In the last GREEN FORUM, at the SMX front parking area, there was a model "green" house on display. It made the news today, specifically, in the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
According to the news, which you could read in full here in PDI's website, it's probably the first CARBON-NEUTRAL house in the Philippines. What that means, what the other features of the house are, how much does the house cost, and most of your other questions will be answered in the article written by Mr. Charles Buban.
The builder and designer is Arch. James Jao and his Eco-Jao. They are one of the very few, for now, who are exploring and actually implementing "green" building technologies in their projects. Their experience and their learnings help tame the costs attributable to the learning curve. What I mean is, "green" homes sometimes cost higher, because of mistakes one commits along the way of building it. Construction time is lengthened, thus labor cost which is directly proportional to the duration of construction, increases. Mistakes in material specifications do happen, also. If your new at it, chances are you won't get the best "green" materials (the most affordable yet most effective).
Our hope is that more builders and housing developers follow the trail they have blazed. Building "green" houses in volume can help bring costs down, and only these big companies have the ability to do that. Right now, it's almost a given that "green" houses cost more; but not to be overlooked are its long-term benefits--- for the earth, for one's health, and one's pocket, as well. Arch. James Jao estimates that the investment in the "green" premium can anyway be recouped in about 5 years. One gains from savings in power charges. What is not estimated here but should amount to a lot is our gain in having better health.
Again, check out the news.
I agree with that, and am one with your cause to bring information to a lot of people from the designers, builders to the home owners. I will make a post in my site about this.
Posted by: Eng. Gerard Vengco | 27 March 2010 at 09:52 AM
Hi Emanuel,
It's 53sqm. For more info, check out this MB article as well. It would be good to see it up close.
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/218611/the-bahay-kubo-goes-eco
Thank you.
Posted by: Dennis Morada | 04 December 2009 at 09:44 AM
sir what is the floor space of the eco house desigend by Arch.Jao?
Posted by: emanuel de pamaylo | 03 December 2009 at 08:00 PM
I would love to live in a home that did not require an electric bill. bucket trucks for sale
Posted by: bucket trucks | 02 November 2009 at 11:07 PM