When you visit the big cities abroad like Hong Kong , Singapore , New York
Could it be due to the type of building materials they use? Is it due to the difference in weather and climactic conditions? Is it because of the pollution? These may all be contributing factors.
Our building exterior surfaces are exposed to harsh conditions day in day out: extreme heat, high humidity, frequent rain. Concrete surfaces crack. Paint peals and colors fade easily. Mildew accumulates. Diesel fumes, smoke, and dust stick to the surfaces, making the colors dull.
The propensity of local designers to use western styles and materials may be another factor. Some designers directly apply what they see abroad even though these may not be suitable to our local conditions.
Economy is another factor. Several buildings end up with painted concrete surfaces because this is the most economical and convenient way to finish a building. However, not everyone knows the variations in the quality of paint. A building owner, not knowing any better, may award the project to the lowest bidder without specifying the proper type of paint to use. Sadly, some contractors end up using the inappropriate (often the cheapest) kind of paint that is sure to fade in a year.
The inexpensive paint is latex or acrylic water-based paints, which are ideal for interiors only. A superior type recommended for exteriors is the acrylic solvent-based paint. This is more durable, washable, and mildew resistant. An even better alternative is polyurethane paint, which helps harden the surface, thus making it easier to clean. Although the prices of the paint itself vary considerably, the over all costs, inclusive of labor, do not differ substantially. The benefits of using the proper paint far outweigh the additional cost. When you factor in the frequency of re-painting and maintenance work the building would need in the future, you will find that employing the right paint at the outset is the more economical in the long run.
Proper design and architectural detailing will extend the life and beauty of your structure. Here are a few examples. Correct detailing of parapets, mouldings, and drip molds would reduce maintenance cost. Dust accumulation and rainwater can be disastrous to your finish, so measures to minimize these must be studied carefully. Ancient Roman builders have mastered the art of ensuring that their structures do not pool water or collect dust significantly. Designers could learn a lot from their technique.
Could it be due to the type of building materials they use? Is it due to the difference in weather and climactic conditions? Is it because of the pollution? These may all be contributing factors.
Our building exterior surfaces are exposed to harsh conditions day in day out: extreme heat, high humidity, frequent rain. Concrete surfaces crack. Paint peals and colors fade easily. Mildew accumulates. Diesel fumes, smoke, and dust stick to the surfaces, making the colors dull.
The propensity of local designers to use western styles and materials may be another factor. Some designers directly apply what they see abroad even though these may not be suitable to our local conditions.
Economy is another factor. Several buildings end up with painted concrete surfaces because this is the most economical and convenient way to finish a building. However, not everyone knows the variations in the quality of paint. A building owner, not knowing any better, may award the project to the lowest bidder without specifying the proper type of paint to use. Sadly, some contractors end up using the inappropriate (often the cheapest) kind of paint that is sure to fade in a year.
The inexpensive paint is latex or acrylic water-based paints, which are ideal for interiors only. A superior type recommended for exteriors is the acrylic solvent-based paint. This is more durable, washable, and mildew resistant. An even better alternative is polyurethane paint, which helps harden the surface, thus making it easier to clean. Although the prices of the paint itself vary considerably, the over all costs, inclusive of labor, do not differ substantially. The benefits of using the proper paint far outweigh the additional cost. When you factor in the frequency of re-painting and maintenance work the building would need in the future, you will find that employing the right paint at the outset is the more economical in the long run.
Proper design and architectural detailing will extend the life and beauty of your structure. Here are a few examples. Correct detailing of parapets, mouldings, and drip molds would reduce maintenance cost. Dust accumulation and rainwater can be disastrous to your finish, so measures to minimize these must be studied carefully. Ancient Roman builders have mastered the art of ensuring that their structures do not pool water or collect dust significantly. Designers could learn a lot from their technique.
Identify which parts of the structure deteriorate more easily and plan for it. You may use alternative finishes like natural stone, brick, or tile for those areas. On the other hand, you may paint surfaces with a darker hue to conceal dirt or stains. A wainscot or a band separating the lower and upper levels might be helpful. What’s more, with this technique, you need not repaint the whole house if only the lower portion is dirty or showing signs of wear.
The right roofing design would best protect your building and exterior finish, aside from enhancing comfort within the house of course. A properly insulated roof reduces temperature and humidity on your walls, thus extending the life of their appearance. Proper roofing also protects surfaces from direct sunlight, strong rain, and debris-carrying wind.
The right roofing design would best protect your building and exterior finish, aside from enhancing comfort within the house of course. A properly insulated roof reduces temperature and humidity on your walls, thus extending the life of their appearance. Proper roofing also protects surfaces from direct sunlight, strong rain, and debris-carrying wind.
Those who can afford it use metal and glass claddings. These could be better materials for your structure since they are more lightweight compared to concrete and paint. However, if not maintained properly it could work just as badly. Glass can be ruined by acid rain and lose its clarity. Metal can tarnish or acquire dents and scratches.
Sometimes, we just have to realize and accept the conditions we are living in. Although we have begun to attempt to improve air quality through the "Clean Air Act", it will still take time before the desired effects are attained. I do not think our weather conditions will change anytime soon. Therefore, it all comes down to improving design and using proper materials if we want to keep that “new” look to our structures for a longer time. We just have to put in more thought to the design and be a bit more creative with the materials. There are styles and finishes out there that are ideal for our current conditions. In the 70’s, noted architect, Leandro Locsin, made use of unpainted surfaces that are as good-looking then as to this day. The Spanish friars have used clay and adobe bricks that gain more character as they get older. Readily available natural stones like granite, adobe, sandstone, and marble, among others, can withstand the harshest conditions. They are also cooler and lend a distinct quality to the building.
Modern technology has produced awesome chemicals which, when applied to most surfaces, enable self-cleaning when activated by sunlight. A Japanese firm has developed fire retardant chemicals for wood so it does not burn. This technology will again encourage builders to utilize wood as a surface finish. We must look to the schools and laboratories to discover more new finishes and methods to improve existing materials. Designers must do some research of their own to come up with the perfect match of style and substance to their buildings, all the while with an eye to helping the owners extend its beauty and usefulness. This may even result to us achieving our own architectural character, our very own Filipino style.
Sometimes, we just have to realize and accept the conditions we are living in. Although we have begun to attempt to improve air quality through the "Clean Air Act", it will still take time before the desired effects are attained. I do not think our weather conditions will change anytime soon. Therefore, it all comes down to improving design and using proper materials if we want to keep that “new” look to our structures for a longer time. We just have to put in more thought to the design and be a bit more creative with the materials. There are styles and finishes out there that are ideal for our current conditions. In the 70’s, noted architect, Leandro Locsin, made use of unpainted surfaces that are as good-looking then as to this day. The Spanish friars have used clay and adobe bricks that gain more character as they get older. Readily available natural stones like granite, adobe, sandstone, and marble, among others, can withstand the harshest conditions. They are also cooler and lend a distinct quality to the building.
Modern technology has produced awesome chemicals which, when applied to most surfaces, enable self-cleaning when activated by sunlight. A Japanese firm has developed fire retardant chemicals for wood so it does not burn. This technology will again encourage builders to utilize wood as a surface finish. We must look to the schools and laboratories to discover more new finishes and methods to improve existing materials. Designers must do some research of their own to come up with the perfect match of style and substance to their buildings, all the while with an eye to helping the owners extend its beauty and usefulness. This may even result to us achieving our own architectural character, our very own Filipino style.
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