Cluster Housing Concept. A Sustainable Site Design Approach of the Residential Subdivisions in the Municipality of Tuba, Philippines Lord Byron F. GONZALES 1 , Robert V. ROMERO 2 1 Saint Louis University, Department of Engineering and Architecture, Baguio City, PHILIPPINES 2 University of the Cordilleras, Department of Engineering and Architecture, Baguio City, PHILIPPINES E-mail: arch_lbfgonzales@yaoo.com, robvaldezromero@yahoo.com.ph K e y w o r d s: cluster housing concept, cluster development, conservation subdivision, conventional subdivision, sustainable development, Tuba, Philippines A B S T R A C T 1. INTRODUCTION The study of land use consumption has recently become an important subject in studying social and economic dynamics of residential subdivision development in the global environmental issue. This statement puts in mind the balance that should exist between development and the protection of the environment to promote sustainable development. According to the UNDP 1996 Human Development Report and Philippine Agenda 21 section 1.2, growth is futureless when there is degradation of the environment, loss of biodiversity, loss of rights to the natural resource base; and growth is rootless when cultural diversity and cultural values are lost, when production and consumption become excessive and when prevailing attitudes become materialistic [1]. Planning for development shall encompass all aspects, and it should not only focus on the economic, political, technical, but also on the physical and social aspects [2]. Being the catchment area of population the Municipality of Tuba overspills at present due to natural growth and migration in the City of Baguio; it is also a host to numerous subdivisions. More developers are eyeing this area due to its promising potential in terms of availability of sites, good environment, scenic views and proximity to the city of Baguio and to the Centre for Research on Settlements and Urbanism Journal of Settlements and Spatial Planning J o u r n a l h o m e p a g e: http://jssp.reviste.ubbcluj.ro The significance of land consumption as a variable of sustainable development has made residential subdivision planning concept an important subject among the global environmental issues. The continued negative economic and social impacts of sprawl have resulted in calls for more sustainable subdivision designs; such type of design is the cluster housing concept. However, not much is known about this concept and in particular about its social values. This study was intended to evaluate the social and environmental impact of conventional subdivision concept in the Municipality of Tuba, located South of Baguio City, Province of Benguet, Philippines, and look at the adaptability and positive impact that an alternative concept such as the cluster type of approach could bring to the municipality and the environment. The results revealed that the respondents, both implementers and residents, agree on the factors that have triggered the growth of conventional subdivisions and the resulting negative impact on the environment of Tuba. Hence, the consensual agreement of the main reason causing environmental problems is lack of knowledge in sustainable planning and design principles. The results indicate that factors such as: sense of community, need and access to open spaces and outdoor activities are desirable aspects in the community. Considering these preferences in Tuba, the adoption of the “cluster housing concept,” which integrates sustainability and the holistic approach, is undeniably relevant and suitable.