Marie Villanueva


Early Form of Filipino Homes



Filipino homes before the Spanish and American influences were simple homes that used materials from their surroundings. These homes are still found today in the under-developed areas of the Philippines. They were made of natural materials such as bamboo, rattan, native wood, palms and long grass. These homes were made by family members and were completed in several days. It's influence consists of Muslim, Malaysian, Chinese and Spanish influences. Architecture of the homes were determined by the needs of the people at the time, the materials available and their artistic sense.

The homes commonly settled side-by-side along river banks and seashores of the islands. The roof of the homes were pitched high sloped with a point in the center. They were made of nipa palm shingles or cogon thatch. They were usually opened to allow ventilation. They also helped to protect the people from the wind and rain during a typhoon. They wide overhang eaves also helped to provide shade from the sun during bright days. Houses had an elevation of three to four meters from the ground which were either supported by wood or bamboo. These four support posts aided in flow of air beneath the homes. It can also be used as a workspace, storage space and pen for livestock. It also helped when there was flooding around the coastal areas. The floor of the homes was usually made up of spaced-out bamboo halves so dirt would be swept easily between the bamboos and allow ventilation. The walls would be made of bamboo, nipa palms, wood or dry grass. They were either lashed or woven in order to keep the interior water secure. These homes meet the people's needs as simply as it can. The materials were sufficient and the technique and build were simple and efficient.

The architecture reflected the tropical monsoon climate of the Philippines. It's wet season lasts from July to October and its dry season from March to June. Its average temperature is eighty degrees. The homes had to not only provide protection from the sun but also from wind and rain. They were an excellent example of the usage of Earth's material and the successful capability of protection and inhabitation.



Go to other pages
Introduction to Philippine Website
Philippines Geography and Performing Arts
The Unknown Arts

links:


Filipino Architecture
Early Architecture in the Philippines
http://pubweb.acns.nwu.edu/~flip/arkitekt.html


Page design by Chester A. Zemany
(Basic Design, City College of San Francisco)


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