A Glimpse to the "Bahay ng Arkitektong Kabitenyo" - UAP Cavite Chapter's Headquarters

The new "Bahay ng Arkitektong Kabitenyo" 

Yesterday, I attended the warm blessing and inauguration of the office/headquarters of the UAP Cavite Chapter,  of which I am a new member. True to its name, the "Bahay ng Arkitektong Kabitenyo" is home to more than 150 architects of the chapter and embodies the dreams and aspiration of every Arkitektong Kabitenyo while showcasing ingenuity in design and innovative execution. The structure is conveniently located at the Cavite Civic Center in Brgy. Palico, Imus, Cavite where other government offices and institutions such as the General Aguinaldo National High School, Civil Service Commission, LTO, Cavite State University-Imus Campus among others, making it accessible to almost everyone who is in need of its services.

Blessing and Inaguration.

Ceremonial ribbon-cutting with Arch. Mendoza

Then event was graced by the presence of  UAP National President Ramon S. Mendoza, fuap, officers from District B3 and UAP Cavite Chapter, sponsors, guests and members. After the ceremonial ribbon cutting, an ecumenical para-liturgy and blessing was presided by Rev. Fr. Antonio A. Roxas, parish priest of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish followed by greetings and messages from UAP National Pesident Arch. Mendoza, fuap, Area B3 District Director Arch. Richie Corcuera, uap, UAP Cavite Chapter President Calixto Kamantigue, Jr., uap and other officers; after which a healthy meryenda courtesy of Aling Tonya's Pulutan was served and shared by those who attended.

Fr. Roxas presiding the house blessing.

Team Work and Solidarity.

Being a new member of the UAP Cavite Chapter, I do not have much knowledge yet on how this great project came to be but I learned that it was an effort of the past and current chapter's officers backed by ardent support and donations, both material and financial, from members and sponsors. In the message of Architects Corcuera and Kamantigue, they recounted and thanked everyone who unselfishly and  tirelessly contributed in order to make the project possible. Several member-architects have not only shelled out a significant amount from their own pockets but also devoted their precious time and brilliant ideas and yes, even hard labor just to realize this dream. Several sponsors were also commended, not only for supporting the construction of this project, but also for always being ready to back up any endeavor of the UAP Cavite Chapter.  Specially mentioned sponsors were Arkiworx, Details, Boysen, Davies, HACSteel, HCG, IC Architecture and Landscape, Perfect Sign, Shaw Blvd. Glazing, SteelTech, Syngenta, among others. 

Green and Truly Filipino Architecture.

Seamless incorporation of the container van to the structure.

The "Bahay ng Arkitektong Kabitenyo"  is a 2-level structure with an open plan carefully designed with its end-users in mind. Needless to say, this building is a product of a truly innovative and brilliant minds, and is reflective of a genuine Filipino architecture. The main hall on the ground floor is similar to that of bahay kubo's "sala" with an open plan that can serve many functions such as product presentations, exhibits, meetings, and other activities. Forming part of the main floor on its eastern side is made of an old 40-foot long container van which perfectly blended with the rest of the structure. most of its sides are louvered wood, allowing maximum wind exposure and circulation while at the same time minimizing heat gain, thus, reducing the need for artificial ventilation and electricity.

Its shed roof is framed by a nearly 100-year old trusses, mostly of tanguile and yacal, from the demolished Sarao Motors Warehouse, while its roofing and steel decking is courtesy of SteelTech. Paints used were donated by Boysen, doorlocks were made of Faultless (which by the way has a 25-year mechanical warranty and a 5-year warranty on finish) provided by Globe International Distributor Center, Inc. Notable on its facade is a gently sloping ramp for persons with disabilities (PWD's), added not only in compliance to the BP 344 ( Accessibility Law) but also as a contribution to UAP's advocacy of making every public building accessible to everyone. A steel staircase painted in black on the far end of the building leads to the 2nd floor which serves as an office cum mini-library exhibits the UAP Cavite Chapter's numerous memorabilia of accomplishments and recognitions. Indeed, the chapter is one of the best UAP chapter as evident on the battery of plaques and trophies that nearly fills up the walls of the room. The office area terminates to an open balcony where one could enjoy the nice view of the serene landscape.

The building is not only aesthetic inside-out but also satisfies the requirement of a fully functional and sustainable building. The UAP National President Ramon S. Mendoza, fuap  lauded the chapter for this exemplary accomplishment being the first local chapter to have built such a great edifice for its office. MB

**special thanks to Arch. Jun Kamantigue and UAP Cavite Chapter for the photos.

 
** Arch. Michael Lorenzo Angelo L. Memoracion, UAP is a proud new member of the UAP Cavite Chapter.
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**special thanks to Arch. Jun Kamantigue, UAP and UAP Cavite Chapter for the photo.