Bahay Kubo or Nipa Hut is a type of stilt house popular in the Philippines used by many indigenous cultures. It is a traditional form of art deco house design that evolved over time to adapt to the environments in which it was built. Bahay Kubo can be made using various materials and are typically wide enough to accommodate up to four people. Features of the Bahay Kubo include a 4-foot roof overhang with athatched roof made from palm leaves, as well as walls built from woven bamboo or wood. Notable advantages of living in a Bahay Kubo include natural ventilation, shade from the sun, protection from natural disasters, and close proximity to nature. The downside to living in a Bahay Kubo is that because of the nature of the materials used, the house can be susceptible to moisture damage and is not as durable as a stone house. Bahay Kubo (Nipa Hut)
Bahay Kubo (Nipa Hut)
The traditional Torogan is a type of art deco house design native to the Maranao people of the Philippines. It is an intricate, multi-level structure that can accommodate up to six people. The Torogan is built using lime, or pandan, along with wood and other local materials. It is characterized by its seven-tiered roof that is often detailed with intricate designs. The Torogan also features a spacious living area, as well as a formal meeting room or salon, where family meetings and gatherings are held. Originally, this type of house was used by royalty and nobility, but it is becoming more popular among the general population. The Torogan is a beautiful example of art deco house design and is highly admired for its cultural and aesthetic value. Traditional Torogan: Maranao Fil-Hispanic House
Traditional Torogan: Maranao Fil-Hispanic House
Balay nga Bato or Stone House is another type of art deco house design popular in the Philippines. It is a traditional stone house construction that has evolved over the centuries to account for the local climate and terrain. Balay nga Bato is made from a mixture of limestone and sedimentary rock, which is then left to cure in the sun. This type of house is considered to be the most durable of all the art deco house designs, due to the strength of its material, and is often used in areas with frequent typhoons. The design of the Balay nga Bato is largely based on Spanish architecture, with a steeply sloping roof and a tower-like structure at the center. Balay nga Bato (Stone House)
Balay nga Bato (Stone House)
Kahoy nga Bato or Wood and Stone House is a type of art deco house design that combines traditional stone construction with wood frames for support. It is a popular choice for many rural communities in the Philippines, due to its affordability and its ability to withstand the local climate. Kahoy nga Bato is made with a mixture of limestone, clay, and sandstone, which gives it a sturdy structure. It is then covered with a thatched roof or wooden frame, depending on the local materials available. This type of house is characterized by its single-story construction, which allows cool air to circulate well in hot climates. Its windows and doors are typically made of wood along with its roof and walls. Kahoy nga Bato (Wood and Stone House)
Kahoy nga Bato (Wood and Stone House)
The Balay na Bato is a classic example of an art deco house design that has remained popular in the Philippines for centuries. It is a multi-level stone house construction that is typically single-story, but can accommodate up to six people on multiple floors. The walls of the Balay na Bato are usually made from a combination of limestone, rock, and clay, while its roof is usually made from thatched palms or from wooden boards. Its interior exhibits exemplary craftsmanship, often featuring ornately carved ceilings and painted walls. Notable advantages of the Balay na Bato include its strength and durability in tropical climates, as well as its cultural and aesthetic beauty. Balay na Bato House Design
Balay na Bato House Design
The Tahilan Manobo house is a traditional form of art deco house design that originated from the indigenous people of the Philippines. It is a two-story structure made of limestone, clay, and sedimentary rock. Its walls usually stand around 2 meters high and feature a steeply sloping roof with tightly thatched grass. The interior of the Tahilan Manobo house includes a large living room, kitchen, seating area, and bathroom. This type of house is designed to be both functional and stylish, with a traditional carving style that reflects the culture of the Manobo people. It is notable for its strength and durability in the face of tropical climates and severe weather. Tahilan Manobo House
Tahilan Manobo House
Kulintang or Palina is another example of art deco house design. It is a two-story house with a single thatched roof and walls made from cut logs. This type of house is common in rural areas of the Philippines and is commonly used as a permanent home. It is a relatively small house, often accommodating up to four people, but its design can be customized to fit the needs of its occupants. The Kulintang is characterized by its sturdy construction and is known for its ability to withstand heavy rainfall and strong winds. Its interior features an open-air living space, which makes it comfortable and energy efficient. Kulintang (Palina)
Kulintang (Palina)
The Sanggalang house is another popular art deco house design from the Philippines. This type of house is typically two story with walls made from a mixture of stone, clay, and wood. It stands on four strong legs with a thatched roof, and has an interior layout that typically includes a large living space, kitchen, and bedroom. The Sanggalang is known for its strength and durability in temperate and tropical climates, as well as for its unique design and craftsmanship. This type of house is often found in rural areas and is becoming increasingly popular among Filipino families. Sanggalang House
Sanggalang House
The Bantayan Antique House is an example of a unique art deco-style house design. This type of house is made from locally sourced materials and features a unique structure with maps and carvings that tell stories from the island’s past. Inside the house, you will find a large living area, along with a kitchen and two bedrooms. The interior of the house is often decorated with antique furniture, giving it an air of classic sophistication. Locals in the town of Bantayan on the Visayas island in the Philippines often use this type of house as a weekend home or a place to stay for the occasional vacation. Bantayan Antique House
Bantayan Antique House
The Batak house is an art deco house design of the indigenous people of the Philippines. It is typically made from bamboo, wood, and a mixture of mud and straw. This type of house consists of a single-room structure with a sloped roof, and stands on four strong and sturdy pillars for support. Notable features of the Batak house include an open-air living space, along with a high roof near the entrance that helps to ventilate the interior. Despite its simplicity, this type of house is highly admired for its cultural significance and aesthetic beauty. Batak House
Batak House
The Tinikling house is a type of art deco-style house design made from a mixture of stone, mud, and clay. Like the traditional Batak house, the Tinikling house is typically a single-room structure with a sloped roof and four pillars for support. It is more modernized than the Batak house, however, featuring a terrace and an outdoor kitchen area. This type of house is constructed with great durability in mind, making it the perfect option for those living in tropical climates. Its simple elegance makes it popular among homeowners who want a traditional yet modern look for their homes. Tinikling House
Tinikling House
Design Diversity of the Philippines
The Philippine Islands, located in the western Pacific Ocean and part of Southeast Asia, is home to a wide range of stunning and diverse
native house design
. As one of the most diverse countries in the world, its history and culture is deeply ingrained in its cities and villages.
The evolution of the
native house designs
can be broken down into five distinct periods beginning with the Pre-Hispanic Period, which saw the rise of the Ifugao, who remain the country’s earliest known civilization. This period saw the use of traditional materials such as bamboo, wood, and thatch roofing, combined with architectural elements of the ethnic tribes to create a distinct style of building.
Spanning from the Spanish-American War to the early 20th century, the Spanish Colonial Period introduced style and structure to the native building styles. During this period, the Filipino people were heavily influenced by Spanish, Chinese, and even Indian design and culture. The result of these influences was a blend of styles that included Spanish colonized elements such as high pitched roofs, large windows, and decorative columns.
The American Colonial Period saw the further integration of a series of modern building trends, such as elevated decks, porches, and covered walkways. These trends combined with the traditional native design elements to create an even more varied and unique style of house, which includes the “bahay kubo” – a small, open-sided Philippine house of nipa palm leaves.
Finally, the current period saw the rise of mass-produced public housing, which included pre-fabricated homes and low-cost apartment blocks. Despite this, many Filipino homeowners still strive to maintain the traditional native house designs, including raised platforms, thatch and wood-shingle roofing, and open-air patios.
Traditional Building Materials and Construction Techniques
Before the Spanish colonization, traditional
Philippines native house design
was comprised of basic building materials such as bamboo and nipa palm leaves. To reinforce their structures, native architects often wove together the bamboo walls to create a stronger and more durable structure. The roofs were built with either thatch or rattan palm leaves, which were then covered with a layer of fortified mud.
Despite the lack of engineering tools and technology, the architects of the Pre-Hispanic period were also able to use their building techniques to create a variety of intricate architectural features such as elevated attics, gabled windows, and latticework. Additionally, the use of raised platforms was a common structural element, which served to protect the structure from flooding and rising of the soil.
These traditional materials and methods are still present today, being used by Filipino homeowners and architects alike. Despite the Filipino people’s heavy reliance on modern building materials and structures, they still remain committed to creating and maintaining designs that are inspired by the country’s rich and diverse architectural heritage.
