WHY CONSERVE THE VIGAN

ANCESTRAL HOUSES?

UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS

The Graduate School
CENTER FOR CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT,
CENTER FOR CONSERVATION OF CULTURAL PROPERTY AND ENVIRONMENT IN THE TROPICS,
AND
UNITED ARCHITECTS OF THE PHILIPPINES
IN COLLABORATION WITH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MAYOR – VIGAN CITY
Certified Heritage Building Conservation Specialist Course
April 24 & 25, May 1 & 2, 8 & 9, 15 & 16, 22 & 23, 2012
Every Tuesday and Wednesday / 8:00am – 5:00pm

Course Module 8 – Performing Interventions to Building Services

Speaker: Arch. Fatima Nicetas A. Rabang-Alonzo
May 16, 2012
 Why conserve the Vigan ancestral
houses?
 to preserve their architectural, social, and historic
values;

 to enhance their original functions as residential and

commercial structures;

 to repair or restore the historic fabric and elements of

the house;

 to allow for new and complementary functions;

 to preserve the property for future generations;

 to maximize its value

WHY CONSERVE THE VIGAN ANCESTRAL HOUSES? Fatima Nicetas A. Rabang-Alonzo

Also, for good economic sense:

 real estate values of ancestral houses increase along

with the preservation of the integrity and authenticity
of the heritage city.

WHY CONSERVE THE VIGAN ANCESTRAL HOUSES? Fatima Nicetas A. Rabang-Alonzo

 Without regular maintenance,
these houses are threatened by:

 continued deterioration of the building

materials (wood, clay roof tiles, brick and
lime plaster);

 unwarranted changes in the internal

layout resulting in the use of new
materials which may damage their
character and structural integrity; and

 inappropriate repair works

WHY CONSERVE THE VIGAN ANCESTRAL HOUSES? Fatima Nicetas A. Rabang-Alonzo

Approaches to conservation

a. Prevention and maintenance

 preferred form of conservation
 Involves removal and reduction of the causes of
decay

b. Repair and restoration

 repair is undertaken when some parts of the
building have severely deteriorated;
 restoration involves returning the building to the
original state in which it is most culturally
significant.

WHY CONSERVE THE VIGAN ANCESTRAL HOUSES? Fatima Nicetas A. Rabang-Alonzo

 Approaches to conservation

c. Adaptation –conversion of a historic building for a

new function so it can earn for its
maintenance.
 new function should be compatible with the
structure’s character, size and social significance.

d. Reconstruction – aims to bring back a home’s

significance and utility;
 justified when structure has severe deterioration,
loss of key features, or structural instability;
 should be based on research and documentation,
not speculative information

WHY CONSERVE THE VIGAN ANCESTRAL HOUSES? Fatima Nicetas A. Rabang-Alonzo

If Adaptation is opted

How?

 within certain limitations, projects and redevelopments

may be allowed to meet new needs and uses such as
modern utility requirements.

 even if owner retains the residential function of his

house, it is still necessary to upgrade its power,
plumbing or install new air conditioning system.

 but in installing new utility systems, their location and

installation should cause the least possible change or
damage to the historic fabric, plan or façade of the
building.

WHY CONSERVE THE VIGAN ANCESTRAL HOUSES? Fatima Nicetas A. Rabang-Alonzo

From the UNESCO Homeowner’s Preservation
Manual for Vigan City:
Conservation
 involves both retaining the old and acknowledging the
new, whether to restore a significant part of the house or
to introduce new uses.

5 Key Stages in conservation

1. Evaluate the historic integrity of the house
- Write a Statement of Significance
2. Map its present physical condition
- Worksheet: Summary of the house’s present
condition
- Photo-documentation of the house
- Determine what to save, repair or replace

WHY CONSERVE THE VIGAN ANCESTRAL HOUSES? Fatima Nicetas A. Rabang-Alonzo

5 Key Stages in Conservation
3. Plan the conservation work
- Maintenance Schedule based on Priority
- Formulate a Building Program: prioritizing
repair tasks; adaptive re-use

4. Comply with local and national regulations

- Permits required for any physical intervention or
new construction within the core and buffer zones.
- Professionals required to assist in the preparation
of required documents.

5. Secure financing
- Budget estimate
- Financial capability
- Funding sources

WHY CONSERVE THE VIGAN ANCESTRAL HOUSES? Fatima Nicetas A. Rabang-Alonzo