Philippine Architecture: Apayao 'Balai'

House
Introduction
In the diverse landscape of the Philippines, the architectural styles vary from region to region,
reflecting the rich culture and history of each area. One such architectural gem is the Apayao
House, known as Balai, a traditional dwelling unique to the province of Apayao.

What is Apayao House?

The Apayao House, also known as Balai, is a traditional dwelling that embodies the
centuries-old architectural tradition of the indigenous people of Apayao, known as the Isneg. It
serves as a symbol of cultural identity and social cohesion, reflecting the way of life and values
of the Apayao community. Apayao Houses have a distinctive architectural style characterized by
their use of natural materials such as wood and stone, and their unique construction techniques.
Features of the Apayao House

1. Structural Design: The Apayao House showcases a stilt house design, allowing it to
withstand floods and pests commonly found in the region. Elevated on sturdy bamboo or
wooden stilts, the house features a spacious ground level beneath the living area,
providing storage and protection for domestic animals. Stilts also allow air circulation
underneath the structure and reduce the risk of dampness and insect infestation. The
stilts are often decorated with carvings and intricate designs, making the houses
aesthetically pleasing to the eye. This design feature also helps keep the interior cool,
especially during hot weather.
2. Materials: Bamboo, rattan, and cogon grass are the primary materials used in
constructing the Apayao House. These locally sourced materials highlight the
sustainable and eco-friendly nature of Philippine architecture.
3. Thatched Roof: The distinct feature of the Apayao House is its steeply sloping thatched
roof made from cogon grass. This elegant roofing style not only provides excellent
insulation and ventilation but also contributes to the overall aesthetic appeal of the
house.
4. Open Floor Plan: The Apayao House is characterized by its open floor plan, allowing for
seamless interaction between different family members and promoting a strong sense of
community. The interior of the house is divided into two sections separated by a wooden
wall called the "tamban", separating the main section of the house from the sleeping
quarters. It serves as a room divider and also provides privacy for the occupants. The
house's floor plan is open and spacious, exuding a sense of communal living. The main
 living area is divided into different sections, including the kitchen, sleeping quarters, and
a multipurpose area for gatherings and social activities. The interior is adorned with
traditional Isneg crafts and artworks, showcasing their craftsmanship and aesthetic
prowess. Additionally, the absence of walls promotes better airflow, keeping the interior
cool in the tropical climate and warmer temperatures during the colder months.
5. Intricate Design: Apayao Houses also exhibit exceptional craftsmanship, with intricate
wood carvings and hand-crafted furniture. This attention to detail is a testament to the
skills and artistry of the builders and craftsmen who designed and constructed these
houses.
6. Adaptation to the environment: The design of Apayao houses reflects the adaptability
of the indigenous people to the local environment. The elevated structure and
high-pitched roof provide protection from the elements, while the use of local materials
makes construction efficient and cost-effective.

Parts of the Apayao House

1. Bobong, ridge roof

- Layers of dense cogon grass were methodically laid above the ridge to hide the
area produced by the cogon roof installation.
2. Sakkar, tie beam
- A rectangular beam with a camber form that holds the roof beam on its ends to
keep it in place.
3. Toldog, floor joist
- To hold the flooring, a hand-hewn rectangular lumber with cove ends is set over
the post.
4. Sidung/linung, basement
- The unusable space beneath the home was designed largely to protect the
property from ground dampness and humidity.
5. Anadixiyan, girder
- A rectangular element that connects posts and floor beams.
6. Talaxatag, wood floor
- A permanent wooden floor fastened to the floor joist with nearly twice the space.
7. Lawang, drawing gutter
- A short drain canal built along the house's perimeter to capture and divert
rainwater. It is positioned immediately below the roof eaves.
8. Tapi, floor beam
- To provide support for the raised area of the floor, a horizontal wood member is
placed above the floor joist and the outer post.
9. Ribayan, eaves
- The thick cogon roof's bottom end protrudes beyond the wallboards.
10. Dindin, wallboards
- To enclose the upper floor area, rectangular hardwood panels were vertically
attached on a groove of the wall girt. If the homeowner chooses to have an
 opening, such as a window, for natural ventilation, the wallboards can be
removed.
11. Etap, roof
- Roof with a high-pointed arch shape and layers of thick cogon grass or nipa
leaves.

Cultural Significance of the Apayao House

The Balai House holds deep cultural significance within the Apayao community. It serves as a
tangible representation of their cultural heritage and a reminder of their ancestral traditions. The
house plays a vital role in preserving their unique customs and fostering a sense of belonging
among the community members.

Furthermore, the Apayaos’ Balai House is often used as a venue for various social gatherings,
rituals, and celebrations. From weddings and birth ceremonies to community assemblies and
storytelling sessions, the house serves as a center for vibrant cultural activities and the
transmission of indigenous knowledge. Apayao Houses are an important cultural and
architectural landmark and have been subject to attempts at preservation and conservation.

Sustainability and Resilience

The Apayao House is not only a testament to the remarkable craftsmanship of the Apayao
people but also exemplifies sustainable and resilient architecture. Its design and choice of
materials contribute to its eco-friendly nature and adaptation to the topography and climate of
Apayao, making it a sustainable and functional residential structure. It embodies the Isneg's
close connection with nature and their resilience in living in diverse landscapes.

The raised structure of the house protects it from flooding, while the use of natural materials
promotes sustainable construction practices. This connection between cultural heritage and
sustainable architecture showcases the importance of preserving traditional knowledge in
today's rapidly changing world.

Conclusion
The Apayaos’ Balai House is more than just a dwelling; it is a living testament to the vibrant
cultural heritage of the Apayao community—the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Isneg
people. Its unique architectural design, sustainable materials, and cultural significance make it a
true treasure of Philippine architecture. It represents the rich heritage and cultural identity of
Apayao province, highlighting the importance of sustainable architecture and the preservation of
indigenous traditions. This architectural masterpiece serves as a reminder of the harmonious
coexistence between humans and nature.

As travelers and enthusiasts explore the diverse landscape of the Philippines, Apayao's Balai
House stands as a captivating example of the profound connection between architecture,
culture, and the environment.
Architectural Styles During
American Period: Neo-Renaissance

What is Neo-Renaissance?
Neo-Renaissance is an architectural style that refers to a revival or adaptation of
the Renaissance style that originated in Italy during the 14th to 17th centuries and
emerged in the 19th century. It was part of the broader Historicism movement for the
reviving of the classical forms and ideals of the original Renaissance.

Neo-Renaissance in the Philippines

The Neo-Renaissance in the Philippines had a significant impact on the

Philippine architectural landscape during the American colonial period. The style was
profoundly influenced as a means of harmonizing European architectural elements with
the local context. The revival architecture was often found with distinctive features
including columns, arches, and domes reminiscent of classical Roman and Italian
Renaissance buildings, alongside symmetrical designs, ornate detailing, and classical
motifs. Notable buildings of this style are the Gata de Leche and Ayuntamiento in
Manila, and the Bohol Provincial Capitol in Bohol.

American Period Architectural Style

A style known for its hip-type tiled roof with low-pitched or inclination, eaves with
decorative brackets for support, use of details like columns, pilasters, pediments,
quoins, and arches, and frequent symmetry balance. It originated in Italy during the
19th-century architectural style revival. Notable architectural structures are the Gota de
leche and Ayuntamiento in Manila, as well as the Provincial Capitol of Bohol in Bohol.

CHARACTERISTICS OF NEO-RENAISSANCE ARCHITECTURE

1. Symmetry and proportions: The architectural principles of ancient Rome and

Greece inspired many of the symmetrical layouts and classical proportions found
in Philippine Neo-Renaissance buildings.
 2. Contextual design: Creating a structural design that reflects cultural heritage
and sensitivity to the environment. This approach is reflected in the use of local
materials such as stone, wood, and bamboo, as well as traditional motifs and
patterns.

3. Architectural Elements: The use of columns, arches, and pediments has

commonality to add a sense of grandeur and formality to the design. Curved lines
and rounded arches are frequently employed for softening the overall
appearance and adding a touch of elegance.

NOTABLE EXAMPLE OF NEO-RENAISSANCE ARCHITECTURE IN

THE PHILIPPINES

Manila Central Post Office

● Architect: The Manila Central Post office was designed by Juan M. Arellano,
Ralph Harrington Doane, and Tomas Mapua.
● Date of Construction: The most modern incarnation of the ancient Church of
Manila is the Manila Cathedral. Constructed from 1954 to 1958.
Manila City Hall
● Architect: Antonio Toledo was the architect in charge of creating the
Neoclassical-style modern Manila City Hall. The municipal hall was to be
designed in the Art Deco style by Juan Arellano, but Arellano left the project and
was replaced by Toledo.
● Date of construction: The neoclassical city hall building, which looms east of
Intramuros, is easily recognized by its lovely clock tower, which is magnificently
illuminated at night. Built between 1939 and 1941, it was destroyed during the
war and reconstructed in 1946.
University of the Philippines Padre Faura Campus
● Architect: The first generation of contemporary Filipino architects, who received
their training in the US, produced a large number of the structures housed in UP
Manila. William Parsons created the initial architectural designs in 1908. In 1905,
he finished the campus's design and integrated it with Burnham's initial master
plan for Manila. In addition, Parsons created the architecture for the Philippine
General Hospital (PGH), University Hall (now the Supreme Court), and the
College of Medicine.
● Date of construction: This prestigious university was founded in 1908 and
currently consists of a system of seven constituent institutions and one
autonomous college dispersed among 15 sites around the archipelago.
National Museum of Fine Arts
● Architect: The structure was created by Juan M. Arellano, Antonio Mañalac
Toledo, and Ralph Harrington Doane. Doane initially intended for the structure to
be the National Library, with Toledo's help.
● Date of construction: The National Museum of the Philippines owns and runs
the museum, which opened its doors in 1998. The initial plan for the structure
was to serve as a large public library, and it was completed and inaugurated in
1926.
San Sebastian Church
● Architect: Spanish architect Genaro Palacios was contacted by parish priest
Esteban Martínez of the abandoned church to design a church that would be
earthquake-resistant. Palacios intended to erect a steel-only building that would
be impervious to fire and earthquakes.
● Date of construction: The 1891-built San Sebastian Basilica is a component of
a complex that also houses a seminary and courtyard (1950s), a college (1947),
and other buildings. The location is in the Quiapo neighborhood, which was
formerly the center of Old Manila.
Gota de Leche
● Architect: The architect Arcadio Arellano designed the two-story Gota de Leche
Building with assistance from his brother Juan Arellano.
● Date of Construction: Originally based in Santa Cruz, close to Plaza Miranda,
on Calle San Pedro (now Evangelista Street), the group relocated to Sampaloc in
1917 when the Gota de Leche Building was completed.