Filipino Vernacular Architecture

Balai (House): Traditional Filipino house; elevated with a rectangular shape and consists of one room; features a high-pitched roof.
Cordillera: Characterized by navigable rivers and removable features, including wall panels and floor mats that assist natural air ventilation.
Atap (Roof): High-pointed roof made from cogon grass or nipa leaves, allowing for efficient water drainage.
Dindin (Wallboards): Rectangular panels that cover the upper part of the house, contributing to aesthetics and insulation.
Ribayan (Eaves): Located at the lower end of the roof; prevents rainwater from dripping directly off the structure.
Tapi (Floor Beam): Connects the floor joist to outer posts supporting the elevated floor, enhancing stability.
Lawang (Drain Gutter): A shallow canal designed for drainage, effectively managing rainwater.
Talaxatag (Wood Floor): Fixed wooden flooring attached to floor joists; constructed with spacing twice the size of the joists for expansion.
Bobong (Roof Ridge): Covers the roof space using thick, layered cogon grass, aiding in insulation and protection.
Sakkar (Tie Beam): Curved shape; strengthens and stabilizes the roof beam (ampakan).
Toldog (Floor Joist): Crafted from hand-hewn rectangular lumber; its ends are designed to hold the flooring effectively.
Sidung/Linung (Basement): An unused, elevated space beneath the house providing insulation against dampness and humidity.
Anadixiyan (Girder): A rectangular support member that plays a crucial role in holding up the floor beams.
Rarat (Roof Undersheating): Composed of closely-knit dried reed grass, forming a mat that contributes to thermal regulation.
Tabungan (Gable Opening): Serves as a smoke exhaust, enhancing ventilation inside the house.
Soba (Breadth of the House): Refers to the overall width of the primary structure.
Sotan/Lamdaw (Window): Areas where wallboards are placed in the exterior wall, facilitating light and air circulation.
Agdan (Ladder): Constructed from wood or bamboo, providing access between different levels of the house.
Gawayang (Interior of the House): Features a raised area that acts as a seat along the adjoining wall.
Padurot (Length of the House): Refers to the overall length, an important dimension in home design.
Dapug (Hearth): Typically constructed with three stones, forming a traditional cooking area known as "taxang."
Datag/Xassaran (Flooring): Composed of removable and washable bamboo rattan, emphasizing cleanliness.
Ampakan (Roof Beam): Connects outer columns and supports the roof's structural framework.
Agnadan (Wall Still): Positioned above the ampakan, it holds the wallboards in place.
Axeran (Girt): A rectilinear horizontal member forming the perimeter of the house that supports wallboards and upper roofing frameworks.

Badjao House

Southern Philippines: Primarily built above coastal waters; Badjaos traditionally live on lepa-lepa boats, part of the second largest ethnic group in Sulu.
Orang Selat/Orang Laut: Characterized by window-less, one-room structures made from light materials, built separately and staggered; includes footbridges (jambatan) and catwalks (taytayan) for access.
Atup (Roof): Features a thin layer of thatch made from palm or coconut and has a moderately inclined design.
Ubong (King Post): Central post supporting the ridge beam located at the wall, essential for structural integrity.
Madeyon (Living Space): Serves as a versatile, multi-use area within the house.
Dingding (Wall): Comprises vertically-layered individual thatch panels, providing insulation and privacy.
Dagan (Floor Joist/Girder): Stabilizes the structure by supporting the Madeyon area.
Hag (Post): Constructed from wood or thick bamboo, buried deep underground to enhance stability against underwater conditions.
Batang Bubungan (Roof Ridge Beam): Apex of the roof supporting rafters and overall structure.
Lubing-Lubing (Rafter): Positioned above the tie beam and ridge beam to support the roof effectively.
Palimsa-an (Tie Beam): Located at the top of the ding-ding, it supports the rafters.
Lantay (Floor): Made from closely laid bamboo strips, providing structural support and ventilation beneath.
Harunan (Ladder): Carved thick lumber with a conical shape, securely attached to the Dagan for access.

Bahay Kubo

Pre-Hispanic Philippines: Common in lowland and coastal areas; designed as a one-room cubed structure that is elevated to mitigate dampness and humidity.
Three Horizontal Divisions: Consists of stilts/posts for storage, an upper living unit, and a steep roof made from bamboo cogon, nipa shingles, and anahaw leaves.
Structural Framework: Floors made of bamboo strips, roofs of palm leaves, and walls of bamboo strips and palm leaves ensure durability.
Sibi (Eaves): Protruding beyond the wall to provide shade and protection from rain.
Pasibi (Lean to the Roof): Extended to the gable with a single slope for water drainage.
Balangkas (Framework): A skeletal structure supporting the roof and walls, crucial for stability.
Banguerahan (Kitchen Counter): Made from bamboo for storing food and utensils.
Batalan (Washing Area): Adjacent to the cooking area, designated for washing chores with a service door for ease of use.
Abuhan (Cooking Area): Elevated earthen space for cooking, with open shelves for firewood and smoking fish.
Sagang (Railing): Situated in porch areas, providing safety and support around the living space.
Bulwagan (Main House): Acts as the central habitat, encompassing living, dining, and sleeping functions.
Hagdan (Stair): Access provided by bamboo or wood stairs leading up into the house.
Silong (Underneath the House): Keeps the space dry while providing a storage area for harvest and livestock.
Bubong (Roof): Characterized by a steep thatch design, ensuring efficient rainwater runoff.
Nipa: Refers to the tropical palm known scientifically as "nypa fruticans"; features a short trunk and broad leaves.
Sahig (Flooring): Bamboo strips laid perpendicularly to the soleras, allowing for ventilation.
Dingding (Wall): Constructed from rattan strips, providing a sliding functionality for adaptability.### House Design and Structures
Tasa: Enamel cus, a decorative element in traditional houses.
Mallakong: Enamel bowls used for various daily functions.
Fanilag: Rattan trays, often utilized for serving or storage.
Fanga: Earthenware pots, essential for cooking and storage.
TAP-AN: Pounding area, typically features stone pavement.
ANG-AN: Sleeping area with traditional atag (reed mat) used for couples and children.
SOKLUT: Cooking area located in the left corner of the house, includes a fireplace.
ATEP: Steep roof design, serves to protect granaries from moisture.
OWAY: Roof undersheating made of closely-knit reeds and grass.
FOGSOR: Rafter structure that supports the OWAY and ATEP roofs.
KAEW: Floorboard using thick, hand-hewn planks for sturdiness.

House Support Structures

TOKOD: Heavy, square or circular posts that support the granary and roof.
TEYTEY: Wooden ladder constructed from branches for access to elevated areas like FALIG.
CHINGCHING: Horizontal wallboard that offers protection and forms the main wall structure.

Early Forms of Housing

LUNGIB/KUWEBA: Earliest known form of dwelling in the region (Tabon); dimensions approximately 41m (L), 16m (W), and 8m (H of opening).
BALANGAY: A boathouse dating back to 320 AD, indicating seafaring practices of ancient Butuan, typically 25m in length.
PINANAHANG: Lean-to structure used by Negritos; reflects practices in slash-and-burn agriculture.
Tree House: A single-room dwelling constructed in high trees using lightweight materials; often features a shelf for storing firewood and preserving food.

Ibanag Housing Features

IFUGAO Rice Terraces: Complex zoning system includes various land uses such as residential areas and sections for granaries, public forests, and vegetable mulch mounds.

Traditional Housing Terminology by Region

IVATAN THATCH HOUSE includes components such as:
- KAMADID, RAHAUNG, JINJIN (thatched roofing).
- PAKAW and VUVONG support structures.
KALINGA HOUSE elements include:
- FORUY (main house), TALOB (roof), and SIPI (elevated flooring).
KANKANAY & IBALOI HOUSE terminology features:
- BAEY/BAYBAYAN (house), TOKOD (posts), and BUBUNG (roof ridge).

Specific House Features

SAGADA HOUSE and their elements like:
- AGAMANG for granary, DAPOAN for cooking area, and various structural supports.
SAMAL HOUSE mentions:
- BUBONG (roof) and multiple structural components such as TUKALOG and PANG-TUUD (king post).
TAUSUG HOUSE includes components like:
- BAY SINUG for the house structure, HAG (post), and BATANG-BUBUNGAN (ridge beam).

Yakan House Components

LUMAH denotes the overall house structure.
SALILIHAN: Rafter, and BUBONG refers to the roof ridge.
Various essential posts and beams such as KASAW (purlin) and DING-DING (wall).

Understanding the diverse architectural elements and terms associated with traditional housing in these cultures offers insight into their lifestyles, practices, and environmental adaptations.