Manuel L.

Quezon University
School of Architecture

Tagaytay
Research Program

Tropical Design 1
Subject

Christian Lanting
Leader

Rodel Q. Agapito
Mariz Lady Anne R. Calpe
Cherry Mae Dela Peña
Kateryhn Tracy G. Policarpio
Bien Pathrick Valleser
Members:

Ar. John Anthony S. Novero

Professor:
 Table of Contents
I. Historical Background of the location ................................................................................ 1

A. City Location ........................................................................................................... 2

II. Climatic Condition.............................................................................................................. 3

III. Geographic Overview ....................................................................................................... 3

IV. Planning. ............................................................................................................................. 4

A. House Planning Considerations. .............................................................................

B. Distribution...............................................................................................................
C. Circulation. ...............................................................................................................
D. Light and ventilation................................................................................................
E. Sizes, areas and shapes. ...........................................................................................
F. Orientation................................................................................................................
G. Zoning Laws. ............................................................................................................
H. Height. .......................................................................................................................
I. Electrical layout. ......................................................................................................
J. Location of doors......................................................................................................
K. Superstition...............................................................................................................
V. Massing .............................................................................................................................. 10

VI. Fenestration...................................................................................................................... 11

VII. Building Material ........................................................................................................... 14

VIII. Topography of Location .............................................................................................. 18

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 I. Historical background of the location

Tagaytay

Figure 1.1 "City of Tagaytay"

Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org

Figure 1.3
Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org

Figure1.2 "Map of Tagaytay"

Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org

Tagaytay City, Southwestern Luzon, Philippines. It is located on Tagaytay Ridge at about

2,000 feet (600 meters) above sea level, on the northern flank of Mount Taal. The city is a weekend
retreat, popular for its cool climate and outstanding view to the south of Taal Lake, with an active

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volcano on an island. Market gardening for the Manila area to the north is a local activity. Inc. city,
1938. Pop. (2000) 45,287; (2010) 62,030.

A. City Location:

Tagaytay City is best known for its cool breezes and tourist attractions, such as a

Figure 1.4 “Taal Volcano”

Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org

Tagaytay City is located in the Province of Cavite, island of Luzon. It is approximately 56 kilometers
south of Manila, with a total land area of 6,500 hectares, which represents about 5.14% of the total land
area of Cavite.

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 Figure 1.5 “History of Tagaytay”
Source: https:/tagaytay.gov.ph/history.html

Legendarily, the word Tagaytay came from "TAGA" meaning to cut and "ITAY" which
means father. A father and son were said to be on a wild boar chase when the animal they were pursuing
suddenly turned and attacked them. Fearing for his father's safety as the boar violently charged the old
man, the son cried out "TAGA, ITAY!" which means "cut him down, father!"

The son’s exhortation and shouts reverberated in the valleys of the ridge and were heard
by the residents, wood gatherers, hunters and kaingeros in the forests. Thus, the shout and the words
Taga, Itay became the subject of conversation among the people in the countryside for several days. In
time, the place from where the shouts came began to be known as the beautiful southern city of
Tagaytay.

II. Climatic Conditions in Tagaytay

Tagaytay has a tropical monsoon type of climate (Köppen climate classification Am) with hot,
wet summers and cool, dry winters. The monsoon, location in the tropical latitudes, and high altitude
chiefly influence the climate of the popular tourist city. Tagaytay is in the province of Cavite in the
northern Philippines with Manila bay to its north, Laguna de Bay to the east, and Taal Volcano to the
south. Tagaytay has two primary weather patterns: dry from December to April and wet
from May to November. Summers are moderate from March to May with the warmest temperatures at
an average of 30°C (86°F) at the peak of April. Winters are from December to February are misty,
foggy and dry with the return of the monsoon rains. The cold season has mild temperatures that barely
drop to an average of 26.7°C (80.1°F) during December. Days and nights are of similar duration due to
Tagaytay's proximity to the equator. Spring and autumn are brief with mild weather.

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 The annual sunshine in Tagaytay lasts for around 2135 hours. The average humidity is
approximately 78%, which is relatively low than in other areas in the Cavite region. The skies remain
cloudy most of the time in the monsoon season. Annual precipitation is an abundant 2540mm (100")
due to high altitude and heavy monsoon rainfall. June to September is the rainiest period, and the city
is often misty in the mornings. The tropical location gives Tagaytay remarkably consistent temperatures
as the average high and low temperatures, both, have small variations throughout the year.

III. Geographic Overview

Tagaytay has a total land area of 66.1 km2 (26 sq. mi) which represents about 4.37% of the total
area of the Province of Cavite. It lies within 120° 56' longitude and 14° 6' latitude and overlooks Manila
Bay to the North, Taal Volcano and Lake to the south and Laguna de Bay to the east.

IV. Planning

A. House Planning Considerations

A plan of a house or any structure is also the designer’s prescription based on the requirements of
the client. A conceptual plan is a visual presentation of conceptual ideas supported by mathematical
calculations aimed at giving convenience and comfort to the users or occupants. A good plan is judged
based on its functionality and economy adhering to the principles of “Form Follow Functions”.

B. Distribution

Refers to the placement, location and arrangement of each room in relation with each other like
between kitchen and dining which primarily requires accessibility on food servicing. These areas are
interrelated and should not be far from each other.

C. Circulation

Like roads and highways, traffic is also present inside the building that must be considered in
planning. Circulation and movements of the occupants inside the building should not be hampered by
any obstacles nor be detoured as a result of poor planning.

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 D. Light and ventilation

There is no substitute for a good daylight and fresh natural air entering and circulating inside the
building. Artificial lighting and ventilation is very costly.

E. Sizes, areas and shapes

All design is intended for human use and therefore should be planned according to human scale.
Good design always provides ample areas to accommodate furniture, appliances, and other related
facilities including the most critical and important lanes or pathways for routinely movements inside
the house. The shape as to plan and elevations should be strictly functional, not fancy in character.

F. Orientation

Refers to the position and direction of the sunrise and sunset including the prevailing wind
directions in the area. A brief nap or rest at mid-day or in the afternoon is normally done in the bedroom.
Thus, bedroom should not be oriented facing the afternoon sun. The kitchen, laundry and bathroom is
better oriented west for sunlight kills many types of bacteria.

G. Zoning Laws

The zoning ordinance should be consulted first before deciding on the final site of the house or
building. You might be constructing your residential house on an industrial or commercial zone.

H. Height

A moderate high ceiling allows fresh air circulations, comfortable atmosphere, ad preserved
aesthetic value of the room. Room with low ceiling has warm atmosphere that requires artificial
ventilation.

I. Electrical layout

The location of convenience outlet should be planned simultaneously with the appliances to be
placed on. The extension wire for appliances is the unsightliness obstacle in the room due to improper
location of convenience outlet. A satisfactory electrical layout and installation is when you avail of its
services without the need of an extension cord. The location and accessibility of light switches is another
thing of important consideration. It should be installed near the door of every room for convenience in
switching-in and switching-off when entering and leaving the room respectively.

J. Location of doors

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 When a door becomes an obstacle creating inconveniences to the occupant that is the time we
realized the mistake of not analyzing its proper position from early stage of planning.

K. Superstition

Although superstition has no page in the book of contemporary architecture, if your client believes
and insist that his life success depends on luck brought about by his superstitious belief, then the planner
have no choice but to do what his client say.

PLANNING IN TAGAYTAY CITY

Non Obstructive Structures Non-Obstructive structures shall have a PLO of 50% and a BHL of
eight (8) meters from the geometric center of the structure; structures shall be terraced and working
along with the terrain with minimal cut-and-fill operations; Only park and park-like facilities, as well
as guardhouses, may be allowed to go beyond the Reference Elevation provided that these are
adequately designed to enhance the view of the horizon and of Taal Lake.

1. Viewing Decks
It is further required that viewing decks be provided by developments which are for public use.

2. Slope Orientation
These provisions shall apply to all sites within Tourism Strip 2 whether slopes are oriented to
the North, East, West or South.

3. Impervious Surfaces
Impervious surface area shall not be more than 5% of the allowed PLO.

4. Fencing
Fencing along the Tagaytay-Nasugbu and Tagaytay-Calamba Roads, as well as those directly
viewing Taal Lake, shall be see-through and have a maximum height of 1.80 meters from the finished
grade line and shall be of good quality such as wrought iron; cyclone wire fences are also allowed;
fence base made of concrete, hollow blocks, rock or any material shall have a height of no greater than
0.40 meters from the finished grade line; side fencing between adjacent lots (not facing a road) shall
also have a maximum height of 1.80 meters and may be of solid construction.

5. Landscaping

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 A landscaping plan shall be prepared for approval by the Office of the Zoning Administration;
Each development shall be required to plant at least ten (10) trees within its premises. No planting
development shall be allowed which shall obstruct the view of Taal Lake from the road; recommended
height of planting materials (except trees) such as bushes along the Tagaytay-Nasugbu Road is 0.80
meters.

6. Parking
Parking area requirements shall be per the minimum requirements of the National Building
Code; No on-street parking nor parking without buffer strip shall be allowed; instead, parking spaces
shall be buffered from the street shoulder by planting strip with district entry and exit points.
7. Setbacks
Minimum building setback from the front and rear property lines shall be per the requirements
of the National Building Code and the provisions of Sec. 26 – Road Setback Regulations. In cases of
discrepancy, the wider requirement shall be deemed applicable. Minimum building setback from the
side property lines shall be four (4) meters.

8. Building Color
All buildings shall be of earth tone or nature color.
Sample House Plans in Tagaytay City

Tago Homes in Tagaytay City

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 Figure 4.1 “ARA-AL describes on of the 52-high
end residential enclaves of Tago”

Quiet but vibrant, secluded yet accessible. Tagô's premiere location along Bonifacio Drive --
just 300 meters off the busy Aguinaldo highway -- allows residents the best of both worlds when it
comes to enjoying all that Tagaytay has to offer.

About Tago

Figure 4.2 “THE TAGO clubhouse” Is an elegant

venue for private parties and family gathering

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 The Tago development will be made up of only 52 two-story homes. Thirteen Ara-al homes,
each with a total floor area of 304 sqm., will occupy the larger 400 square meter lots. Thirty-nine Adobe
homes with floor areas measuring 227 sqm. will occupy lots ranging from 240 to 300 square meters.

Figure 4.3 “Tago’s High-Ceiling” Helps dissipate

heat during summer

Each home takes inspiration from the classic bahay-kubo, featuring an airy, open-plan design
crafted to incorporate the green and uniquely Filipino design elements the multi-awarded Mañosa
legacy is known for.

Figure 4.4 “Upper Lounge Area”

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Sustainable Filipino Design

Inartistic to every Mañosa design is a deep respect and love for the land it lies on. With a view
to building authentic Filipino ancestral homes intended to span multiple generations, the Tago
development uses locally-sourced sustainable materials and native design elements wherever possible.

Figure 4.5 “Lower Lounge Area”

Green Energy Features

As a natural extension to its pride of place, Tago features a series of environmentally friendly
features, harnessing both nature and technology to showcase green design at its finest.

Planning

With its gently sloping terrain encouraging morning and afternoon walks combined with an
easygoing community layout that offers easy access to hospitals, commercial centers and places of
worship, Tago is attracting a particular interest among retirees and those seeking a second home away
from the city.

1. Private gardens and landscaping painstakingly planned to use edible plants that are endemic to the
area;
2. High ceilings (to dissipate heat);
3 Abundant, wide windows to allow passive cooling and ample natural light in all rooms;
4. A clear center space to allow for excellent cross-ventilation and abundant natural light, minimizing
the need for electrically powered cooling and lighting;

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5. Energy-saving lighting systems built into each unit; energy star-rated kitchen appliances. Gas-
powered washing machines and dryers are offered as options.

Figure 4.6 “Bedroom in a Mañosa”

incorporates cross ventilation

6. Rainwater collection system and the installation of dual/low flush toilets for water conservation;
7. A waste management program for household help as part of a community-wide zero-waste
endeavor;
8. Elastomeric paints for exterior walls, providing better waterproofing; the paints throughout the
houses use low volatile organic compounds for better indoor air quality;
9. Use of local indigenous materials (e.g. local stones) for lower carbon footprint;
10. Composting of all organic waste from the kitchen for use in the garden.

V. Massing

When it comes to old architecture Tagaytay also has

its own history.

The famous “Bahay Kubo” has been a part of the

Philippine history and heritage. Nipa huts were made long
before the Spanish colonial era, and they were designed to
withstand the strong tropical winds during the monsoon
season. As time went on, the native house design has
Figure 5.1 Pink Sisters Chapel, transitioned from using bamboo plants to utilizing stones and
naturalarttravel.com
pebbles to build what is locally called bahay na bato, which
became prominent during the Spanish occupation

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 Figure 5.2 Casa Minerva, Figure 5.3 Tagaytay Highlands, Figure 5.4
tagaytayhouse4rent.com blogspot.com bestpropertiesphilippines.com

As time passed by, a lot of changes has happened and still happening
in our environment and architecture. We adapt through past and discover
new more styles, designs and concepts. And so, Modernity made its way
through architecture.

In tagaytay, most of the houses now are modernize. Most buildings

came from a triangular to rectangle building form, from a bare wide
windows to small enclosed one. We also adapted international designs with Figure 5.5 Tai Castle
still a touch of our own. WordPress.com

Figure 5.7 Figure 5.6 Twin Lakes,

Pinterest www.tripadvisor.com

VI. Fenestration

Fenestration refers to the openings in a building's facade, most notably the doors and
windows. Basically, they are anything that allows for passage from outside to inside. Turns
out, holes in the structure can actually be pretty useful.

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 Examples of Old Houses in Tagaytay

Figure 6.1 "Casa Minerva"

Source: http://www.tagaytayhouse4rent.com

Figure 6.2
Source: http://www.tagaytayhouse4rent.com

The climate in Tagaytay is stable even in summer season it can still experience the coldness of
the weather. The openings of their houses is wider than usual so that they can save an electricity bills.
They use big windows and larger doors. In old times they use light materials on their houses.

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Examples of Windows and Doors.
Capiz windows and doors

Figure 6.3 "Capiz Window"

Source: https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com

The window pane oyster (Placuna placenta) is a bivalve marine mollusk in the family of Capiz
windows, an important icon of the culture of the Philippines.

Figure 2.4 "Doors"

Source:https://www.urbandoorscompany.com

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VII. Building Material

The Architecture in Tagaytay now is more on modern design, a consequence of the industrial
revolution evolved in response to new industrialized materials and technologies resulting in the plane
and sleek facades shunting ornamentation and rejecting earlier traditional styles, materials, and
techniques of construction. The material helps in attaining the physical form of a design. Building
materiality is the only factor which is tangible in nature. And this tangible component offers a variety
of intangible emotions and feelings that can be controlled by selecting the right material. For instance,
the warm feeling offered by wood, an emotion of joy and comfort, or the cold feeling offered by the
metals, or the raw feeling offered by concrete. Selection of appropriate material holds an equal share in
designing when compared with aesthetics and functionality. Materials can transform the way space
makes you feel.

Figure 7.1 “Brick”

Source: https://www.planndesign.com

1. Concrete in Modern Architecture

The material that's the backbone of the modern architecture, concrete is composed of
cement, fine and coarse aggregates bonded together in a fixed ratio. The compound can be easily molded
into the desired form using the appropriate scaffolding, forming a column, beam, slab, foundation etc.
The brutal material inspired one of the greatest architect Le Corbusier. The further research about

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concrete has led to the development of more materials like durable concrete, high-performance
concrete, self-healing concrete, translucent concrete and bendable concrete.

Figure 7.2 “Bricks”

Source: https://www.planndesign.com

2. Brick in Modern Architecture

The brick blocks are like the Lego blocks which can be combined together to form
creative masterpieces through innovative thinking and skilled craftsmanship. Despite the rigid form of
a brick block, they have shown a wide variety and resulted in the formation of beautiful specimens over
a course of time.

Figure 7.3 “Steel”

Source: https://www.planndesign.com

3. Steel in Modern Architecture

Steel is the material that can be used as a structural material as well as a visible material.
Its property of withstanding tensile forces makes it an effective structural material, as an R.C.C.

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reinforcement as well as structural materials such as space frames, I-section beams, trusses etc.
Additionally, it is used as window and door frames, handrails, balustrades, door handles, etc. Steel as a
building material possess the qualities like durability, strength, lightweight, can be recycled, can
withstand the variance in climatic conditions.

Figure 7.4 “Glass”

Source: https://www.planndesign.com

4. Glass in Modern Architecture

Figure 7.5 “Natural Stone”

Source: https://www.planndesign.com

The modernistic material used to achieve transparency and light, the glass, is the most common
façade element which offers both visibility as well as protection from the changing climate. The
architecture specimens, the Farnsworth House by Mies van der Rohe and the Glasshouse by Phillip
Johnson justify the extent of the application of glass as a building material. The researchers have been
able to develop the glass with a lower U-value, high thermal insulation property, which suits the
environment and helps in decreasing the energy requirement of a building.

5. Aluminum in Modern Architecture

Aluminum is a non-ferrous metal abundantly available. It is not readily available and is to be

extracted from the bauxite ore. Possession of qualities like high strength to weight ratio, air tightness,
ease in fabrication and assembling, low handling and transportation cost, high reflectivity, corrosion

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resistance and its behavior at extreme temperature, makes it an appropriate construction material.
Usually, the glass façade of modern buildings is supported by sturdy and lightweight aluminum
framework.

Figure 7.6 “Natural Stone”

Source: https://www.planndesign.com

6. Natural Stone in Modern Architecture

Stone being used since the time of evolution of mankind is still a trendy building material. Despite
its heaviness and bulkiness, it is appreciated in the building industry because of its large variety of
texture, color, and sizes. The material is durable and naturally available.

Figure 7.7 “Wood”

Source: https://www.planndesign.com

7. Wood in Modern Architecture

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 The only renewable building material whose addition in the building gives not just the warm feeling
but an emotion of joy and comfort share in designing when compared with aesthetics and functionality.
These specific materials can transform any space. Its high tensile strength, sound absorption and other
features like heat resistance and electrical resistance make it an exceptional material to be used in
modern architecture.

Figure 7.8 “Tiles”

Source: https://www.planndesign.com

8. Tiles Design in Modern Architecture

A modular unit, made up of hard materials such as ceramic, stone or even glass, applied as a
covering material over floors, walls, table tops etc. is an efficient finishing material commonly used in
modern buildings. Tile industry these days are working towards the concept of recycling in order to
attain the sustainability goals.

VIII. Topography of Location

Tagaytay lies at an altitude of 639 meters above sea level alongside a ridge stretching for 20 miles
from west to east. Hills, mountains with grasslands, forests, and pine trees form the topography along
with lakes, streams, and rivers. The core of the city lies on the top level of the ridge that forms the edge
of the Taal Caldera, which drops sharply to the Taal Lake below. The southern and eastern portions of
Tagaytay are covered by hills and mountains which is generally forests, pine trees and open grasslands.
The city lies along Tagaytay Ridge, a ridge stretching about 32 kilometers (20 mi) from Mount
Batulao in the west to Mount Sungay in the east with elevations averaging about 610 meters (2,000 ft.)
above sea level. Mount Sungay, in Tagaytay, is the highest point of the province of Cavite at 709 meters
(2,326 ft.).

The ridge, which overlooks Taal Lake in Batangas province, is the edge of Taal Caldera. The 25-
by-30-kilometre (16 mi × 19 mi) wide cavity is partially filled by Taal Lake. Tagaytay's built-up areas

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including the urban center is situated in the relatively level top of the caldera rim but beyond the edge
are deep ravines that drop steeply to Taal Lake.

Bibliography

1. "History" Archived 2012-08-05 at the Wayback Machine. Official Website of Tagaytay City.
Retrieved on 2012-02-04.
2. "Tagaytay City – Geography". Cavite Province Official Website. Retrieved on 2012-02-04.
Taal Volcano Flyer". Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. Retrieved on 2012-02-07.

From https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tagaytay

3. “Tagaytay Ecological Profile 2016”

From http://www.tagaytay.gov.ph/history.html

4. Weather Atlas.(2002) .Weather Atlas: Tagaytay, Philippines - Detailed climate information

and monthly weather forecast. Tagaytay, Philippines.

From https://www.weather-atlas.com/en/philippines/tagaytay-climate#climate_text_1

5. Features that makes Tagaytay Homes Sustainable by “Tessa R. Salazar” Retrieved on 2014-
08-11
From https://business.inquirer.net/181613/10-features-that-make-tagaytay-homes-artisanal-
sustainable#ixzz61CzThsEX

6. Simart Preet . Official Website of Plan Designs in Modern Architecture 2018-11-24

From https://www.planndesign.com/articles/3382-8-most-known-materials-used-modern-
architecture

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