Acclimated Sports + Multipurpose Hall

Heat waves happen more often and at a dangerous level, causing environmental and occupational hazards - from forest wildfires to the increasing cases of heatstroke. In the Philippines where public (and some private) schools have no air-conditioning, classes are suspended as temperature soars up to 48-degree Celsius (118-Fahrenheit). Moreover, the funding for schools in Philippines is limited. Classrooms made of bare concrete walls and galvanized iron roofing sheets offer little respite or none at all. Concurrently, the building and construction industry accounts for up to 40% of global emissions, largely contributing to climate change. Sustainable design now more than ever should go beyond limiting resources to restoring resources. We believe every site is endowed with natural features and inherent attributes which uniquely hold the answers to the design brief. Inspired by Michaelangelo’s creative process when he said, “Every block of stone has a statue inside it, and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it”. Hence, we coined the term ACCLIMATED ARCHITECTURE, encapsulating the principles of Regenerative Architecture, Climate-Adaptive Architecture, and Vernacular Architecture all in one. Taking cue from the project site itself, adapting to the climate and environment, and working with local imagery, materials and workmanship, sculpting a building out of the landscape. REGENERATIVE ARCHITECURE Harvesting bamboo in-situ The site is blessed with bamboo plants abound, which will be harvested, treated and used for the expansive sports hall roofing. Bamboo plants proliferate when cut and take 3-5 years only to mature, making it a highly renewable building material. Bamboo is also lightweight and reduces labor and transportation costs. Terrain cut for Rammed Earth Walls The site sits on a sloping terrain. The soil from the cut and fill will be used for rammed earth walls. This ingenious old-age construction method of ramming the site’s very own soil cuts building costs by as much as 70% (vs typical cement walls). CLIMATE-ADAPTIVE ARCHITECURE Sun & Wind Planning The Sports + Multipurpose Hall is oriented to allow northeast and southwest wind to directly flow through the hall. The high ceiling and porous bamboo roof allow for hot air to exhale. The lecture rooms face south and enjoy vista to the pond and forest. Rammed Earth Walls The 400mm thick rammed earth walls provide excellent thermal insulation and greatly reduces outside temperature by as much as 10 degrees! It meets not only the demands of a tropical climate, but also seismic challenges which are prevalent in the site’s location. Planting Native Trees 100 species of native trees will be planted, especially at the western side to create a cooler microclimate. Continuous balconies on the façade provide extra shading. The in and out design allows for the trees to grow taller. VERNACULAR ARCHITECURE The porous roof design is inspired by the local’s specialty – the spikey durian fruit. Combining the use of local materials like bamboo and rammed earth, engaging local artisans using local construction methods, make up for a strong identity distinct to the area.