Uncover 85+ Alluring Traditional Philippine House Design Top Choices Of Architects

Bahay Kubo is a Filipino traditional house used to be a widespread form of Philippine rural houses prior to World War II. Characterized by its use of organic materials such as bamboo, anahaw (palm) leaves, and most typically, nipa palm for the roofing, these Bahay Kubo house designs are extremely resilient to water, bugs, and other elements in nature. Its shape combines function with form, and is usually raised about a metre off the ground. It can be used as a refuge during disasters, and also stands as an icon of environmental sustainability.

In modern-day homes, the Bahay Kubo house design has been used, reinterpreted, and reworked to apply to different architectural styles. From Art Deco to Minimalist, the indigenous yet modern appeal of a Bahay Kubo house fits many modern tastes and needs.

Nipa Hut is a type of house indigenous to the Philippines, made of materials that are traditionally abundant and found in most provinces around the county. Also known as Kamalig, these houses are typically made with bamboo and thatched materials and are usually found in rural settings.

The Nipa Hut house design really has an unassuming appeal that is quite an attractive factor for an Art Deco house, as the homes usually boast of stylized features like tall ceiling and big windows. Furthermore, the mix of metalwork like sliding doors and window grills adds a touch of modern making it suitable for urban settings.

One of the oldest and most popular designs of Filipino houses is the Bahay na Bato or the stone house.

The Bahay na Bato house design combines both durability and style, usually embellished with turrets and other architectural features that make it an arresting presence. The style of house is often elevated, and is usually made from combinations of pako (hardwood), sandstone, adobe bricks, limestone, and brick. Thatched roofs are usually decided against for this type of house, as hardwood or clay tiles are preferred.

The stone material of this Bahay na Bato house is quite resistant to water and other weather conditions, making it suitable for colder climates. Furthermore, these stone houses are usually better candidates for Art Deco styles.

Bamboo houses are a type of houses widely prominent in the Philippines due to the proliferation of bamboo varieties in the place.

The material of the Bamboo house design is usually regarded to be sturdy and resilient, able to withstand strong winds and even floods in some cases. The Art Deco appeal of these houses comes from the way it can be varied and tweaked to suit the tastes of the owner. Doors, windows, and frames can be a combination of bamboo and wood, depending on the effect that needs to be achieved.

The Bamboo house is indeed a suitable alternative for an Art Deco house, as it can add elements like curves and arches which are popular in this design.

One of the oldest and most iconic designs that is widely associated with the Philippines is the Torogan of the Maranao people in Mindanao.

The Torogan house design is highly distinctive because of its visual appeal as well as its sheer size. Usually made of hardwoods, this type of house is often adorned with floral and geometric decorations, and finishes are usually highlighted with red and black colors. Step-gabled roofs are also characteristically part of the Torogan, making it stand tall and proud amidst other structures in its dwelling place.

The Maranao Torogan provides an interesting option for the trendy Art Deco house. With its intricate designs, it can lend a certain flavor to a 1930s-inspired home.

Another design of house which is becoming increasingly popular is the Ivatan house from the Batanes island group in the far north of the Philippines.

The Ivatan house design is characteristically austere and highly resilient, as the winds in the area are usually strong and persistently blow from March to August. While the walls of these houses usually consist of mortar and stone, the roofs are traditionally thatched with cogon. The roofs are designed steeply and are usually made out of hardwood. The windows and doors of an Ivatan house are made of wood and cogon.

For an Art Deco house, the Ivatan house design can provide a unique and rustic perspective. Its solid structure and the combination of tiles and cogon can provide a timeless look.

From the Visayas Region is the Palapala house, a house type that is rich with stories of ancient nautical tales.

The Palapala house design is characterized by its half wooden boat-like walls and the distinct gable roofs that slopes on both sides of the house. Wood both from coconut trees and hardwoods are usually used in creating this house, and posts are designed to be higher than that of a regular house. These posts also serve as extra support points, making the house even sturdier.

The use of light blues is ideal for the Palapala house, which adds to its beach-side charm. As an Art Deco house, the play of blues with white can lend a timeless look to the whole structure.

From the Cordilleras Region is the Ifugao house, a traditional structure that evokes the old Banaue Rice Terraces.

The Ifugao house design is mainly made of wood, and its design includes low hipped roofs, and wide eaves, sometimes built with palay (rice husk) walls. These houses have openings below the wide eaves that are supplied with food, hay, and other necessities. Interiors usually include sleeping, cooking, and dining platforms. Though small in size, Ifugao homes can house a lot of people since many of them live with their extended family in the same house.

Because of if its design that give off an old world appeal, the Ifugao house style is an excellent choice for an Art Deco house. The use of Romblon marble and mosaic tiles make these homes a true standout.

From the surrounding provinces of Manila is the Bahay Na-Bato, a grand house type favored by indigenous tribes.

The Kapampangan Bahay Na-Bato house design is unlike the other Bahay na Bato dwellings. As an Art Deco house, this type boasts of a curved second floor and the design towards the back of the houses consists of architectural features like sliding panels, exposed beams, and alcove windows.

These houses are also enamelled in traditional colors and fabrics, often decorated with patterns that depict birds, flowers, farm animals, and other ancient imagery.

The Bantayanon house is iconic in the province of Cebu. Visually impressive, it is considered as the best example of the Philippine Bantayanon architectural style.

The Bantayanon house design is a mix of Spanish, Chinese, and Malayan influences, and it resembles the shape of a turtle. Combining sea themes, nautical symbols, and native motifs, the Bantayanon house is considered the most beautiful legacy of the Philippines. The architecture of this house style favors wood, usually hardwoods, and strong materials suitable to survive humid climates.

As an Art Deco house, the Bantayanon takes on a modern look with its windows, door frames, and other structures made of wrought iron. It makes for a unique touch of old and new.