.4 22.5 21.6 20.1 17.5 9.6 4.0 146.4
days

Source: Meteoblue [5]

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OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
College of Architecture

Micro Site Analysis

The property is an downhill clearing interior lot with a 6-

meter service road at the front facing south with a frontage of
153 meters. The site is measured 172 meters eastward and 119
meters towards west. The northern portion is faced by a 6-meter
wide stream. The perimeter of the lot on both sides are
surrounded with lush of coniferous and deciduous trees.

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

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OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
College of Architecture

The design philosophy that is used in designing the proposed subject is “Study nature,
love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.” by
American architect Frank Lloyd
Wright

DESIGN CONCEPT

Organic Architecture

Is a philosophy of architecture
which promotes harmony between human habitation and the natural
world through design approaches so sympathetic and well
integrated with it’s site and that buildings, furnishing and
surroundings become a part of a unifed in interrelated
composition.

SUB-CONCEPT

Bamboo Architecture

It has become a popular material choice in architecture and design projects because of its
sustainable qualities and hardwearing characteristics as it has a higher compressive strength than
concrete or wood, and rivals the tensility of steel.

FORM CONCEPT

Great Egret

The great egret, also known as the common egret is a large, widely distributed egret, with four
subspecies found in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and southern Europe. Egret teaches to stand in the
physical and spiritual worlds look deeper into aspects of life, brings out innate wisdom and shows how
to become self-reliant. Egret is sharp, direct and to the point. Great White Egret Symbolism;
Determination, balance, follow your own path.

EVOLUTION OF FORM

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OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
College of Architecture

CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGIES/MATERIALS

Construction technology refers to the collection of innovative tools, machinery, modifications,

software, etc. used during the construction phase of a project that enables advancement in field
construction methods, including semi-automated and automated construction equipment.

Bamboo has a greater flexibility per mass density, bamboo’s

hollow and round structure makes it a unique plant species. Not
only is it stronger than wood, it also bends further without
breaking.

Rattan it is versatile, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. Adding it to the space can evince a relaxing
vibe, thus making the place both a visual and a spiritual experience. The local farmers in Nueva Ecija
make wonderful rattan products

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 NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY
OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
College of Architecture

Tempered Glass may have distortions and low visibility but it breaks into small dice-like pieces at
modulus of rupture of 3600 psi. Hence it is used in making fire resistant doors etc. They are available in
same weight and thickness range as float glass It is the fraction of incident solar radiation that actually
enters a building through the entire window assembly as heat gain

The Cogon grass' blade is very resistant to fire because of its thick, waxy coating. They can be placed on
the roofs to cover the weak wood or tin to provide an extra layer of defense against harmful
environments like fire. If Cogon grass would be used as roofing, the prevention of a fire hazard would
greatly decrease.

BUBBLE DIAGRAM

Bubble diagrams are circles or ovals drawn on a sheet of paper. These diagrams help the architect
identify the location of the rooms to be included in the floorplan for a home or commercial building. In
this project the bubble diagram identifies the location and accessibility of each building.

ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEM

This section provides an understanding of mechanical systems: thermal comfort, indoor air quality,
active and passive climate control approaches, daylighting, acoustics, energy utilization, fire protection,

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OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
College of Architecture

sanitation systems. Technical problems associated with providing quality environments for human using
principles of passive design.

Passive Sustainable Design considering sun orientation and

climate when siting and being thoughtful about window placement
and operation, are used to best manage daylighting and natural
ventilation and go a long way in reducing energy requirements
for the building.

Renewable Energy System including those that harness solar and

wind energy, are also great options for some buildings. These
systems are often used in conjunction with passive design
strategies.

Green Building Materials and Finishes by making it a priority

to purchase construction materials from companies that use
environmentally responsible manufacturing techniques or recycled
materials, architects up the ante on sustainability.

Stormwater Management implementing stormwater management

strategies, such as pervious pavement that helps to reduce
runoff and retention ponds that capture runoff and slowly
release water back into the ground, the negative environment
impact of buildings can Miyawaki Method a Japanese technique
that plants 15 to 30 different native species of trees and
shrubs densely together to create a biodiverse habitat. The
plants are packed tightly and compete with each other for space
and access to light and water. A battle that encourages much
faster growth and according to studies it’s ten times faster
than typhical forest.

Native Landscaping by using trees, plants, and grasses that are

native to the area can reduce irrigation needs and also used as
part of a passive energy strategy. By it as shading of roof and
windows can reduce solar heat gain inside the building.

Bamboo is a crucial element in the balance of oxygen and carbon

dioxide in the atmosphere. A grove of bamboo release 35% more
oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees. Growing bamboo is an
excellent way to reduce carbon footprint and contribute to the
fight against global warming.

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OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
College of Architecture

DESIGN SCHEMATICS

Schematic Design often produces rough drawings of a site plan, floor plans, elevations and often
illustrative sketches or computer renderings.

SPACE
PROGRAMMING
Space programming is a primary task during the schematic
design process, to produce a geometric configuration of a space
layout that is in accordance with the project's requirements. By
nature, space programming is an iterative process that evolves
according to the client's requirements.

GROSS
NET GROSSING
NO. OF OCCUPANT FLOOR
SPACES FLOOR FACTOR
OCCUPANTS LOAD AREA
AREA (30%)
(SQ.M)
ADMINISTRATIOM
BUILDING
Cashier 5 2.8 14 1.30 18.2
Reception 5 9.3 46.5 1.30 60.45
Lounge 50 0.65 32.5 1.30 42.25
Accounting 10 9.3 93 1.30 120.9
Operations 10 9.3 93 1.30 120.9
Marketing 10 9.3 93 1.30 120.9
Comfort Rooms
5 1.2 6 1.30 7.8
(Male)
Comfort Rooms
5 1.2 6 1.30 7.8
(Female)
TOTAL 499.2
l

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OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
College of Architecture

GROSS
NET GROSSING
NO. OF OCCUPANT FLOOR
SPACES FLOOR FACTOR
OCCUPANTS LOAD AREA
AREA (30%)
(SQ.M)
6 DOR’GS
15 Bedroom
15 6.0 90 1.30 117.00
(Double Deck)
Common T&B 1 1.2 1.2 1.30 1.56
Common Lounge 30 0.65 19.5 1.30 25.35
TOTAL

GROSS
NET GROSSING
NO. OF OCCUPANT FLOOR
SPACES FLOOR FACTOR
OCCUPANTS LOAD AREA
AREA (30%)
(SQ.M)
10 VILLA-TYPE
BUILDINGS
1 Bedroom 1 6.0 6.0 1.30 7.8
Kitchen 2 1.4 2.8 1.30 3.64
Dining Area 4 1.4 5.6 1.30 7.28
Living Area 4 1.4 5.6 1.30 7.28
Common T&B 1 1.2 1.2 1.30 1.56
TOTAL

GROSS
NET GROSSING
NO. OF OCCUPANT FLOOR
SPACES FLOOR FACTOR
OCCUPANTS LOAD AREA
AREA (30%)
(SQ.M)
1 STAFF HOUSE
Common T&B
5 1.2 6 1.30 7.8
(Female)
Common T&B
5 1.2 6 1.30 7.8
(Male)
Kitchen 3 1.4 4.2 5.46
Dining Area 16 1.4 22.4 1.30 29.12
Living Area 16 1.4 22.4 1.30 29.12
TOTAL

GROSS
NET GROSSING
NO. OF OCCUPANT FLOOR
SPACES FLOOR FACTOR
OCCUPANTS LOAD AREA
AREA (30%)
(SQ.M)
MESS HALL
Al Fresco
200 1.5 300 1.30 390
Dining
Serving /
5 1.4 7 1.30 9.1
Counter
Kitchen 5 1.4 7 1.30 9.1
Storage 1 1.4 1.4 1.30 1.82
Common T&B
5 1.2 6 1.30 7.8
(Female)
Common T&B
5 1.2 6 1.30 7.8
(Male)

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College of Architecture

Hall 10 0.65 6.5 1.30 8.45

TOTAL

GROSS
NET GROSSING
NO. OF OCCUPANT FLOOR
SPACES FLOOR FACTOR
OCCUPANTS LOAD AREA
AREA (30%)
(SQ.M)
OTHER SPACES 16
Chapel 30 1.4 42 1.30 54.6
Multi-Purpose /
Recreational 100 0.65 65 1.30 84.5
Hall
Housekeeping 5 1.4 7 1.30 2.1
Laundry Area 5 1.4 7 1.30 2.1
Utility
2 1.4 2.8 1.30 3.64
Services
Garbage
2 1.4 2.8 1.30 3.64
Disposal Area
DEVELOPMENT CONTROLS

 Development controls is defined as “the set of interacting regulations concerning the physical
utilization of a lot and governing the planning/design of spaces and/or the use or occupancy of a
building to be introduced on a lot.”

A. TOTAL LOT AREA (TLA)

TLA = A1 + A2
TLA = 18,207 + 4,054.50
TLA = 22,261.50 SQ.M

B. ALLOWABLE MAXIMUM BUILDING FOOTPRINT (AMBF)

AMBF = PSO * TLA
AMBF = 55% * 22,261.50 SQ.M
AMBF = 12,243.83 SQ.M

C. MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE PERCENTAGE SITE OCCUPANCY (PSO)
PSO = AMBF / TLA
PSO = 12,243.83 / 22,261.50
PSO = 0.55 OR 55%

D.ACTUAL PERCENTAGE SITE OCCUPANCY (PSO)

ACTUAL PSO = AMBF / TLA x 100

ACTUAL PSO = 13,356.9 / 22,261.5

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College of Architecture

ACTUAL PSO = 60%

E. MAXIMUM IMPERVIOUS SURFACE AREA (maxISA)

ISA = 30% OF TLA
ISA = 0.30 * 22,261.50 SQ.M
ISA = 6,678.45 SQ.M 

F. MINIMUM UNPAVED SURFACE AREA (minUSA)

USA = TOSL - ISA
USA = 45% - 30%
USA = 15% OF TLA
USA = .15 * 22,261.50 SQ.M
USA = 3,339.23 SQ.M

G. MINIMUM TOTAL OPEN SPACE within LOT (TOSL) 

TOSL = TLA - PSO
TOSL = 100% - 55%
TOSL = 45% OF TLA
TOSL = .45 * 22,261.50 SQ.M
TOSL = 10,017.68 SQ.M

ACTUAL ISA

ACTUAL ISA = ISA (MAX)x TLA

ACTUAL ISA = 20% x 22,261.5

ACTUAL ISA = 445230

ACTUL USA

ACTUAL USA = USA(MIN)x TLA

ACTUAL USA = 20% x 22,261.5

ACTUAL USA = 445230

ACTUAL TOSL

ACTUAL TOSL = ISA (MAX) + USA (MIN)

ACTUAL TOSL = 20% + 20%

ACTUAL TOSL = 40%

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College of Architecture

K. MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE CONSTRUCTION AREA (MACA)

MACA = PSO + ISA
MACA = 55% + 30%
MACA = 85%
MACA = 85% OF TLA
MACA = 0.85 * 22,261.50 SQ.M
MACA = 18,922.28 SQ.

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