ARCHITECTURAL

INTERIORS /
BUILDING
TECHNOLOGY-1
MATERIAL
SPECIFICATIONS
Prepared by: Arch./Enp. Sylvester D. Seno, uap, piep,
page, icomos, pgbi aa+adp, MArch-CTM
SPECIFICATIONS
Root word SPECIFIC

Synonym (SPECIFIC) exact,

definite
For example:

VAGUE!!!
Glass window
LETS HAVE AN ACTIVITY. GIVE ME A SAMPLE
SPECIFICATION FOR THIS ROOM
TENDENCY IS WE CUT AND PASTE OUR SWATCHES
TO COME UP WITH A DESIRED THEME / DESIGN

But do we really know

how to specify our
materials???
Specifications are the written requirements for
a material, product, or service for a proposed
project, like a building, bridge or machine.

For architectural projects, the specifications are

part of the Contract Documents included with
the bidding and construction requirements and
the drawings.
In order to LABEL our SWATCHES to make it SPECIFIC,
which worded descriptions do we need to use?

SIZE
COLOR (thru pantone) QUANTITY

TEXTURE
PATTERN
In order to LABEL our SWATCHES to make it SPECIFIC,
which worded descriptions do we need to use?

OPERATION
In order to LABEL our SWATCHES to make it SPECIFIC,
which worded descriptions do we need to use?

BRAND
A DETAILED SPECIFICATION CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING
WORDED DESCRIPTION PER MATERIAL SWATCH

QUANTITY (optional) +
SIZE +
PATTERN +
MANNER OF OPERATIONS +
GENERIC MATERIAL +
COLOR +
BRAND NAME (optional,
when the need arises)
ACTIVITY: LABEL WITH SPECIFICATIONS THE MATERIAL
SHOWN BELOW:

30 X 30 cms. Randomized Unglazed Matte

Fnish Baler Design Mariwasa Brand
Whats the
importance of
SPECIFICATIONS
in BUILDING
CONSTRUCTION?
 Protects the
interests of both
client and the
architect.

Basis for
material
estimates (for
contractors).
Purpose of Specifications
Specifications should describe the type and quality of every product required for the
project.

The specifications should describe the requirements for fabrication, erection,

application, installation and finishing.

Specifications should describe the quality of workmanship necessary for the project.

This includes all phases of creation and installation starting with manufacturing,
fabrication, and application, through installation, finishing and adjustment.

Specifications should include any necessary codes and standards applicable to the
project.

The specifications should also include descriptions and procedures for alternate
materials, products or services if necessary.
Types of Specifications

There are four methods of specifying. There is no defined rule

for using one method over another or about combining
methods, but care should be taken to avoid redundancy or
contradictions. The four methods are:

1.) Descriptive it describes in terms of

extrinsic and intrinsic properties
2.) Performance how it works and operates
3.) Reference Standard like ASTM, PNS, etc.
4.) Proprietary is it closed? Or open (with
brand equivalent)
PERFORMANCE:
OPERATION

DESCRIPTIVE:
COLOR, WATTAGE

PROPRIETARY:
OPEN (NO
BRAND
SPECIFIED)
 PLASTERED
4 THK.
REINFORCED
CONCRETE 6 THK.
} PLASTERED
AND PAINTED

BARE

DRY WALL 7.5mm GYPSUM HARDIFLEX

FIBER
WALL THK. CEMENT GYPROC

GLASS 10mm CLEAR TEMPERED

CURTAIN TINTED LAMINATED
12mm
UV
TREATED

ALUMINUM
CLADDING 12mm