Blog

Although building sizes and shapes can vary widely, the blueprint paper size upon which each plan is drawn must comply with Philippines standards. The National Building Code of the Philippines (NBCP) establishes uniform requirements for blueprint sizes to ensure project safety and compliance. The country follows ISO standards, which use the A series for paper sizes.

This guide discusses the drawings needed for constructing a home and the correct house plan paper size requirements for those various drawings.

Architectural drawings include more than a floor plan. They include site, landscape, as-built, cross-section, and elevation plans. Each drawing provides essential detail for approval and construction. Construction plans often accompany architectural drawings. These detailed plans show electrical, HVAC, and plumbing details for home construction.

Architectural drawings use a standard measurement for floor plans of a building based on the aspect ratio. Most house plans use a metric scale of 1:150 or 1:100 instead of the eighth- or quarter-inch US scale. Standard construction plans print on A1, A2, and A3 paper sizes.

Landscape drawings show the home's exterior, including paint colours, light fixtures, pathways, and other aesthetic elements. It may show plantings at the edge of the property to serve as windbreaks or privacy screens. When the house is in a residential area, street lights and sidewalks may be shown to help clients visualise the space. The landscape drawings may not comply with blueprint paper size requirements, as colour is used.

A building's elevation can change its natural lighting and the exterior's appearance. Due to frequent flooding and the country’s varying terrain, accurate elevation drawings are crucial to adapting designs to local environmental conditions and ensuring long-term structural resilience. It can highlight areas where the placement of windows or doors changes the home's appearance when the elevation changes. Homes that were planned for a 3.5-metre elevation may need a reassessment if they must be built at ground level. Natural lighting may be restricted at ground level, requiring larger windows for brighter interiors.

In the Philippines, construction projects often require A-series sizes like A1 and A2 for detailed architectural plans, following international ISO standards. These are designated as the A series, beginning with A0 through A10.

Architects use the following paper sizes:

• A3 = 29.7 cm x 42 cm
• A2 = 42 cm x 59.4 cm
• Α1 = 59.4 cm x 84.1 cm
• Α0 = 84.1 cm x 118.9 cm

A0 is considered a large format paper size, which are in contrast to the US architectural paper sizes of:

• ARCH A = 22.86 cm x 30.48 cm (9 x 12 inches)
• ARCH B = 30.48 cm x 45.72 cm (12 x 18 inches)
• ARCH C = 45.72 cm x 60.96 cm (18 x 24 inches)
• ARCH D = 60.96 cm x 91.44 cm (24 x 36 inches)
• ARCH E = 91.44 cm x 121.92 cm (36 x 48 inches)

ARCH B, C, and D are the most common paper sizes used for printing blueprints, with ARCH E corresponding to A0 large format.

At a minimum, three sets of drawings with the right blueprint paper size should be created: one each for the owner, the architect, and the approval board. Reliable large-format printing solutions are essential in Metro Manila and other growing cities to keep projects on track and meet tight deadlines Once approved, additional sets will be needed for contractors and subcontractors. Whether you need multiple copies or just one, contact us to discuss your printing needs. We have the resources to help you print large format paper sizes.