Thesis (BS Architecture) -- University of the Philippines Mindanao, 2009

Agusan Marsh is identified as one of the most significant wetlands in the Philippines, its landscape and so as the unique phenomenon of floating villages have too become an ecotourism site. Apparently, floating houses and their architectural aspects in Philippine context have not yet been fully grasped. Technological and architectural vocabulary to describe and create attractive floating neighborhoods is still poor as there is also the need to recognize the relationship of floating villages with the landscape, the climate response, and the importance of achieving ecological environmental and human interactions in order for sustainability. The approach included the study of architectural character of floating houses present in Agusan Marsh with particular attention to its building construction, materials, form and design, spaces, and other considerations. The natural contexts in Agusan Marsh were also observed with attention on the quality and condition of its natural landscapes, on the landscape elements and other environmental factors, Qualitative research method was used to analyze the design style and architectural motivation of floating houses. Local natural features offer the starting point for the floating house construction. Floating houses are usually made of materials locally known and available to Agusan Marsh, construction basic except for the ingenious of floating foundation and describing them fully have resulted to organization and application to design and creation of concepts for the intended creative design project. Floating neighborhoods require smart building and site planning and if likely new technical accomplishment for a sustainable floating structure. Integration of vernacular trends and designing sustainable floating houses as suitable into synthesized solutions for the landscapes in Agusan Marsh, users and climate that meet cultural needs were made.