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

Development is undeniably associated with construction and the built environment; along with it is the consumption of natural resources by land modification, manufacture of materials and systems, the construction process, energy requirements and waste products that result from operation, occupation and renewal. The built environment in the context of energy and material utilization is a major precursor in resource depletion and environmental degradation. The study aims to answer questions on optimal use of renewable energy and materials which inherent on the site. The objective of the study is to design an eco-village model composed of eco-houses powered by solar-wind hybrid system with a ?breathing wall? to ensure thermal comfort and other key components aiding the overall design, optimizing the utilization of renewable energy sources and materials. The study is composed of two parts; experimental for the first part and for the second part, costing and computations. The experimental parts involves Wind Test which utilizes a wind tunnel for observing smoke flow through the ?breathing wall?. It also involves Heat Gain Test to determine the significance of filling the bamboo culms with rice hulls for thermal insulation. Lastly, a Crack Method Analysis is performed to determine the heat removal ability of the ?breathing wall?. The second part comprising of the comparative costing (Life Cycle Analysis) and computations tackles the economic and power generation aspect of the power systems (solar and wind power). Results shows that the breathing wall promotes good ventilation, has lesser heat gain due to the rice fill, and removes almost 100 percent of sensible heat in a definite volume of space. The result of comparative costing and computational shows that the sized solar-wind hybrid system is capable of supplying the energy demand and has a positive return of investment. The site chosen for the study's application is an abandoned quarry in the hilly area of Brgy. Matutungan, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. Good exposure to sun and favourable wind, scenic vista and clean surrounding are the major qualifications that were considered. The planning of the eco-village model from concept to drawings was made to be ecologically sensitive and sustainable, to have the least environmental footprint if ever applied. It was programmed to function not based merely in aesthetics but as somehow comparable to an organism composed of different systems, each having its won function. The outputs of the study of the buildings characterized by ?breathing walls? and majority of the materials are natural. The power demand of site activities is supplied by the sized solar-wind hybrid system. Site utilities and facilities play different functions like in waste management, water supply, food production and livelihood, and pest, pollution, and erosion control at he same time work together and create energy to promote a more self-sufficient community.