DESIGN CONCEPT
“Geometry: A rationale to create a form” Architecture begins with Geometry. All of nature evolves out of simple geometric patterns incorporated within the molecular "seed" structure. Each of these basic patterns contains information that enables animals, plants, minerals (and humans) to develop into complex and beautiful forms, each with an intrinsic awareness of its location in space and time. The exact measurements and alignments are all based on geometric patterns.

Basic Geometry + Architecture The geometry of the built environment can have a tremendous impact on what human interactions are likely to take place. High density low rise housing with modest garden space and cozy clustered geometries can promote a sense of pride, ownership and belonging. All Form and shape imply space; indeed they cannot exist without space, primarily the concept of geometric form. Geometry can provide a more complete appreciation of the world. Geometry can be found in the structure of the solar system, in geological formations, in rocks and crystals, in plants and flowers, even in animals. It is also a major part of our synthetic universe: Art, architecture, cars, machines, and virtually everything that humans create have elements of geometric form. Geometry shapes all buildings, no matter how simple. Believers say that when we recognize geometric principles and build upon them, we create dwellings that comfort and inspire. The design of this Proposed Low-Rise (WALK-UP) Apartment is inspire with free living of nature and adaptation of tropical design. Its form will be based on cross ventilations and solar orientation for natural illumination in the structure. Structures are design based on the user’s best accommodation with natural living and feeling. Adopting the Neo Classical Architecture from the past is the initial design to match the market’s demand and become attractive to the middle-income lessees.

Form Concept

Geometry and Aesthetics * In addition to structural considerations in architectural design, geometry is also used to improve the aesthetic appeal of a building. Whether it is through a series of related rooflines to create a dynamic façade or through the use of oval spaces to create interesting internal spaces (as was common in Baroque architecture), this geometrical principles have always use to make buildings more attractive. At times, these designs are closely related to structural necessities, as in the use of flying buttresses in Gothic architecture.

The Golden Ratio (Golden Proportion) * One geometrical concept that has been historically incorporated into architectural design is the "Golden Ratio," or Phi. This ratio, expressed as the number 1.618, is utilized in shapes that are thought to be the most aesthetically pleasing, the "Golden Rectangle" and "Golden Triangle." The relationships between various dimensions of a room or house itself should satisfy the simple relation of Proportionality. Use of the Golden Ratio is well documented in art and design throughout history, and can be seen in everything from nature to architecture. By applying this methodology, it can bring the same design sensibilities.

Design Principle
Symmetrical Balance Symmetrical balance is also called formal balance because a form (formula) is used -- a mirror image about a vertical axis. The results look formal, organized and orderly. Symmetrical balance guarantees left to right balance, which is the most important aspect of balance. To Plato, symmetry was a fundamental property of the universe, and geometry was a tool to know symmetry Choosing pieces of furniture and decor for a room involves geometry as you figure out the space and symmetry required to make each item part of a complete room. Height, width, flow, angles--all of these have to be taken into consideration to create an aesthetically pleasing room. We have to look at all of these areas and infuse geometrical thinking in their decor to make the designs complete.
Proportion
Proportion is the relationship of two or more elements in a design and how they compare with one another. Proportion is said to be harmonious when a correct relationship exists between the elements with respect to size or quantity. The effective use of proportion in design is often referred to as harmony, a relationship in which the various elements of the composition appear as if they belong together in size and distribution. Good proportion adds harmony, symmetry, or balance among the parts of a design. Our most universal standard of measurement is the human body; that is, our experience of living in our own bodies. The same principle is often applied to corporate spaces through which the developer wishes to impress renters with its power and invincibility. In contrast, the proportions of a private home are usually more in scale with human measure, and as a result it appears friendly, comfortable, less intimidating.

Design Philosophy

“We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.” -Winston Churchill First of all a building is a result of the design of the architect’s ideas, but over time after the building was occupied, people who live and work in it take the quality of the buildings they live in. It is true that the building could change the human. The changes I want to emphasize here is not the visible physical change itself but rather a change in human behavior.

“Space and light and order. Those are the things that men need just as much as they need bread or a space to sleep.” -Le Corbusier

Light, space and human they effect and work with each other. Space needs light to illuminate; light needs space to receive it, light within the space change human experience. They are close relation like people need bread or place to sleep.

Neoclassical Character Influence Neoclassical, or "new" classical, architecture describes buildings that are inspired by the classical architecture of ancient Greece and Rome. If you look closely at a Neoclassical building you may see echoes of the Parthenon in Athens or the Pantheon in Rome. Primitive man’s use of ornamentation signified both geometric and artistic skills. Here we consider how building reflected a merging of pattern and structure. Everything, even an ancient man built to accommodate his spatial needs. It possessed a natural geometry.
Neoclassical buildings have many (although not necessarily all) of these features: * Symmetrical shape * Tall columns that rise the full height of the building * Triangular pediment * Domed roof Neoclassical architecture is characterized by grandeur of scale; simplicity of geometric forms; Greek, especially Doric, or Roman detail; dramatic use of columns; and a preference for blank walls.

The main Facade of this structure is characterized by neoclassic designs. From its exterior up to the smallest detail in the interior will be based on how the Ancient man designs their crafts thousands of years ago. Neoclassical design will help the overall spaces to feel well proportioned and pleasing on the eye, a way to match the market’s aspirations. Adding some modern features with stylized classical lines will create its own identity, not only to the field of architecture, but shall serve as landmark.

Green Building Features
Insulation and Air Tightness This is the place to start for energy-efficiency (and comfort). The Apartment has well-insulated walls and roof, high-quality casement windows, and a very tight air-barrier. Taken together, these measures reduce heat loss and unwanted drafts, lowering the amount of energy needed to heat and cool the building.
Energy-Efficient Equipment and Fixtures We used energy-efficient elevators, light fixtures (including high-efficiency ballasts and lamps), heating and cooling equipment, hot water heaters, fan motors, refrigerators, dishwashers, and much more. We installed control systems to automatically turn off equipment when it isn’t needed. And we installed a heat-recovery system to capture outgoing heat from the exhaust fans and use it to pre-heat incoming air.
Inside the Apartment * The tight building envelope use good insulation and the high-performance windows will help keep your heat from escaping through the outside walls and will keep drafts from sneaking in. * Zonal heating systems allow you to have heat where you need it and to avoid heating rooms you’re not using. * Electronic thermostats are more energy-efficient than a conventional thermostat and the digital display allows you to set the heat precisely where you want it. * The light fixtures are all fluorescent (LED Light) with built-in ballasts (even more energy-efficient than screw-in compact fluorescent lamps.) LED lights brighten up immediately and when powered on, which has great advantages for infrastructure projects such as e.g traffic and signal lights. Also, LED lights can switched off and on frequently and without affecting the LED’s lifetime or light emission. In contrast, traditional lighting may take several seconds to reach full brightness, and frequent on/off switching does drastically reduce operational life expectancy.
Water consumption All of the water services (i.e. taps, sanitary fittings etc) have been designed to minimize water consumption.
Air-Quality and Ventilation Systems
We started by selecting healthy materials, ones with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Low VOC materials and sealants – Many building products have materials that break down over time and emit “volatile organic compounds” (VOCs) that can be unhealthy. We have specified zero-VOC or low-VOC materials, paints, adhesives, carpet, pads, etc. and have used formaldehyde-free panels in the cabinet
Material Concept

Stucco Wall

Stucco plaster products are used in all architectural styles, both traditional and contemporary. It can be used in both interior and exterior. It bonds to conventional primed drywall and other mineral substrates such as cement stuccos. It has a very low VOC content.

1) Stucco is extremely durable and will outlast siding, both wood and vinyl, and even brick, by decades. It can withstand the test of extreme temperature changes and weather conditions, resisting the harsh effects of rain, snow, and hail and gusting winds.
2) Stucco, unlike wood siding, never needs to be painted. It is maintenance free, worry free, for years to come.
3) Stucco adds an excellent R-value (insulation efficiency), helping to keep your home cooler in the summer months and keeping out the harsh winds of winter, in turn, saving on your heating and cooling costs.
4) Because stucco is so durable as well as fire resistant, many insurance companies will reduce your home insurance premiums substantially, saving you hundreds of dollars. Be sure to check with your local insurance company to see if stucco is on their list of reducing premiums.
5) As well as adding beauty to your home, stucco adds thousands of dollars to the market value.
6) Stucco is mold and mildew resistance and will not rot or flake apart, so it is exceptionally durable in more moist or humid climates.
7) Stucco never goes out of style.

Soundproofing Materials

By applying apartment soundproofing materials to your home, you'll feel more at ease in your own private space knowing neighbors aren't able to hear you through the walls. And you won't be disturbed anymore by the sounds of the adjoining apartment. The noise from the streets will also be reduced.
Apartment soundproofing products: * Increase your privacy by stopping the transmission of noise from one apartment to another...you no longer have to worry about neighbors hearing you * Improve your quality of living by blocking unwanted noise from entering your home...noisy neighbors will no longer wake you or disturb your dinner * Increase property values of your apartment by offering a more private home
Sound absorption products help control the noise that's in the same space as you and increase the sound quality of that space. Apartment soundproofing products stop sound from entering or exiting your space. If the noise comes from above, then you need ceiling acoustical treatments. If the sound is coming from next door, you need wall acoustical treatments. If the sound is coming from below, you need floor acoustical treatments. Many apartments can benefit from all types of apartment soundproofing materials.

LED Lighting (Green Light)

Lower Temperatures
Conventional light bulbs waste most of their energy as heat. For example, an incandescent bulb gives off 90 percent of its energy as heat; while a compact fluorescent bulb wastes 80 percent as heat (see References 4). LEDs remain cool. In addition, since they contain no glass components, they are not vulnerable to vibration or breakage like conventional bulbs. LEDs are thus better suited for use in areas like sports facilities and high-crime locations.

LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, are a form of solid-state lighting that is extremely efficient and long-lasting. While incandescent and fluorescent lights consist of filaments in glass bulbs or bulbs that contain gases, LEDs consist of small capsules or lenses in which tiny chips are placed on heat-conducting material.
Size and Efficiency
LEDs measure from 3 to 8 mm long and can be used singly or as part of an array. The small size and low profile of LEDs allow them to be used in spaces that are too small for other lightbulbs. In addition, because LEDs give off light in a specific direction, they are more efficient in application than incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, which waste energy by emitting light in all directions. (See References 2)
Long Life
The life of a high-power white LED is projected to be from 35,000 to 50,000 hours, compared to 750 to 2,000 hours for an incandescent bulb, 8,000 to 10,000 hours for a compact fluorescent and 20,000 to 30,000 hours for a linear fluorescent bulb. LED lifetimes are rated differently than conventional lights, which go out when the filament breaks. Typical lifetime is defined as the average number of hours until light falls to 70 percent of initial brightness, in lumens. LEDs typically just fade gradually.

Casement Window

Convenience
Opening a heavy double-hung window can be challenging and usually requires the use of two hands. This task can be especially difficult for people who are physically disabled. In contrast, casement windows operate using convenient crank mechanisms, which allow for single-handed operation. Due to the one-handed operation of casement windows, many homeowners install them on the walls behind kitchen sinks and in other hard-to-reach places.

Casement windows are alternatives to traditional double-hung windows. A casement window consists of one or more individual sashes that attach to walls using vertical hinges, much like doors. The hinges allow casement windows to swing open and closed.
Ventilation
When you open a casement window, you are opening the entire sheet of glass and the sash that holds the glass in place. In contrast, when you "open" a double-hung window, you are only opening the bottom or top sash, while the other sash remains in place. Casement windows, as a result, allow for a higher degree of ventilation or air-flow in relation to the amount of space they take up in a wall.
Fire Safety
In addition to maximizing ventilation, the large space that a casement window provides when open is beneficial for fire safety. Having the entire sash pivot all the way open makes it easy for people to climb out in the event of a fire.
Energy Efficiency
Although the type of glass in a window has a significant impact on its insulation rating, the construction and mechanics of the window are also important. Casement windows, because they open outward and their sashes close against their frames, tend to form tighter seals and be more efficient than double-hung windows made from the same glass and sash materials.

Non-Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)

How Can This Improve Air Quality?
Using these low VOC materials for new construction and remodeling projects can significantly reduce the emission of smog-forming compounds. New homes and commercial buildings generally have VOC concentrations that are two to ten time higher than comparable older structures. These elevated levels have been linked to eye and respiratory irritation, headaches, fatigue and other symptoms associated with “sick

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other hazardous chemicals are contained in many construction materials and furnishings, posing a risk to the general population, especially children. Today a number of low- and no-VOC building materials are available, including less polluting paints, adhesives, solvents, cleaning agents, caulks, wood products, carpets and sealants.
Benefits of using low VOC building materials include: * Reduced smog-forming chemical emissions from VOCs. * Improved regional air quality. * Improved worker safety and health. * Reduced incidents of eye and respiratory irritation, headaches, fatigue and other symptoms of “sick building” syndrome. * Cleaner indoor air quality for a more comfortable and productive environment. * Value-added appeal to property buyers

Building” syndrome. Cleaner indoor air quality as well as reduced smog-forming chemical emissions can be realized by simply using low VOC building materials.

Design Considerations

* Function and Efficiency * Vertical and Horizontal Circulation Patterns * Architectural Character and Form * Aesthetics and Landmark Quality * Solar, Wind, Noise, Odor and View orientations * Amenities, Facilities, Services and Utilities (ASFU) * Security and Safety Features * Compliance with Prevailing Laws on High Density Low-Rise Residential Development (National Building Code of the Phil., Fire Code, Accessibility Law) * Natural and Artificial Ventilation

These considerations shall be the standard in shaping the overall design to meet the aspirations of both the nature and society. Several factors must be taken into considerations when designing.