The City of Santa Rosa has requested design assistance from GIZ Urban Nexus Project to conduct a study on the design for a low-income housing project for the accommodation of government employees, and informal settlers. The study’s objective is to create an architectural design of multi-residential apartment buildings in reference to an existing site under the authority of the City of Santa Rosa, emphasizing finding suitable measures with respect to environmental and economic regards.

A study was undertaken, firstly, on the inquiry of a preliminary design scheme provided by the City of Santa Rosa, and secondly, on the consideration of appropriate environmental and economic design measures regarding the local context. With understanding attained, two alternative designs were proposed for deliberation and discussion with project stakeholders about environmental concerns such as and cost-efficiency. Based on suggestions and comments made, one scheme was selected for development.

The final design suggests that environmental improvement can be achieved when considering building orientation, shading, natural ventilation, and flooding hazard protection. Regarding the economic measures, cost-efficiency can be improved by focusing on design simplification, locally practiced construction techniques, and the use of commonly available building materials.