A house O'Yek designed features windows ensconced on the upper area of the wall to allow cooler air to flow in. (Photo by NOEL PABALATE)

Green architecture is a discipline that is hardly practiced in the Philippines. This is surprising, considering that traditional Philippine structures have been lauded for their sensitivity to the environment.  The “bahay kubo” for instance is a particularly noteworthy example for its use of natural materials and for its ability to consider the country’s hot and humid clime in its design.

The same is true for the “bahay na bato” which is actually a glorified “bahay kubo” of sorts.  The former is not only a natural progression  in the latter’s design, but is likewise noteworthy for introducing non-load bearing walls and for the sophistication in providing cross-ventilation in a sizable home (achieved through sliding doors and windows and fretworks etc.) Be that as it may, it is thus very rare to find local architects who practice green architecture in the country.  Nonetheless, there are architects who do, and one of them is Architect John David O’Yek.

Incidentally, O’Yek was the 2009 Grand Prize winner for Architecture in the Metrobank Art and Design Excellence (MADE) competition.  He achieved this distinction by designing a “green home” that employed various sustainable strategies in building an environmentally-friendly home.

However, the MADE award was just the culmination of sorts in his gradual acknowledgment of the importance green architecture might have in the future practice of his profession in the country.  In fact, he was candid enough to admit that it was only a few years back that he had an epiphany of sorts when it came to the discipline.

“I was enrolled in my masters studies at UP at the time,” he says, noting that his interest in green architecture was somehow stimulated by several subjects he took up as part of the course.

He admits that the process of actually incorporating green architecture in his professional practice was gradual but nonetheless very thorough, as he read as much as he can on the subject and even attended a training course under Australian architect, Glenn Murcutt.  Other architects who’ve likewise made an impression on him include Malaysian architect Ken Yeang,  who noted for building green skyscrapers, and Bobby Manosa, who is famous for incorporating traditional Philippine building techniques in his oeuvre.

Considering that he had much to express regarding green architecture and a lot of exposure on the subject to boot, one would easily think that people will be clamoring for green techniques to be included in their dream homes, right?  Well, Architect O’Yek begs to differ at this point.  “In actual projects it’s difficult to implement,” he shares, considering the “slight” hesitation most homeowners have when it comes to green techniques implemented in their homes.“(In such cases), you slowly introduce small changes or items—like (cross) ventilation.”

But it can be overcome nonetheless—with fantastic results to boot.  A case in point is his award-winning design for a house that he calls “Urban Oasis.”

As Architect O’Yek explains it, the owners of the house wanted it to be a refuge from the stresses of city living.  The main problem to be hurdled though was the fact that it involved an urban lot that will provide him with only 600 square meters of space to work with. His solution to the problem is by building strategically on the lot.  Thus, he built the main structure around an open space (the latter to be used for social activities) to open up as much of the lot area as possible.  He likewise employed sustainable living strategies like using natural lighting to save on energy costs.  To avoid heat traps, he maximized wind directions and provided louvres (blinds) to the windows to shut out the heat from coming in.

To be sure, there was a lot of discussion with the owners about the techniques he was employing.  In the end though, it’s safe to say that they earned for themselves bragging rights to an award-winning house—a distinction only a few Filipinos have.

“Urban Oasis” may likewise be a template for Architect O’Yek’s future green structures.  Already, we can see his ability to strategically place structures on a lot and thus maximize the area allotted for building.  Also, his use of concrete as both a design and structural material is likewise apparent.  The latter is evident in a new structure he is working on wherein polished concrete was used for the stairs.  It wasn’t only strong and no doubt, durable, but was from a design perspective quite unusual and striking.  His color preference, at least when it comes to structures, is notably spare, opting for combinations of white, gray, black or green.  He explains the latter sensibly, “If you want to put color in the house, put it in the furniture.”

Despite the gradual acceptance of green architecture in the Philippines, Architect O’Yek admits that it might still take some time before it becomes widespread.  “The awareness is there but maybe five  to 10 years more,” he notes, raising the notion that some people might just view green architecture as merely a trend, “which it shouldn’t be.”

But there is hope on the horizon. Already, there are groups and organizations raising awareness for the cause. These include the Green Architecture Movement, Green Advocacy of the Philippines and the Philippine Green Building Council.

For more information, contact O'Yek Designs at 361-0424 or 361-6923.