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The history and culture of a country are reflected in its architecture, and in the Philippines, the evolution of houses show how far the Filipino has come and how we fit in the times
As a country of over 7,100 islands originally inhabited by various tribes and later experiencing over four centuries of colonization from Spain and the United States, the Philippines had its share of influences on its history and culture. Like other countries, this is reflected in Philippine architecture, from national landmarks and heritage sites, to the houses where Filipinos live.
While some are more than a century old, many home styles continue to see life in the Philippines’ different communities in the past hundred years. Expectedly, many of them are fashioned to be suited to the time when they were built, while in some instances were designed to simply meet the needs of the occupants, or in others, are a combined with other styles and designs.
Bahay Kubo
📷A more modern iteration of the timeless bahay kubo. The primary Filipino home varied around the country, among these being the Ifugao house, the Torogan (Maranao), and the Rakuh (Ivatans). Photo via Shutterstock
Utilized since the pre-Hispanic Era, the bahay kuboremains the house most identified with the Filipino culture. It continues to see usage in the country because its simple design is easy to execute, and because of its use of native materials like nipa and bamboo that are widely available and more affordable. The bahay kubo is a common sight in rural communities, as well as in tropical resorts.
Some modern iterations of the bahay kubo now include electric fixtures, as well as the rooms typical of any house, like a bathroom, as it evolved from its more basic original rectangular design. While most are still elevated on stilts to avoid flooding and allow for maximum air circulation, little to none of today’s bahay kubos are designed to be carried from one location to another.
Bahay na Bato
📷Vigan City in Ilocos Sur, among other locales, is where the Bahay na Bato not only still stands, but continues to see use until today
Apart from Catholicism, stone and masonry construction was also introduced to the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era. While these and other technologies were mostly employed to build ports, roads, bridges, lighthouses, and other structures, it also gave way to the Bahay na Bato. It typically has two floors, the ground level was made of massive cut stone or brick walls (hence, its name) and the upper built with hard wood.
The residence of the local middle class and government officials during the colonial times, the Bahay na Bato had variations in features that included tiled roofing and Capiz shell windows. Its design was Antillean in origin, but adjustments were made to make it more suitable to Philippine conditions. The Bahay na Bato is no longer used as a design for new structures, but can still be seen on existing ancestral homes and heritage sites all over the country.
Tsalet
📷With little signs of Spanish influence, homes in Baguio are mostly based on American-influenced tsalet style
With the transfer of colonial power from Spain to the United States in 1898 came a number of architectural advancements in the Philippines. One of these was the emphasis of sanitary values, paving the way for the introduction of the use of the toilet via a pail conservancy system, or cubeta. This led to the concept of a well-planned neighborhood called Sanitary Barrio being introduced, and later tsalet.
Defined as “the crossbreed of the tropical features of vernacular buildings with hygienic structural principles and modern materials,” tsalet designs bought simplified functions to the Filipino home. Sanitation was enhanced as this introduced the concept of toilet and bathroom, and kitchen being located inside the house. This design also introduced private garages for secure vehicle parking.
Bungalow
📷Bungalows have gone a long way in the Philippines, with new units sporting minimalist designs. Photo via Lamudi
Another style that was introduced during the American colonial period, bungalows are the most common type of house in the Philippines. They are described as low-rise homes sporting a pitched roof and a horizontal shape. The roof is typically made of galvanized iron, while the walls are made of concrete. Bungalows have a yard, or garden, or covered car port, if not all three.
The bungalow is popular in urban areas, as it is less expensive and easier to build than a multi-story home. With caring for elders significant in Filipino culture, it is ideal for with senior residents who have an aversion for walking up and down lengthy flights of steps.
Townhouse
📷Significantly more spacious than a condo unit but more economical than a typical house, townhouses continue to be the common residence in upcoming developments. Photo via Lamudi
Sometimes inaccurately referred to as “apartments,” townhousesare another common type of home in the Philippines. Prior to the popularity of condominiums, they were common in the early residential developments in urban areas, being the most economical in terms of lot area and overall cost of building and maintenance.
Townhouses are considered “starter homes” for new families who are not willing to stay in a condominium but are not yet prepared to a move into a larger and more costly but more permanent house and lot. It has also proven to be a great investment for property owners who want to earn rental income from multiple tenants.
From Mediterranean to minimalist, many home designs can be seen in the Philippines, but they remain the bases of what most homes with lots are in the country. Advancements in home building technology and materials, as well as the introduction of new architectural concepts have changed the definition of a Filipino house.
New home designs like those made out of container vans continue to rise in popularity, while combinations like bahay kubo-styled bungalows are repeatedly redefined, and as the Philippines opens up to more of the world’s architecture and continues to stay true to its own, only time will tell as to what the Filipino home dweller can look forward to in the future.
