Far Eastern University

Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts

Pre-Colonial and Vernacular

Architecture in the Philippines

Submitted by:

Adona, Leanne Claire V.

Submitted to:

Ar. Ruben Felizarte Jr.

September 10, 2022

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Pre-Colonial and Vernacular Architecture in the Philippines

Binayon……………………………………………………………………………………… 2

Bahay Kubo.………………………………………………………………………………… 3

Fay-u………………………………………………………………………………………… 3

Bale…..……………………………………………………………………………………….4

Binuron……………………………………………………………………………………… 4

References……………………………………………………………………………………6

1
 1. Binayon

Also known as "Finaryon", Binayon is an octagon-shaped house that originated in the

communities alongside the Chico River that are located in the region of Upper Kalinga.
Accounts infer that octagon-shaped houses like binayon are the kinds of dwellings that the
wealthy class own. The materials used for building Binayon houses are strongly mortised
indigenous timbers for posts that are designed to hold the dwelling together. Thus, there were
no nails utilized in connecting the entirety of the structure (Abbacan-Tuguic, 2016). Other
materials include dried cogon grass or rattan for the roof and wood or runo sticks for the wall
boards. Early architectural styles like this are often inspired by environmental factors such as
climate, vegetation, as well as fauna.

2
 2. Bahay Kubo

Also called "payag" or "nipa hut", Bahay Kubo is a type of stilt house that remains an icon
of the culture of the Filipinos. The design of Bahay Kubo is designed to withstand the climate
in the Philippines. The materials used in building this traditional abode are bamboo straps and
a nipa hut.

3. Fay-u

The Fay-u is a pyramid-shaped or an A-shaped Bontoc house in which the basic form
is the same as the Ifugao house, only excluding that the house cage is used as a granary or
a storehouse. The function of spaces in this dwelling is defined by their levels and
compartments. The parts of a Fay-u include the Falig, which is the granary; the Cha-la-nan,
which is the space under the granary; and the Ang-an, which is the sleeping compartment.
The materials used in building this traditional Bontoc house are commonly wood and cogon
grass.

3
 4. Bale

Bale is also known as a "fale," and it's a square-shaped Ifugao house with only one room
that's built into the contour of the rice terraces. Its indigenous system of construction is admired
by many among all the other ethnic architecture since it appears to be simple but is really more
complex than we thought. The materials used in its structural frame are usually timber from
Amuwagan trees.

5. Binuron

The Binuron dwelling of the Isneg people is a northern style of Cordillera architecture that
is gabled, elevated, and elongated. The Binuron is another octagon-shaped house that is owned
by the Isneg people, originating from Apayao province, located in the Cordillera
Administrative Region. Although there are other ethnic groups located in that region, the
architecture of the Isneg people is distinguished by the boat like design of their dwellings.
Furthermore, it is said that the Isnegs are natural builders and boat people. The most common

4
material used in the Binuron dwellings is wood, which is used for the posts, girders, joists, and
walls. Moreover, thatch or bamboo is used for roofing.

5
 References

Abbacan-Tuguic, L. (2016, June). VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE: UPHOLDING TRADITION

THROUGH MATHEMATICAL EXPRESSION OF ARTISTRY IN THE

CONSTRUCTION OF KALINGA HOUSES. International Journal of Advanced Research in

Management and Social Sciences, 5(6). https://garph.co.uk/IJARMSS/June2016/50.pdf

Alcedo, J. A. (n.d.). Bale Ifugao House. Scribd. Retrieved September 9, 2022, from

https://www.scribd.com/doc/240428339/Bale-Ifugao-House

Manalang, J. (2014, August 19). The Mountain Houses. Prezi. https://prezi.com/xalkcoeb1q8l/the-

mountain-houses/

Tan, N. (2014, June 4). FILIPINO ARCHITECTURE. Retrieved September 9, 2022, from

https://www.academia.edu/5118669/FILIPINO_ARCHITECTURE

The Isneg (Isnag) Tribe of the Philippines: History, Culture, Customs and Tradition [Cordillera

Apayao Province Indigenous People | Ethnic Group]. (2022, September 6). yodisphere.com.

Retrieved September 9, 2022, from https://www.yodisphere.com/2022/09/Isneg-Isnag-

Apayao-Tribe-Culture.html