FLOOR PLAN

FLOOR PLAN
FLOOR PLAN
ELEVATION
SECTION
INTERIOR
EXTERIOR
  ADAPTIVE CHANGES
GROUND FLOOR PLAN
Originally designed for garage space ( garaje) and an area to store provisions ( bodega), the
basement (silong) is traditionally above grade and never permanently lived in due to the annual
inundation during the monsoon months. Now located at a higher elevation, the revised plan
converts area into living spaces. Ground floor level is still raised about 2 feet above grade to
protect from water run‐off .

Originally, windows on the ground floor are normally smaller in opening compared to those
located in upper living spaces. This, along with very thick high thermal mass walls, keep the
interior cooler, ideal for storage. The original window sizes were retained during reconstruction.
Awnings (media agua) are located above window openings. Revised layout exhibits an open plan
promoting better air flow and good cross ventilation.

The grand foyer ( entrada principal) still retains its location and original function.

SECOND FLOOR PLAN

The main living area. The original plan called for recessed sections to allow daylight to reach deep
into the interior. Revised open plan compensates for the removal of the recesses allowing for
more functional T&B’s to be added. Original house had only 1 functional T&B. Note that all T&B’s
are located along exterior walls and are naturally ventilated. Main dining and kitchen are
relocated. Dirty kitchen added and located in annex.

Original window openings maintained. Awning wraps around entire second floor building
perimeter.

Interior partitions have punched wooden panels along top section to allow cross ventilation even
with doors closed. High ceiling maintained.
  ADAPTIVE CHANGES
THIRD FLOOR PLAN
Original bedrooms are combined and T&B added. Balcony wraps around for 360° view. Operable
windows all around for increased ventilation. Deep overhanging roof provides solar and rain
protection.

WINDOWS
Traditional windows with floor to ceiling arrangement in 3 sections – bottom ventanilla (operable
sliding solid panels from floor to sill), mid ventana (operable sliding wood/glass panels from sill
to top of awning) with plantation shutters, top transom (fixed glass from top of awning to ceiling)
providing maximum views, daylighting and ventilation.

Wooden shutters located at the west end effectively control late afternoon sun and offer privacy.

Clear or smoked glazing provides subdued daylighting. Capiz , a translucent material from bivalve
shells were traditionally used where glass was not available.

ROOF
Painted corrugated metal roof with wrap around and abovewindow awning. Metal roof was first
introduced late 19th to early 20 th  century which quickly replaced tile roof due to its weight
advantage, or nipa thatched roof which caught fire all too easily.

Deep overhangs provide ample shade while allowing windows to remain opened even during
heavy rains. Awnings could benefit from underside insulation to lessen radiated heat from being
transmitted into the interior.

Lighter colors help to reflect sun’s  rays and lessen heat gain. Red is a favored color due to its
resemblance to clay tile roof.
  ADAPTIVE CHANGES
EXTERIOR WALL
Wood and stone construction. Ground floor of concrete (originally quarried natural adobe with
lime plaster) provides protection from damaging effects of rain while providing cooling effects of
thermal mass. Although new location is no longer prone to flooding, back‐splash  from awning
run‐off   can be as damaging. Second and third floor of wood construction providing less thermal
mass and heat gain.

Landscaping is a characteristic component of Philippine homes. Trees when matured, will provide
added shading where needed while minimizing disruption of airflow. The family also runs a large
scale flower farm and is very adept in horticulture.

PRESENT LIVING CONDITIONS

In an interview with its occupants at the site several years ago, the relocation was considered a
huge success, proud in that it will last several more generations.

Better environmental conditions only enhanced the already effective tropical design.
Air‐conditioning, which was added only as a back‐up for the warmest of nights, had hardly been
used. With the constant breeze, electric fans are mostly unnecessary. The only drawback noted
with opened windows was mosquito control, They intend to install screens in living quarters that
match the architecture. Electrical lighting is only used in the evening. Power is provided by the
local utility company from gas fired generators.

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