Design Considerations

Design Considerations
on Designing High-
Rise Buildings
Abstract
Design Considerations
Proper space planning and distribution of spaces
The building height limit is one of the most important, yet often baffling, variables to
consider in this architectural revolution. This critical component, overseen by two key bodies –
the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and the National Building Code of the
Philippines (NBCP) – is vital in establishing the urban landscape.
In addition to building codes, high-rise and complex structures must adhere to zoning
regulations. The purpose of zoning restrictions is to limit the types of activities that are permitted
in certain areas and to guarantee that buildings blend in with their surroundings. The maximum
number of stories, the permitted materials, and the permitted activities inside the structure are all
often governed by zoning restrictions.
a. High-rise buildings by laws
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6541
AN ACT TO ORDAIN AND INSTITUTE A NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF THE
PHILIPPINES
TITLE 3 - REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY
Chapter 3.01 - CLASSIFICATION OF ALL BUILDINGS BY USE OR OCCUPANCY AND
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL OCCUPANCIES
Group E - Business and Mercantile.
Group E Occupancies shall include:
Division 1 - Gasoline filling and service stations; storage garage and boat storage structures
where no work is done except exchange of parts and maintenance requiring no open flame,
welding, or the use of highly flammable liquids;
Division 2 - Wholesale and retail stores, office buildings, drinking and dining establishments
having an occupant load test than 100, printing plants, municipal police and fire stations,
factories and workshops using materials not highly flammable or combustible, storage and sales
room for combustible goods, and paint stores without bulk handling, and;
Division 3 -Aircraft hangars where no repair work is done except exchange of parts and
maintenance requiring no open flame, welding, or the use of highly flammable liquids; open
parking garages and heliports.
SECTION 3.01.03: Mixed Occupancy

(a) General. When a building is used for more than one occupancy purposes, each part of the
building comprising a distinct "Occupancy" shall be separated from any other occupancy. When
a building is used for more than one occupancy purpose, it shall be subject to the most restrictive
requirements for the occupancies concerned: Except, -
(1) When a one-story building houses more than one occupancy, each portion of the building
shall conform to the requirements for the occupancy housed therein, and the area of the building
shall be such that the sum of the actual areas divided by the allowable area for each separate
occupancy shall not exceed one; and
(2) Where minor accessory uses do not occupy more than 10 per cent of the area of any floor of a
building, nor more than 10 per cent of the basis are permitted in the occupancy requirements.
The major use of the building shall determine the occupancy classification provided the uses are
separated in accordance with requirements for occupancy separation.
(b) Forms of Occupancy Separation. Occupancy separations shall be vertical or horizontal or
both, or when necessary, of such other form as may be required to afford a complete separation
between the various occupancy divisions in the building.
SECTION 3.01.05: Allowable Floor Areas

(a) Areas of One-Story Buildings and Building Over One Story. Allowable floor areas for one-
story buildings and buildings over one story shall not exceed the limits determined in accordance
with occupancy groups and types of construction.
(b) Area Separation Walls. Each portion of a building separated by one or more area separation
walls may be considered a separate building provided the area separation wall meet the
requirements of this Code.
SECTION 3.01.06: Allowable Area Increases

(a) The floor area hereinabove provided may be increased in certain specific instances and under
appropriate conditions, based on the existence of public space, streets, or yards extending along
the adjoining two or more sides of the building or structure.
SECTION 3.01.07: Maximum Height of Buildings and Increases

(a) The maximum height and number of stories of every building shall be dependent upon
the character of the occupancy and the type of construction, and shall not exceed the
limits determined by population density, building bulk, widths of streets, and car parking
requirements. The height shall be measured from the highest adjoining sidewalk or
ground surface, provided that the height measured from the lowest adjoining surface
shall not exceed such maximum height by more than 3.00 meters (10 feet):
(b) Except, That towers, spires, and steeples, erected as a part of a building and not used for
habitation or storage, are limited as to height only by structural design if completely of
incombustible materials, or may extend not to exceed 6.00 meters (19 feet, 8 inches)
above the height limits for each occupancy group if of combustible materials.
SECTION 707. Maximum Height of Buildings
1. The maximum height and number of storeys of proposed building shall be dependent upon
the character of use or occupancy and the type of construction, considering end-user population
density, light and ventilation, width of RROW/streets particularly of its roadway/carriageway
component, building bulk, off-street cum off-site parking requirements, etc. and in relation to
local land use plan and zoning regulations as well as other environmental considerations, e.g.,
geological, hydrological, meteorological, topographical, prevailing traffic conditions, the
availability and capacity of public utility/service systems, etc. (Refer to Guidelines on Building
Bulk at the end of this Rule)
2. Determination of Building Height:
a. BUILDING HEIGHT LIMIT (BHL) - the maximum height to be allowed for
buildings/structures based on their proposed use or occupancy; the BHL is generally determined
after the application of other development controls (DC) and certain other parameters, i.e.,
considerations of site conditions, view, etc. (Table VII.2. of this Rule). The BHL shall be
generally measured from the established grade line to the topmost portion of the proposed
building/structure. If applicable, the BHL may be subject to clearance requirements of the Air
Transportation Office (ATO) or of the concerned military/security authorities. (Refer to
Guidelines on Development Controls at the end this Rule) BHL excludes the height of
permitted/allowed projections above the roof of the building/structure, e.g., signage, mast,
antenna, telecom tower, beacons, and the like.
b. The Building Height Limit (BHL) of any proposed building/structure shall only be as allowed
under this Rule (as shown in table below) or under the duly approved city/municipal (local)
zoning ordinance, whichever is more restrictive.
b. NBC Rule 7 & 8 – Incremental Setbacks
c. Feasibility study
Functionality and comfort

a. Architectural Aesthetics
Overall architectural character and form
a. Architectural Style & Concept
Ease of movement and traffic circulation
Residential Unit Variations
a. Natural ventilation certainty
b. Units’ privacy
Sustainability and Green Architecture
Smart Building Technologies
Safety and Emergency Planning
a. Comprehensive Evacuation plan
Mixed – Use Spaces
a. Commercial Areas
Accessibility, Inclusivity and Public engagement

Design Considerations

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Design Considerations

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Design Considerations

SECTION 3.01.03: Mixed Occupancy

SECTION 3.01.05: Allowable Floor Areas

SECTION 3.01.06: Allowable Area Increases

SECTION 3.01.07: Maximum Height of Buildings and Increases

Functionality and comfort

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