Traditional Nipa Huts in the Philippines
Nipa Huts are a living symbol of rural life in the Philippines. It is the home of yesterday that has changed and survived even until today. Nipa Huts or Bahay Kubos are an icon of Philippine rural living. They are built differently in different areas, according to the conditions and circumstances of the area. Nipa Huts are a living Pilipino icon.
Nipa-hut designs vary by region and household, with several recurring features. The conditions in the Philippine lowlands have led to some basic similarities. Many traditional examples have a raised floor, a living area, and a thatched roof. Most Nipa huts are built on stilts. Since most of the island has water to deal with, usually the bottom part of the hut allows the water to freely go under the hut. This is true, especially near the coast and in boggy areas.
There are a few exceptions to this rule in modern times, but it is followed even today in most areas. Only some of the materials have changed. Today, often the stilts are simple concrete cinder blocks rather than the traditional hardwood. Raised floors create space underneath the dwelling; they do not guarantee protection from flooding or other hazards.
Above the stilts is the living area. This area is accessed by a ladder. It is built open and is well ventilated to help keep the home cooler and to allow natural light to penetrate the home. They often have bamboo slats for floors, which allow the cool air to come up from the silong. The Philippines is very hot and humid, so the traditional Nipa hut allows for cooling. There may or may not be a ceiling. Often times the ceiling is not built to allow the hot air to rise and leave through the roof.
The roof is usually tall and steeply pitched, creating a space above the living area for the hot air to go. They are built with thatch, a material that is readily available. This gives the hut a cooling effect in the long hot humid summers. Roof form alone does not establish safety during an eruption or a severe storm.
While modern Nipa huts have changed, the design has stayed basically the same. The walls are often built with bamboo rods or mats to allow the house to be cool in the hot summers and warm in the rainy season. They are still built-in a square shape and are left open for light and coolness. The windows are large to help give light and often are held open with a long bamboo rod, to allow for airflow. This is the modern Nipa hut—an icon that has survived and adapted over time.
On your next trip to Southern Leyte, Philippines, take a trip to the rural areas and see living Filipino history. History is alive in the Philippines, so pack your bag and grab your passport. Make this the year you explore the Southern Leyte, Philippines.
Understanding traditional construction
A travel article and a video cannot serve as construction plans. Building materials, structural design, local requirements, and the conditions of a particular site need qualified local advice.
Philippine architecture and our travel videos
The National Museum of the Philippines documents the country’s varied vernacular architecture. Its ethnology collection includes a miniature bahay kubo. These collections provide cultural context rather than plans for a modern building.
For a different part of Philippine culture, watch The Singing Cooks & Waiters in Manila from the official ExploreTraveler YouTube channel.
Watch ExploreTraveler’s Singing Cooks & Waiters video
Browse more stories on our official YouTube channel and in the Philippine photo album.
