Vernacular Architecture

The word vernacular originated from the Latin word vernaculus, derived from verna, which means
native; domestic; or slave born in the masters house. Vernacular itself is the everyday, ordinary
language of people. Thus, in this sense, vernacular architecture are ordinary houses as opposed to
large, commercial buildings (Rios). Vernacular architecture stem from cultural traditions that have
been handed down through many generations. It is sometimes referred to as architecture without
architects simply because it was designed and built by ordinary people that inhabit the land.
These traditional dwellings incorporate the use of locally sourced natural materials like palm, grass,
bamboo, wood, stone and adobe to name a few. How is the word natural defined in terms of
vernacular building and construction? These are organic materials that are often not industrially
processed such as the aforementioned earlier. They are renewable resources and are simple to work
with using hand-powered technologies. They also have a low impact on the environment (as they
are, after all, acquired from nature) meaning it is sustainable.

Vernacular architecture pertains to the result of interaction between humans and nature. It is
influenced by different aspects of human needs and climactic conditions of the environment (which
results to different structural forms in accordance to its context. Climate is a primary factor in a
dwelling. A number of variables like the temperature, humidity, wind, rain and light are taken into
consideration. In tropical countries, maximum natural cross-ventilation is essential to allow air
circulation. Dwellings have high roofs that enables this which also provides protection from the sun.
Similarly, in wet weather conditions, overhangs shields the house from the rain and also enables it to
have an opened window without getting wet. Climactic conditions also dictate the type of material
to be used. For instance, an adobe-clad house keeps the interior cool in the hot summer days and
traps the heat in making you feel warm during a colder weather.

Vernacular Architecture in the 21st Century
Yes, vernacular architecture can still be present today and no, it doesnt mean that we start
designing and building native huts or stone-clad houses. Francisco Maosa, a Filipino architect, is
internationally known for incorporating vernacular forms and make extensive use of indigenous
materials throughout his contemporary designs. He is driven to designing architecture unique to the
Philippines assimilating Filipino cultures and in respect to the Philippine climate. Filipinos are very
family-oriented and have a penchant for social gatherings and celebrations. This attribute is
reflected in his design of shared spaces within a house or a building. Furthermore, Maosa is a firm
believer that architecture must stem from the age-old customs and traditions of the people. Again,
this view is mirrored in his designs. His own home, the Maosa House, was inspired by the ancestral
house of Filipinos. He reinterpreted the vernacular forms and design elements from the traditional
bahay kubo and transformed it to suit a more modern environment. Elements like the haligi (post),
tukod (strut) and high-pitched bubong (roof) are evident in his works such as the Coconut Palace, a
number of residential houses, churches and resorts.

Its Correlation to Sustainability
Choosing the right materials to be used is crucial in building houses and structures alike. As
mentioned by Brenda Vale, the durability of buildings/structures depend on how well it is
maintained. Hence, careful thought must be applied in the selection process of building materials in
order to best utilize what is available in our strive to a more sustainable future in architecture.
Making use of resources that are directly available to you is a possible. In the case of architecture in
the Philippines, locally sourced materials are not only cheaper, but are also better for the
environment. How so? Since they are readily obtainable, it requires less embodied energy for
transportation and therefore its ecological footprint would also be lower. In addition to this, using
indigenous materials is also one of the ways to create environments that are distinctive to that
particular culture: Architecture must be true to itself, its land and its people. (Maosa)

Conclusion
Given this specific case study of Philippine architecture, I believe that it is imperative to gain
knowledge of the past and employ these strategies to the present in order to achieve a culturally
unique and sustainable architecture. Vernacular is a way back to ancient roots (Gerle 143). In this
sense, applying similar concepts of vernacular forms and traditions to contemporary architecture is
one path to success in working within the designed environment:

The true basis for the serious study of the art of architecture lies with indigenous humble buildings
everywhere. They are to architecture what folklore is to literature, or folksong to music...Functions
are truthfully conceived and rendered invariably with natural feeling. Results are often beautiful and
always instructive. (Frank Lloyd Wright qtd. in The Asian House 13)