EcoKubo : Green House for the Tropics I

Arch. Nestor Arabejo shares their winning entry to the Green Architecture Competition, Ang Pinakamagandang Bahay a Balat ng Lupa. Exhibit is still on until October 18, 2009 at the University of the Philippines Theater Lobby.

 

ANG PINAKAMAGANDANG BAHAY SA BALAT NG LUPA

Design Competition

Designed by: 

Ecotektonika

Arch, Nestor Arabejo, Arch. Rowena Ramos and Engr. Bert Peteers (Industrial Engineering and Permaculture Design Expert)

DESIGN NARRATIVE:

The design competition challenged the design team to strive for the highest sustainable tropical design possible within its budget. A "less is more" mind-set drove the design team. Only essential elements remain in the finished structures. Only 40% of EcoKubo's gross floor area (GFA) is totally enclosed with walls. 60% of the house has one or two walls open to the outside for views, natural daylight and ventilation. The indigenous traditional "bahay kubo" uses a space outside the "kubo" to receive guests. The EcoKubo follows this tradition by having a space for this social activity "outdoors". The modest project budget is the primary reason the team considered using a rice straw bale system, a bamboo reinforced concrete system, bamboo screens and bamboo slats flooring for all social areas. 

EcoKubo's main sustainable design objective is for the house to be a vital part of the site's ecosystem. It also aims to achieve net-Zero water and net-Zero energy efficiencies. EcoKubo was designed to follow the varied life patterns of the dwellers, from the entrance ramp for handicap accessibility to the adaptable sleeping areas.

Part II of EcoKubo tomorrow.

Comments

[Jay Yuvallos]

Browsing the net for contemporary bahay kubo design.
Great concept! Hope this "EcoKubo" will become a trend for our country. It's more fun and sustainable. Very creative, very Filipino.

Jay

[Engr. Dennis Morada]

Hi Architect,

The post on EcoKubo is receiving the most views and inquiries. Thanks again for sharing. Let's already set an appointment: let's visit Las Haciendas, Laurel, Batangas some time 3rd week of November (19 or 20) so you could see the site where the ecoKubo will be built.

[Meliza H. Agabin]

Hi Nestor,

I am excited at the thought that perhaps I could have a house built that takes into account the environment, the use of natural materials, and tropical climate in our country. I missed the exhibit at UP to better appreciate what you guys have designed. I am looking forward to meeting soon.

[Nestor Arabejo UAP, LEED AP]

Thank you Engr. Rico Hermoso.

You are right, getting information from Professionals and Organizations in the Philippines is like "pulling teeth". I hope we can start a new trend of sharing "green building" knowledge and all benefit at the end.

Since I came back from the U.S. last year to start a green architecture firm in the Philippines, I have hooked up with the Philippine Green Building Council. They do a lot of green building advocacy thru seminars and conventions. They are open to organizations and people (professional or lay, local or foreign) to share their knowledge on green building and technology.

The ecoKubo's estimated cost to build is from Php500,000 to Php750,000, depending on its site. Anyway, if you are interested, you can email me at nestor@ecotektonika.com. Maybe, we can collaborate in doing not just green houses but "green" neighborhood developments in the Philippines!

Cheers!!!

[Engr. Dennis Morada]

Hi Engr,

Glad you're coming back and sharing your thoughts. Yes, let's do all we can to make our homes in the Philippines (especially) greener.

[Engr. J. Ricohermoso]

I once wrote thanks for the putting up of this website; grateful that finally there could be some online venue where we can learn about green building and green architecture that is more in-tune with the Philippine setting/climate.

The ecoKubo example is a very valuable contribution, indeed. We need more Architect Arabejos out there---generous with knowledge.

I wish there would be more. How about a design that is easier to mass-produce? We're into subdivision development, that's why. If we can build thousands, even just hundreds of "green houses" that should mean a lot to the environment. Right?

Will it be "marketable"? Most likely, after Typhoon Ondoy and typhoon Pepeng, most would do everything so as not to suffer another one.

This brings me to another question, how expensive is this? Can it be afford by the masses?

I hope you'll find time to reply.

Again thanks.

[Engr. Vengco]

Great contribution! We've been looking for some concrete examples of green houses, and what we got here is even better: affordable, zero-energy, and for the tropical weather--ideal for the Philippines.

Thanks to Arch. Nestor Arabejo and Pinoy Green Academy.

[Nestor Arabejo UAP, LEED AP]

Thanks for the post Dennis. This really helps our advocacy on Green Architecture and hope Filipinos will be more educated on green architecture suitable for the unique climate and culture of the Philippines.

By the way, minor correction (I hope you don't mind). Bert Peteers is not an architect but is actually an industrial engineer by trade and is a permaculture designer/expert. This is our first project collaboration... as part of our integrated sustainable design philosophy.