TROPICAL ARCHITECTURE BY CONCIPIO TEKTURA Narrator: Welcome, this is Tropical Architecture by Concipio Tektura Sam: Hi I’m Sam Coloso, an apprentice in Concipio Tektura and today, I’ll be interviewing the architect behind it all, Sir Eric. Sam: So Sir Eric, Please tell us something about yourself. Ar. Eric: Hi I’m Architect Eric Bano, I’m a Principal Architect of Concipio Tektura. I’m also part of the academe, I’ve been teaching for five years and been working also in various companies here in the Philippines and also abroad and I’m also an advocate of Tropical Architecture here in the Philippines. Narrator: Now let’s talk about Tropical Architecture. What is Taropical Architecture? Tropical architecture( defined) is a branch of architecture, the study of the climate of the weather-oriented architecture in a position where the building mass or group of buildings, and the effect or effects on the environmental relationship or influence on the tropical environment. Source: Ong B.L. , (2006), Tropical Sustainable Architecture. Narrator: In the Philippines, having a warm humid climate, there are a few basic design principles of natural ventilation to cool a home or a building. Sam: So Sir, share to us a bit about your signature design style. Ar. Eric: If you see some of my works in terms of residential architecture, is you will notice some horizontal blinds or some horizontal lines that you will see on the façade of the buildings, at the same time, this also serves as a ventilation, this also serves as the horizontal element that represent the wideness of the building, this also gives you a sense of modernism, not only for the aesthetic values but also for the functional values because this serves as a ventilation for the ceilings, for the walls or even from the roof. So these are the things that are very common in my design. Narrator: The Golden Rule; Utilitas, Firmitas, Venustas. A good building should satisfy the three principles of Utilitas, Firmitas, Venustas, which translates roughly as Utility - It should be useful and function well for the people using it. Durability - It should stand up robustly and remain in good condition. Beauty - it should delight people and raise their spirits. Source: Vitruvius, De Architectura Sam: Sir how do you balance function with aesthetic appeal in connection to tropical architecture? Ar. Eric: So personally, when I do my design, I normally start with the question, what is the function? What is the purpose? Before I go on the aesthetic value or how it will become a beautiful building. Now the first one is what is the function? Now if I put these horizontal lines, these louvres, what is the purpose of that louvre? Now, as an architect and understanding the elements and principles of designs Horizontal lines can help me accentuate a certain wall. But the first question on my mind is what is the function of that one. Narrator: For Architect Eric, above beauty and aesthetic, function and purpose always comes first. Sam: So our next question Sir is, what is a weakness you’ve noticed some buildings have in common here in the Philippines? Ar. Eric: Most of the time if you try to observe the buildings here in the Philippines, especially the recent buildings or even let’s say the last thirty years, you will notice that the buildings here really have bad specs. It means that the specifications of building materials used in these particular buildings or residential buildings are not appropriate for our climate. For example, we used to use G.I. roof sheets or roofings, which is not really originally intended for our climate. The original purpose of those is used for temperate climates, but because we adapted those from the American G.I.s, we use that in our residential buildings here in the Philippines. It is not appropriate. Also we tend to use and copy window design that’s not really good for our climate in terms of how the wind flows inside our buildings. So we normally have narrow windows, or if we have windows, this is also a fixed window or a sliding window which is not also good for our climate. Narrator: Now let’s talk about Tropical Architecture’s functions and purpose. Cross-ventilation (also known as Wind Effect Ventilation) is a natural cooling process. The system relies on wind to force cool outside air into the building through an inlet (such as a wall louvre, a gable, or an open window) while outlet forces warm outdoor air (through a roof vent or higher opening of the window). Source: Elwan M., (2018),A Review on Wind - Driven Cross - Ventilation Techniques. Sam: When did you become intentional in doing climatic design? Ar. Eric: So being part of the academe and also establishing a small office, you have to create some identity, you have to create some focus and of course, Concipio’s working on a four-focus which is residential, commercial (Which is food and beverage) retail and also office design. And so when I start doing residential architecture, what will be the focal design. For residential architecture, I realized that I should be more pragmatic and because I’m doing designs here in the Philippines, our focus is on tropical architecture. Being part of the academe as well, and also teaching those subjects, in terms of the subject of tropical architecture, Then I need to develop and understand more about our climate and what are the strategies or techniques, details or technologies that I can incorporate with in my design and to come up with my own identity or to strengthen that type of architecture so I focused on climatic design because in particular it’s tropical architecture because it’s in the Philippines. So that’s the reason why I’ve become more intentional and that’s the reason why I’ve become more of an advocate in pushing this type of architecture because it is more appropriate in our condition here in the Philippines. Narrator: So let’s go through climatic design and its factors. There are different climate factors that must be considered in building constructions and building designs. The most significant climate factors are as follows: weather temperature, soil temperature, angle and intensity of sunlight, relative humidity, direction and wind speed, rainfall and sunlight. Source: Zaeriean S., (2013), The Role of Climate Factors on Designing and Constructing Buildings (From Urbanization Architecture Approach) Sam: and our last question Sir, What advice would you like to give to our younger generation of architects? Ar Eric: For the young architects,, or architects in the future, your canvas would be the future and what we need right now is having more of sustainable architecture, something that is very pragmatic on the site or the place you’ll build with your architecture. At the same time to be intentional in understanding more of the details rather then the form of the building. Because at the end of the day, it’s the function and the people who use the space is more important than the look of the building which is just a sculpture. So this is what I can advise to the younger generation of architects. Narrator: Thank you Ar. Eric, for the amazing advice you give to the younger generation of architects. To know more about Concipio Tektura, Like and Follow our Facebook Page, Follow our Instagram and subscribe to our Youtube channel. Once Again, Thank you for watching Tropical Architecture by Concipio Tektura

Located in Cabantian, Buhangin Davao City Philippines, The Northcrest Subdivision is known to feature several homes that takes inspiration from Asian Tropical aesthetics. Inside this first-class neighborhood, a 2 Story Residential Designed by Principal Architect Eric Baño of Concipio Tektura is soon to rise. With a concept to promote Tropical Architecture in the Philippines, Architect Baño has applied some of the principles in which the house can adapt to the tropical climate of our country. Having said that, the house will have a Design that will cater Modern Asian Tropical details. The house is to be finished with lighter colored walls for its exterior, lessening the heat that can be absorbed by commonly darker colors. This technique can avoid rising the temperature indoors, and can greatly benefit the users through lessening their use of machine-driven cooling systems. As we know, Heat or Warm air always has the tendency to go up or above cool air. This is the reason why Architect Baño also installed Ceiling vents and Roof vents. It is to help the warm air escape from the house. Lastly, Louver Windows and Cross ventilation technique are to be applied to help air circulate better, creating a refreshing atmosphere in each room. Concipio Tektura believes that the house’s design can help promote the Tropical Architecture in the Philippines, it’s benefits and how can it be applied with aesthetics while giving the users a naturally cool place to call a home. For booking and inquiries, you may visit our website at www.concipio-tektura.weebly.com or you can visit and follow our Facebook, Twitter, Tmblr, and Instagram account for much easier access.

Concipio Tektura is an architectural studio that offers lighting design services that is concerned with the design of lighting systems such as natural and artificial lighting. In this video, we will discuss the fundamental components of Natural Lighting’s necessary terms, principles, concepts, and standardized information from the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI). Natural Lighting A natural lighting is a source of lighting captured from a direct sunlight. Whereas, its intense light varies with the time of the day, season, and form location of the place. Benefits of Natural Lighting Introducing direct sunlight into a structure can reduce dependence on artificial lighting, which in return can give Occupants Comfort, Time Orientation, Budgeted Electrical Loads, and Less Internal Heat Gain • Occupants Comfort • Time Orientation • Reduces Budgeted Electrical Loads • Reduces Less Internal Heat Gain Principles of Natural Lighting Distribution 1. Building Orentation - The Form and location of the building can help identifies the quality of daylight. A building with a north-south façade provides more decent daylight reducing glare and overheating of the building. 2. Window Height and Location - A window with larger and higher openings generates more daylight into the room, allowing daylight to deeply penetrate to interior spaces. To soften contrast, use deep-set windows, splayed jambs, and rounded jambs. Also, when considering a good natural lighting it is important to locate the windows adjacent to a perpendicular wall or ceiling surface to maximizes the light entering the window. 3. Glazing Ratio - Glazing is a part of a window or wall that is made of transparent material that acts as blockage to the heat entering the building.The optimum glazing ratio depends upon the building orientation, location, barriers, and the user’s requirements. The recommended glazing ratios are generally between 25% - 50%. (Duxbury,2013) 4. Options for Overhead Skylight - Skylight is a light-transmitting structure that can be treated variously depending on the structure of the roof – rectangle, circle, triangle, multi sided, or tubular. There are several types of overhead skylight to consider when designing a building depending on their complexity. Sun Shading Control The use of sun shading increases the use of daylight availability. It improves a building’s energy performances by dropping the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning load (HVAC). Also, sun shading helps create sense of security and comfort through internal and external sun shading devices such as curtains, blinds, crate structures, and vegetation. Azimuth Azimuth is a sun path diagram that is used to determine the location of the sun at any point of the day throughout the year. Analyzing the azimuth can help select the optimal orientation of the building's passive design and shading devices. What is a Passive Design? A passive design is a process that makes a building less reliant on electrical and mechanical systems through the basic elements of a building – walls, windows, floors, and roof. A building with proper passive design increases the energy efficiency of the building, making it more comfortable and inexpensive to live in. Three ways to design a passive approach: 1. Direct Gain - A heat process via direct solar gain through windows. 2. Indirect Gain - A heating process where a thick wall or floor conducts heat into interior space, aka thermal mass. 3. Isolated Indirect Gain - Is a heating process that rely on transmission of heat to adjacent spaces, aka sunrooms. Suggested location for shading devices according to climate and house orientation: • When a building is aligned in the north side, it should be equipped with a fixed or adjustable shading device; • When a building is aligned in East and West, it should be equipped with adjustable vertical screens; • When a building is aligned in NE and NW, it should be equipped by any adjustable shading device; • And lastly, when a building is aligned in SE and SW, vegetation should be provided to act as a shading method for the building. Sample of Application: Islamic Museum BY I.M. Pei The extraordinary 45,000 sqm Museum of Islamic Art by architect I.M. Pei is one of many buildings that utilizes the principles and concepts of a natural lighting. Composed of numerous cubes, the almost windowless building complex stands out against the azure sea and is visible from afar thanks to its sparkling façade made of French Chamois limestone that helps bounce natural light into its surface, giving the edges some contrast and highlights during the time of the day. Its Middle East oriental motifs can be seen in interior spaces. Visitors are welcomed by its vaulted ceilings, stone floor inlays and large curved stairways, facing the 45-meter atrium that gives the north side building a spectacular natural sunlight and panoramic view of the Gulf and West Bay area of Doha. The patterned domed skylight intends to help soften the harshness of direct sunlight. It allows the whole interior to capture and reflects the patterned light within the faceted dome emphasizing the centrality of a space. The Interior spaces such as Galleries & Exhibit Halls mainly showcases exclusively artificial lightings. Zumbotel starflex with UV filters are installed to ensure gentle illumination for sensitive objects. In terms of lighting design, the emphasis was on fully automatic control of the spotlight. CSI MASTER FORMAT 2016 • 08 01 00 Operation and Maintenance of Openings • 08 06 60 Skylight Schedule • 08 60 00 Roof Windows and Skylights • 08 61 00 Roof Windows • 08 62 00 Unit Skylights • 08 63 00 Metal-Framed Skylights • 08 64 00 Plastic-Framed Skylights • 08 65 00 Glazed Canopies • 08 67 00 Skylight Protection and Screens • 08 81 00 Glass Glazing • 10 71 13 Exterior Sun Control Devices • 10 71 13.53 Exterior Daylighting Devices • 10 73 00 Protective Covers • 12 20 00 Window Treatments

CT / DIAZ VILLA EXTERIOR A Proposed 1-Storey Villa at Del Mundo Estate, Sikat, Alfonso, Cavite Walkthrough Residential Architecture COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT NOT INTENDED "Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

CT / DIAZ VILLA INTERIOR A Proposed 1-Storey Villa at Del Mundo Estate, Sikat, Alfonso, Cavite Walkthrough Residential Architecture COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT NOT INTENDED "Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.