2-Storey Attached

Residential
Prepared by: Ar.Engel Reganit
DESIGN PROBLEM NO. 1 – TWO-STOREY ATTACHED RESIDENTIAL HOUSE
1. Design Problem. An ex-OFW finally saved enough money to setup a sustaining business in the Philippines and buy a lot in a semi-
exclusive subdivision in Lipa, Batangas. The client and his wife wants a 2-storey house with two-bedrooms – one is their master bedroom
while the other is a guest room. Their children already have their own homes and family so it will be the two of them in the new house. A
family friend recommended an architect to design their new home. The architect will handle the conceptualization, architectural design,
architectural interiors and the selection of the contractor because the couple are already in their senior age and doesn’t want to deal
with anything much. The following requirements were established after several architect client meetings:

a. The lot setbacks will be minimized to give the client maximized space.
b. A 20sqm carport with concrete paving and half-roofed is located on the southwest corner of the lot with 4m opening.
c. A 2.5m wide and 2m deep foyer welcomes the guests. A 3m long outdoor decorative path walk leads to it from the pedestrian gate.
d. On the right of the foyer is the 4.5m x 2m bathroom/storage.
e. The foyer leads to the large open plan living and dining area with full height glass windows on the west. The large area measures 6.5m
wide x 39 sqm. The glass windows allows the natural light to enter the large space.
f. The 2.5m x 3.6m kitchen is on the northeast corner. Between the kitchen and bathroom is the 2.5m x 2.4m staircase leading to the 2nd
floor.
g. The staircase leads to a corridor measuring 2m x 2.4m. The corridor is enclosed by the 4.5m x 3.6m guestroom on the north, a 4.5m x 6m
master bedroom on the west and access to the balcony and shared bathroom on the south.
h. The large balcony overlooks to the RROW and measuring 5.5m x 2m. The shared bathroom on the southeast corner measures 3.5m x 2m.

2. Site Features. The lot chosen for the project is in the middle of a linear block at the rear part of the subdivision. It is a regular rectangular
lot with 11m frontage and 143sqm total area bounded by the private properties on the north, east and west sides. The site slopes at 2%
downwards towards the left side and 1.5% downwards towards the road. An 8m road services the lot.

3. Design Objectives. The architect must satisfy the needs of the couple. They don’t mind the stairs leading to their master bedroom upstairs
because they always wanted a large hall for gathering of their relatives. The architect is expected to provide the client hassle-free
construction.

<<< Nothing Follows >>>

DESIGN PROBLEM NO. 1 – TWO-STOREY ATTACHED RESIDENTIAL HOUSE
1. Design Problem. An ex-OFW finally saved enough money to setup a sustaining business in the Philippines and buy a lot in a semi-
exclusive subdivision in Lipa, Batangas. The client and his wife wants a 2-storey house with two-bedrooms – one is their master bedroom
while the other is a guest room. Their children already have their own homes and family so it will be the two of them in the new house. A
family friend recommended an architect to design their new home. The architect will handle the conceptualization, architectural design,
architectural interiors and the selection of the contractor because the couple are already in their senior age and doesn’t want to deal
with anything much. The following requirements were established after several architect client meetings:

a. The lot setbacks will be minimized to give the client maximized space.
b. A 20sqm carport with concrete paving and half-roofed is located on the southwest corner of the lot with 4m opening.
c. A 2.5m wide and 2m deep foyer welcomes the guests. A 3m long outdoor decorative path walk leads to it from the pedestrian gate.
d. On the right of the foyer is the 4.5m x 2m bathroom/storage.
e. The foyer leads to the large open plan living and dining area with full height glass windows on the west. The large area measures 6.5m
wide x 39 sqm. The glass windows allows the natural light to enter the large space.
f. The 2.5m x 3.6m kitchen is on the northeast corner. Between the kitchen and bathroom is the 2.5m x 2.4m staircase leading to the 2nd
floor.
g. The staircase leads to a corridor measuring 2m x 2.4m. The corridor is enclosed by the 4.5m x 3.6m guestroom on the north, a 4.5m x 6m
master bedroom on the west and access to the balcony and shared bathroom on the south.
h. The large balcony overlooks to the RROW and measuring 5.5m x 2m. The shared bathroom on the southeast corner measures 3.5m x 2m.

2. Site Features. The lot chosen for the project is in the middle of a linear block at the rear part of the subdivision. It is a regular rectangular
lot with 11m frontage and 143sqm total area bounded by the private properties on the north, east and west sides. The site slopes at 2%
downwards towards the left side and 1.5% downwards towards the road. An 8m road services the lot.

3. Design Objectives. The architect must satisfy the needs of the couple. They don’t mind the stairs leading to their master bedroom upstairs
because they always wanted a large hall for gathering of their relatives. The architect is expected to provide the client hassle-free
construction.

<<< Nothing Follows >>>

 11.0 m
“6 Essential Site Elements”

1. Zoning R-2 Basic

2. TLA 143 sq.m w/ 11m frontage
3. Lot Types Rectangular Regular Lot Site
4. Road 8 m RROW Data
5. Orientation Through North

1.5% SLOPE
6. Slope 2% downwards towards left
1.5% downwards towards road TLA=143 sq.m

13.0 m
“Space Requirements”
- 20sqm carport
- 2.5m wide and 2m deep foyer
- 3m long outdoor decorative path walk

Client Preferences
- 4.5m x 2m bathroom/storage
- 6.5m wide x 39 sqm living / dining area
- 2.5m x 3.6m kitchen is on the northeast corner
- 2.5m x 2.4m staircase leading to the 2nd floor.
- 2m x 2.4m staircase corridor
- 4.5m x 3.6m guestroom on the north

8.0 m
- 4.5m x 6m master bedroom on the west RROW
- 5.5m x 2m large balcony overlooks to the RROW
- 3.5 x 2m shared bathroom on the southeast corner
2% SLOPE
“Design Solution” 11.0 m

2.0

2.0

1.5% SLOPE
8.0

13.0 m
9.0

3.0

8.0 m
RROW

2% SLOPE
 “Design Solution” 11.0 m
- 20 sqm carport - located on the southwest corner of the lot with
4m opening with concrete paving and half-roofed
20sq.m / 4 m = 5 m 2.0
- 2.5m wide and 2m deep foyer - 3m long outdoor decorative path walk
- 4.5m x 2m bathroom/storage - On the right of the foyer
6.5 2.5
- 6.5m wide x 39 sqm living / dining area - The foyer leads to the large open plan living
and dining area with full height glass windows on the west
2.0 3.6
39sq.m / 6.5m = 6 m
- 2.5m x 3.6m kitchen is on the northeast corner 6.0

13.0 m
- 2.5m x 2.4m staircase leading to the 2nd floor. 2.5
2.4

2.5 4.5
2.0 2.0

5.0
4.0 3.0

8.0 m
RROW

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

 “Design Solution” 11.0 m
- 20 sqm carport - located on the southwest corner of the lot with
4m opening with concrete paving and half-roofed
20sq.m / 4 m = 5 m 2.0
- 2.5m wide and 2m deep foyer - 3m long outdoor decorative path walk
- 4.5m x 2m bathroom/storage - On the right of the foyer
4.5 4.5
- 6.5m wide x 39 sqm living / dining area - The foyer leads to the large open plan living 2.0
and dining area with full height glass windows on the west 3.6
39sq.m / 6.5m = 6 m 6.0
- 2.5m x 3.6m kitchen is on the northeast corner

13.0 m
- 2.5m x 2.4m staircase leading to the 2nd floor. 2.5
- The staircase leads to a corridor measuring 2m x 2.4m.
2.0 2.4
- 4.5m x 3.6m guestroom on the north
- 4.5m x 6m master bedroom on the west - access to the balcony and shared bathroom
on the south. 2.0 2.0
5.5 3.5
- 5.5m x 2m large balcony overlooks to the RROW
- 3.5 x 2m shared bathroom on the southeast corner

3.0

8.0 m
RROW

SECOND FLOOR PLAN

“Design Solution” 11.0 m 11.0 m

2.0 2.0

2.0 2.5m x 3.6m 2.0 3.6m x 4.5m

Kitchen Guestroom
6m x 6.5m 6m x 4.5m
Living / Dining Master Bedroom

13.0 m
13.0 m
2.5m x 2m x
2.4m 2.4m 2.5m x
Stair Corr. 2.4m
Stair
2.5m x 2m 4.5m x 2m 2m x 5.5m 2m x 3.5m
Foyer Bath / Sto. Balcony Shared Bath rm.

4m x 5m
Carport 3.0 3.0

8.0 m
8.0 m

RROW RROW

GROUND FLOOR PLAN SECOND FLOOR PLAN

“Problem Solution” 11.0 m

1. What is the maximum allowed length of the firewall?

a. 10.4 m 2.0
b. 38.4 m
c. 9.1 m
d. 8.8 m 2.0

1.5% SLOPE
The maximum allowed firewall length depends on the

13.0 m
zoning of the lot. Since it is an R-2 zone (clue is “semi-
exclusive subdivision”), only one side firewall is allowed.
According to NBCP Section 704.4.c, for R-2 structures, the
maximum allowed firewall length is 80% of the length of the
side property line.

Side property line length = 13m 3.0

Substitute % into distance = 80 / 100 = 0.8
Therefore:
Maximum side firewall length= 13m x 0.8 = 10.4m

8.0 m
RROW

2% SLOPE
“Problem Solution” 11.0 m

1. What is the maximum allowed length of the firewall?

a. 10.4 m 2.0
b. 38.4 m
c. 9.1 m
d. 8.8 m 2.0
Firewall

1.5% SLOPE
The maximum allowed firewall length depends on the

13.0 m
zoning of the lot. Since it is an R-2 zone (clue is “semi-
exclusive subdivision”), only one side firewall is allowed.
According to NBCP Section 704.4.c, for R-2 structures, the
maximum allowed firewall length is 80% of the length of the
side property line.

Side property line length = 13m 3.0

Substitute % into distance = 80 / 100 = 0.8
Therefore:
Maximum side firewall length= 13m x 0.8 = 10.4m

8.0 m
RROW

2% SLOPE
“Design Solution” 11.0 m

2. What is the actual length of the firewall for the project?

a. 8.20m 2.0
.6
b. 9.20m
c. 10.40m
d. 12.00m 2.0
Firewall

1.5% SLOPE
13.0 m
“Actual” means the firewall length based on the given space 8.0
requirements of the client. This is quite critical because it
was not mentioned whether the 600mm firewall extension
should be counted (see Figure VIII.21 for the illustration of
firewall extensions).
The actual layout shows that 8m firewall is required. If we .6
add the 600mm on both ends of the firewall, the total actual
3.0
firewall length becomes 9.20m.
The “8.0m” length is not among the options, so it means that
the firewall extensions were considered and added.

8.0 m
RROW

2% SLOPE
“Design Solution” 11.0 m

3. What is the actual width of the rear yard?

a. 11.00m 2.0
b. 2.00m
c. 3.00m
d. 13.00m 2.0
Firewall

1.5% SLOPE
13.0 m
When talking about “width of the yard”, it means the setback.
The rear setback is 2.00 m.

3.0

8.0 m
RROW

2% SLOPE
“Design Solution” 11.0 m

3. What is the actual width of the rear yard?

a. 11.00m 2.0
b. 2.00m
c. 3.00m
d. 13.00m 2.0
Firewall

1.5% SLOPE
13.0 m
When talking about “width of the yard”, it means the setback.
The rear setback is 2.00 m.

3.0

8.0 m
RROW

2% SLOPE
“Design Solution” 11.0 m

4. Based on Table VIII.1, what is the maximum allowable

building footprint in square meters? 2.0
a. 78.65 sqm
b. 114.4 sqm
c. 128.7 sqm 2.0
d. 85.80 sqm Firewall

1.5% SLOPE
8.0

13.0 m
Table VIII.1 shows that R-2 basic with firewall should have
maximum allowable PSO of 60% of the lot area. Note that
maximum allowable PSO is just the AMBF in percentage form 9.0
also that we will use “with firewall” because the project is an
attached residential house. So, the AMBF is 60% of the lot
area which is 85.8 sqm.
3.0

8.0 m
RROW

2% SLOPE
“Design Solution” 11.0 m

4. Based on Table VIII.1, what is the maximum allowable

building footprint in square meters? 2.0
a. 78.65 m
b. 114.4 m
c. 128.7 m 2.0
d. 85.80 m Firewall

1.5% SLOPE
8.0

13.0 m
Table VIII.1 shows that R-2 basic with firewall should have
maximum allowable PSO of 60% of the lot area. Note that
maximum allowable PSO is just the AMBF in percentage 9.0
form. Note also that we will use “with firewall” because the
project is an attached residential house. So, the AMBF is 60%
of the lot area which is 85.8 sqm.
3.0
13 x 11 = 143 sq.m TLA
143 x 60% = 85.80 sq.m

8.0 m
RROW

2% SLOPE
“Design Solution” 11.0 m

5. What is the actual building footprint of the project?

a. 68 sq.m 2.0
b. 10 sq.m
c. 88 sq.m 9.0
d. 78 sq. m 2.0
Firewall

1.5% SLOPE
If you got the actual layout correct, this question could be
easy. However, make sure to note that the carport is “half- 8.0

13.0 m
roofed” which means that half of the carport is actually
considered as part of the building footprint. Check Section
804.8 for this specific provision. The ground floor interior
space is 68 sqm plus the 10sqm carport so the actual 4.0
building footprint is 78 sqm.
5.0
3.0

8.0 m
RROW

2% SLOPE
“Design Solution” 11.0 m

5. What is the actual building footprint of the project?

a. 68 sq.m 2.0
b. 10 sq.m
c. 88 sq.m 9.0
d. 78 sq. m 2.0
Firewall

1.5% SLOPE
If you got the actual layout correct, this question could be
easy. However, make sure to note that the carport is “half- 8.0

13.0 m
roofed” which means that half of the carport is actually
considered as part of the building footprint. Check Section
804.8 for this specific provision. The ground floor interior
space is 68 sqm plus the 10sqm carport so the actual 4.0
building footprint is 78 sqm.
5.0
3.0
(9x8) – (2x2) = 68 sq.m
(5 x 4) / 2 = 10 sq.m
68 + 10 = 78 sq.m

8.0 m
RROW

2% SLOPE
“Design Solution” 11.0 m

6. With the carport being paved, what is the maximum

remaining open space area that can be paved? 2.0
a. 42.9 sq.m
9.0
b. 22.9 sq.m
c. 13.9 sq.m 2.0
d. 20 sq. m Firewall

1.5% SLOPE
8.0

13.0 m
According to Table VIII.1, the maximum ISA for a basic R-2
zone with firewall is 30% of the lot area. The maximum ISA
therefore is 42.9 sqm. Since the carport is entirely paved,
the remaining open space that can be paved is 42.9 sqm
minus 20 sqm carport equals 22.9sqm. 4.0
5.0
3.0
143 x 30% = 42.9 sq.m
42.9 – 20 = 22.9 sq.m

8.0 m
RROW

2% SLOPE
“Design Solution” 11.0 m

7. What is the minimum suggested lot area for a basic

R-2 inside lot? 2.0
a. 100 sq.m
9.0
b. 80 sq.m
c. 301 sq.m 2.0
d. 150 sq. m Firewall

1.5% SLOPE
8.0

13.0 m
If you’re familiar with the contents of the Rule 7 and 8, this
is easy. Table VIII.G.7 provides the suggested minimum lot
sizes for any type of lot according to zoning. For basic R-2
inside lot, that is 80sqm.
4.0
5.0
3.0

8.0 m
RROW

2% SLOPE
“Design Solution” 11.0 m

8. What is the maximum allowable GFA for the project?

a. 214.5 sq.m 2.0
b. 185.9 sq.m
c. 251 sq.m 9.0
d. 341 sq. m 2.0
Firewall

1.5% SLOPE
8.0

13.0 m
Remember that the maximum GFA can be computed by
multiplying the TLA by maxFLAR. Table VII.G.1 shows the
FLAR per zoning. For basic R-2, FLAR is 1.3 to 1.5. Since
maximum is asked, we will use 1.5.
4.0
GFAmax = TLA x FLARmax 5.0
= 143 sqm x 1.5 = 214.5 sqm
3.0

8.0 m
RROW

2% SLOPE
“Design Solution” 11.0 m

9. How many estimated truckloads of sand is needed for

the 130mm thick suspended floor slab for the 2nd floor? 2.0
Each truckload is 12 cu.m. in terms of volume. Assume
Class A concrete for use.
a. 8.58 2.0 Firewall
b. 4.29

1.5% SLOPE
c. 0.53
8.0

13.0 m
d. 0.36 2.5m x
2.4m
i. 2nd Floor: (9x8)-(2.5x2.4)=66 sq.m Stair
ii. Volume of slab = 66 sqm x 0.13m = 8.58 cu.m (note 9.0
that the stair well was excluded)
iii. ii. Volume of sand needed = 8.58 cu.m. x 0.5 = 4.29
cu.m.
iv. iii. Truckload of sand = 4.29 cu.m. / 12 cu.m = 0.36 3.0
truckload

8.0 m
RROW

2% SLOPE
“Design Solution” 11.0 m

10. Refer to previous question, if RMC is to be used for the

suspended 2nd floor slab, how many truckloads are required? 2.0
Assume that a truckload of RMC is 10 cubic meters.
a. 0.56
b. 0.86 2.0 Firewall
c. 1.26

1.5% SLOPE
d. 1.50
8.0

13.0 m
2.5m x
2.4m
i. Volume of slab = 8.58 cu.m. Stair
ii. Truckload of ready-mixed concrete = 8.58 cu.m. / 10 = 9.0
0.86 truckload

3.0

8.0 m
RROW

2% SLOPE
“Design Solution” 11.0 m

11. What class of concrete is recommended for the ground

floor slab? 2.0
a. Class A
b. Class B 9.0
c. Class C 2.0
d. Class AA Firewall

1.5% SLOPE
8.0

13.0 m
The ground floor slab is a slab-on-fill so Class B is enough.
Suspended slabs will need at least Class A.

4.0
5.0
3.0

8.0 m
RROW

2% SLOPE
“Design Solution” 11.0 m

12. 3 skilled painters can finish painting 90 sqm of wall in

one day. What is the productivity rate in terms of sqm/mhrs? 2.0
a. 5.00
b. 33.75 9.0
c. 1.13 2.0
d. 3.75 Firewall

1.5% SLOPE
8.0

13.0 m
i. Remember, one day is equal to 8 man-hours.
ii. 90 sqm / (3 x 8 man-hours) = 3.75 sqm per man-hour

90 sq.m / 24 = 3.75
4.0
5.0
3.0

8.0 m
RROW

2% SLOPE
“Design Solution” “Design Solution” 11.0 m

13. How many estimated tiles are needed for the foyer and
large living-dining hall on the ground floor? Use 60cm x 2.0
60cm porcelain tiles with 5% wastage allowance.
a. 129
b. 123 2.0 2.5m x 3.6m
c. 109 Kitchen
6m x 6.5m
d. 112 Living / Dining

13.0 m
2.5m x
i. Area of large hall + foyer (6.5x6)+(2.5x2) = 44 sqm 2.4m
Stair
ii. No. of tiles = 44 sq.m / (.6x.6)
= 44 / 0.36 = 122.22 2.5m x 2m 4.5m x 2m
= 122.22(5%) = 6.111 Foyer Bath / Sto.
= 122.22 + 6.111 = 128.33 or 129 Tiles
4m x 5m
Carport 3.0

8.0 m
RROW

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

“Design Solution” “Design Solution” 11.0 m

14. What is the maximum width of the roof eaves on the

west side of the house? 2.0

a. 2.00m
b. 1.25m 2.0 2.5m x 3.6m
c. 0.75m Kitchen
6m x 6.5m
d. 1.75m Living / Dining

13.0 m
2.5m x
(Figure VIII.17) that roof eaves or eaves over windows shall 2.4m
Stair
not be less than 750mm from the side and rear property
lines. Since the west side setback is 2.00m, the roof eaves 2.5m x 2m 4.5m x 2m
shall be maximum of 1.25m in width. Foyer Bath / Sto.
4m x 5m
Carport 3.0
2.0 – 0.75 = 1.25m

8.0 m
RROW

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

“Design Solution” “Design Solution” 11.0 m

15. What is the minimum live load required for the design
of ground floor slab according to NBCP? 2.0

a. 200kg/sqm
b. 150kg/sqm 2.0 2.5m x 3.6m
c. 120kg/sqm Kitchen
6m x 6.5m
d. 100kg/sqm Living / Dining

13.0 m
2.5m x
(Under Section 708.F) The live load of the first floor shall be 2.4m
Stair
at least 200 kilograms per square meter and for the second
floor, at least 150 kilograms per square meter. 2.5m x 2m 4.5m x 2m
Foyer Bath / Sto.
4m x 5m
Carport 3.0

8.0 m
RROW

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

“Design Solution” 11.0 m

16. What is the minimum liveload required for the design

of 2nd floor slab according to NBCP? 2.0

a. 200kg/sqm
b. 150kg/sqm 2.0 3.6m x 4.5m
c. 120kg/sqm Guestroom
6m x 4.5m
d. 100kg/sqm Master Bedroom

13.0 m
2m x
(Under Section 708.F) The live load of the first floor shall be 2.4m 2.5m x
at least 200 kilograms per square meter and for the second Corr. 2.4m
Stair
floor, at least 150 kilograms per square meter. 2m x 5.5m 2m x 3.5m
Balcony Shared Bath rm.

3.0

8.0 m
RROW

SECOND FLOOR PLAN

“Design Solution” 11.0 m

17. What is the actual building height of the project if the

structure is roofed with 30-degree pitched roof draining 2.0
away from the firewall with the roof tip at 9.0m from
established grade elevation? Ht=? 9.0
a. 9.0m 2.0
b. 10.0m Firewall

1.5% SLOPE
c. 7.65m 9.0 8.0

13.0 m
d. 7.20m
This question is a bit tricky. Note that the building height or
building height limit is measured from the established grade
elevation (EGE) up to the topmost portion of the structure.
However, when the roof is pitched, hipped or gabled, the 4.0
building height is only up to the average of the roof height. 5.0
To get the building height, you must be able to visualize it.
3.0
Here’s the solution:
Ht=9(30%)=2.7m
Bldg.ht. =9.0-(2.7/2)

8.0 m
=7.65m
RROW

2% SLOPE
“Design Solution” “Design Solution” 11.0 m

18. Matimco is a famous producer and distributor of what?

a. Power Tools 2.0
b. Metal Roofing
c. Doors & jamb
d. Wood products 2.0 2.5m x 3.6m
Kitchen
6m x 6.5m
Living / Dining

13.0 m
2.5m x
19. A weldable rebar is painted _______ on one of its ends.
2.4m
a. yellow Stair
b. green
2.5m x 2m 4.5m x 2m
c. red Foyer Bath / Sto.
d. white
4m x 5m
Carport 3.0
20. A mediterranean style house is known for what kind of
roofing?
a. asphalt shingles green
b. red clay tiles white

8.0 m
c. metallic roof RROW
d. flat green roof

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

Good Luck!!!