⌛ Philippine Architecture, the good, the bad, the ugly

Typhoon Proofing

Having been in over 15 hurricanes I've seen it all. I always am interested when there is one house standing surrounded by 10 others totally destroyed. Why is that. Generally it is in the construction and in preparedness

It is only common sense that your new house construction is using good materials but more importantly good design.

However the most important consideration in keeping your house standing during a big storm is not allowing pressure to build inside the house itself wich if you don't will enable the winds to push up and off your roof. and out your walls.

1. Concrete and steel reinforced house is best. Steel reinforced concrete flat roofs are also good
2. Roof should be 30 degress (hip roof being best).
3. maximum 20 inch roof overhang
4. the squarer the house the better or a 1 to 3 ratio if rectangular

However all this aside the single most important thing is keeping the storm from getting into your home where pressure will build and blow your roof and wall out.

1. Use shutters preferably prefabricated hurricane panels and if not available plywood. This should be done during construction as you can have the shutters customized for each window or opening and thus making quick installation a breeze.
2. doors should open outward and have weather strips on the bottom to kepout air and water
3. use mastic for all roofs and exterior walls for waterfroofing

The bottom line if a large typhoon hits here is wont make a rats @ss difference. Your house may be standing but the rest of the area will be a huge diaster area for years to come.

Think of hurricane katrina.

Lastly. BUY INSURANCE. It is available by very large and reliable carriers


Tim's house design is a good one but won't mean didly if he doesn't have a shutter system for windows.

 

Thanks for the tips and insight, especially about the doors.
I posted this design on another thread and I think there's a misunderstanding about the floor plan. Here's the link to the designer's website whose company is in Kona, Hawaii.
Marshall Residence design

Marshall Residence floor plan

There is a wrap-around deck and french doors (or sliders) off the main room but not all that many windows around the home, nevertheless, a good shutter system is mandatory and unfortunately, security bars.
We've discussed modifying the floor plan a little because our main kitchen will be outdoors and I would prefer both baths be the same size.

 

No bars

I count 10 windows and 3 sets of doors. All of these need to have typhoon shutters. Generally a typhoon shutter is a large piece of sheet metal or plywood prefabricated for correct sizing that covers the window and door in its entirety and then with already predrilled holes be screwed into the wall about two - three inches to the sides of the doors and windows. Each side would have enough holes that once done will create an impentrable passage for wind. Each window and door would will would barely notice the holes in the wall.

Please do yourself a favor and rethink the security bars as they are ugly and only ugly. they will truly undermine anything attractive about your house. I can assure you if you have a compoind around you property and some helpers/cook/landscaper, etc... that live on the property which you will want to have then they will be your security. You can also get a dog but don't make something nice ugly with bars. You could also put in an alarm system (for windows and doors) that will stay on for 5 minutes and then cut off (yet alert the staff. You can also install invisibly positioned security cameras.

 

True, but I like your idea of combining the materials.

No argument here and we are considering other options to the typical iron bars that are ubiquitous in the Philippines.

 

What do you think of these?
Futura Decor

Looks like Futura imports these from an Australian company that offers other versions.
Rollashield aluminium modern roller shutters, SE Queensland

 

Roller Shutters

Great Idea and you can also use them if you leave the house for any extended length of time. In Florida most of us went the economy route and as I said before use precut Plywood or Sheet metal and simply screwed them into the walls around the windows and doors. When done they went back into storage. Much cheaper than any of the systems you suggest but maybe you become a dealer here and make money doing it for other foreign locals LOL

 

Hurrican Shutters Courtesy of Sun Sentinel Newspaper

Hurricane shutter guide: Compare types and calculate costs
Hurricane shutters are the most important protection for your home. Our guide helps you compare the pros and cons of various hurricane shutter types.

Hurricane shutters remain the most economical solution for most homeowners to protect window openings in a storm, although hurricane-proof glass is increasingly popular. Prepare ahead of time, say experts, particularly with panels and plywood protection. Make sure the right tools and hardward are on hand before the storm nears. Here's the lowdown on hurricane shutters and window protection.


Storm panel hurricane shutters

These steel or aluminum shutters attach to the walls around windows and doors on bolts or tracks. Storm panels are corrugated, and each piece overlaps the next for maximum strength. There are several styles of storm panels to choose from.

The first style incorporates both tracks and bolts. The top of the panel is slipped into a track above the window, and the bottom of the panel is secured to bolts that are permanently attached beneath the window.

The second style uses a set of C-shaped tracks above and below the windows and doors. Bolts slide into the tracks from either side and must be manually aligned with the holes on the panels.

The third style uses only bolts permanently set into the wall beside the windows and doors. They can be loosened as the panel is hung horizontally, and screwed down to secure it.

The biggest problem with storm panels is that homeowners often don't check them when they buy a home. Many discover later that panels are missing or were cut improperly, or are too heavy to install themselves.

PROS
-- Most inexpensive of the permanent shutter systems.
-- Removable, so they don't change the look of the house when not in use.
-- Strong, and can provide excellent protection for both doors and windows.

CONS
-- Require storage, but usually stack together tightly and take up little space.
-- Can be difficult to handle; hanging can require more than one person.
-- Sometimes don't line up properly.
-- Have sharp edges.

Average cost: $7-$8 per square foot;
Average storm preparation time: 15 minutes per window depending on the style.

Accordion hurricane shutters

These one- or two-piece hurricane shutters are housed beside the windows or doors when not in use. They unfold accordion-style to cover and protect during a storm.

PROS
-- Permanently affixed beside the windows and don't require any extra storage space.
-- Can easily be made storm-ready by one person.
-- Some models can be locked with a key and may be used as a theft deterrent.

CONS
-- Can look bulky and out-of-place on some houses. Consider the aesthetics before having them installed.
-- Glide on wheels, and have the potential to break more easily than some of the other systems.

Average cost: $16-$20 per square foot
Average storm preparation time: 15-30 minutes for an entire house

Colonial hurricane shutters

These are two-piece louvered shutters that attach to the wall beside each window. The fold together to protect the window.

PROS
-- Are permanently affixed beside the windows and don't require any extra storage space.
-- Can easily be made storm-ready by one person.
-- Are decorative; they can beautify as well as protect your home.

CONS
-- Some types of colonials require a storm bar or center rod to lock the shutters in place. This can increase installation time.
-- Can't be used to protect doors, and must be combined with another shutter system to ensure complete home protection.

Average cost: $18-$30 per square foot
Average storm preparation time: At least 45 minutes to an hour for an entire house.

Bahama hurricane shutters

These one-piece louvered shutters attach directly above the windows and prop open to provide shade for the window. Bahama shutters are storm-ready when lowered and secured to the wall.

PROS
-- Permanently affixed beside the windows and don't require any extra storage space.
-- Can easily be made storm-ready by one person.
-- Provide permanent shade and privacy, even in the open position.

CONS
-- Have traditionally been weaker than other systems, but the newest models protect well.
-- Some people complain that they block too much light.
-- Design limits their use. They can't be used to protect doors.

Average cost: $18-$30 per square foot
Average storm preparation time: 15-30 minutes for an entire house.

Roll-down hurricane shutters

These shutters attach above the window. They roll up and store in an enclosed box when not in use. They are lowered either manually by a hand crank or automatically by push button, and lock in place for storm protection.

PROS
-- Are permanently affixed above the windows and don't require any extra storage space.
-- Can easily be made storm-ready by one person.
-- Offer some of the best protection, and make an excellent theft deterrent.

CONS
-- Most expensive of the popular shutter systems.
-- Push-button-operated roll-down shutters require a battery backup system so the shutters can be lowered and raised during power outages.

Average cost: $30-$55 per square foot
Average storm preparation time: Minimum; probably the easiest shutter to operate.

Hurricane glass

This glass can withstand hurricane debris and eliminate the need for hurricane shutters. It costs more, especially to retrofit an older house. Modern code requirements, which already require hurricane shutters or other protections on new houses, make the glass a more practical option at the time of construction.

PROS
-- Eliminates the need for hurricane shutters.
-- The most practical hurricane glass is similar to a car windshield, with a durable plastic-like layer sandwiched between glass. The outside layers break, but the center prevents a hole.

CONS-- Must be installed by a window contractor.
-- The frame must be replaced along with the panes to meet code.

Average cost: $35-$50 a square-foot, including new window frames and layered hurricane glass
Average storm preparation time: None.

Other window coverings

-- Some newer window covers are made of a high-tech fabric that allows light and visibility while protecting from high winds effectively enough to meet hurricane codes. One brand is Armor Screen, which costs roughly $15 per square foot. These fabric screens must be installed by a dealer, not the homeowner.
-- Few, if any, types of window film as storm protection meet hurricane codes, but may give some limited protection if properly installed.
-- Less expensive panes, commonly used as thick plastic-like security windows, are about half the cost of layered panes. But they are less aesthetically satisfactory for household use because they scratch easily and fog when in contact with household cleaning chemicals.

Average cost: Varies widely.
Average storm preparation time: Varies by type.

Plywood

Plywood hurricane shutters do not meet most building codes, yet many homeowners who lack more permanent storm shutter systems cover their homes with them. If you decide to use this system, it is important to install the shutters correctly.


Barrel-bolt plywood shutters
Use on concrete-block stucco homes that have windows inset at least two inches from the exterior wall.

Buy plywood ahead of time, before the rush. Make sure it is at least 5/8 of an inch thick. Buy 3 or 4-inch barrel bolts, enough for one bolt for a minimum of every 12 inches of plywood. Cut the plywood sheets to size for each window, allowing for a snug fit in the inset. For larger windows or sliding doors, attach two pieces of plywood together with 2x4's or a piano hinge. Attach bolts to plywood, mark where you need the holes to be drilled in the concrete stucco. Drill holes, in marked spots in concrete stucco. When storm approaches, fit plywood into the inset as tightly as possible. You don't want wind to get under the shutter. Overlapping plywood shutters
If your windows do not have a 2-inch inset, plywood shutters can overlap.


Buy plywood ahead of time, before the rush. Make sure it is at least 5/8 of an inch thick. Cut the plywood sheets to size for each window, allowing for an overlap of at least 4 inches. Label each panel. Drill corresponding holes in the plywood and walls. Use a 1/4-inch drill bit for the wood. Use a masonry or carbide-tipped bit for concrete or stucco walls. Hammer 1/4-inch lead sleeve anchors – not plastic – into the holes in the wall. The anchors should be at least 2 inches long. When a hurricane threatens, use tapping screws at least 2 inches long to bolt the plywood in place. Average cost: $1 - $5 per square foot
Average storm preparation time: 1 - 1 1/2 hours per window.

Hurricane shutter guide: Compare types and calculate costs -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

 

Thanks for that. Very informative.
Back to architecture. I can appreciate the statements about the current trend in building design in the Philippines. I won't say they're ugly since beauty is in the eye of the beholder but it's not a style I will pursue. I do like that they are colorful and provide good storm protection in most cases and they are inexpensive to build. You only need a small lot since they are typically tall and narrow and are usually built with concrete block and metal roofs which are available and affordable.
The floor plans I've seen for the most part include multiple small rooms which I suspect is mostly for marketing purposes. They are also built on concrete slab rather then being elevated in any fashion. This floor plan is contrary to any type of air movement inside the home which means you either just sweat it out or spend money for air conditioning. I understand the typical family will have multiple members and mulitple generations but when we stay in the province nobody seems overly concerned about having to share space.
Some designers are beginning to incorporate flexible living spaces with convertible rooms (sliding wall panels, etc.) which is a modern adaptation to the idea of just using portable wall dividers to provide privacy for visitors or others. These panels can be moved out of the way when not needed allowing for the resumption of an open room.

 

Does anyone have pictures of the "hideous" looking resorts that have been built?

 

I suspect this may have something to do with availability of electricity and low cost of air conditioning system.