One of the oldest and well-known forms of house construction is the Philippines Traditional House Designs. This type of house design is also known as bahay kubo or cube house. The basic design consists of four walls of bamboo where the roof is made of a woven material. This type of house can be started from scratch or bought as a kit. While modern construction techniques are now available, following the bahay kubo design is still one of the most cost effective ways of building a home in the Philippines. Philippines Traditional House Designs
Philippines Traditional House Designs
The Okinawan House is one of the most unique forms of house design in the world. This house design is usually constructed from local timber, finished off with a bark roof. These houses usually include a patio, while many feature a second floor. Characterised by its beauty and simplicity, the Okinawan house is a great example of traditional wooden architecture. Okinawan House
Okinawan House
One of the most recognisable and most popular designs in the Philippines is the Bahay Kubo Design, inspired by the traditional Nipa huts. Typically built using bamboo as the primary support, the Bahay Kubo has an open floor plan and consists of four walls with a roof made of thatch. The Bahay Kubo is commonly used for farming and fishing purposes and is considered to be an ideal space for gatherings such as birthday and anniversary celebrations. Bahay Kubo Design
Bahay Kubo Design
Popular in many countries in South East Asia, the Bangal Design has been a mainstay of Philippine architecture for centuries. This type of house typically consists of two or three storeys, with the bottom floor made of a combination of clay or wood and brick and the upper floors featuring wood framed walls. Most Bangal designs have a balcony or walkway on the upper floor, adding immense beauty and functionality to the design.Bangal Design
Bangal Design
The Barong Tagalog Design is a unique type of architecture which features a combination of traditional and modern aspects. Mostly found in rural areas of the Philippines, this type of house design is characterised by its three storeys, clay flooring, and wooden or concrete walls. It also features a terracotta or thatched roof and a unique cool shade Balayong design, a form of traditional decoration on the walls.Barong Tagalog Design
Barong Tagalog Design
The Bungalow House Design is perhaps one of the most popular house designs in the world. This house design features a single storey structure which is typically rectangular in shape and consists of a hall or living room, kitchen, and one or two bedrooms. The common materials used are usually wood, bamboo, concrete, or stone. This type of house design is also known for its open ventilation thanks to its wide windows and balconies.Bungalow House Design
Bungalow House Design
The Cogon House Design is characterised by its use of ‘cogon’ grass as the primary construction material. This type of house design is typically constructed in rural areas in the Philippines and is known for its durability and affordability, as bamboo and other materials are usually scarce in these rural areas. The cogon house is also known for its signature feature of sloping roof and walls which minimises the risk of falling branches during typhoons and torrential rains.Cogon House Design
Cogon House Design
The Balay Nga Bato House Design is a house style which features the combination of wood and masonry. This type of house design is most popular in urban cities and consist of two or three floors. The first floor is usually made from masonry while the second and third floors typically featuring a mix of wood and masonry. The Balay Nga Bato House Design is also known for its terracotta or thatched roofs, complemented by large and airy balconies.Balay Nga Bato House Design
Balay Nga Bato House Design
The Badjao House Design is a seafaring lifestyle in the Sulu Sea, and the design of the house reflects the lifestyle. Typically made out of bamboo and other locally-sourced building materials, the Badjao house is characterised by its low-lying structure and unique roofing style. The house also features a spacious, open patio with a raised platform for sleeping, which is perfect for cooler evenings.Badjao House Design
Badjao House Design
The Badjao Boat Design is an ancient art form and is reflective of the culture of the Badjao people. Constructed from bamboo and other locally-sourced materials, the Badjao boat design is highly essential for fishing, transportation, and leisure activities. This design is also proven to be highly resistant to typhoons and strong waves, making it the preferred choice of many fisherman.Badjao Boat Design
Badjao Boat Design
Tribal house designs in the Philippines are similar to the traditional bahay kubo, but they feature more intricate designs and patterns. Normally constructed from local and imported woods, these houses feature high ceilings and large doors. Intricate patterns are evident in almost every corner and one can easily notice their influences from international Asian styles such as the Japanese Gasshō–zukuri and other Minor Asian designs.
Tribal House Designs of the Philippines
Tribal House Designs of the Philippines
Philippines Traditional House Design: Understanding the Rich History
Philippine traditional house design is a reflection of the varied cultural influences that have shaped the country's history. From the Spanish-influenced
bahay-kubo
to the Victorian-style colonial house, the Philippines have always had a distinct architectural style that has evolved over hundreds of years. Through careful examination of these traditional styles, it is possible to gain insight into the culture and history of the Philippines.
Understanding Bahay-Kubo: The Traditional Country House
The
bahay-kubo
, or "nipa hut," is a basic structure used throughout the Philippines. This type of house is typically made of bamboo, nipa, and cogon grass, and has evolved over the years to better suit the climate. The traditional bahay-kubo consists of three rooms: the sala, where everyday tasks take place; the kamalig, where food is stored; and the silid, which serves as the bedroom.
Harnessing the Power of Natural Resources
Traditionally, Philippine traditional house design also incorporates locally available materials, such as nipa and bamboo. By making use of these natural resources, builders are able to remain sustainable and still create homes that are perfectly suited to the local climate. Additionally, many Philippine houses make use of natural elements such as sunshine, rain, and wind. This type of design helps to keep homes cool in the hot tropical climate.
Spanish and American Influences
Spanish and American influences can be seen in some of the traditional Philippine houses. The Spanish introduced the idea of the bridge-house, a type of structure built over a river. The two-story bridge-house was designed to be elevated to make room for flooding and high tides. Additionally, the Victorians introduced the idea of pitched roofs and gables, as well as projecting windows and balconies.
Preserving the Rich Heritage of Philippine Traditional House Design
Philippine traditional house design reflects the culture and history of the Philippines, and is a reminder of the varied influences that the diverse nation has experienced over the years. It is important to preserve and maintain these traditional designs to ensure that the country remains connected to its roots and that its citizens have an understanding of the past that has shaped the present.
