EDUCATIONAL TRIP ON SUSTAINABILITY

 

Lake Okutama, Ogouchi Dam

The waters of Lake Okutama are as deep blue as the eye can perceive. The lake, which is surrounded by mountains and is lovely throughout the seasons, is a well-liked and favorite destination in Tokyo.

Okutama Lake, also known as the Ogouchi Reservoir, is a significant freshwater source for Tokyo and one of the town's main attractions. The Ogouchi Dam blocks the natural flow of the Tama River, a historically significant water source for Tokyo, resulting in a sizable lake that divides into numerous valleys farther upstream.

The Kosuge River, which originates in Yamanashi Prefecture, supplies water to the lake from the southwest while the Tama River supplies water from the west. Yamanashi Prefecture is responsible for the branches of the lake and the mouth of the Kosuge River that empties into it.

Tokyo's needs are met by an underground pipe system that draws water from the lake. Hydroelectricity is generated in a power plant at the foot of the Ogouchi Dam using the water power of the Tama River, which empties the lake.

NOTE: This trip although featured in this blog article today is a late posting. The tour was done during the winter season in 2020 when I am still staying in Japan. Currently, I am staying in the Philippines practicing Architecture as freelance consultant. 

GETTING THERE

By train & Bus

Take a JR Chuo Line or Ome Line train to Ome Station from central Tokyo and switch to the Ome Line there. The line that travels to Okutama Station is that one.

Take a Nishi Tokyo Bus to Okutama Lake from Bus Stop 2 in front of Okutama Station. Numerous buses go around Okutama Lake's shoreline along Highway 411, stopping frequently at the most attractive locations such as the Nonkia Restaurant and Ogouchi Shrine.

SUICA/PASMO cards are accepted on Nishi Tokyo buses.

By Car

When coming from Tokyo, take Ome Town's Highway 411, pass through Okutama Town, and then continue on to the lake. The Onouchi Dam, which designates the eastern end of the reservoir, is where you first arrive. The road to the dam ascends the mountains in a series of twists while following the Tama River Valley. The spectacular dam is visible from some of the road's curves in the distance.

There is a sizable parking lot next to the dam.

SIGHTSEEING

Walking over the dam, which is available to the public, provides fantastic views of the lake and the mountains that surround it. A power plant that converts the Tama River's water power into electricity can be seen when looking down the steep concrete wall of the dam's "backside," which controls the river's onward flow towards Tokyo.

Okutama Mizu-to-Midori-no-Fureaikan (Okutama Water and Green Museum)

THE MUSEUM

Another exciting part of the tour is the Okutama Mizu-to-Midori-no-Fureaikan (Okutama Water and Green Museum), a small museum located immediately next to the dam entrance and devoted to the local contribution to the provision of water for Tokyo. The open-to-the-public museum exhibits local history, the dam's history, the lake's water sources, and general knowledge of the value of clean, fresh water supplies to the Tokyo Metropolitan Area. Visitors can learn about sustainability and eco-friendly topics in their mini-theater shows and exhibits.

Opening times: daily from 9.30am to 5pm. Closed on Wednesday. If Wednesday is a public holiday, the museum closes the following day.

Admission is free.

The Katakuri no Hana Restaurant is located on the museum's top floor, where its windows provide stunning views over the reservoir.

Here are more pictures of the museum showing some historical artifacts and scientific exhibits:

A BRIEF HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Beginning in 1932, work on the Ogouchi Dam was initiated. Work on new development had to come to a halt during World War II and the years that followed. Finally finished in 1957, the dam has been in use ever since.

OUR TRIP 

We had several trips to Okutama Lake while still in Japan, making it one of our favorites. We usually go there on a regular family outdoor adventure, but sometimes, we entertain our local guests and overseas visitors. Perhaps one of the reasons is the accessibility of the place and that it’s near where we used to stay.

The photos were taken during our trip in January of 2020, which is still winter, although it’s best to go there during seasons when the color of trees changes: pink Sakura flowers in Spring and orange Maple leaves in Fall. Summer is also a good choice; nevertheless, our winter trip was fun because it was our first time going there in the middle of a cold season. The trees are quite bald, exposing the snow from beneath, creating an alpine view of the mountains.

We just had a small walk around the lake and a quick picnic in one of the shaded areas around the place. The best part is the bonding time with people closest to your heart. There is nothing that can replace such warm moments in a cold season.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. . .

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#travelblog #travel #okutamalake #okutama #tokyo #japan #japantravel 

UNVEILING THE TRUE IDENTITY OF FILIPINO ARCHITECTURE - Have we really found it?

When we consider architecture, some well-known styles, like Gothic, Baroque, or Modern, often pop up. But what about Filipino architecture? Does it really exist as a unique style, or is it just a mix of influences from other cultures? The reality is that, Filipino architecture is much more than just a combination of styles—it continuously shows the Philippines' deep history, cultural variety, and one-of-a-kind surroundings. In this article, we will look into how Filipino architecture has evolved and answer the question: is there truly such a thing as Filipino architecture? 

Indigenous and Vernacular Architecture 

I have always been mesmerized by the concept of the Ifugao House, to the extent that even by its appearance, it gives me the impression that these houses might have been the very first houses built by our ancestors even before the Nipa Hut, or “Bahay Kubo.”

Ifugao House

Oh well, I should say I was really mesmerized because since I started writing this article, I have already developed that kind of strong urge in my mind, and so, I was eventually prompted to do some research about the Ifugao House right away. I told myself, why not?

As usual, I started looking at Wikipedia. But wait, it appears like Wikipedia only provides information about Ifugao as a place, but what about the house? I found one small picture with a short caption. And so I went on with other websites but unfortunately, I was not able to find the right information for the purpose that I am trying to point out. So I went on until I reached my last resort...I dug some research work of some universities instead, and voila! I think I found one that may help. There you go... oh wow, this one came from Ifugao State University itself. How about that? (please see citation).

Here's an excerpt from the report:

 

“The Ifugao build their native houses in villages or near the rice terraces. It is unique from the common “bahay kubo” of the Filipinos. Guyjoco (2017) describes the Ifugao House a “no-nail house” which plays a great role in Pinoy pride. 

 

The Ifugao “Bale” or Native House is said to be the “first pre-fabricated house in the world,” according to renowned anthropologist Otley Beyer. It has been the subject of many scholarly articles as it is considered to be one of the most ingenious and nearly perfect architectural constructs made by man. This type of dwelling does not make use of nails thus it is also called the “No-Nail" house, The house can be dismantled and transferred to another place of choice without destroying any part of it.” 

 

Wow! Aren’t you amazed by that? Well, I am. I am a big fan of Ifugao House by the way. It’s not that I came to know these facts for the very first time, but this information even gives me an early hint as to what I am trying to point out. But we'll get there. It's just too early to conclude our discussion yet, so we need to keep on digging. Please stay with me mates. Let me cover "Bahay Kubo" as well. My apologies to its supporters for the delay. Here’s some information for you:  

 

Since Bahay Kubo is very typical, I will just describe it based on familiarity. Bahay Kubo is a house made of a nipa roof, hence from where the English name “Nipa Hut” was derived, has a steeply pitched roof, open windows, and a “silong” or a space underneath for storage, ventilation, and small livestock. It is constructed using bamboo, wood, and nipa leaves for roof materials with a sustainable design that is inexpensive and can withstand natural disasters. Since it’s made of bamboo, the connections are usually tied up with strong tying materials, which makes it different from the Ifugao House, where they use no-nail joineries. Bahay Kubo is difficult to dismantle, which makes it difficult to transfer to another place. It usually requires a “Bayanihan” or collective effort by the neighborhood. 

Bayanihan

 

In addition, Bahay Kubo has a lot of resemblance to our neighboring Asian countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, etc., and also Kubo was named after the Spanish word Cubo, which means cube, or a square room or space, not to mention its evolution into “Bahay na Bato,” again, another Spanish influence.

 

The Influence of Colonial History 

Bahay na Bato

I already have started mentioning the Spanish influence on "Bahay na Bato", but aside from that, the Spanish also introduced Mediterranean, Roman, Gothic, Baroque, and Neo-classical styles, such as those in the churches, government buildings, and some houses of prominent families. Ironically, the term "ancestral house" nowadays is usually attributed to the old Spanish-influenced houses. But if we should go deeper, I believe the pre-colonial houses deserve accreditation as well.

During the American colonialization, buildings and bridges within the Metropolitan Manila area were modernized. However, the Japanese did not have much influence when it comes to architecture. Perhaps a few buildings, but we couldn’t find a trace nowadays. 

 

The Fusion of Styles: A Unique Identity 

Modern House Design in the Philippines

If we look at the current design trend, we can find architecture in the Philippines as a blend of influences, creating a hybrid identity. This fusion of cultural, historical, and modern elements contributes to a distinctive Filipino architectural style. Modern Filipino architecture combines elements of local tradition and international trends. We have prominent architects like Juan Nakpil, Leandro Locsin, and Francisco Manosa who have contributed to the evolution of Filipino design. 

 

Sustainability and Local Materials 

Amidst the growing trend of sustainable architecture in the Philippines, little did we know that the subject of sustainability is certainly not new. It actually originated way back from the pre-colonial era, and probably even earlier, perhaps to the time when our real ancestors designed and built the Ifugao house. Then, followed by the Bahay Kubo, all of which use local materials like wood, bamboo, and nipa palm to create eco-friendly designs. A prominent Filipino Architect, Francisco Manosa is very well known for reviving the use of local and indigenous materials in his projects. He even took advantage of the versatility of the coconut tree, as his ingenuity is evident in his design of the famous Coconut Palace. Other Indigenous materials available locally are rattan and abaca, which are also very useful in making furniture, and capiz, which is renowned for sliding windows, amongst many others.

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

Filipino Architecture – An ongoing quest for its true identity

Filipino architecture is not a singular, static style but a dynamic, evolving expression of Filipino ingenuity, history, and culture. We could always look at the continuing growth and innovation in Filipino architecture, but we also need to reflect on our past. If our aim is to define the true identity of Filipino Architecture, we need to dig deeper into its history, just like tracing our family roots. For me, I would consider the deepest root starts with the Ifugao House, the Bahay Kubo and other traditional indigenous houses, and so on and so forth. If we could learn the culture of each ethnic group in our society, and find out why and how they came up with their design ideas and carry on with how they evolved throughout the centuries, only then we could clearly unveil the right criterion in determining the true identity of Filipino architecture. 

 

Joey Castaneda

Architect

Link in account for architectural works.

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CITATIONS: 

THE IFUGAO FOLK ARCHITECTURE AND HOUSE CONSTRUCTION, research work from Ifugao State University, Sept 2022 

https://www.scribd.com/document/623139778/IfugaoNativeHouse 

PHOTO ATTRIBUTIONS:

Ifugao House: Ranieljosecastaneda, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Bayanihan: Bonvallite, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Bahay na Bato: Ramon FVelasquez, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Modern House: PaulGorduiz106, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Cover Photo and others: Royalty free photos by Pexel and Pixabay

7 BEST ECO-FRIENDLY SWITCHES IN KITCHEN ESSENTIALS, useful tips towards sustainable living

The center of any house is the kitchen. It's where we gather to feed ourselves and our families, but it also has the potential to negatively affect our ecosystem. Many people are seeking methods to lessen their impact on the environment as climate change continues to influence our lives—beginning with eco-friendly cooking in the kitchen!

The 21st-century kitchen is full of all kinds of great stuff for making incredible meals, but all that great stuff is a lot of…stuff, and it’s important to consider the impact certain kitchen items have on the earth. There are lots of ways to make a kitchen product more eco-friendly, whether that’s by designing a reusable version of a disposable item, getting rid of hazardous materials, or applying a more efficient manufacturing method. We have searched for several eco-friendly kitchen products and materials and chose the best seven switches we could make to create a more sustainable and eco-friendly kitchen.

1. SWITCH FROM PAPER TOWELS TO REUSABLE KITCHEN CLOTH

By switching out single-use paper towels with reusable cloths, you can start an eco-friendly kitchen makeover in one of the most straightforward and cheap ways possible. One of the best products of this kind if you ever decided to find one are those that are created from bleached or unbleached cotton, which is soft and absorbent.

Another type of similar kind is the Swedish dishcloths, which were created by a Swedish engineer in 1949 and are "superabsorbent." They are constructed of "100% naturally biodegradable cellulose or a combination of wood pulp and renewable cotton," dry rapidly, and can be washed. Users treat them exactly the same way as paper towels and say they reduced the amount of paper towels by at least 80%.

2. SWITCH FROM PAPER COFFEE FILTERS TO STAINLESS STEEL COFFEE MESH

You might want to consider strategies to reduce your use of paper coffee filters in addition to reducing the number of single-use to-go coffee cups. Some coffee machines are made as an alternative to conventional methods of brewing. The outcome is akin to paper filters, but without the waste, adding that the stainless steel mesh is quite fine (keeping the grinds out).

Or you might want to purchase a plunging type coffee brewing device called a coffee presser or French press. Anything goes as long as your purpose is to eliminate paper filters. Simple things like these are great ways coffee lovers can show their courage as invincible earth heroes.

3. SWITCH FROM PLASTIC TO BAMBOO COOKING UTENSILS

You want to have the best tools for the task whether you're cooking for just yourself or the entire family. You may be unaware of the distinction between environmentally friendly kitchenware and whatever is currently on sale, but it's still worthwhile to learn more. Modern plastics may not only be inferior to bamboo in terms of performance but also impose harm on our internal health. Additionally, by making the transition, you're picking a better alternative for your family as well as the environment. And because we all call this place home, we may as well look after it to ensure the highest quality of life.

The following are the top advantages of bamboo as an eco-friendly material:

A. By using bamboo as a material, uncertified timber that may cause deforestation can be avoided;

B. Bamboo is simple to grow, and there are vast sources available;

C. These utensils may be made from a single mature bamboo piece to a thousand times; and

D. From being biodegradable, ethically sourced, tree-free, plastic-free, and reusable, this product's sustainability is quite commendable.

I personally use a bamboo kitchen spatula when cooking. The picture above shows my spatula on a bamboo cutting board. Cutting boards made of bamboo, when properly cared for, not only appear more elegant when displayed on a kitchen counter than plastic ones, but they also last a lot longer. You could make this transition as simple as possible for you. You could do it one by one which does not hurt your budget. After you have completed a set of bamboo utensils, we are certain that your family and the environment will thank you.

4. SWITCH FROM ALUMINUM NON-STICK COOKWARE TO NON-TOXIC CERAMIC POTS

Globally, the aluminum sector releases millions of tons of greenhouse gases each year, according to experts, which is, to put it simply, a massive no-no for Mother Nature. Choose the multipurpose ceramic-coated cookware the next time you need to replace your pots and pans since they are devoid of harmful chemicals, poisonous metals, and nanoparticles. Ceramic clay pots are also great alternatives, if you may choose so.

5. SWITCH FROM PLASTIC TO GLASS FOOD CONTAINERS

Glass food storage containers not only offer safer food storage, but also a great view of what is within. Glass Ball jars can keep anything from seeds, flours, and nuts to soups, stews, and fresh berries, and they are affordable (can be bought by the dozen). They are also simple to clean. When using glass containers for frozen storage, make sure to choose freezer-safe models with wide mouths that are simple to remove for warming and provide enough space at the top for any liquids to expand.

6. SWITCH FROM SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BAGS TO ECO BAGS FOR YOUR PRODUCE

There's a fair probability that a large portion of the plastic you believe you could be using comes from your monthly trip to the grocery store. Purchasing large quantities of fruits, vegetables, and other food typically requires ripping off several plastic bags on each trip, which can be harmful to the environment. Reusable produce bags, however, provide a simple and practical replacement for plastic ones if you're searching for a more environmentally friendly, long-lasting option. As far as we can, we can only use environmentally friendly bags and try to lessen environmental damage. In other words, eco-friendly bags are those made from a range of ecologically friendly materials including cotton, hemp, non-woven, RPET, biodegradable bioplastics, and recyclable paper. They are also generally more earth-friendly and emit less pollutants.

7. SWITCH FROM TRASH CAN TO COMPOST BIN (FOR FOOD SCRAPS ONLY)

Food scraps and other waste should be disposed of in a kitchen-top compost bin rather than the trash can, where they will decompose and leave your kitchen smelling bad. When the bin is full, dump it in your backyard compost pile (or, if permitted where you live, in your yard waste receptacle) and use it to supplement your vegetable garden!

FINAL THOUGHTS

Using eco-friendly kitchen supplies and utensils is unquestionably preferable to using single-use plastic ones. They have less waste, are more environmentally friendly, and are more sustainable. And we really hope that this post gives you more than enough options for a greener kitchen. All have already done so much harm to our world, therefore we need to start taking action as soon as we can if we want to save it for future generations. You are already making a difference in little ways by picking eco-friendly products over the standard plastic ones when you go shopping. And if we can start with ourselves, we'll be able to motivate other people to do the same.

Joey Castaneda

Architect

Link in account for architectural works.

Linktree account for artworks.

DIRTY KITCHEN, IS THERE SUCH A THING? redefining architectural functions

 

A “dirty kitchen” is, as the name suggests, a kitchen that is left dirty or untidy most of the time. Now, this is not to say that food made in a “dirty kitchen” is dirty. This simply implies that the time-consuming and occasionally intricate operations involved in food preparation and cooking are carried out in a dirty kitchen.

A SECOND KITCHEN

Since they are referred regarded as second kitchens, dirty kitchens resemble sub-kitchens. Almost all of the houses, flats, properties, and condominiums people live in, as well as workplaces, are equipped with a primary kitchen. There aren't necessarily sub-kitchens in every large kitchen, though. Larger kitchen appliances that cannot be concealed in the main kitchen are typically housed there. In this sense, it is seen as a place to store cooking utensils that are rarely used; as a result, dirty kitchens promote cleanliness in the main kitchens.

A LITTLE HISTORY

The concept of a dirty kitchen or an ancillary workspace for the kitchen is certainly not new. In the 19th century, affluent Western residences frequently had butler's pantries, as they were known then, where silverware, china, serving ware, and other kitchen supplies were kept. Some Western culture calls it a Prep Kitchen or pantry.

WESTERN CONCEPT

Prep kitchens, often referred to as prep pantries, are extra rooms that are linked to the main kitchen and are used just for preparing meals. Prep kitchens are used to store food much like conventional pantries, but they also sometimes have a lot of counter space, shelves, and occasionally even equipment like dishwashers, stoves, coffee makers, microwaves, and other portables.

Prep kitchens are becoming more and more common in today's society. Although it does need a property with some extra room, this contemporary alternative to a butler's pantry is no longer only for the wealthy; it is now a preferred option for homeowners of all income levels who frequently party or simply want to keep their kitchens clutter-free.

ASIAN CONCEPT

In most Asian countries, dirty kitchens may be isolated from or next to the main home for purposes like fire safety, keeping the smoke and fuel smell out, and keeping charcoal dust and oil dirt out. In our family, we prefer to cook fish or anything similar outside the house in order to avoid foul odors from crawling into the interiors of the house.

The working tables in rural variants of the dirty kitchen are sometimes built of recycled materials, and clay ovens and burners are powered by firewood. That makes this concept somewhat connect to the subject related to sustainable living, which I plan to discuss more deeply in one of our future blog posts. So, it would be of great advantage to take avail of our free subscription to be always updated with our latest blogs.

EXTENDED KITCHEN CONCEPTS IN THE PHILIPPINES

Since Filipinos are known for having sizable groups of family and friends at their homes, straightforward outdoor dirty kitchen concepts in the Philippines are likely to be suggested. The grilling apparatus, sometimes referred to as the "ihaw-ihaw," is the most widely used type of dirty kitchen among Filipinos. It is customary to set aside a sizable lot in front of or behind the home in order to host events or accommodate visitors.

The main idea is to set aside some time to think about the features you want your second kitchen to include. A grilling zone, a minibar or tea/coffee station with a snack corner, a storage space, or perhaps a combination of two or all of these characteristics, might be added to the dirty kitchen working area per se. You may now start the process of arranging your present kitchen if you have decided to create the second kitchen of your dreams. It's time to concentrate on the second kitchen as soon as you've finished arranging your primary kitchen and planning your ideal new dirty kitchen.

GRILLING ZONE: It's a great idea to use your extra space as a grilling area. Despite the development of gas and electric stoves, cooking with charcoal is still popular in the Philippines, especially on special occasions. The fact that oil and gas prices are now rising as a result of global events is another piece of information that may be helpful in making this decision. Consequently, occasionally cooking with charcoal might result in significant financial savings. In addition, grilled food is frequently seen as healthier than fried meals.

BARISTA STATION: Because you have a grilling area, you may want to add a minibar. If you prefer beer or tequila over coffee, a tiny bar could be perfect for you. The following reasons make an outdoor dirty kitchen converted into a mini bar the perfect setting for you and your guests: first, it is right outside your house, which is very convenient because you do not need to go inside the house and create a mess; second, the drinks and snacks are right beside you, inside the dirty kitchen; and third, you can be as relaxed as you want because staying at home is more comfortable than going out for a drink.

EXTRA STORAGE: It is a simple and wise decision to turn your messy kitchen into more storage space. An additional room would be quite helpful in a kitchen that has a lot of culinary utensils, some of which are overly large and others of which are only used sometimes or on special occasions. Therefore, having a second storage space is beneficial for keeping groceries, ingredients, condiments, and spices, especially if you frequently purchase in large quantities. On top of that, if you have kids running about the kitchen while you are preparing meals by slicing and mincing items, using dirty kitchens as extra storage areas may be extremely useful as room separators.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Because a popular proverb holds that "the route to a man's heart is through his stomach," kitchens are often referred to as the "heart of the home." Therefore, we always want to keep the main kitchen clean and tidy at all times. Dirty kitchens are appealing to people who party regularly in modern times because they keep the "mess" out of the main kitchen.

Anyone who hosts frequently understands that, regardless of what you do, visitors will eventually gather in the kitchen at some time, even in homes with closed-off floor plans. After all, the kitchen is the heart of the house! Therefore, having a dedicated area where you can conveniently prepare food and beverages while keeping the kitchen tidy is a desirable alternative.

Joey Castaneda

Architect

Link in account for architectural works.

Linktree account for artworks.