Location: Lapu Lapu City, Cebu.
The site for the Low-Income Residential Complex is situated in Barangay Bankal of Lapu Lapu City. The site is bound on the south by private residential houses, on the north and east by rice fields, on the west by a private subdivision of residential areas that is currently under construction.
It is assumed that the evolving status of Lapu Lapu City as the location of middle to high-class developments will further add to the increase in population. This means that, as the population of the city continuously increases, the competition for the demand of commodities like land will increase as Well. A present aim of the city is thus to ensure sufficient affordable housing possibilities for citizens with lower incomes, particularly in respect to the number of low-income government employees in Lapu Lapu City currently in need for proper accommodations.
In addition, many informal settlers, allocating their shanties along riverbanks and unoccupied land stretches, are of concern to the city. Not only are the location of their illicit settlements considered as high risk areas that are vulnerable to flooding, they also face significant water pollution from solid and liquid (sewage) wastes from the settlers and communities nearby. The city is considering to support the realization of ‘Low-Income Residential Complex’ residences for informal settlers and government employees (ownership of the property) in such a way that it would fit the financial capacities of the beneficiaries with consideration to the standards set by the National Housing Authority. However, intensive education maybe necessary for the adoption of the ‘new’ community with the integration of the nexus approach
The local climate is understood as tropical, characterized by high average outdoor temperature and continuously high humidity levels throughout the year.
The task is to create an architectural design in emphasizing on finding suitable measures in respect to the environment and economic regards.
The final design suggests that environmental improvement can be achieved when considering building orientation, shading, natural ventilation, and flooding hazard protection. Cost efficiency is improved by focusing on the design simplification, locally practiced construction techniques and use of commonly available building materials.
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