EASTERN VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND ALLIED DISCIPLINE

Casa de Osorio: A Proposed Sustainable Eco-House

In Tacloban City

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment

of the requirements for the degree of
Bachelor of Science in Architecture

CHRISTIAN THADDEUS S. OSORIO

BSAR-5B

June 2021
 DEASTERN VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND ALLIED DISCIPLINE
Architecture Department

This architectural thesis entitled, Casa de Osorio: A Proposed Sustainable

Eco-House prepared and submitted by Christian Thaddeus S. Osorio of

BSAR-5A, has been accepted on _________________ , and obtained a grade

of _____________.

Archt. DIANNE ANGELYNNE LIM SO, MArch

Class and Thesis Adviser

Ar. DEANNA O. BAÑEZ, MPRM

Dean, College of Architecture
and Allied Discipline
Abstract

Shelter, along with food and clothing, is one of Man’s three most

essential necessities. Shelter protects people from the weather, shields them

against wild animals and insects, and provides a place to rest. The most common

form of shelter would be that of housing 1, however if the home cannot give a

good thermal comfort, it will no longer be suitable place to rest.

There is no such thing as a perfect house, thus, the researcher

conducted an examination inside and outside of the house of Osorio family but

within the property line only. And the researcher also included in his examination

the present problems in the immediate surroundings as well as in the community

based on the experience and knowledge of each household member.

The current house structure is partially finished and is fairly acceptable

for usual living. The zoning orientation of each interior spaces are in not on its

appropriate location that it causes discomfort to the end-user of the house. The

poor planning and poor ventilation of bedrooms causes higher cost of electricity

due to the high demand of artificial ventilation. The health of household member

are also at risk because of the poor zoning of the kitchen where it is always wet

due to lack of sunrays in that area. The noise of the children on the street is also

a concern of the family for it disturb them during resting hours.

These identified problems are too disturbing for the household,

thus, this study was conducted to improve the house. The main objective of this

1
Shelter: History & evolution. (n.d.). Sheltertwc Web site. (Retrieved June 6, 2021 from
http://sheltertwc.weebly.com/history-and-evolution.html)
study is to develop the plan and design of a sustainable eco-house with

Aquaponics that will offer quality, healthy and safe home environment.

The researcher used a descriptive research design in this study to

get a profile of their home environment as well as their surrounding

neighborhood. It was also used to describe relevant aspects of the home.

A good house is a home that is sustainable that has the least negative

impact on the environment2. It must be designed in a way that can help the end-

user live happily and comfortably. It should be airy and well-ventilated and the

design of the interiors should be ergonomic. Hence, this study is proposing a

residential house in a concept of sustainable eco-house with Aquaponics, which

is a combination of eco-house and aquaponics.

This study proposed a house design that is sustainable that would not

rely on artificial ventilation for the thermal comfort of the home environment. It

was also proposed to integrate and encourage farming in residential dwellings in

urban area.

Keyword: Sustainable, Eco-house, Aquaponics

Table of Contents
2
From: Sustainable House Design 21 Ideas by Fontan, Jorge Aug 7, 2016 (Retrieved January
20, 2021 from https://fontanarchitecture.com/sustainable-house-design-21-ideas/
 Title Page..............................................................................................................i

Approval Sheet....................................................................................................ii

Abstract...............................................................................................................iii

Table of Contents................................................................................................v

List of Tables and Figure...................................................................................vii

Chapter 1. Introduction.........................................................................................1

1.1 Statement of the Problem..............................................................................2

1.2 Objective of the Study...................................................................................5

1.3 Significance of the Study...............................................................................6

1.4 Significance of the Project.............................................................................7

1.5 Scope and Delimitation of the Study.............................................................8

Chapter II. Review of Related Literature.............................................................9

Chapter III. METHODOLOGY..............................................................................19

3.1 Research Design.........................................................................................19

3.2 Data Collection Method & Research Instruments.......................................19

Chapter 4. ANALYSIS, PRESENTATION & INTERPRETATION OF DATA....21

4.1 Problems within and outside of the House..................................................21

4.2 Space Requirements...................................................................................23

4.3 Passive Ventilation for Eco-Houses............................................................25

 4.3.1 Principles of Passive design by Modscape..............................................31

4.3.2 Sustainable Strategies by Eric Carbonnier..............................................38

4.5 Aquaponics in Residential Houses..............................................................40

4.5.2 The Media Bed Technique by RGJ Aquaponics......................................42

4.6 Laws and Codes..........................................................................................46

Chapter V. Site Analysis and Development Plan Site Description...................47

5.1 Sun Path and Wind Direction..................................................................48

5.2 View.........................................................................................................49

5.3 Research Data Application......................................................................51

Chapter 6 Building Design Development..........................................................55

6.3 Architectural Programming and Analysis................................................56

6.4 Bubble and Circulatory Diagram: The Relationships of the Major Space

Categories and the Circulation Flow.................................................................61

...........................................................................................................................61

PROPOSED BUILDING DESIGN.....................................................................64

Chapter 7. Summary of Research Data Application to the Project Design......82

Bibliography.......................................................................................................85

CURRICULUM VITAE.......................................................................................88

List of Tables and Figur

Table 1: Activity and User Identification..........................................................52

Table 2: Building Areas/Spaces Program........................................................55

Table 3..................................................................................................................78

Figure 1 ...............................................................................................................31

Figure 2................................................................................................................32

Figure 3................................................................................................................33

Figure 4................................................................................................................34

Figure 5................................................................................................................35

Figure 6................................................................................................................35

Figure 7................................................................................................................36

Figure 8: Media-Bed Aquaponics......................................................................41

Figure 9: Vicinity Map.........................................................................................46

Figure 10: Sun’s Path and Wind Direction of the site.....................................48

Figure 11: Site View............................................................................................48

Figure 12: View towards West Side..................................................................49

Figure 13: View toward South...........................................................................49

Figure 14: Street View of the Current House...................................................50

Figure 15: Media-Bed Aquaponics Technique................................................51

Figure 16: Proposed Site Development Plan...................................................53

Figure 17: Macro Bubble Diagram....................................................................60

Figure 18: Ground Floor Micro Bubble Diagram.............................................60

Figure 19: Second Floor Micro Bubble Diagram.............................................61

Figure 20: Matrix Diagram..................................................................................62

Figure 21: Two Point-Perspective.....................................................................64

Figure 22: Living Area Interior Perspective.....................................................65

Figure 23..............................................................................................................66

Figure 24..............................................................................................................67

Figure 25..............................................................................................................68

Figure 26..............................................................................................................69

Figure 27..............................................................................................................70

Figure 28..............................................................................................................71

Figure 29..............................................................................................................72

Figure 30..............................................................................................................73

Figure 31..............................................................................................................74

Figure 32..............................................................................................................75

Figure 33..............................................................................................................76

Figure 34..............................................................................................................77

Figure 35..............................................................................................................78

Figure 36..............................................................................................................79

Figure 37..............................................................................................................80
Chapter I. Introduction

Shelter is one of the fundamental and essential needs of every

human being, it protects people from natural hazards such as cold, heat, storm,

etc. It offers enhanced safety, it gives protection to the household against

criminal, and animal attacks, and it offers security and privacy 3. And according to

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs4, shelter is one of the requirements in addressing

human physiological needs along with the need of food, drink, clothing, warmth,

sex, and sleep. According to his hierarchical theory, meeting these needs is the

most important in human lives. If these needs are not met, the individual may not

feel motivated to move towards self-actualization. 5 There is no wonder why

human civilization never ceases to study architecture because it wants to create

a place that satisfies their needs and expresses their character that enriches their

life and this place is called home.6

3
From “7 Basic Human Needs According to Maslow” by Mike T., May 4, 2017 (Retrieved
December 15, 2020, from https://survivalreport.org/basic-human-needs/)

4
From “Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs” By Saul McLeod, updated March 20, 2020 (Retrieved
December 15, 2020, from https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html
5
From “5 Kinds of Human Needs: Suggested by Abraham Maslow (With Diagram)" shared article
by Smriti Chand, (Retrieved December 15, 2020, from
https://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/humans/5-kinds-of-human-needs-suggested-by-abraham-
maslow-with-diagram/25790)

6
From “Architecture and Civilization” by Dr. Wagih Fawzi Youssef (Retrieved December 15,
2020, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/275971843_Architecture_and_Civilization)

1
1.1 Statement of the Problem

A home is a place where one can embody how people live and see

themselves. It is a place where one can enjoy both the simplest and grandest

gestures of life. A home is a place where an individual may find comfort, it is a

place of sanctuary, it is cozy, and it is a refuge from the world 7. It is not just a

house with four walls with a grandeur decoration, but a home is the basic

foundation of an individual. It is the heart of a house.

There is no such thing as a perfect house, hence the study is

8
needed to improve it that it may become a healthy and safe home environment

where the household can live comfortably and peacefully. Thus, the researcher

conducted his initial examination inside and outside of the house of Osorio family

but within the property line only. And the researcher also included in his

examination the present problems in the immediate surroundings as well as in

the community based on the experience and knowledge of each household

member.

After the examination of the house, the researcher found out that

the built-in structure is partially finished and is fairly acceptable for usual living.

According to the household members, the unfinished house gave birth too many

different problems particularly within the house such as the unusual location of

7
From “What Makes a House a Home?" by Kate Rikey. January 21, 2010 (Retrieved Dec. 15,
2020, from https://centsationalstyle.com/2010/01/what-makes-a-house-a-home/)

8
From “Home sweet home? Home physical environment and inflammation in children” by Kammi
K. Schmeer* and Aimee J. Yoon (Retrieved December 15, 2020, from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5116303/)

2
the main door, the poor ventilation of the bedrooms, an impractical orientation of

the kitchen and living area, the gloomy ambiance of the house, the leakage of

water on some areas specifically on the roof.

In the yard, the major problem is the clogged drainage system,

while considering minor problems such as the lack of a ramp, lack of vegetation,

and a space that is left bare and unused. The distance around the neighboring

houses is too narrow to each other and the lack of children’s playground causes

the clamorous children along these narrow streets. Likewise, there is a common

problem among the members of the community which is the irregular supply of

water.

The present problems mentioned above could highly affect the

residents, as well as the surrounding environment. These present problems of

the structure generate a high demand for artificial ventilation, which cause higher

cost of electricity. The health of the family is also at risk because of the poor

environment of the house and even some of the family members no longer enjoy

the grandeur of the house.

A good house is a home that is sustainable that has the least

negative impact on the environment 9. It must be designed in a way that can help

the end-user live happily and comfortably. It should be airy and well-ventilated

and the design of the interiors should be ergonomic 10.

9
From: Sustainable House Design 21 Ideas by Fontan, Jorge Aug 7, 2016 (Retrieved January
20, 2021 from https://fontanarchitecture.com/sustainable-house-design-21-ideas/

10
From The Top 7 Qualities of an Ideal House Built by The Good Real Estate Developers March
2018 by Eden Group (Retrieved January 20,2021 from https://www.edengroup.in/blog/the-top-7-

3
 As urban farming grows in popularity and practicality, techniques

like aquaponics become more important to help sustainably ensure food

security.11 It provides an option for self-sustained design of a single family home.

This type of development will present a new way of living for families who are

interested in providing a healthier lifestyle for themselves and a greener future for

their children.12

Therefore, to address the current problem of the house discussed

herein, the researcher will use the opportunities of the sustainable design which
13
is more on passive concept that could offer a better home environment. This

study is proposing a residential house in a concept of sustainable eco-house with

Aquaponics, which is a combination of eco house and aquaponics, where eco-

house is designed to use minimal energy and/or replaces the ecology lost when

the house is built through, for instance, including a green roof. 14 While

Aquaponics is a combination of aquaculture, which is growing fish and other

aquatic animals, and hydroponics which is growing plants without soil. 15 It will
qualities-of-an-ideal-house-built-by-the-good-real-estate-developers/

11
From Aquaponics | Sustainable Urban Farming by Samanta Oon June 06, 2020 (Retieved
March 24, 2021 from https://www.foodunfolded.com/article/aquaponics-sustainable-urban-
farming)
12
From Architecture + Aquaponics: cookie cutter homes of the future by Gina Yuriko Takashi
December 2013 (Retrieved from https://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/handle/10125/45644)

13
From The Passive House - definition by Theumer, Susanne, April 2018 (Retrieved January 21,
2021 from https://passipedia.org/basics/the_passive_house_-_definition)

14
From “What is an Eco Home? By Tim Pullen, June 03, 2020 (Retrieved Dec. 21, 2020, from
https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/advice/what-is-an-eco-home)

15
From “What is Aquaponics and How Does It Work? By Darren North, may 30,2016 (Retrieved
December 21,2020 from https://www.permaculturenews.org/2016/05/30/what-is-aquaponics-and-

4
serve as a contemporary residential place of the sustainable house to promote a

healthy and safe home environment where the individual user could express their

character to motivate them to move towards self-actualization. Moreover, it will

have the potential in advocating urban farming within the community, and

consequently the entire city.

1.2 Objective of the Study

The main objective of this study is to develop the plan and design of

a sustainable eco-house with Aquaponics that will offer quality, healthy and safe

home environment.

The specific objective of the study is as follows:

1. To further determine the specific problems on the overall

design and plan of the existing house

2. To determine the space requirements applicable to the

proposed project

3. To identify the different approach in passive ventilation for a

sustainable eco-house.

4. To determine strategies and method in designing a

sustainable house.

5. To determine the methods of designing aquaponics in

residential structure.

how-does-it-work/#:~:text=Aquaponics%20is%20a%20combination%20of,aquatic
%20animals'%20discharge%20or%20waste.

5
 6. To cite the building codes and laws, the design standards,

as well as other consideration for PWD and Elderly persons

in constructing a residential structure

1.3 Significance of the Study

This proposed study will provide information and knowledge on

architecture for passive ventilation, sustainable Eco-house, and Aquaponics.

Correspondingly this study shall be beneficial to the following:

To the Architects. This study will serve as a reference for the

design planning and consideration of a sustainable house. It will

provide information on the standards and guidelines of designing

sustainable Eco-house, as well as design ideas for urban farming in

the community.

To the Residents. This proposed project will serve as an actual

reference for their future house, a healthy and safe home

environment. It will provide ideas on sustainable Eco-house.

To the Researchers. This will serve as a reference for their related

studies.

To the Architecture Students. This study will provide necessary

information for designing and planning sustainable residences.

To the Families. This will provide them an enhanced knowledge of

sustainable architecture and Aquaponics.

6
1.4 Significance of the Project

The proposed project will serve as a prototype for design

enthusiasts who are into sustainable design approach and adapting farming into

a city in residential structure. The study will also provide a different living

experience to the end-user through indulging in the benefits of passive ventilation

as well as taking a thrill to farm within the house parameter through aquaponics.

Also, the proposed project will be beneficial to the neighbors, community, as well

as to the city. Correspondingly this study shall be beneficial to the following:

To the Residents. This project will be an actual eco-house of the

family with an Aquaponics feature that promotes urban farming

To the neighbors and community. The sustainable eco-house will

serve as a model of energy sufficient, maximizing passive

ventilation in the design and as well as bringing agriculture into

residential areas in an urban city.

To the Researchers. The project will be an archetype for

referencing of alike projects.

To the Architects. This project will be a prototype of an eco-house

that could help them in designing a sustainable residential project.

1.5 Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This study will focus on developing a plan and design of a residential

house in a concept of sustainable eco-house with aquaponics as a solution to the

7
current problem of the Osorios house. The study will consider the household

member's preference of a house design and environment.

The researcher will focus mainly on the sustainable design of a house

such as passive ventilation, green roofing, and zero energy materials for building

structure to enhance the home environment. The house parameter of the Osorio

family will be the coverage of this research, and the household member will be

the direct respondents for data gathering. Other related studies and data will be

gathered through literature research.

The researcher will gather the needed data through online references,

books, and magazines available at home.

Chapter II. Review of Related Literature

Eco house: A Design Guide by Sue Roaf, Susan Roaf, Manuel Fuentes,

Stephanie Thomas (August 2007)

Eco house is an exciting and timely text that tells you how to design

low-energy, environmentally friendly buildings today. It also provides the

foundations for building design in a warming world and stepping stones towards

the zero-carbon emission buildings of tomorrow.

8
 This guide to the Eco house also explores 21 case-studies from

around the world, from Norway and Sweden to India and Japan, Argentina, and

Mexico. Chapters by Christopher Day, Katerine Bohn, and Andre Viljoen on

ecological building materials and methods and a contribution by Robert and

Brenda Vale - all experts in this field.

This book will be used as a guide in designing an ecohouse. The

proposed study will adopt the techniques, methods, and materials needed in

constructing a sustainable house that produces less energy and is helpful to the

environment.

Traditional courtyard houses as a model for sustainable design: A case

study on BWhs mesoclimate of Iran by Farzaneh Soflaei, Mehdi Shokouhian,

Amir Soflaei (2017)

This article is aimed to investigate the concept of Iranian traditional

courtyards, as microclimate modifiers, for sustainable building design in hot-arid

regions. To this end, a quantitative field survey is conducted to analyze various

physical elements including the orientation, dimensions and proportions of

enclosed and open spaces, physical bodies (opaque walls), and transparent

surfaces (openings) as well as natural elements (water and soil) in nine valuable

Iranian traditional courtyard houses from BWhs meso climate.

This will be used as a guide in this proposed study on creating a

microclimate space, and the methods of orienting the building on its best

orientation will also be applied in the study.

9
Bioclimatic Architecture and Cyprus by Petros Lapithis (2018)

“Bioclimatic Architecture and Cyprus” sets out to demonstrate that

bioclimatic architecture is a viable energy-saving concept which can be applied in

the context of Cyprus through both research and hands on examples. A principal

aim of the research revealed in this publication was to develop an understanding

of the criteria needed for an appropriate bioclimatic architecture that is sensitive

to both energy use and climatic conditions.

This article will be used as a guide in this proposed study in

determining the criteria on how climates affect the home environment and how to

apply construct a solar house which will be used as a means to control energy

consumption. And some of the techniques and method discuss herein will be

applied in the proposed eco-house.

Natural Ventilation Approach in Designing Urban Tropical House by

Izudinshah Abd. Wahab, Lokman Hakim Ismail (April 2012)

This paper discusses the process of implementing design solutions

that may enhance the performance of natural indoor air movement for a single

unit residential house in tropical area. This is based on the technical design

process in solving problems regarding indoor thermal condition in the aspect of

air movement.

10
 The design synthesis in this paper discussion is based on a single

unit of house which proposed related to the natural ventilation needs. It is called

Kebun Angin. It was proposed to be located in southern part of Peninsular

Malaysia, within an urban context; surrounded by built single and double stories

houses.

Building Form

In the process of forming the building, two main constraints were

given thought which are the terrain and the major flow of the cross ventilation.

Considering the terrain form, the site has to rely on the lower front part of the

land to be accessed.

The roof form was maintained as pitched roof as other tropical

buildings, but it was designed in a form that it may direct and catch the wind flow

into the building.

Building Ventilation Openings

In Kebun Angin, the stack throat atrium is designed to be at the

center of the building and does not directly linked to the outdoor surrounding

except by the upper ventilation openings under the second tier of the roof. This is

to avoid interruption on stack effect ventilation directly by cross ventilation from

other openings.

11
 The windows are designed to be wood swing casement windows

with tinted glass to minimized heat penetration into the building. The windows

also come with fixed louvers at upper and lower part of them where if the

windows are closed, air can still move into and out of the building through the

fixed louvers. Wooden windows are used for the design as it may minimize heat

building up on the surface of the materials compared if using other heat

conductor materials.

In Kebun Angin, the low ventilation openings are designed bigger

than the upper ventilation openings size. Not only smaller, the upper ventilation

openings are designed slim by using louvers blades at the openings. This design

will keep the neutral plane to be lower than half of the stack height.

Therefore, during daytime, the ample size of lower ventilation

openings will allow high amount indoor air to flow out of the building. This will

reduce the air pressure inside the building which will cause the upper ventilation

openings to pull the same amount of air in.

The relevance of this study to the proposed study is the method

and technique used in applying natural ventilation to a house structure. The stack

ventilation strategy will be applied in the proposed study. The researcher will

adapt the methods of designing an opening of a house to have a more effective

natural ventilation that could give thermal comfort to the end-user.

Chifley Passive House: A Case Study in Energy Efficiency and Comfort by

Harley Truong. Andrew M. Garvie (August 2017)

12
 This paper presents energy efficiency and comfort outcomes of a

three-bedroom single-storey detached Passive House located in the suburb of

Chifley in Canberra, Australia. The climate in Canberra has mild/warm summers

and cold winters.The house is home to a family of four including the

owner/designer who is also one of the authors of this paper. Performance data

has been collected from the house since its completion two years ago and this

paper discusses the measurement results for the 12 months after November

2015.

Floor plan

The floor plan of Chifley Passive House is the result of applying

solar passive design principles. The internal area is 127m2 and the narrow

rectangular shape allows the low northern winter sun to penetrate deep into all

living areas and bedrooms. Eighty-one percent of the window area faces north

and provides ample free solar heat gains in winter. The uncomplicated shape

also avoids self-shadowing which blocks much-needed winter sun. The siting

was chosen to avoid shadowing from other buildings and trees. Only a single

window faces west and no windows face east in order to minimize unwanted

summer heat gains late and early in the day in summer.

Insulation

The building fabric was highly insulated, continuous and protected

from air movement since a reduction of any of these elements reduces the

overall performance. The insulation was protected from air movement using

13
vapor permeable wind-tight building wraps externally and airtight building wraps

internally.

Windows and shading

Shading of the windows was provided by a combination of fixed

eaves of 900mm depth that provided full shading in summer, and external

motorized roller blinds with an 83% block-out fabric. The fixed eaves provided

protection from direct radiation, and the blinds reduced the diffuse radiation, often

accounting for 36% of the overall solar radiation in summer in Canberra. The

blinds were installed on all north-facing windows.

Airtightness

Airtightness is emphasized in the Passive House Standard because

of its importance in maintaining comfort and reducing energy use. There are

standards that describe the impact of draughts on comfort and studies that

quantify the impact of air leakage on home energy consumption.

This study will be used as a reference on the standard thermal

comfort for passive house. The methods and strategy in designing a habitable

room with good thermal comfort to have a better airflow will be applied in the

proposed study.

Natural Ventilation Strategies for Residential Buildings by Ibrahim Salyani,

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Halil Zaref Alibab (March 2018)

14
 This study aims to determine the most effective means of achieving

natural ventilation and the most ideal orientation for residential buildings in the

city of Famagusta, North Cyprus during the summer and winter periods.

Cross Ventilation:

Cross ventilation is driven by wind. The wind coming from the

windward side creates a positive pressure at this point and the wind moving

away from the leeward side creates a low-pressure zone at that point. This

therefore creates a difference in pressure levels at the two sides and thereby

opening windows at these two ends would force the air to move through the

building due to pressure level difference. Depending on the placement, size and

location of the openings, a number of results can be achieved.

Stack Ventilation:

Stack ventilation on the other hand is driven by thermal buoyancy.

The difference in temperature of the inside air and the outside makes this work.

Since warm air is lighter than cold air, it moves upwards. When windows are

opened at different levels, the warm air inside the building would leave out

through the top opening and the cool air from outside would enter the building

through the lower opening to replace it.

The research is based on observation. The method combines

energy and airflow calculations to simulate the results for the average climate

conditions of Famagusta for the summer and winter period using the apartment

buildings chosen for the study. In this study, residential buildings with different

15
window types and sizes are oriented in different directions and the results

generated. The facades for the apartment buildings being studied are very simple

with window openings as the only natural ventilation strategy element.

For residential apartments in Famagusta, it is important to have a

floor plan in a way which would enable the units to have both a north and south

orientation to achieve cross ventilation in summer and to have access to the sun

rays in winter. Also, the space organization for the common spaces and most

used spaces in the building have to be planned with careful consideration to the

sun and wind direction to enable proper ventilation and keep the spaces warm

during the winter period thereby maintaining a suitable thermal comfort level for

the occupants.

The relevance of this study to the proposed study is that it will be a

used as a reference in planning where to orient the building to have a good

thermal comfort level for the occupants. The methods of observing the structure

discussed in this study will be used in the proposed study.

Architecture + Aquaponics: cookie cutter homes of the future by Gina

Yuriko Takahashi (December 2013)

With continued growth in population the demand for increased

housing remains causing the need for traditional single family homes to be built.

This project provides an option for a self-sustained design of a single family

home that includes a fully integrated aquaponics system. This type of

16
development will present a new way of living for families who are interested in

providing a healthier lifestyle for themselves and a greener future for their

children. Using current tract homes as a design base to be utilized with

aquaponics systems will create sustainable ways to address the need for a more

self-sufficient design. The use of existing tract housing development will be

altered to show how aquaponics can be integrated with current tract housing

designs to improve standard trends.

Research Methodology

The methodology use for this project will be design based.

Aquaponics ecosystems must have proper balance to maintain healthy fish and

plants, therefore research will be done as a design guide to assess what is the

best method to use in terms of the following: types of fish and plants that work

best together, size of aquaponics systems that works best with the types of fish

and plants that will be used, for health purposes how many fish and plants versus

amount of water should be maintained, temperature and lighting conditions, and

possible applications based on research.

The main purpose of this research project is to understand the

importance of aquaponics and to explore aquaponics as a viable self-sustaining

application to be considered as architecture practice and design. Currently

aquaponics is known as an innovative concept that mimics nature’s most efficient

way of growing food by combining hydroponics (soil-free cultivation of plants in

water) and aquaculture (raising of fish or other aquatic animals in tanks or

17
ponds), creating what is called aquaponics a sustainable food production system

that produces no waste.

This study will be applied in designing aquaponics in the proposed

echo-house. The study will adapt the method of integrating aquaponics in

architecture such as the planning/programming criteria guide, the sustainable

feature of aquaponics, the design services that it could give to the household, its

environmental impact, as well as the system of aquaponics that is best suitable

to residential structure.

Chapter III. METHODOLOGY

This part of the proposal provides information on the research

methods to be used in the study as well as the research instruments and how the

data will be utilized in the design.

18
3.1 Research Design

The researcher used a descriptive research design in this study to

get a profile of their home environment as well as their surrounding

neighborhood. It was also used to describe relevant aspects of the home. This

research design enabled the researcher to gathered appropriate data that is

needed in this study. The researcher also gathered the necessary data through

related literature, related study, and related articles that was helpful in designing

the proposed Sustainable eco-house.

3.2 Data Collection Method & Research Instruments

Data collection methods will focus on qualitative observation and

interview method. The researcher will use observation method as first tool for

collecting data and information before questionnaire design and after the start of

the research, too. The primary data will be collected using field observation, and

interview. The researcher will make more than ten (10) specific observations of

his own house, to find deeper understanding of the home environment. While the

interview method will let the researcher know the in-depth of the present home

environment. It will provide opportunities for refining data collection and

examination. Interview method will be used to cross examine the data obtained

from the primary source. While other resources such as laws and codes and

other related study will be gathered through literature search.

19
Chapter IV. ANALYSIS, PRESENTATION & INTERPRETATION OF DATA

This chapter contains the data gathered by the researcher to

meet the objectives which will be the baseline in planning and in designing the

proposed project. The data were collected through observation on the house

structure of the researcher, internet research, books and magazines available at

home.

20
4.1 Problems within and outside of the House

The house of the Osorio family is the main focus of this study.

The researcher conducted an in deep examination on the house structure to

know if the house is sustainable that can help the end-user live happily and

comfortably, if the house is designed in an airy and well ventilated and if the

interiors are ergonomics.

4.1.1 House Yard Analysis

The lack of proper landscape presents many problems to the family

such as the poor drainage system that when it rains it floods easily. Another

concern is the lack of proper gate that the stray dogs and cats can easily enter

the yard this becomes a problem because this is also where they excrete feces.

The landscape does not have any sustainable design elements such as

rainwater harvesting, noise barrier, and any vegetation that can protect the house

from unnecessary disturbance of any harmful elements of the surroundings.

At the community level, the closeness of the houses is also the concern

of the family, while the noisy children on the street that disturb the household the

result of the lack of children’s playground in the community.

4.1.2 House Interior Analysis

The present house is not yet finished but is already inhabited. It has 150

square meter total lot area, 114 square meter for the house and 36 square meter

for the front yard. The house has a living area on the west side, a kitchen on the

east side and next to it the toilet and bathroom, and the laundry area which is

21
open above, and a dining area in between the living and kitchen, then it has three

bedrooms one on the northeast and two on northwest side, and it has a staircase

on the north side which is prepared for the second floor.

The current house has many issues such as poor planning of space

zoning and orientation, which causes thermal discomfort inside the house

specially in the living room which is on the west side and directly exposed to

sunlight.

The two bedrooms are lack of window openings and it relies more on

artificial ventilation which cause high electricity bills. The ambiance inside the

house is gloomy which brings negative feeling to the occupants. And the zoning

orientation of the kitchen is not in the right place so it is always wet which can be

infested with bacteria that are not good for the health of the family.

The data presented above will be the focus of the study. The perceived

issues and concerns of the house will be addressed in the design of the Casa de

Osorio: A Proposed Eco-house.

These issues and current problems of the house will be use as a

reference in design analysis stage in development of functional design that

consist of four stages which are the functional diagram (abstract form), schematic

plan (spatial relationships, boundaries, articulations, circulation-systems, size of

shape), preliminary plan (scaled proportions), and the final plan (fully scaled

drawing and finalized functional relationship). This deals with the development of

22
a plan arrangement to determine the correct size and location of the structural

members which give building strength.16

4.2 Space Requirements

The data that for the space that is required for the proposed

project was taken from Grant Pierrus from his article “What is Space Planning

and How to Create a Space Plan”. Space planning is a fundamental element of

the interior design process. It starts with an in-depth analysis of how the spaces

is to be used. The space plan defines the circulation patterns that show how

people will move through the space.17

4.2.1 Spaces on the Project

 Living Area

The living area is the part of the house that most friends and

guests see. This is the area that usually becomes the showplace.

This area is roughly 1/3 of the house and serves a variety of

functions. It is the location for family get-togethers, dining,

recreation, entertaining, and just relaxing.18

The living area is composed of a number of rooms. They

include the living room, dining room, foyer, recreation or family

16
From Architectural Theories of Design by George Salvan page 225
17
From “What is Space Planning and How to Create a Space Plan” by Grant Pierrus 2016,
(Retrieved April 29,2021 from https://interiorstylehunter.com/what-is-space-planning-and-how-to-
create-a-space-plan/)
18
From Architecture: Residential Drawing and Design by Kicklighter, Clois E., Ronald J. Baird,
and Joan C. Kicklighter (Retrieved April 28, 2021 from
https://www.revereschools.org/cms/lib/OH01001097/Centricity/Domain/64/arch%20II-5-lesson-
AREA%20PLANNING-LIVING%20AREA.pdf)

23
room and special-purpose rooms such as a sunroom or home

office.

1. Living Rooms -For many families, the living room is the

center for most activities. It may serve as a playroom, TV

room, or conversation place.

2. Dining Room - Most modern homes today have a dining

room. Its main function is to provide a special place for

eating.

3. Entryway & Foyer - Every house has at least one

entryway, but not all have a foyer. A well-planned house

will have both. There are 3 basic types of entryways:

main entry, service entry and special-purpose entry.

4. Foyer - Functions as a place to greet guests and remove

overcoats and overshoes

5. Bedrooms- a private room where people usually sleep

for the night or relax during the day.

6. Family Recreation Room - A place where a family can

play or pursue hobbies.

7. Decks, Patios, Porches & Court Yards - The use of

patios, porches and courts effectively enlarges the area

and function of a house.

8. Fishpond - a pond in which live fish are kept.

24
 9. Indoor Garden - a greenhouse in which plants are

arranged in a pleasing manner.

4.3 Passive Ventilation for Eco-Houses

The data for passive ventilation that is applicable for eco-house

is taken from Design Approach for Urban Tropical Contemporary House to

Enhance Natural Ventilation by Izudinshah Abd Wahab 2014

Building ventilation is very important to supply fresh air and

removing indoor pollution concentration. Due to the increasing cost of energy

sources nowadays, people are seriously looking into possibilities of relying on

natural ventilation to achieve comfort. Natural ventilation relies on natural force to

move the air. Natural ventilation is based on two different principles which are

cross and stack effect ventilation. Cross ventilation is a way to obtain natural air

supply in buildings by relying on natural forces such as wind availability and

direction.19

4.3.1 Cross Ventilation

Cross ventilation is driven by wind. The wind coming from the windward

side creates a positive pressure at this point and the wind moving away from the

leeward side creates a low-pressure zone at that point. 20

19
From “DESIGN APPROACH FOR URBAN TROPICAL CONTEMPORARY HOUSE TO

ENHANCE NATURAL VENTILATION” by Izudinshah Abd Wahab 2014 (Retrieved from

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/296676831_DESIGN_APPROACH_FOR_URBAN_TRO

PICAL_CONTEMPORARY_HOUSE_TO_ENHANCE_NATURAL_VENTILATION
20
From “Natural Ventilation Strategies for Residential Buildings in Famagusta” by Ibrahim Salyani
(Retrieved April 28 2021 from (PDF) Natural Ventilation Strategies for Residential Buildings in

25
 Figure 1: Diagrams showing modes of Cross Ventilation

4.3.2 Stack ventilation

Stack ventilation on the other hand is driven by thermal buoyancy.

The difference in temperature of the inside air and the outside makes this

work. Since warm air is lighter than cold air, it moves upwards. When

windows are opened at different levels, the warm air inside the building

would leave out through the top opening and the cool air from outside

would enter the building through the lower opening to replace it.

Famagusta (researchgate.net)

26
 Figure 2: Diagrams illustrating Stack Ventilation

4.3.3 STRATEGIES FOR WIND VENTILATION

The keys to good wind ventilation design are the building orientation

and massing, as well as sizing and placing openings appropriately for the

climate. In order to maximize wind ventilation, the pressure difference

between the windward (inlet) and leeward (outlet) to be maximized. In

almost all cases, high pressures occur on the windward side of a building

and low pressures occur on the leeward side.

A. ORIENTATION

The greatest pressure on the windward side of the building is

generated when the elevation is at right angles to the wind

27
direction, so it seems to be obvious that the greatest indoor air

velocity will be achieved in this case.

Figure 3: Effect of direction on width of wind shadow

B. Massing & Orientation for Cooling

Massing and orientation are important design factors to consider

for passive cooling, specifically, natural ventilation. As a general

rule, thin tall buildings will encourage natural ventilation and

utilize prevailing winds, cross ventilation, and stack effect

C. Massing Strategies for Passive Cooling

Thinner buildings increase the ratio of surface area to volume.

This will make utilizing natural ventilation for passive cooling

easy. Conversely, a deep floor plan will make natural ventilation

difficult-especially getting air into the core of the building and may

require mechanical ventilation. Tall buildings also increase the

28
 effectiveness of natural ventilation, because wind speeds are

faster at greater heights. This improves not only cross ventilation

but also stack effect ventilation.

Figure 4: Tall buildings improve natural ventilations, and lower

latitudes reduce sun exposure

4.3.4 Passive Solar Cooling

Passive solar cooling systems work by reducing unwanted heat

gain during the day, producing non-mechanical ventilation, exchanging

warm interior air for cooler exterior air when possible, and storing the

coolness of the night to moderate warm daytime temperatures. At their

simplest, passive solar cooling systems include overhangs or shades on

south facing windows, shade trees, thermal mass and cross ventilation.

A. Shading

To reduce unwanted heat, gain in the summer, all windows

should be shaded by an overhang or other devices such as

awnings, shutters and trellises. Minimizing the windows facing

east and west is also a factor to consider. Vegetation can be

29
 used to shade such windows. Landscaping in general can be

used to reduce unwanted heat gain during the summer.

Source: https://sustainability.williams.edu/green-building-basics/passive-solar-design/

Figure 5: Overhang Design

B. Thermal Mass

Thermal mass is used in a passive cooling design to absorb

heat and moderate internal temperature increases on hot days.

During the night, thermal mass can be cooled using ventilation,

allowing it to be ready the next day to absorb heat again. 

To have a good natural ventilation in Casa de Osorio: A Proposed

Sustainable Eco-house, the cross and stack ventilation approach as well

as the building orientation will be integrated in designing the Casa de

Osorio. As well as the principles of passive design and passive solar

30
 strategies will be applied in designing the proposed Casa de Osorio.

Specifically, those principles, methods and technique will be used on

orienting the building base on the path of the sun.

4.4 Sustainable Design Strategies

4.3.1 Principles of Passive design by Modscape

Passive design is a sustainable building standard that responds

to local climate and site conditions to maintain a comfortable temperature

in the home. It focuses on renewable sources of energy such as the sun

and wind to provide household heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting.

The following are the principles of Passive Design:

A. Location- The location of the house can greatly determine

the passive design of the home as it is needed to bear in

mind the climate location. The first step in home

sustainability is to identify the climate zone and gain

understanding of the principles of thermal comfort.

B. Orientation- it refers to the position in which a home is

place on its site, and can be used to take full advantage of

features of the climate, such as the sun and cooling

breezes.

31
 Source: Architectural Theory of Design by George Salvan

Figure 1

C. Shading - The right shading of a house and outdoor

spaces is important in passive design to help reduce

summer temperatures, improve comfort and save energy.

Through use of eaves, awnings, shutters, pergolas and

plants, it can block up to 90% of the heat generated from

direct sun (which can be as much heat as a single bar

radiator over each square meter of a surface).

32
Source: https://www.modscape.com.au/blog/creating-sustainable-home-passivedesign/

Figure 2

D. Building Layout - In passive design, rooms and outdoor

spaces should be laid out to maximize comfort during use.

In general, this means the main living areas (such as

living, dining and family room) should face north and have

all day sun. They may require horizontal shading to

prevent overheating in summer, but this ensures good

solar gain in winter.

E. Thermal Mass - Thermal mass is the ability of a material

to absorb and store heat energy. A lot of heat energy is

needed to change the temperature of high density

materials such as concrete, bricks and tiles – materials

said to have high thermal mass. Lightweight materials

such as timber have low thermal mass.

33
This project worked within a tight budget to make passive design renovations to a home.
Source: https://www.modscape.com.au/blog/creating-sustainable-home-passivedesign/

Figure 3

F. Natural Ventilation - Passive design makes use of the

natural forces of wind and buoyancy to deliver fresh air

into buildings. Fresh air is required to eliminate odors,

provide oxygen for respiration, and to increase thermal

comfort. The specific approach and design of natural

ventilation systems will vary based on building type and

local climate, and ventilation depends critically on the

careful design of internal spaces, as well as the size and

placement of openings in the building.

34
 Source: https://www.modscape.com.au/blog/creating-sustainable-home-passivedesign/

Figure 4

G. Window Design - Windows and doors offer light, fresh air

and views of the great outdoors, but they can be a major

source of unwanted heat gain in summer and heat loss in

winter. In fact, windows can be responsible for the loss

of up to 40% of a home’s heating energy, and up to

87% of home’s heating gain. Improving window’s thermal

performance and ensuring smart window design will

reduce both the energy costs and the greenhouse gas

emissions. Size, location and glazing systems need to be

considered when designing passive windows.

35
Source: https://www.modscape.com.au/blog/creating-sustainable-home-passivedesign/

Figure 5
H. Insulation - Insulation acts as a barrier to heat flow and is

essential for keeping a home warm in winter and cool in

summer. It must work alongside other passive design

principles for it to achieve the desired results. 

Source: https://www.modscape.com.au/blog/creating-sustainable-home-passivedesign/

Figure 6

36
I. Skylights - Skylights can be an excellent source of

natural light and can admit more than three times as much

light as a vertical window of the same size, while

improving natural ventilation. Skylights are a good

alternative when you are restricted by the size of windows

you can use or when privacy is an issue. They can also

offer a unique architectural outlook.

Source: https://www.modscape.com.au/blog/creating-sustainable-home-

passivedesign/

Figure 7

37
4.3.2 Sustainable Strategies by Eric Carbonnier

A. Passive Sustainable Design. Passive strategies, such as

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. 21

Passive ventilation strategies use naturally occurring air flow

patterns around and in a building to introduce outdoor air into

the space. Wind and buoyancy caused by air temperature

differences create air pressure differences throughout

occupied spaces. Buildings can be designed to enhance

these natural air flows and take advantage of them rather

than work against them.

The passive elements that contribute to natural ventilation

include the following:

B. Renewable Energy Systems. Renewable energy systems,

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.

C. Green Building Materials and Finishes. By making it a

priority to purchase steel, lumber, concrete, and finishing

21
From “The top 6 Sustainable Architecture Strategies for Public Building Design” by Eric
Carbonnier (Retrieved April 29,2021 from https://hmcarchitects.com/news/the-top-6-sustainable-
architecture-strategies-for-public-building-design-2018-10-03/)

38
 materials, such as carpet and furnishings, from companies

that use environmentally responsible manufacturing

techniques or recycled materials, architects up the ante on

sustainability.

D. Native Landscaping. Landscaping choices can make a big

impact in civic building water consumption. By using trees,

plants, and grasses that are native to the area, architects can

greatly reduce irrigation needs. Landscaping can also be

used as part of a passive energy strategy. By planting trees

that shade the roof and windows during the hottest time of the

day, solar heat gain inside the building can be reduced.

E. Storm Water Management. When rain falls on an untouched

site, the water that doesn’t evaporate absorbs back into the

ground, replenishing the natural water table. However, when

a building is placed on the site, along with parking lots,

sidewalks, access roads, and other hardscaping, rainfall

behaves differently. The water runs off these surfaces and

into storm drains. By implementing storm water 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

environmental impact of buildings can be reduced.

39
 The principles of passive design, and sustainable strategies will be

adapted in designing the Casa de Osorio: A proposed sustainable eco-house.

The techniques, methods, concept, and strategies on sustainable design will be a

reference in making a development plan for the propose study. The sun

orientation and site analysis will be applied in planning the landscape of the Case

de Osorio while the zoning of spaces, window openings, and materials will be

applied in designing the residential house.

4.5 Aquaponics in Residential Houses

4.5.1 Architecture plus Aquaponics by Gina Takahashi

Architecture design should include more innovative self-sustained

methods such as aquaponics, where its intent is to help encourage self-reliance.

More self-sustained methods such as aquaponics should be included as part of

architecture design.

A. Planning/Programming Criteria Guide - The purpose of the

planning and programming criteria document is to determine the

space requirements for a new design. This is intended to address

the requirements of the development of functional area spaces –

with an efficient and user-friendly process. Having a draft of the

programs spaces will allow for the criteria document to provide

functional relationship diagrams to aid in preliminary design

concepts.

40
B. Development Rules and Regulations - The current rules and

regulations related to having aquaponics systems on the property

lot is in the Design Committee Rules and Guidelines, Section 16:

Water Features, Water Falls and Fishpond Structures state that

approval is required by the Design Committee for any fishponds,

water features, and structures on or in any part of each lots usable

area.

For approval, the water feature, waterfall, or fishpond structure

must comply with the following, as stated in the Design Committee

Rules and Regulations:

1. Maximum Dimensions:

a. Depth: Sixteen (16) inch maximum water depth.

b. Height: Counting the distance from the top of the

structure, with all cascading waterfalls, urns, statues,

and static displays, the heights are as follows:

i. Front Yard: Total maximum allowable height

shall be limited to thirty (30) inches.

ii. Back Yard: Total maximum allowable height

shall be limited to six (6) feet in height.

c. Width: A surrounding edging or concrete coping shall

be limited to a maximum width of thirty-six (36) inches

2. Location: Water feature structures are required to be located

outside of the five (5) foot setback area from each side and

41
 back property lines, and ten (10) feet from the front of

property lines.

3. Accessories: All feeding boxes, water supply lines,

cleanouts, and filters shall be concealed from view.

4.5.2 The Media Bed Technique by RGJ Aquaponics

Media-filled bed units are the most popular design for small-scale

aquaponics. This method is strongly recommended for most developing

regions. These designs are efficient with space, have a relatively low initial

cost and are suitable for beginners because of their simplicity. In media bed

units, the medium is used to support the roots of the plants and also the

same medium functions as a filter, both mechanical and biological. This

double function is the main reason why media bed units are the simplest;

there are many designs for media beds, and this is probably the most

adaptable technique. For example, Bumina is an aquaponic technique used in

Indonesia that uses many small media beds connected to an in-ground fish

tank. Moreover, recycled materials can easily be repurposed to hold the

media and the fish.

42
Source: https://rgjaquaponics.weebly.com/media-bed-technique.html

Figure 8: Media-Bed Aquaponics

A. Intermediate Bulk Containers

Media beds can be made from plastic, fiberglass or a

wooden frame with water-tight rubber or polyethylene sheeting

on the base and inside the walls. The most popular “do-it-

yourself” (DIY) media beds are made from plastic containers

or even old bathtubs.

It is possible to use all of the above as beds and other kinds of

tanks so long as they meet these following requirements:

1. strong enough to hold water and growing media

without breaking;

2. able to withstand difficult weather conditions;

3. made of food grade material that is safe for the

fish, plants and bacteria;

4. Can be easily connected to other unit

components through simple plumbing parts. And

43
 5. can be placed in close proximity to the other unit

components

B. Shape

The standard shape for media beds is a rectangle, with a

width of about 1 m and a length of 1–3 m. larger beds can be

used / manufactured, but they require additional support (i.e.

concrete blocks) in order to hold their weight. In addition, longer

beds may have unequal distributions of solids that tend to

accumulate at the water inlet, raising the risk of anaerobic spots.

The beds should not be so wide that the farmer/ operator is

unable to reach across, at least half-way.

C. Depth

Media bed depth is important because it controls the

amount of root space volume in the unit which determines the

types of vegetables that can be grown. If growing large fruiting

vegetables such as tomatoes, okra or cabbage, the media bed

should have a depth of 30 cm, without which the larger

vegetables would not have sufficient root space, would

experience root matting and nutrient deficiencies, and would

probably topple over

Small leafy green vegetables only require 15–20 cm of media

depth, making them a good choice if the media bed size is

44
 limited. Even so, some experiments have shown that even the

larger crops can be grown in shallow beds if the nutrient

concentrations are sufficient.

D. Choice of Medium

All applicable growing media will have several common

and essential criteria. The medium needs to have adequate

surface area while remaining permeable for water and air, thus

allowing the bacteria to grow, the water to flow and the plants

roots to breathe. The medium must be inert, not dusty, and

non-toxic, and it must have a neutral pH so as not to affect the

water quality. It is important to wash the medium thoroughly

before placing it into the beds, particularly volcanic gravel

which contains dust and tiny particles. These particles can clog

the system and potentially harm the fishes’ gills. Finally, it is

important to work with material that is comfortable for the

farmer.

The essential criteria are listed below:

1. large surface area for bacterial growth

2. neutral pH and inert (meaning the medium will not

leach out any potentially toxic substances)

3. good drainage properties, easy to work with

4. sufficient space for air and water to flow within the

medium

45
 5. available and cost effective and

6. lightweight

The media bed aquaponics system will be integrated in

designing the Casa de Osorio. It will be applied as a landscape design on

the yard of the proposed eco-house.

4.6 Laws and Codes

4.6.1 IRR- National Building Code of the Philippines

The proposed project will use the National Building Code of the

Philippines to determine the allowable building foot print, the minimum

standard of the habitable space, and minimum standard of the doors and

windows and other minimum standard, the light and ventilation as well as

the measurement of the site occupancy that is applicable to the proposed

project.

4.6.2 Planning and Designers Handbook

The planning considerations for residential building discussed in

this book such as the space distribution, circulation, light and ventilation,

sizes, areas, and shape, orientation, zoning laws, height, electrical and

mechanical facilities, and the location of doors and windows will be applied

in the proposed study.

46
Chapter V. Site Analysis and Development Plan Site Description

In this chapter, the researchers explain about the selected site for the

proposed project, such as, Site Data, Sun Path and Wind Direction, Site View,

Research Data Application, and Proposed Site Development Plan.

Site Data

The site is an inside lot with 150 square meters in residential area

located at Brarangay 03 A&B, Nula-Tula,in Tacloban City. Nula-tula is situated

at approximately 11.2440, 124.9765, in the island of Leyte. In between Barangay

74 on the east side and Tigbao on the north-west side. Elevation at these

coordinates is estimated at 17.0 meters or 55.8 feet above mean sea level.

47
 Source: https://www.google.com/maps/@11.2515008,124.9736518,1401m/data=!3m1!1e3

Figure 9: Vicinity Map

5.1 Sun Path and Wind Direction

The sun’s path and wind direction are very useful to the proposed

project. Hence, one of the objectives of the project is to design a passive

ventilation which is the key major aspect to have a good and comfortable home

environment that will not rely on artificial ventilation and it will minimize the use of

commercial energy.

Passive design is working with the environment to create the most

optimal conditions inside a structure, taking advantage of the behavior of the sun

and wind patterns simultaneously reducing the need for mechanical lighting and

air-conditioning, thus effecting energy conservation 22.

22
Keena Perez. (Aug 30, 2014) Architectural Paradigm 2 : Architectural Design for the Tropics (Hot-Humid
Philippine Climate) (Retrieved May 21, 2021 from https://www.scribd.com/document/238171448/AD-

48
 The sun’s path will be used as a guide in orienting the building to

minimize the solar heat gain. While the wind direction will be used as a reference

in orienting the building in order to maximize the air flow to make used the most

prevailing wind.

Figure 10: Sun’s Path and Wind Direction of the site

5.2 View

Figure 16 shows the site view where the project site is located. It shows

the various views that the proposed site can offer. The site is in the middle of

households and it is an inside lot. To the north is the national road at a distance

of 500 meters from the sea and 200 meters from the site. To the east and to the

south is the Barangay 74. While to the west is the mountain range.

Sun-and-Wind-Direction)

49
 Source: https://www.google.com/maps/@11.2515008,124.9736518,1401m/data=!3m1!1e3

Figure 11: Site View

The most exceptional views that can be seen from the site are in the

western part where the mountain range is. The other three parts are mostly

residential houses. On the northern part is the national road and a road access

towards the site.

Figure 12: View towards West Side

50
 Figure 13: View toward South

Figure 14: Street View of the Current House

5.3 Research Data Application

The following are the data that is applicable to the site planning of the

proposed project the Casa de Osorio.

Aquaponics- The Media Bed Technique by RGJ Aquaponics

51
 Media-filled bed units are the most popular design for small-scale

aquaponics. These designs are efficient with space, have a relatively low initial

cost and are suitable for beginners because of their simplicity. In media bed

units, the medium is used to support the roots of the plants and also the same

medium functions as a filter, both mechanical and biological.

Source: https://rgjaquaponics.weebly.com/media-bed-technique.html

Figure 15: Media-Bed Aquaponics Technique

The Aquaponics system will served as an amenity in site planning. It will

also serve as a heat barrier from the sun.

Trees and Shrubs

Trees and shrubs will be used in site planning, it will act as a buffer and

barrier to noise and pollution. It will also gave shade and to reduce the heat

absorption of the structure.

Trellis

52
 A framework of light wooden or metal bars, it will be used as a support

for vine plants. That will also serve as a sun shade in the eastern and western

part of the house.

Circulation

The circulation path can be conceived as the perceptual thread that links

the spaces of a building, or any series of interior or exterior spaces, together. 23

Circulation Elements

1. Building Approach – the approach to a building and its

entrance may vary in duration, from a few paces through a

compressed space to a lengthy and circuitous route.

2. The Building Entrance – entering a building, a room within a

building, or a defined field of exterior space, involves the act

of penetrating a vertical plane that distinguishes one space

from another, and separates “here” from “there”

3. Configuration of the path – all paths of movement, whether of

people, cars, goods or services, are linear in nature. And all

paths have a starting point, from which they are taken

through a sequence of spaces to their destination.

The circulation elements principles will be used as a guide in developing

a site plan for the proposed project. The researcher will utilize each advantages

and incorporate it in the site development plan for the project.

23
Georg Salvan, Architectural Theories of Design, page 286

53
Figure 16: Proposed Site Development Plan 54
Chapter VI. Building Design Development

This chapter entails the utilization of the data collected and how they

have contributed to the design of Casa de Osorio. This covers the design

philosophy, design objectives, architectural programming and analysis, and

proposed building design. These data were studied, assessed and construed to

develop and conceptualize a responsive, space-efficient, sustainable and

adaptable design solution for the project.

6.1 Design Philosophy

“Architecture should be made to utilize the environment for the comfort

and protection of man and to bring man to nature.” - Sustainability can only be

achieved if the natural environment is considered in the design process. To know

the fundamental role of nature in architecture is already a sustainable design

strategy that can inspire the inhabitants to love its surrounding environment.

6.2 Design Objectives

1. To design and develop a residential structure that is eco-friendly

and lessen the use of commercial energy;

2. To provide an optimum orientation of the identified space

requirements that is applicable to an Eco-house;

3. To provide an excellent air-circulation within the house to achieve a

good thermal comfort;

4. To provide a refreshing home environment for the household

members;

55
 5. To integrate farming in a house through Aquaponics system;

6. To appropriately utilized the site in order to achieve a fully natural

ventilated house;

7. To apply sustainable design strategy in the proposed Eco-House;

8. To integrate the building laws and codes and design standards in

planning and a designing a residential house;

6.3 Architectural Programming and Analysis

Table 1: Activity and User Identification

People Projected Rooms/A Activity/Us

Major er
Involved/Us No. of rea
Activities Characteris
er Category Users Required
tics/Conditi
ons

Gathering, Family 5-10 Living Area The area is

socializing members & naturally
Visitors ventilated with
enough window
openings and
with stack
ventilation
approach

Dining Family 6 Dining Naturally

members room ventilated with
and visitors sun shade
treatment outside
the window to
minimize the
heat gain.

Receiving Household 6-10 Entry These areas are

s & guests porch and treated with
foyer vegetation, the

56
 foyer is provided
with partition wall
as a blockage to
interior spaces.

Preparation of Household 3 kitchen It was placed on

food members western part of
the house, and is
naturally
ventilated.

Resting/ sleeping Household 6-10 Bedrooms, Each room are

members/ guest room treated with
guest/maid passive design. It
has a wide
window with sun
shading in order
to minimize the
heat gain from
the sun. It is also
oriented in a
zone that is not
directly hit by
sunrays.

Gathering/Famil Household 6-10 Family The room is large

y quality time, members recreation enough in order
sports, and fun room for members of
family, especially
the little kids, to
move freely. It is
also naturally
ventilated with
green walls and
passive cooling
treatment.

Bath, wash, and Household 1 Toilet and The Toilet and

comfort members, bath room Bathroom are
guest rested in western
part of the house
and they are in

57
 one area to
minimized the
used of
plumbing. It is
also treated with
good ventilation.

Planting, Family 2-5 Media-bed This is on

watering the members aquaponics outdoor area.
plant, harvesting area, The media-bed
fishpond aquaponics is
placed on
western part of
the house and it
is also planted
with vine plants,
this will served
as a sunshade to
dining area of the
house. While the
fishpond is place
on the eastern
part of the lot.

Washing and Household 3-5 Service/ This area is

drying clothes members laundry placed on
area western part of
the house to
utilize the sun. It
is also
surrounded by
plants.

Table 2: Building Areas/Spaces Program

Major Spaces Space Description Planning Relationships

Entry/Entry Porch/Foyer It is the entrance and the Entry porch is

exit of family directly connected to the
members, and guest carport and foyer, the

58
 to the house. foyer is directly
connected to the living
area and dining area
and is indirectly
connected to the exit
and kitchen

Living area It is the area where It is directly connected

the family members to the foyer, dinning,
are gathered, and it is stairs and exit to back
also an area where yard and is indirectly
they received a guest connected to the carport
or a friend and toilet and bath,
while it is not connected
to the kitchen

Dining area It is an area where the Directly connected to

family members and the kitchen and living
guest ate foods, area, directly connected
to T&B

Master’s Bed room It is the largest bedroom It is directly connected

of the house, usually it to the kitchen, T&B, and
is the room of the chief dining area.
of the family.

Kitchen A room where the food This is directly

are prepared. connected to dining and
T&B, entry and laundry
or service area and
indirectly connected to
stairs.

Bedrooms It is a room for resting It is directly connected

and sleeping. It is a to the hallway and T&B.
private room used by It is indirectly connected
the household to the family hall/ mini
members. garden, and recreation
area used by the
household.

Recreation area/family It is a room where a Directly connected to

room family members can the hallway and T&B.

59
 gather and do some fun
things. It is a room
where they can spend
time with each other.

Family hall/ Terrace/mini A place of the house This area are directly
garden the family can gather connected to the
and have a talk about hallway and bedrooms,
life. It can also be an it is indirectly connected
area where they relax to the stairs and toilet
and enjoy. and bath room.

Hallway It is the corridor of the Directly connected to

house stairs, bedrooms, T&B,
recreation area, and
exit.

Service area It is an area of the This area is directly

house where the connected to the kitchen
household members and exit.
can wash and dry their
clothes, it is also an
area where they can
clean their dirty
materials and alike.

6.4 Bubble and Circulatory Diagram: The Relationships of the Major

Space Categories and the Circulation Flow

Private

Area

Public
Service
Area
Area

60
 Figure 17: Macro Bubble Diagram

Master’s Patio
Fishpond
Bedroom
with T&B
Stairs Exit

T&B
Living
Service Area
Area
Hallway
Carport

Kitchen Dining
Area Foyer Entry
Porch

Entry/
Exit Garden
Entry

Figure 18: Ground Floor Micro Bubble Diagram

Stairs Guest
Recreation Bedroom
Area Room

T&B Hallway

61
Bedroom Family
Hall/Terrace Bedroom
Figure 19: Second Floor Micro Bubble Diagram

Legend:

Direction of path flow

62
Figure 20: Matrix Diagram

63
PROPOSED BUILDING DESIGN

64
Figure 21: Two Point-Perspective

65
Figure 22: Living Area Interior Perspective

66
 1 2 3 4 5 6 N
1 50 00

50 00 18 00 4 70 0 35 00

2 00 0
QUE EN SI ZE BE D PATIO FIS HPO ND

4 150
B FO
OTRES
T B
ED
EXIT

2 00 0
5
T&B MASTER'S BEDROOM
6 4
A-A 7 3

C
8 2
A 8-8 9 1
UP

10 0 00

1 60 0
LAUNDRY

10 0 00
T&B LIVING AREA

D
E DINING AREA CARPORT

S ERVICE AREA
22 50

600 0
KITCHEN FOYER ENTRYPORCH

F
P A TI O

2 00 0
M EDIA-BED AQUAP ONICS

18 50 3 00 0
2 10 0 3 70 0 26 00 1 75 0 4 85 0

1 50 00
A P RO P OS E D TW O - STO R EY R E SI DE NT IA L

A G R O U N D F LO O R P L A N
S C A LE 1 : 10 0 M T S
2 8

Figure 23

67
 N
1 2 3 4 5 6
115 00

5 00 0 18 00 2 20 0 25 00

20 00
B

4 150
RECREAT
ION/F AMILY
A -A AREA

A 8-8 5

6 4
BEDROOM 2 GUEST ROOM

30 00
3

C
7
8
2
9

10

90 00
92 00
1

T&B 12
13

22 50
14

105 0
15

D O WN
16 HALLWAY
T&B HALL
W AY
E

29 50
F

CLO SET
ST
A NDPLANTER

260 0
BEDROOM 3

28 00
BEDROOM 1
FAMILYHALLWITH
MINIGARDEN

1 30 8 33 00 3 10 0 40 00

117 08
AP RO PO SE D TW O- S TOR EY R ESI DE NTI AL

A SECO ND FL O OR PLAN
SC A LE 1: 10 0 M T S
3 8

Figure 24

68
Figure 25

69
Figure 26

70
71
 Figure 27

Figure 28

72
Figure 29

73
Figure 30
74
Figure 31
75
Figure 32
76
Figure 33
77
Figure 34
78
Figure 35

79
Figure 36
80
Figure 37

81
Chapter 7. Summary of Research Data Application to the Project Design

Table 3

Collected Data Methods of Data Utilization for Design

1. Problems of the The present problems of the current house will be the

House basis for developing an enhanced residential

structure. Each identified specific problem will be

addressed in designing a new architectural plan of a

residential building.

2.Space The space requirement of the household members

Requirements of was the basis in making a floor plan for the proposed

Household eco-house. Each preferred space was reflected on

Members the final floor plan, and it was zoned on its

appropriate orientation based on sun path and wind

direction.

3.Passive Passive design strategies was been applied to the

Ventilation approach house, specifically on the proper orientation of each

for a house interior space, and the system of passive cooling

structure ventilation was been applied on each room. Other

approaches in passive ventilation such as outdoor

noise control, were also utilized in designing an

outdoor landscape for an eco-house.

4.Sustainable This feature was applied to the materials specification

82
design strategies for for a sustainable house, and also the strategy and

a house structure method to lessen the green gas house effect was

been applied in the proposed Eco-house. And other

feature of the sustainable design strategies such as

the sun path and wind direction method, was been

used as a guide in zoning each spaces on its

appropriate orientation. The cross-ventilation

techniques was applied on windows and other

openings to utilize the wind for thermal comfort of the

interior house.

5.Methods of This feature of farming system was utilized and

Designing reflected in the house plan. A media-bed aquaponics

Aquaponics in system was installed on the front yard, while a

Residential fishpond on the backyard to fully maximize the lot

Structure area. It was also serve as part of the landscape of

the design for the proposed site plan of the Casa de

Osorio.

6.Laws and Codes This was applied in designing and developing a

and other design house plan. Every laws and codes and design

standards standards was been reflected in the house plan such

as the standard setback for a residential unit, the

standard grade of ramp, the standard minimum sizes

of habitable room, and etc. has been fully reflected in

83
 the house plan of the proposed residential structure.

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86
87
 CURRICULUM VITAE

CHRISTIAN THADDEUS S. OSORIO

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Elementary:
Arado Elememntary School
Address: Brgy. Arado, Burauen Leyte
2006

Highschool:
Leyte National High School
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Address: Tacloban City
2010
NICKNAME: CHAN, THADZ
BIRTHDAY: DEC. 16, 1992 College:

BIRTHPLACE: BURAUEN, LEYTE Bachelor of Science in Architecture

Eastern Visayas State University
AGE: 28 College of Architecture and Allied Discipline

RELIGION: CHRISTIAN BAPTIST

MOTHER’S NAME: MARGARET S. AFFILIATION
OSORIO
FATHER’S NAME: NELSON JUDE UAPSA-EVSU
THADDEUS N. OSORIO United Architects of the Philippines - Student
Auxilliary
CIVIL STATUS: SINGLE Member
(2018-2020)

ADDRESS
SKILLS AND EXPERTICE
BRGY. 03 NULA-TULA TACLOBAN
CITY

PHONE AND EMAIL

0945 469 6873

SKETCHUP
AUTOCAD LUMION PHOTOSHOP
[email protected] 88

VRAY ENSCAPE MICROSOFT OFFICE