The Nipa Hut has been the traditional Filipino house design for thousands of years. The oldest form of Filipino housing is the Balayor clay-and-bamboo built hut. The entrance of the house is usually made of bamboo, with a single room and furniture inside. This type of house constructed using bamboo and thatched nipa leaves, is very popular in rural and coastal areas such as in the Visayas, the Tagalog provinces, the Occidental Mindoro and the Palawan region.
Modern Nipa Hut designs incorporate the use of salvaged materials such as wood and driftwood for the walls, and bamboo or other light materials for the roof. The flamboyant design commonly used in most Filipino homes is carried out in several ways in the Nipa hut designs.
Different and unique Filipino touches like colorful artwork, beaded pillows and handwoven mat floors are popular touches given to the structures. Concrete can also be used for the floor combining both modern and traditional Filipino styles.Traditional Filipino Nipa Hut House Designs
The indigenous Bahay Kubo house is an iconic symbol of the Filipino heritage. Bahay Kubo is typically a single-floor structure made of bamboo walls and coconut wood roofing which typically serves as a dwelling or living space for Filipino families.
In more modern Bahay Kubo designs, tiled roofing has replaced the classic coconut wood roofing which provides better protection against the elements. Some designs also feature additional stories which will usually include small bedrooms, bathrooms and balconies. More conventional Bahay Kubo house designs feature the classic symmetrical shape which symbolizes balance and unity, as well as decorative wooden panels, beaded pillows, and traditional paintings, all of which give the Bahay Kubo its iconic Filipino look. Bahay Kubo House Designs
The Bahay na Bato (Stone House) was the hereditary house of the wealthy Filipino upper classes. These traditional houses were built using concrete and stones, with larger structures often featuring several levels and ornate motifs and designs.The sturdy walls of the Bahay na Bato provided protection against the elements, as well as against possible intruders. Bahay na Bato has since evolved into modern house designs that celebrate traditional Filipino architecture and culture. Modern Bahay na Bato designs feature intricate stone carvings and accents, as well as ornate columns and balusters, decorative tiles, intricate wood carvings, and even traditional paintings. The goal of modern Bahay na Bato designs is to maintain the traditional character of the house while integrating modern comforts. Bahay na Bato House Designs
The Filipino indigenous people have been living on their land since ancient times, long before the Spanish colonization in the 16th century. The Payapa and the Nipa Hut are two of the most iconic traditional Filipino house designs, both of which are testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Filipino people. The traditional Payapa is a sturdy shelter made using wooden stakes and bamboo walls, and is usually found near waterways such as in the Ilocos and Bicol regions. The stilts are typically 12 feet in height so that the house stands above the water and mud during floods. In some regions, Payapas are also built with adobe walls. Nipa Huts, meanwhile, are common along the coastal belt in the Philippines. These stilted houses are constructed with bamboo walls and thatched nipa leaves for the roof, and are popular for their ease of construction and affordability. Despite its simple construction, the Nipa Hut house is an emblem of the indigenous Filipino people. Philippine Indigenous House Designs
The contemporary Filipino home seeks to bring in modern comforts to the traditional Filipino house design. Contemporary homes preserve the iconic motifs and cultural elements of Filipino architecture, while adapting to modern lifestyles. Modern Filipino house designs feature unique twists such as asymmetrical structures, slanted roofs, and large visual appeal windows. Themes of recycled wood, natural stone, and salvaged materials are also popular in contemporary Filipino houses. Comfort, practicality, and efficiency are also important aspects of contemporary Filipino housing. These modern designs also echo traditional Filipino motifs such as geometric shapes, curves, and floral and geometric patterns. This type of design is the perfect balance between traditional and modern, and is the perfect way to showcase Filipino heritage. Contemporary Filipino Home Designs
Modern Philippine house designs take full advantage of modern construction methods and materials, while maintaining the warm and welcoming atmosphere associated with Filipino style. Modern Philippine houses generally feature open-air living spaces with cantilevered roofs or balconies providing protection from the elements. The aim of modern Philippine houses is to blend in modern materials and features with traditional Filipino motifs and colors. These house designs often feature an open-air layout with large windows and doors enabling natural light to come in, as well as air conditioning to keep the house cool during the summer months. Modern Philippine houses also tend to include eco-friendly elements like solar panels and rainwater collection systems to reduce the environmental impact of the house. Ultimately, modern Philippine houses provide comfort and style with minimal effort and maximum efficiency. Modern Philippine House Designs
The Filipino house design is unique in many ways. These unique styles showcase the creative and imaginative Filipino design style. They also incorporate elements like bright and colorful finishes and decorative accessories to create a unique look. Unique Filipino designs include features like unusual shapes, asymmetrical building structure designs, unusual window patterns, and furniture made with salvaged materials. Some unique Filipino designs also feature odd structures built into the walls of the house, such as shelves and cabinets. These features are designed to create a unique and interesting look for the house. These unique Filipino designs also utilize traditional materials like adobe, wood, and bamboo in unusual ways, as well as utilize various shapes and sizes to create a unique look. Thus, when these elements are combined, unique Filipino house designs provide a unique and creative feel to any room. Unique Filipino House Designs
Ancestral Philippine house designs are the traditional houses that were built by the ancestors of the Filipino people in the past. These designs have been passed down from generation to generation, as well as been influenced by modern styles. The ancestral Philippine house designs were typically made using bamboo and mud, or adobe, for the walls, and thatched nipa or cogon for the roofing. Typical ancestral house designs feature an open floor plan, with the front entrance directly leading to the living and dining areas. The main sleeping area is typically located in a separate room for privacy. Today, ancestral Philippine house designs have been adapted to modern styles and lifestyle, with the addition of electricity and plumbing, and the use of more durable and modern materials such as concrete and steel. Despite these adaptations, ancestral Philippine house designs still remain true to its roots, and provides a sense of nostalgia and pride in Filipino heritage. Ancestral Philippine House Designs
Eclectic Filipino house designs are the perfect blend of modern and traditional Filipino styles. These houses often incorporate traditional Filipino motifs, as well as modern design elements to create a unique and interesting interior. Eclectic Filipino house designs are characterized by an open-air living space that features a combination of both modern and traditional design elements. Traditional elements may include elements such as adobe walls, bamboo walls, floor mats, and hand-woven fabrics, while modern materials such as concrete, steel, and glass are also commonly used. Unique touches like bright and colorful walls, wild and exotic furniture, and salvaged material accents help create an eclectic and exciting atmosphere in the midst of traditional Filipino design. Eclectic Filipino House Designs
Simple Filipino house designs embrace uncomplicated forms and lines, focusing on function and comfort. Simple Filipino houses seek to reduce the amount of clutter while providing the basic comforts needed for modern living. Simple Filipino designs also emphasize the use of salvaged material accents, such as upcycled furniture and reclaimed wood beams to create a unique and modern look. These materials are usually combined with earthy colours like white, beige, and light grey to create a simple and clean atmosphere. Simple Filipino house designs can range from single rooms to two or three-story structures, depending on the size of the family. Despite its simplicity, simple Filipino house designs can be incredibly stylish and up-to-date. Simple Filipino House Designs