A CASE STUDY OF ARCHITECTURAL STUDENTS AT TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF THE

PHILIPPINES, QUEZON CITY'S AWARENESS TO MORE SUSTAINABLE, ALTERNATIVE BUILDING

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AS A COMBINATIVE AND SUBSTITUTE IN TROPICAL COUNTRIES

Research Methods for Architecture

Arevalo, Kian Carlo V.

ARCH42S2

Ar. Gerick Domingo

February 2022
I. INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Any material used in the construction of a building is considered a building material. Natural and man-
made building materials can be distinguished. Natural building materials, such as sand and clay, occur naturally,
whereas man-made materials, such as tiles and paints, have been created and developed by man for building
construction. Building materials in construction are produced in three categories: Conventional or modern building
materials, traditional construction materials, and alternative building materials (ABM). Alternative building materials
have various uses in areas such as sustainable engineering and architecture. The primary goal of using such
materials is to reduce the negative environmental effects of our built environment while improve the effectiveness
and adaptability of the structures.

Alternative building materials is becoming more popular as the cost of traditional building materials rises,
as do environmental concerns about sustainability specially on tropical countries due to the impacts of population
growth and urbanization. The overuse of natural resources in building construction has caused a slew of
environmental issues. The use of alternative building materials in construction is a viable solution to this problem.
(Orhon, A.V., & Altin, M., 2019). ABMs are low-cost building materials that aim to minimize or remove the
environmental impact of construction merely by saving resources and energy and reducing emission levels through
use of renewable materials, recycled content, local resources, industrial/agricultural byproducts/wastes, and so on.
(Orhon, Ahmet Vefa & Altin, Müjde, 2019).

The importance of this study will give the planners and future researchers an idea to identify the low-cost
and more sustainable alternative building materials that can be seen in tropical countries and use it as substitute
and a combination in constructing a structure. This research includes factors and considerations, as well as the
downfalls of an alternative building material. The applicability of sustainable alternative building materials and
building structures is determined by environmental conditions and natural disaster threats, which vary by region.
Knowing a space's strengths and weaknesses defines the requirements for planning.

PROBLEM SETTINGS

Statement of the Problem

Due to population growth and urbanization, the demand for housing in tropical countries like the
Philippines is increasing. The urbanization of human populations has resulted in an increase in the demand for
housing solutions. Also, severity and number of natural disasters that strike in tropical countries each year add to
the country's housing demand. In a world where the cost of traditional building materials is rapidly rising, this rising
demand must be met. The cost of housing in tropical countries has increased rapidly in the last decade due to a
number of factors, one of which is a scarcity of natural building materials to meet the demand of the construction
industry. Due to overexploitation of traditional building materials such as sand, bricks, and timber, it has resulted
to deforestation and excessive clay and sand mining. This research is important because it introduces low-cost,
environmentally friendly alternative building materials.

Objectives of the Study

This research aims to determine the various low-cost and more sustainable alternative building
construction materials that can be seen in tropical countries and use it as a substitute or combination.

This research project’s objective are as follows:

 To provide strategies for architectural students at the Technological Institute of the Philippines to
effectively use alternative building materials in their designs.
 To assess the environmental impact of alternative building materials in terms of how they can become
more energy efficient and how they can contribute to disasters.
 To improve knowledge and to raise environmental awareness and give some restrictions on the extraction
of natural resources for the manufacture of natural building materials that occurs in the country.

Scope and Limitation of the Study

This research will focus on the use of various low-cost sustainable building materials in tropical countries,
as well as understanding and appreciating the importance and capability of creating a sustainable structure using
an alternative building material. Furthermore, to gather knowledge and information for the research paper, the
researcher will conduct a literature review.

On the other hand, other materials that are not from a tropical country will not be addressed in this study.
The limitations also include a lack of data that can be gathered via the internet, as well as a lack of information and
direct observation due to the reason that this research will actually occur during the pandemic, which inhibits
physical and social interaction.
 Definition of Terms

Tropical country - these are the countries found in the tropics, a region located along the Earth's equator.

Alternative Building Materials - these are the materials that can be used to focus on saving money by replacing
traditional building materials. Alternative construction materials are made from waste material, which helps to
reduce pollution in the environment.

Bio-Based Materials - a material that is purposefully made from substances obtained from living (or once-living)
organisms

Sustainable - capable of being used without being depleted or destroyed; methods that do not completely deplete
or destroy natural resources; capable of lasting a very long time

Assumption

It is expected that the use of alternative building materials in tropical countries will significantly decrease
or eliminate the environmental impact of using natural building materials. It is also assumed that it helps to the
create a sustainable and energy efficient structure for the privilege and underprivileged people. It might also help
any country to prevent the global issues.

Importance of the Study

This research is intended at planners and designers since the researcher would provide additional insight
to develop better planning and an effective way of using sustainable alternative building materials to achieve
advanced project functionality in this study,

This research would benefit the general public and the environmental development by providing a better
understanding of alternative building materials. This study could also act as a guide and recommendation for future
developments that can be used to improve existing public spaces.

This research aims to assist both the privileged and the underprivileged by providing information on what
readily available materials should be used in building of a low-cost but long-lasting structure. It could also be used
as a planning tool.
 This research can be used as a reference and related review by future researchers in their research. This
study will aid future researchers in having accurate and reliable sources as the researchers in this study ensured
that it is credible.

II. RESEARCH FRAMEWORK

Review of Related Literature

This review of related literature discusses the relevant topics that the researcher considered in order to
strengthen the claim and importance of the current study. The goal of this research is to gain a better understanding
of what are the best low-cost and environmental friendly alternative building materials for creating a structure.

ALTERNATIVE BUILDING MATERIALS (ABM)

Marut, Johnson Josiah, Antigbogu, Natalia, & Daniel, Maren Mallo (2020) claimed that there are different
researchers in the construction industry use different definitions of Alternative Building Materials (ABM), as well as
different terminologies to describe ABM. ABM is a generic term that describes or refers to a class or group of
building materials that are not particularly specific. It includes building and construction materials referred to by
various names in the literature, such as alternative materials, local building materials, unconventional building
materials, alternative residential construction materials, sustainable building materials, indigenous building
materials, vernacular building materials, green building materials, environmentally responsible building materials,
eco-friendly building materials, and so on.

Various researchers in the building construction materials industry have proposed different definitions of
the term Alternative Building Materials (ABM), but Marut, Johnson Josiah, Antigbogu, Natalia, and Daniel, Maren
Mallo (2020) has adapted the definition of ABM as building materials that are an alternative to conventional building
materials in the form of total or partial substitution of the materials or their constituents for the purpose of reducing
the cost of cons. As a result, Marut, Johnson Josiah, Antigbogu, Natalia, and Daniel, Maren Mallo (2020)
recommend that the ABM and material characteristics be used in material construction.
MATERIALITY AND SUSTAINABILITY

Empelen, Josephine Cornelia van (2018) conducted a study on the potential use of the alternative
materials loam, mycelium, Corncrete, Hempcrete and Bio Bricks as substitute for concrete used as construction
material in tropical climates.

Materials have always had an impact on architectural practice. The availability of materials such as stone,
wood, and clay influenced traditional architecture. For centuries, the majority of buildings were constructed using
locally available materials (Kottas, Krauel, & Noden, 2011, p. 6). Buildings were traditionally designed, built, and
maintained in the skilled craftsman's era on the assumption that proper maintenance could extend the service life
of the structures. The situation changed dramatically with the introduction of industrially produced materials such
as iron, steel, and concrete in the nineteenth century. A scarcity of materials no longer required architects to modify
their designs. New construction materials and techniques were widely used during the building boom between
1955 and 1975, with little understanding of their long-term effects. As a result of the 1973 energy crisis, people
became more concerned about the environment, and a shift toward sustainable development occurred.

The need to consider the lifespans of buildings and materials began to emerge. (König, Kreißig, Kreißig,
and Lützkendorf, 2010; p. 6) The components and materials of a demolished structure were reused (König, Kohler,
Kreißig, & Lützkendorf, 2010, p. 6). Designers must be aware of all of the different materials available in order to
make the best material choices. Many other factors, in addition to the material's technical and expressive potential,
should be considered, such as its environmental impact, ease of handling, maintenance, and ability to recycle it
after use (Kottas, Krauel, & Noden, 2011, p. 6).

ALTERNATIVE BUILDING MATERIALS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Mpakati-Gama, E. C., Wamuziri, S. C., & Sloan, B. (2012) stated that the growing demand for wood for
housing construction is thought to be a major contributor to the negative environmental effects attributed to the
building sector in most countries. Although the effects vary by country (Alam and Starr, 2009; Duguma and Hager,
2010), policy strategies and regulatory reforms have been proposed in most developing countries to address such
issues.

Since the early 1990s, the United Nations Commission on Human Settlements (UNCHS) has advocated
for the use of alternative building materials (ABM). ABM is thought to improve housing stock for low-income
populations by utilizing locally available and affordable materials and methods, as well as reducing deforestation.
Previous authors, on the other hand, have been critical of the idea for a variety of reasons. According to Myers
(1999), this appears to be a conflict of interest because the majority of low-income communities rely on existing
resources, which must also be protected (1999).

The study concludes that in recent years, rising concern about inefficient use of natural resources has
resulted in policy and regulatory reforms to address the issues. Most developing countries are making further
changes in the type of building materials used, not only to address environmental issues, but also to meet the
rising demand for shelter.

HOUSING COSTS AS A RESULT OF POPULATION AND URBANIZATION AND THE LIFE CYCLE OF
ALTERNATIVE BUILDING MATERIALS

House construction all over the world is in desperate need of many alternative building materials because
conventional materials are in short supply and also degrade the environment, as in the mining of clay, sand, and
coral. It is necessary to ensure that alternative materials are generally cost effective in order to popularize them.
(Jayasinghe, C., 2011). However, the cost effectiveness should be based on the entire life cycle costing rather
than just the initial capital cost. This will include the cost of energy used during the manufacturing stage of such
building materials, the cost of casting, and the energy used during the building's lifetime.

With recent concerns expressed about greenhouse gas emissions and the need to reduce them in the
future, it is critical to ensure that alternative building materials do not result in increased energy demands. The
detailed study presented in (Jayasinghe, C., 2011) research highlighted that the cement and soil-based alternative
materials and systems researched and developed in Sri Lanka will have a lower impact on energy use. This is due
to the fact that they have less embodied energy, while the houses will be similar in terms of thermal comfort and
life span.

ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE OF ALTERNATIVE BUILDING MATERIALS

Garcia, J., Lippke, B., Briggs, D., Wilson, J., Bowyer, & J. Meil, J. (2006) Presents the the Life-Cycle
Assessment (LCA) of alternative building materials beginning with forest resource regeneration or mineral
extraction and continuing through product manufacturing, product assembly in the construction of a residential
home, occupancy and home repairs, and eventual disposal or recycling The temporal distribution of events and
associated environmental effects during the seed to demolition life cycle were considered as a unique feature of
this study's LCA framework by broadening the scope to include forest growth through to building demolition.
 The first step was to conduct LCIs that quantified the amount of energy, resources used, and emissions
associated with a specific product, service, or activity. Following this activity, we evaluated the house and
investigated the potential environmental consequences of energy and resource consumption, as well as waste
emissions (Garcia, J., Lippke, B., Briggs, D., Wilson, J., Bowyer, & J. Meil, J., 2006). The study identifies a number
of areas where environmental improvement opportunities appear to be appealing and would benefit from additional
research. These opportunities include redesigning the house to use less fossil-intensive products such as steel
and concrete, redesigning the house to reduce energy use (both active and passive), adopting building codes that
result in reduced use of wood, steel, and concrete, and many more.

THE USE OF BIO-BASED BUILDING MATERIALS

Zea Escamilla, E., Habert, G., & Wohlmut, E. (2017) conducted a research that assesses the long-term
viability of industrialized bamboo solutions in housing projects and the faster implementation of industrialized
bamboo production. This study found that the urbanization of human populations has resulted in an increase in the
demand for housing solutions. The severity and number of natural disasters that strike the Philippines each year
add to the country's housing demand. Traditional construction materials are commonly used by organizations that
focus on social housing programs and discovered that these materials are notorious for producing high levels of
emissions. Bio-based building materials, such as bamboo or wood, can absorb CO2 during their growth phase and
store it in their long-lasting products. The results show that the life span of the bamboo-based buildings and their
end-of-life scenarios are the most important variables. The findings show that implementing industrialized bamboo
production rather than industrial wood production will hasten the transition to a more sustainable built environment.

LOW-COST BUILDING MATERIALS

Since economic factors have had a significant impact on the construction industry in recent years, and
steel is scarce and expensive in many parts of the world, many researchers are looking for low-cost materials as
a substitute or alternative to the current situation. (Vidya & Radha, 2017) perceive that It should be encouraged to
use modern geotechnical technology, which can improve the strength and durability of many low-cost materials
currently available. This study looked into alternative building materials and highlighted the potential for these
materials to be used as alternative building materials. Because transportation accounts for approximately 30% of
the total construction budget, these materials can be chosen based on the availability of materials in a specific
region. Most developing countries face the challenge of organizing and implementing measures to promote these
materials, as well as training local artisans and masons in the construction techniques of these materials.
 Several attempts have been made at the local level to use bamboo, mud, or natural fibers, but it still lacks
scientific precision and proper techniques to be used precisely. In addition, the toxicity of industrial wastes needs
to be studied further. These materials, if properly researched and developed, hold the key to addressing the current
housing needs (Vidya & Radha, 2017)

SUSTAINABLE BUILDING MATERIALS FOR LOW-COST HOUSING

There is a huge demand for affordable urban housing in the countries of the Global South. Using locally
available and/or produced building materials for housing can help to reduce the environmental impact of the
building. The applicability of sustainable building materials and building structures is determined by climate
conditions and natural disaster risks, which vary by region (Bredenoord, Jan, 2017).

The application of the promising building materials such as bamboo & timber, compressed earth
bricks/blocks, adobe blocks, interlocking blocks of recycled materials and improved concrete panels depend on
local and regional circumstances. It is advantageous to reduce the use of wood in construction, either by using a
similar material (bamboo instead of timber) or by using soil-based bricks to heat the bricks instead of wood. Taking
these anti-deforestation measures contributes to the achievement of climate goals.

THE EFFECTS OF SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE BUILDING MATERIALS

Orhon, Ahmet Vefa & Altin, Müjde (2019) discovered that non-sustainable exploitation of non-renewable
resources may become an environmental issue due to the world's uncontrollable population growth. The result of
the study found that using alternative building materials in construction is an effective way to address this issue.
Orhon, Ahmet Vefa & Altin, Müjde (2019) examined that alternative building materials (ABMs) are low-cost
building materials that aim to reduce or eliminate the environmental impact of construction simply by saving
energy and resources and lowering emissions through the use of rapidly renewable materials, local resources,
recycled content, industrial/agricultural byproducts/wastes, and so on. This research presents the prevailing
ABMs for sustainable construction, such as bamboo, rammed earth, strawbale, supplementary cementitious
materials, cork, mycelium, HempCrete, Ferrock, Papercrete, etc. Current strategies for ABMs are discussed with
emphasis on sustainability concerns.

EFFECTIVE BUILDING SYSTEM

Jayasinghe, M., Kariyawasam, K., & Jayasinghe, C. (2016) evaluated the overuse of natural resources in
building construction has caused a slew of environmental issues. As a result, major building project requirements
such as cost effectiveness and rapid construction must be met while minimizing environmental impact. In this case,
it is advantageous to use recyclable or renewable building materials. The findings demonstrate the successful
application of those materials such as straw based compressed wall and ceiling panels, precast concrete slab
panels and steel framework fora rapid construction of high quality buildings.

The introduction of the cellular raft foundation with the least amount of shuttering has reduced the labor
and material costs (Jayasinghe, M., Kariyawasam, K., & Jayasinghe, C., 2016). The use of hot rolled steel sections
as a two/three storied portal frame, Durra paneled walls, and the innovative slab system has reduced construction
time while ensuring cost effectiveness. However, for the construction to be successful, each of these elements
requires a high level of attention to detail.

Theoretical / Conceptual Framework

In this phase the researcher will discuss the study’s theoretical / conceptual framework. A conceptual
framework is described as a network, or "plane," of related ideas that, when merged, provide an in-depth
understanding of a phenomenon. The conceptual framework describes the overall structure of this research
project, wherein the input consists of the following: material sustainability, cost efficiency, and environmental
Performance. On the other hand, the process used is descriptive research, which considers the facts in a
descriptive method and conducts surveys and case studies to clarify the facts. These aid in determining and
explaining the facts with examples, and they are not rejected. The outputs are solution for approach to the inputs,
bio-based building materials, low-cost alternative building materials, and including the use of life cycle assessment.

This study is an innovation that focuses on the need to confront the socio-environmental issues in tropical
country by identifying the best low-cost and effective sustainable alternative building construction material as a
combination and substitute in tropical countries.

According to Escamilla, Habert, and Wohlmut (2017), the increase in human population in urban areas
has increased the cost of housing and decreasing the typical materials used in construction. According to the
proponents, bio-based materials which including wood or bamboo are the best choice as an alternative building
material due to the fact that it can collect CO2 during their growth period and make it more resilient. Vidya and
Radha (2017) agrees that due to bamboo's increased availability and exponential rise, it is an ideal alternative
building material relatively low cost, ease of manufacturing.
 The findings of Bredenoord (2017) revealed that the application of the promising building materials such
as interlocking blocks, compressed earth and brick blocks, adobe blocks, and so on can be the step to reduce the
use of wood in construction. In accordance to Empelen (2018) alternative building materials like loam, mycelium,
Corncrete, Hempcrete and Bio Bricks can be a substitute for concrete in constructing a building. With the use of
these materials has a potential to change the construction industry when it comes on materials, it can also help
the environment and preserve the natural building materials.

Figure 1: Conceptual Framework

Figure 1 depicts the various elements and how each variable is related to one another, assisting in a better
understanding of the best low-cost and effective alternative building materials in tropical countries.
Hypothesis

The primary hypothesis of the proposed study was that overuse of natural resources in building
construction due to population growth and urbanization has had a substantial impact on the supply of natural
construction materials and is causing environmental issues, which was consistent with previous research findings
and assumptions. Improving the environment is defined as the use of other sustainable indigenous materials.

III. RESEARCH DESIGN

This chapter discuss the data gathering methods used to determine the best low-cost and effective
alternative building materials that may use by architectural students in their design projects. The study used
qualitative research and descriptive survey methodology, with source materials from findings and other related
research, as well as policy collected online and in libraries, and content analysis was used to gain a deeper
understanding of the research area and discover new relevant data, and it analyzed the data to construct the
study's objectives and goals. As the aim of this research is to provide strategies for the students and raise
environmental awareness.

Source of data

The information for this study was gathered from both primary and secondary sources. The researcher
will be collecting data through online survey questionnaires answered by the chosen one hundred architecture
students of Technological Institute of the Philippines S.Y 2021-2022. Secondary data resources including online
libraries and related researches.

Methodology

In this study, it will provide an overview of the researcher on how the information will be gathered as well
as how it will be used. The researcher will use qualitative research as data collection methods and a descriptive
survey design to determine architecture students' awareness of the best low-cost alternative building materials for
tropical countries. An online survey questionnaire will be used as an instrument in this research to help them find
and gather the data needed to establish the research's findings.
Description of Instruments to be Used

The researchers will conduct this research using an online survey questionnaire as an instrument to help
them find and collect the data needed to establish the research's findings. Every student who receives a
questionnaire will be asked to fill out a questionnaire with their personal information and year level. specific question
about alternative building materials. Following that, they will respond to ten (10) questions that can be answered
using the choices provided.

Data Gathering Procedures

The data for this study will be collected from 100 architecture students via an online survey questionnaire
that will be filled out by the respondents in a Google form that contains ten (10) questions about the topic. The
researcher will come up with enough copies for the respondents, and if the respondents agree to participate in the
survey, the researchers will give them enough time to answer the questions.

Research Timetable

The researcher begins the study in early February and completes the three chapters by the middle of it
until the first week of March. The months of February and March will be dedicated to data collection and responding
to respondents' awareness of more sustainable, alternative building materials. By the end of March, the study's
outcomes and findings will be available, allowing the suitability and quality of the study to be determined.

IV. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Marut, J.J., Antigbogu, N., & Daniel, M.M (2020), Alternative Building Materials (ABM): Towards Adoption of
Common Terminology and Definitions.

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Understanding-the-Term-Alternative-Building-Materials-321-Definition-of-the-
Term_fig1_346677003

Empelen, J.C.V. (2018), A Study into more Sustainable, Alternative Building Materials as a Substitute for
concrete in Tropical Climates.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323784664_A_STUDY_INTO_MORE_SUSTAINABLE_ALTERNATIVE
_BUILDING_MATERIALS_AS_A_SUBSTITUTE_FOR_CONCRETE_IN_TROPICAL_CLIMATES
Mpakati-Gama, E. C., Wamuziri, S. C., & Sloan, B. (2012), The use of alternative building materials in developing
countries: addressing challenges faced by stakeholders.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264693164_The_use_of_alternative_building_materials_in_developing
_countries_addressing_challenges_faced_by_stakeholders

Jayasinghe, C. (2011), Embodied energy of alternative building materials and their impact on life cycle cost
parameters.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/290140904_Embodied_energy_of_alternative_building_materials_and_
their_impact_on_life_cycle_cost_parameters

Garcia, J., Lippke, B., Briggs, D., Wilson, J., Bowyer, & J. Meil, J. (2006), Life Cycle Environmental Performance
of Renewable Building Materials in the Context of Residential Building Construction.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/312122107_Life_Cycle_Environmental_Performance_of_Renewable_B
uilding_Materials_in_the_Context_of_Residential_Building_Construction

Zea Escamilla, E., Habert, G., & Wohlmut, E. (2017), When CO2 counts: Sustainability assessment of
industrialized bamboo as an alternative for social housing programs in the Philippines.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0360132316301172

Vidya & Radha, (2017), Alternative Low-Cost Building Material

https://www.scribd.com/document/408806248/Alternative-Low-Cost-Building-Material-Ar-vidya-Ar-radha

Orhon, Ahmet Vefa & Altin, Müjde (2019), Utilization of Alternative Building Materials for Sustainable
Construction.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337247378_Utilization_of_Alternative_Building_Materials_for_Sustaina
ble_Construction

Jayasinghe, M., Kariyawasam, K., & Jayasinghe, C. (2016), Cost effective building systems for rapid construction
in tropical climates.

https://www.academia.edu/41562616/Cost_effective_building_systems_for_rapid_construction_in_tropical_clima
tes

Bredenoord, J. (2017), Sustainable Building Materials for Low-cost Housing and the Challenges Facing their
Technological Developments: Examples and Lessons Regarding Bamboo, Earth-Block Technologies, Building
Blocks of Recycled Materials, and Improved Concrete Panels.

https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/sustainable-building-materials-for-lowcost-housing-and-the-
challengesfacing-their-technological-developments-examples-and-lessonsr-2168-9717-1000187.php?aid=89789