Monday, December 10, 2018

Proposed One Storey Housing Unit

Proposed One Storey Housing Unit

Mans eye view Perspective
This is the proposed one storey housing unit for the workers. It has 132 sq. meters floor area each unit. It has small living area and dining area, it has also two bed rooms and bathrooms. It has also kitchen and laundry area.

The wall materials are sandwich panel, easy to install. The roof is also sandwich panel. The bathroom is the only area that uses the bricks material. 

Birds eye view perspective

Monday, September 10, 2018

Project Presentation Using Lumion 6.0



Watch this Lumion 6.0 animation presentation


Just want to share my latest project presentation Using Lumion 6.0. 

The most notable changes to Lumion 6 are the inclusion of so many new features, such as PureGlass, Speedray Reflections, Hyperlight 2 and OmniShadow. These features focus on the subtlety of your designs and emphasizes the larger impact that it has on your overall scene. Making elements like surface texture, reflection, light variations and shadow depth a priority brings realism to your visualization that can make your vision a reality and sell your idea. Check out why Lumion has developed these incredible new technologies, and how it can change the way you design!

OmniShadow
Accurate shadow rendering is essential to presenting a realistic design. Important visual cues and structural forms are dependent on shadowing. OmniShadow technology enhances small details and renders models more solid and effective. 





Hyperlight 2
Subtle light variations can be the difference between a natural looking visualization and an artificial one. The colors of materials rely heavily on the way light bounces between surfaces. The new Hyperlight 2 calculates the light on surfaces with detailed accuracy.


PureGlass 
Glass is commonly used in architecture and design visualizations. PureGlass technology offers you a selection of transparent, translucent and frosted glass that looks more compelling and realistic than ever.


Speedray Reflections
Materials are brought to life with realistic reflections. Speedray™ Reflections renders reflections with high efficiency to achieve a believable look to glass, water, marble, wood and metal surfaces. Now you can massively improve your image quality.

Saturday, September 1, 2018

Tips to Save Money When Building House on a Budget


Tips to Save Money When Building a New House on a Budget
1. HIRE A GOOD ARCHITECT
          A Good Architect Will Give you...

  • A Good Design equals a Good House
  • Efficient Floor Plan...Optimal Room Sizes/No Wastage
  • Sustainable Design...Low Running/Maintenance Cost
  • Good Finishes...Finishes Carry the Biggest Cost

2. KEEP THE DESIGN SIMPLE
      A Simple Design Means...
  • Floor Plan-Square/Rectangular plan are cost effective
  • Open Plan Living - More Day lighting and Sociable living
  • Space Utilization - Multiple Space Function
  • Roof Design - Complex Roof Design means More Cost 


3. BUY STOCK PLANS
      A Fraction of Professional Fee...
  • Most of Plans can be Amended on Site to Suit the Client's Needs with Marginal Cost
  • Most of these books are outdated lack of any Serious Professional and design Input
4. SMALL IS SMARTER
       Build Small means Small Cost...
  • Scale Down - Get Rid of Stuff/Space you do not need...
  • Climate - Design for the Regional Climate...
  • Space Utilization - Use Some Spaces for Multiple Function...


5.  HIRE THE BEST BUILDER
     Biggest and Most Important Decision!
  • Minor Variations - A Home Build on Budget
  • No Time Over Runs - Build Within the Contract Period
  • Good Workmanship - A Home Without Shortcuts
  • Experience - Good Connection with Subcontractors hence cheaper to buy in Bulk at discounts.
6. BID OUT YOUR COST
    Compare Cost or Call Referrals
  • A Low Quote - Could mean Poor Workmanship...Resulting Future Expensive Repairs and Maintenance
  • Optimal Quote -  Could mean a Builders Discount and Good Connection with Suppliers
  • A High Quote - Could mean Too many Subcontractors Involved or Building Materials are SubPar
7. SHOP FOR FIXTURES AND FITTINGS YOURSELF
    A Good Architect will Give You...
  • Floor and Wall Tile - Color and Design
  • Toilet and Kitchen Fixtures 
  • Cabinets and Wardrobes Design
8. MANAGE THE PROJECT
    Don't let the Project Run Away from You!
  • The Project is executed as designed
  • Stick to the Specification and Good Workmanship
  • To Avoid Any Budget Over runs.
  • To Avoid Time Over runs..



Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Proposed Villa


This one storey dream home design has 3 bedrooms and 2 toilet and bath. The floor area of 93 sq.m. can be built in a lot having a minimum area of 150 sq.m. taking into account the the minimum lot frontage is at least 11 meters.
Single attached design is efficient for narrow lots since, you can go away with a 1.5 meter setback as required by local building codes. This dream house is so designed that a 200 sq.m. lot is efficiently used, having a bigger lot though can of course accommodate space for parking or garage on the right side of the house along the porch and dining area.

            WATCH THIS VIDEO TO APPRECIATE MORE....


featuring this house for your future choosing or as an alternative if you own a lot like shown here. Stone veneer accent walls, long span roofing, Big Glass windows are the main features.



STIMATED COST RANGE

Budget in different Finishes.  Values shown here are rough estimate for each finishes and for budgetary purposes only. Budget already includes Labor and Materials and also within the range quoted by most builders. Budget Currency is in Philippine Peso (PHP).
Rough Finished Budget1,116,000 – 1,302,000
Semi Finished Budget1,488,000 – 1,674,000
Conservatively Finished Budget1,860,000 – 2,046,000
Elegantly Finished Budget2,232,000 – 2,604,000

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

What is Project Architect?

What is Project Architect?


project architect (PA) is the individual who is responsible for overseeing the architectural aspects of the development of the design, production of the construction documents ("plans") and specifications. The position generally involves coordinating the needs of a client, possibly and designer and technical staff, and outside consultants such as structuralcivil, and mechanical engineers, as well as interior designers and landscape architects.
The specific tasks of a project architect are usually associated with architectural design, construction materials and methods and the production of construction documents (floor planselevations, etc.). Other responsibilities range from client relations to zoning and building code management, material specifications, maintaining quality control by checking and making revisions to shop drawings.

The project architect can also assume the role of the project manager (PM) in a small studio, but typically, the project architect is only responsible for the design management of a building project, assisted by interns and other staff. A project architect is required to be registered as an architect in the state in which they are performing the role. Intern architects may perform the role under the supervision of a registered architect but may not sign or seal legal documents. The project architect may, but does not often, sign contracts, or seal construction documents or payment applications, which are most often legally signed and sealed by a state registered owner or partner of the architectural office. This liability is covered by the firm, and the legal responsibility for any architectural design errors and omissions ultimately falls on the registered architect, the owner or partner in an architectural firm who signs the documents.

Thursday, July 12, 2018

Proposed Horse Show Arena


This is small semi open horse arena project. With a seating provided around the arena and covered with roof to have shed that protects the expectator and guest. 



This project is a significant expense to be sure but one that will pay off in enormous advantages and benefits in the long run. Indoor riding arenas offer safe, controlled environments to ride and train year round regardless of weather conditions. Horses, riders and trainers stay focused, as outside distractions are reduced. The first step in such a project starts with research. And.... you've started in the right place!





 The alternative is to build up the area where the horse arena is being built. The idea is to divert water around and away from your riding arena rather than having it run right through the middle - taking the footing along with it!
Moisture is best removed by percolating into the ground below the indoor arena footing. A general rule of thumb is that for every inch of rain on an arena, it should take 24 hours for it to dissipate to a point where riding is safe again. Take this into consideration when researching and choosing your arena footing. Building an indoor riding arena is a series of compromises. It's too big or too small, too narrow or not long enough, too close to the barn or too far away. There is always something not perfect about the footing or drainage. Scapegoats are a dime a dozen when it comes to covered riding arenas. The more research and careful planning you do up front will get you closer to the ideal covered horse arena you've dreamed of.

How to calculate tiles for Non Architect or Engineer


Tips and Formula to Find the No’s of Tiles
Formula for Quantity of Tiles
Formula to find the volume of Mortar
Formula:
1: First Select the Size of  Tiles, Because we have different size of tiles in market for different works.
    This sample below are the most typical sizes of tiles available on market.
Example: 10cm x 10cm
                 20cm x 20cm
                 30cm x 30cm
                 45cm x 45cm
                 50cm x 50cm
                 60cm x 60cm
2: Find the Dimension of room or any place where you want to fix the tiles.
Example: size of room is 10meters x 10meters (Length x Width)
To compute area just simply multiply the Length and width.
                                      10 x 10 = 100 square meters (m2)


No’s of Tiles = Total Area of Room / Size of tile = No’s of tiles
Example: Area of room = 10m x 10 m = 100m2 (Square Meters)
              If you are going to use 50cm x 50cm tiles
                 Area of tiles    = 0.50m x 0.50m = 0.25m2 (Square Meters)
                So, Just devide the Room Area/Tile Area
                                            100/0.25 = 400 pcs. of 50cm x 50cm tiles
Also we have to find the quantity of mortar for Fixing of Tiles , so there we just use 3/4 inch to 1 inch thickness of mortar to fix the tiles on the floor.
First area of room where we fixing the tiles    and  Second select the thickness of mortar for tiles fixing which is 1 inch = 0.025m
Volume of Mortar = Area of Room x Thickness of mortar

Example: 100m2 x 0.4350 = 43.5 say 44 bags of cement
                 100m2 x 0.0233 = 2.33 say 3 Cubic meters Sand


for using adhesives to fix tiles
use the guide below for requirements for tile adhesive

Product                                            coverage
Adhesive                                          Floors: +/- 3 M2 PER 20KG BAG
                                                          WALLS:   +/- 6 M2 PER 20KG BAG


Monday, June 11, 2018

Amphibious Bahay Kubo



                                                                                
The Philippines is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to disaster and climate change. With over 7,000 islands, and over 36,000 kilometers of coastline, nearly everyone – 74 percent of the population – and everywhere – 80 percent of the land area – are vulnerable to disaster, with the capital of Manila considered at “extreme risk.”
Typhoons and storms, which make up 58 percent of all disasters in the country, related flooding (25 percent) and landslides (six percent) pose the greatest threats to the country. Storms surpass all other disasters in terms of number of fatalities, people affected and economic damage. Though less regular than hydrometeorological disasters, earthquakes (five percent), volcanic eruptions (five percent) and drought (< one percent) can also have devastating effects. Cumulatively, these disasters cause an average of over 1,000 deaths per year .
Most of the damages occur during the flooding are the small pinoy typical hut, made of bamboo's but it is not built to float in times the flood rises. The flood waters enters there home and destorys everything inside.
Now, some came up an idea to make the bahay kubo float. when the flood water rises the floating bahay kubo floats and makes there things inside there house safe.
The main components are the plastic barrels and bamboo.  The plastic barrels tied to each of it. This will make the floating bahay kubo to float. The bamboo will make the shape of the house and it also helps the house to float to high waters. 
                                                                  

Monday, May 21, 2018

New wall paneling system in the Philippines...







A new wall paneling system is available now in the Philippines


.ADVANTAGES:
• No plastering needed
• Fire resistant, non-combustible
• Resistant to decay, termite proof
• Smooth surface and ready to paint
• Strong solid wall
• Can be load bearing & non-load bearing
• Maximizes floor area
• Lightweight, 22kg only
• Good sound reduction index
• Deflects heat by 40%+ due to the wall itself and studs compared to CHB and other concrete materials that absorbs heat in the day and emits heat in your home in the afternoon
• High end finishing... 



This technology is a “permanent formworks wall panel” that greatly decreases issues on work quality and waste management. No plastering, no wasted formworks, a very few skilled carpenters and masons will be needed that will greatly reduce project cost. Cracks and depressions on walls are eliminated and a high quality wall finish is assured at a reasonable cost.
The wall panels are for mass housing, residential, commercial, and industrial use as exterior and interior walls and can be used as architectural walls from low-rise to mid-rise building. It can be used as exterior or interior walls as an alternate to CHB supported with Columns and Beams flushed inside the permanent formworks wall panel with horizontal and vertical bars that can be both load bearing and non-load bearing.

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Construction Site Safety Rules








As a Practicing Architect and practicing safety on the construction site. I would say that most of the accidents happened on the site was due to not allowing the workers to work without having the mindset of safety first. Here i mention the 8 most rules on the site that can reduce the site accidents.  

Regarded as one of the most dangerous professions, construction work on the job site can be considered anything but entirely safe. Obviously, the employers do need to mitigate safety hazards to construction workers, but the workers need to keep in mind a lot of precautions themselves when working in such hazardous conditions.

Thus, construction industry leaders must strive to safeguard their employees — if not for the ethical reasons, then for the economic ones. Here are eight ways construction businesses can reduce workplace accidents.

1. Awareness
Before any worker — no matter his or her role or experience level — can set foot on a construction site, he or she must be fully cognizant of the possible hazards. Ignorant workers are perhaps the biggest dangers in any industry, as their unknowing mistakes put everyone else at risk. Understanding of perils at hand and sustaining a perpetual state of alertness is perhaps the number-one best way to prevent accidents.  See OSHA Safety Check Lists.

2. Training

Though most of a construction worker’s skills can be gained on the job, safety is one skill set that is best learned before works enter the construction site. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other organizations publish some resources to help businesses train their new laborers on standard safety and security practices, including pamphlets, worksheets, training videos, and even on-site training opportunities. Experienced workers should be expected to refresh their knowledge of standard safety by attending regular training sessions throughout the year.

3. Communication

Accidents are more likely to occur when workers are unsure what to expect. Direct communication regarding the day’s goals and activities will cut down on surprises that could cause bodily harm. Construction firms would be wise to equip workers with devices, like smartphones or headsets, which allow fast and efficient communication among team members.

4. Documentation

There are some legal hoops most construction companies must jump through to begin building, and it is essential that all proper registrations and licenses are earned before work begins. Supervisors and contractors who will be charged with particularly difficult tasks, like blasting, certainly should provide evidence of their certification well in advance of their employment on the job site. Not only does this prevent accidents due to improper training, but it protects the construction firm from legal action and public scrutiny. Also, documenting all work in the field using cloud and mobile technologyis making it easier than ever before to mitigate future lawsuits.

5. Proper Equipment

Construction workers equipped with improper gear are bound to make fatal errors. Not only should each piece of equipment on the job site be ideally suited to the task at hand, but construction firms must make certain that all machinery and material are well maintained.

Construction companies must also consider equipment that doesn’t directly contribute to the construction project. Workers should have plenty of water on-site as well as a shady place to prevent dehydration and exposure-related illnesses. Longer construction projects may even benefit from fabric structures to store equipment and cover incomplete sites.

6. Supervision

Ideally, construction workers would fully understand the ramifications of inadequate safety precautions and thus act in a manner to ensure site-wide well-being — but this is not a perfect world. Every site must have a strong supervisor who is willing and capable of enforcing safety standards with no exceptions. This foreman must keep tabs on all employees throughout the day and correct those who fail to commit to proper safety procedures.

7. Innovation

The accident rate would be even higher than it is today if it were not for construction firms willing to devote extra resources to keep their employees safe. The development of new practices that will enhance security should always be encouraged, and companies should avoid speaking against legislation aimed at improving safety protocols. Perhaps with enough innovation, all construction sites can be 100 percent accident-free.

8. Transparency

The worst thing any construction firm can do for its reputation is attempting a cover-up. Hiding accidents from the press and the public not only lowers the opinion of a single endeavor — it paints the building industry as a whole in a negative light. Ultimately, people understand that accidents happen, and as long as contractors are doing their best to foster a safe environment for their workers, any accidents that do occur will only contribute to the growing need to augment modern safety techniques. Transparency, along with the other seven practices on this list, will help construction as a whole become a safer industry in which to work.

Sunday, April 29, 2018

Importance of Slump Test in the Construction



The Slump Test is perhaps the most widely used because of the simplicity of the apparatus required and the test procedure. The slump test indicates the behavior of a compacted concrete cone under the action of gravitational forces. The slump test is a practical means of measuring the workability. Changes in the value of slump obtained during a job may indicate changes in materials in the water content or in the proportions of the mix. So it is useful in controlling the quality of the concrete produced.

The test carried out with a mould called the slump cone. The slump cone is placed on a horizontal and non absorbent surface and filled in three equal layers of fresh concrete. Each layer being tamped 25 times with a standard tamping rod. The top layer is struck off level and the mould is lifted vertically without disturbing the concrete cone.  The subsidence of concrete in millimeter is termed the slump. After the test, slumps evenly all around is called true slump.

In the case of very lean concrete, on half of the cone may slide down the other which called a shear slump or it may collapse in case of very wet concretes. The slump test is essentially a measure of consistency or the wetness of the concrete.

There are recommended slump for every concrete usage. Below are the table used to qualify a concrete mix.


Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Jeddah Tower- The Tallest Building In the World in the Making!






Jeddah Tower - The Tallest building in the World in the making. Located at Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This is an ambitious dream of saudians, To surpass among the tallest building in the world. 

Destined to be the world's largest skyscraper, the 3,280-foot-tall Kingdom Tower will be the centerpiece and first construction phase of the under-development Kingdom City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The building will be 568 feet taller than the world’s current tallest building, Dubai’s 2,722-foot-tall Burj Khalifa.

Inside Kingdom Tower, also known as Jeddah Tower, will house a Four Seasons hotel, Four Seasons-serviced apartments, office space, luxury condominiums, and what is expected to be the world’s highest observatory. The complex will have 59 elevators, which includes 54 single-deck and five double-deck elevators, and 12 escalators. At level 157, you'll find a sky terrace that's nearly 98 feet in diameter. (Though the outdoor amenity is intended for use only by the occupant of the penthouse floor. Alas.) Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture are the masterminds behind the $1.5 billion skyscraper; the firm also designed the master plan for 23-hectare Kingdom Tower Waterfront District that surrounds the tower. 

The outdoor space will include shopping malls and other amenities that give Kingdom City a neighborhood-y, pedestrian-friendly experience.Upon its predicted completion in 2020, the skyscraper will be an architectural landmark and economic symbol for the region. It will also be culturally significant: The southeast part of Kingdom Tower is in a direct line with Kaaba in Mecca, Islam's holiest site.


Thursday, March 22, 2018

Styro Applications-Insulation and Construction

Introducing the new construction methods and application using the Styrofoam Technology.


EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) or Styrofoam or Thermocol is one of the lightest of all construction materials allowing ease of handling and faster construction times. Its outstanding thermal insulation properties and durability ensure performance throughout the full life time of the building/construction application in which it is used…



STYRO is the leading CLASS A fire retardant Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) manufacturing Company in UAE & Middle East (MENA). With this outstanding milestone, STYRO is considered to be the paramount choice among thermal insulation solutions companies, dominating 55% of the market share. Our EPS products and services play a vital role in countless construction projects and applications.

From concrete mix to concrete curing, STYRO EPS serves as a light weight and resourceful material.



 void fillers are ideal for bridges, providing turn-key solutions for an easy and cost effective execution.

Styrofoam cylinders are very useful for piling, guide wall and void formers. It is easy to install and has excellent physical properties, providing a durable solution for construction works with best mechanical results.
STYRO Geofoam; another lightweight EPS filling is an eco-friendly solution for green landscaping, bridge abutments, lightweight roads & road embankments, stadium seating, retaining walls, earth quack/shock absorption & many other geotechnical applications; or even a simple requirement for floor raising.
STYRO Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) products can be customized to almost any size or shape required, whether it is a custom made parapet mold, a renovated External Insulation Finishing System (EIFS) (ETICS) using Graypor(Previously Neopor) – (Also known as grey thermocol, gray EPS or grey polystyrene).



Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Proposed Cagayan de Oro City Elementary School & Evacuation & Command Center

Philippine cities face disaster from rising seas and increasingly lethal typhoons propelled by climate change. Bea Montenegro reports for GMA News that Cagayan de Oro, a provincial capital in Mindanao, was recognized this month for its evacuation and command center strategy.

The competition was conceived by the Makati City-based National Competitiveness Council and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Other entities that aided with the effort include Microsoft, the Urban Land Institute and APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation), which supports regional economic growth.

The Liveable Cities Design Challenge is a planning and design competition whose main aim is to promote smarter city planning, helping cities and municipalities prepare for a “climate-defined future.” The contest also encouraged contestants to design cities that provide safety and sustainability options for its people.
Cagayan de Oro won the government/evacuation center category and Iloilo won the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) meeting venue category.
Earlier this year, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Office of Civil Defense held an information campaign to help local government officials bolster their local disaster preparedness and risk management plans.
“Cities represent our country’s growth centers,” said Guillermo Luz, Private Sector Co-Chairman of the National Competitiveness Council (NCC). “For cities to grow sustainably, they must be able to attract more investments. For investments to come though, our cities need to be better planned and built.”
In March 2014, the NCC and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) came up with the idea for the Liveable Cities Design Challenge.
Other institutions involved in the development of the competition are Microsoft Philippines, Asia Society Philippines, APEC 2015 National Organizing Council (APEC 2015 - NOC), Urban Land Institute Philippines (ULI), the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), and the Alliance for Safe and Sustainable Reconstruction (ASSURE).
ASSURE was formed in January this year by concerned professional who wanted to help Yolanda-affected areas rebuild their homes.
CDO’s entry, dubbed “Oro Central,” will serve as a central command hub for coordinating action in times of disaster. Its primary purpose is as a public school with over 200 classrooms, laboratories, a multimedia library, parks and playgrounds, and office spaces. In times of need, it will serve as an evacuation center; mobile clinics and showers can be set up in the parking lot, multi-purpose halls will be assembly areas for agencies and distribution areas, and the sky garden will be used both as a debriefing area and a wellness area.
In its entry, Iloilo City prioritized the rehabilitation and redesigning of the city’s existing cultural areas. Areas for redesign include Fort San Pedro and Sunburst Park. The former City Slaughter House is going to be replaced by the Rivercraft Pavilion. In their plans, Iloilo emphasized open areas for recreation and leisure, along with environment-friendly design.
According to Gloria Steele, USAID’s Mission Director for the Philippines and the Pacific Islands, around 62 percent of growth is centered in Metro Manila and Calabarzon. She stressed that this growth should be dispersed throughout the country, so that development also reaches the rural areas.