Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
A REVIEW PAPER
In the 19th century, there is a Filipino structure called bahay na bato. A product of
status symbol in the provinces which made wealthy families send their sons to study
outside of the country. Due to this, the way of living of these opulent citizens requested
a more suitable dwelling place for their social rank. Hence, the bahay na bato was born.
The Bahay kubo is one of the main influencers of the stone house but not as grand
as compared to what the illustrado had envisioned. Instead, this became a patent of a
grander and extravagant version of the folk architecture. Due to its architectural
practicality, its features were actively incorporated in the new design; excellent
and its steep roofs. The following influencer is the chieftain’s house designed by
Antonio Morga boasting its fully furnished and big rooms, strong timber, and superb
elevation. The Spanish houses back in Intramuros had been a third catalyst wherein folk
and foreign style was combined in a two-storey structure made up of stone walls on the
lower and timber on its second floor. As far-fetched as it is, monasteries or conventos
1
Claris, Banigoos, “Bahay na Bato.” Scribd. November 8, 2014.
https://www.scribd.com/document/245882029/Bahay-Na-Bato, 1. (Accessed September 13, 2019).
had also become bases for its grandeur. Overall, stone skirts that proved to be
earthquake proof with and wooden legs make up the description of the Bahay na Bato.
native Filipino, Spanish and Chinese style of architecture. It has become an epitome of a
progression from a quaint, shabby hut to an opulent structure of grandeur. All of this
yet still able to retain the features that makes it native and eclectic at the same time. The
bahay na bato has become an icon of western colonization—a grim reminder which
signifies the stagnation of Filipino independence even after public education, equal
History
merchant Binondo named Don Severino Mendoza3. Circa 1850, Casa Manila belonged
to the grand houses that dotted the area of Barrio San Luis inside Intramuros. It is right
in front of the San Agustin Church, hugged by the streets of Urdaneta, Cabildo, General
2
Banigoos, 2.
3(Phno), Philippine Headline News Online. INTRAMUROS: REVISIT THE PAST IN CASA MANILA.
http://www.newsflash.org/2003/05/hl/hl018061.htm. (Accessed September 13, 2019).
Luna, and Calle Real. Restoration of the mansion was done after the World War II in
great accuracy. In result, the national heritage has been preserved of that building.4
Zaguan (Silong)
This is the ground floor of the building, which is not considered as a living area
instead, it was made as a carriage entry way and storage. Its other name is Zaguan or a
4
Vanzi, Sol Jose. “Intramuros: Revisit the Past in Casa Manila.” Philippine Headline News Online. May 29, 2003.
http://www.newsflash.org/2003/05/hl/hl018061.htm. (Accessed September 13, 2019).
5
Luca Invernizzi, et al., Philippine Style: Design & Architecture. Mandaluyong City, Philippines: Anvil Pub., 2013. 18.
6
Invernizzi, et al. 19.
Anterooms
The caida is often translated as “fall” because women in the past would usually
Mezzanine
The mezzanine of Casa manila is smaller and less functional compared to that of
other bahay na bato. It is where an office or a small bedroom is usually placed. Its other
Volada
This is a wraparound balcony that is girdered above the street. The obvious
purpose is to serve as shade for the people below and a place to catch fresh air on the
7
Invernizzi, et al. 20.
8
Invernizzi, et al. 20.
upper floor9. From my observations, the balcony is made up of capiz shells which serves
Comedor
9
Invernizzi, et al. 20
10
Invernizzi, et al. 20
reign. Only a few of the families were able to incorporate this to their homes and these
Sala
This is the gathering area for guests, family bonding, meetings, etc. The most
common furniture piece that you’ll see in these room is the venetian mirrors that will
11
Invernizzi, et al. 21
Cuarto (Kwarto)
Room is the commonly known name for any area of a house, but this is always
levels of the house and some served as places for siesta due to cool air it receives during
the afternoons. In Casa manila, the rooms usually contained a four-post bed, an
aparador attached to the wall with a mirror, a chest or baul, and all have orinolas or
chamber pots.
12
Invernizzi, et al. 22.
Cumon (Bathroom)
maintenance.13
Kusina
or balcony. A brick oven and a fire box can sometimes be seen beside each other.15
13
Invernizzi, et al. 22.
14
Invernizzi, et al. 23.
15
Invernizzi, et al. 23.
Azotea
A rear terrace to take in the cold evening area. This is where a cistern is placed
16
Invernizzi, et al. 23.
Banggerahan
Stairs
17
Invernizzi, et al. 25.
found in Casa Manila bends at the right angle to accommodate a small landing for
Ceilings
The one found in the dining room is a symbol of nationalism and patriotism
inspired by the style called Empire. The tin-panels in blue and pink are influenced by
the Mediterranean design. According to the book called Philippine Style: Design &
metropolis of opulence
Manila as destroyed by
the Americans.18
18
Invernizzi, et al. 26.
Calado
These are fenestrations on the walls in pierced for ventilation. Based on keen
observations, the styles of the Calados in Casa Manila are in Art Deco, Nouveau, and
Neo Gothic Victorian Motifs. These styles work together to make an iconic piece of
woodwork in the end. 19 It is always a common part of South East Asian houses to have
19
Invernizzi, et al. 28
Windows
the concept of Bahay na Bato, these are usually louvered with capiz shells that acts as
insulators and prism for lighting to come inside the premise. These serves two main
purposes, to fend off rain and let in light hence, the reason to have double windows in
floor fenestrations to
augmentations.
20
Invernizzi, et al. 28
To add, there are also perforations on
Screens
A historian, architect, and a critic described the style of bahay na bato as “space
21
Invernizzi, et al. 31.
Roof
Knowing it is in
become high-pitched
preventing rainwater
roofing.22
22
Claris, Banigoos. “Bahay na Bato.” Scribd. November 8, 2014.
https://www.scribd.com/document/245882029/Bahay-Na-Bato
Learnings
The Bahay na Bato has been heavily influenced by Hispanic traditions. Giving
importance to banquets and social gatherings are one example. It is also a sad part of
slaves. The volada if seen in a bifocal glass blurs an aspect some are ashamed to admit
now. Alipin sa gigilid used these narrow passageways to quench their masters order
because the rules are not allowing them to step on the same floor with their slavers. But,
in the end, Casa Manila is the very epitome of sound tropical design, a collaboration
between vernacular and Spanish architecture. Ending my review, I can adamantly push
the revival of the Bahay na Bato as a modern dwelling place for Filipinos because it
earthquake proof, energy efficient and can battle any elements the earth can throw to it.
evident anywhere we look, and it is our responsibility as architects to uphold our own
native and vernacular principles and rise the ranks of the architectural styles that will
Invernizzi, Luca, Elizabeth Reyes, Dominic Galicia, and Javellana René B. Philippine Style:
Design & Architecture. Mandaluyong City, Philippines: Anvil Pub., 2013.
(Phno), Philippine Headline News Online. INTRAMUROS: REVISIT THE PAST IN CASA
MANILA. http://www.newsflash.org/2003/05/hl/hl018061.htm. (Accessed September 13,
2019).
Learnings