Tropical Architecture Phil

TROPICAL DESIGN (ATD-1)
TROPICAL ARCHITECTURE IN THE PHILIPPINES AND ITS UNIQUENESS
Because tropical areas have high levels of rainfall and humidity, as well as year-
round sunshine, the temperature in the evening usually ranges from 25-27°C, and even
warmer at night, from 25-30°C. This condition not only affects the culture of tropical country
people, but it also impacts how they build their homes and other buildings. This gives way for
people to reflect and innovate their designs in response to the tropical climate they are
experiencing- Tropical Architecture.
According to unescap.org, Tropical architecture can be regarded as a type of green
building applicable specifically for tropical climates, using design to optimally reduce
buildings’ energy consumption, particularly the cooling load. Tropical architecture is not a
new concept. Countries in the Asia-Pacific region have adopted vernacular designs
adapting to their climatic needs over many centuries. For instance, a high ceiling
demonstrates an understanding of the stack effect. Malay homes install a large roof
overhang and the West Indians use verandas to reduce solar gains. These design solutions
allow windows to remain open for natural ventilation in a building during the rainy season.
Samoans long ago did not install walls to allow free-flow breezes. Malayan homes’ plentiful
windows aim to maximize cross-ventilation.
Today, research and technology assist us to maximize the knowledge and
information to provide design solutions that address modern-day problems. Throughout the
century, architectural developments did not stop from giving the most suitable approaches
concerning the needs of people while mitigating the harmful effects of construction on our
environment. As we face more serious challenges due to climate, developmental stages in
architecture continue to seek unlimited possibilities in design to adopt and give comfort to
end-users and protect the environment as well. Convergence of Contemporary and Tropical
Architecture goes down to one of the design methods to answer problems we have today.
As of the present year, the Philippines ranked 7th to the most tropical countries in the
world. Joining its neighboring Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam (8 th), Thailand (10th),
and Myanmar (13th). Thus, Tropical Architecture should be studied to broaden our
knowledge in making our houses and buildings more adaptable to the climate, maximizing
natural light and ventilation.
http://www.jenniferhallock.com/2016/07/01/bahaykubo/
The “Bahay-Kubo” is one of the primary building structures to be found in the

country. It uses indigenous materials bamboo, sawali, and thatched nipa that are mostly
available in the surrounding. It is commonly a small bungalow square house. It has swing-
out windows with a long stick (tukod) to hold them in place, a high-pitched, airy roof. Often
raised from the ground to avoid being invaded by wild animals. They also use the
underneath space for keeping their live stocks like a cage for chickens and ducks, as well as
to avoid the flood.
This type of traditional house can be considered as one of the earliest forms of
Tropical Architecture in the country. There are various styles of Bahay-Kubo developed in
every region of the country.
Isneg House, Cordillera Region
Kalinga Rectangular House

Ifugao House and Parts
https://historyofarchitecture.weebly.com/vernacular-houses.html
These are the few examples of Traditional houses that are pure and simple, built
inside the regions of the Philippines. History shows that Tropical Architecture in the
Philippines unconsciously developed thousands of years ago. People already know how to
use nature for their survival, construct their own houses with a design determined by the
factors existing within their places.
But, as time goes by changes follow. from the traditional houses made of wood and
leaves, people learn how to incorporate stones to their houses. From Bahay-Kubo to Bahay
na Bato. A Bahay na Bato is the usual style of home inhabited by the noble families during
the Spanish colonial times. Its ground floor, which is usually empty of made as a garage for
horse-drawn carriages, is made of stone walls, while the second floor is made of wood.
To compare the architecture we have today, most of the houses are built with
concrete hollow blocks with typical triangular steel roofs. Nipa houses are still used since
some of us Filipinos experience financial challenges and can only afford simple houses like
nipa. Only the higher classes can afford to hire architects and engineers to build their
houses.
https://www.habitatforhumanity.org.uk/country/philippines/
Looking at the brighter side, our country still has something to offer when comes to
tropical Designing. A Filipino tropical-styled home characterized with open floor plans, wide
opening, pitched roof, and high ceiling, and used indigenous materials for both the
construction and interior designs and furniture. These houses are expected to be airy
(presco), bright and eco-friendly.
One of the edges of Philippines tropical Architecture is that traditional construction

methods and materials are still incorporated to complement the modern ones. Filipino
houses still reflect the Image of “Bahay Kubo”, from plans to simple furniture. As the pictures
above show, Filipino houses are preferred to be surrounded by greeneries, small gardens
are always part of a typical Filipino environment, as it gives beauty and frsh view in the place
itself. It also helps in reducing too much heat In the environment, giving substantial purpose
aside from aesthetics.

Tropical Architecture Phil

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Tropical Architecture Phil

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TROPICAL DESIGN (ATD-1)

TROPICAL ARCHITECTURE IN THE PHILIPPINES AND ITS UNIQUENESS

The “Bahay-Kubo” is one of the primary building structures to be found in the

Kalinga Rectangular House

One of the edges of Philippines tropical Architecture is that traditional construction

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