EcoKubo : Green House for the Tropics II

 

BOARD LEGEND

WATER

1.    1. Metal roofing (recycled material). Designed catchment area is 80.5 sqm. Based on the rainfall data from PAG-ASA, the potential annual rainwater collection volume for the designed roof is 146,800 liters. The estimated annual water demand for EcoKubo is 134,600 liters. A net-ZERO water efficiency!

2.     2. Concrete Water Cistern (C.Krete construction). The cistern design volume is 19.7 cu.m.  sufficient to sustain ecoKubo’s water demand even for a 54 day straight day period.

3.     3. 2 (two) low flow faucets for lavatory and bidet.

4.     4. Low flow shower

5.     5. Low flow kitchen sink. A filtration system is installed in the utility closet for portable water use.

6.     6. Greywater return for recycling

7.     7. Settling chamber

8.     8. Digestive chamber

9.     9. Reed bed. Bed area is 5.3 sqm. Adequate for servicing a 5 person occupancy.

10. 10. Polishing pond (with water aeration system)

11. 11. Monitoring pond. Monitor recycled water quality with fish (dalag, hito, tilapia, etc.) in the pond

W    WIND

12.  12. The roof angle at the north facade is designed like a wind scoop, to capture the NE prevailing wind

13. 13. The continuous bamboo screen at the south facade is designed to capture the SE and SW prevailing winds. The generous fenestration openings at both the north and south façade maximizes cross ventilation all year long. The design strategy allows passive cooling for minimum reliance on air-cooling.

 

 

 

WALL SYSTEMS

14. “C-Krete” is a bamboo-reinforced concrete system developed by a Filipino architect.  This innovation is recognized by various government agencies and used by Gawad Kalinga. The system is basically rammed earth (typically site harvested sandwiched by 2 bamboo mesh and then (La Farge) cement plaster at both sides. EcoKubo uses this system for its interior walls (hallway, T&B), the elevated floor slabs at the kitchen/T&B, water cistern, and the biological wastewater treatment structure.

15. Strawable construction is a strategy for energy efficiency and low environmental impact. Dry rice strawbales are set upon a moisture-protected base, stacked in a running bond, and secured with bamboo sticks. The bale is then post tensioned with ropes to prevent extreme settling. The resulting assembly is finished with several layers of cement plaster (La Farge). It is resistant to burning (ASTM E84-09) and pest infestation. EcoKubo uses this system for its exterior wall infill and roof insulation. The 0.4m thick bale walls designed has an R-42 value!

ECOSAN SYSTEM

16. The “EcoSan” tolet system is locally manufactured by EcoSan Philippines. Its fixtures are generally cheaper than conventional toilet fixtures. EcoKubo uses this system as an integral component to the site’s ecosystem. (See earth+fire illustration)

SUN

17. Building Orientation and Passive Solar Design. There are no glazing at the east and west facing walls. The east-west axis of ecoKubo is 1 degree 11’ due east-west. 100% of the glazing at the south-facing wall are completely shaded (using overhangs, etc. ) at noon on December 21 (the lowest sun-angle of the year at the south side). 100% of the glazing at the north-facing wall are completely shaded (using overhangs, etc.) at noon of June 21 (the lowest sun-angle of the year at the north side).

ENERGY

18. Renewable Energy Potential. The roof has 53.7 sq.m. of south-facing area. This roof is sloped 38 degrees, perpendicular to the sun angle on December 21 noon (the shortest daylight of the year), which is appropriate to maximize solar harvesting during the months of August to April.  The roof also has 39.6 sq.m. of north-facing area that is appropriate to maximize solar harvesting during the months of May to July. The north-facing roof is sloped 9 degrees, perpendicular to the sun angle on June 21 noon (the longest daylight of the year). The estimated energy the ecoKubo will require is an average of 9Kwh/day. PV renewable energy will only require around 20 sq.m. of panel area (22% of the designed roof area) to power this potential NET-ZERO Energy home! A one-battery pack together with an inverter will easily fit is the utility closet provided.

 

 

Related Posts: EcoKubo I 

Comments

[Nestor Arabejo UAP, LEED AP]

Hi Dennis,

I have posted a BluPrint Magazine feature of the winning entries of the design competition. The group blog shows illustrations of the designs and its design narratives done by the magazine. It also tells you the authors of the winning entries. You can view it at:

http://greenroad.multiply.com/photos/album/11/BluPrint_Magazine_features_PMBBL_Winners

Sheryll,

I and a few members of the Philippine Green Building Council do advocacy thru university lectures and talks. You can email me at nestor@ecotektonika.com, maybe I or a colleague can do a presentation at your school. Just let me know.

More "green" power to you!

[Engr. Dennis Morada]

Hi Sheryll,

First, thanks for visiting the site; that only means you're one of the few who are into "green living and green building".

Second, I'll ask from the owners of the design. I went to the University of the Philippines Exhibit, Pinakamagandang Bahay sa Balat ng Lupa, and there are numerous examples more; however, they're unnamed and without contact details. We'll have to try to get in touch with the College of Architecture leaders or with the La Farge officer in charge of the event.

Third, can you provide me with more details about your school? They might ask about those information.

And lastly, in the meantime, you can spread the word about this blog posts. Your own comments, evaluations, and questions can help start an educational forum on the topic. There are advantages to having the exhibit on-line, in fact.

A greener, healthier, and happier earth to you.

[Sheryll Cordero]

is there a way I could invite you to have this exhibited in our school. I just want fellow students to learn from this design also. :)

[Arch. Nestor Arabejo]

Hi Dennis,

In addition, I just remembered that there was a good questions regarding our "open" design concept... what about security? Our design was trying to follow the traditional bahay kubo concept to have the social area outdoors. There is actually a sliding security door going to the private areas. But to some who are not comfortable with this "Filipino" tradition, then bamboo screen doors can be placed at the top of the ramp entrance and at the back of the living area for "security"