Ifugao House

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the king post in Ifugao architecture?

To support the upper ends of the rafters.

To ensure the stability of the floor beams.

To hold the roof from collapsing. (correct)

To serve as a smoke exhaust.

How do the steeply pitched roofs of Ifugao houses contribute to their structural resilience?

They enhance aesthetic appeal.

They reduce construction costs.

They provide more space for storage.

They mitigate the risks of heavy rainfall. (correct)

What role does the apex frame (ambubullan) play in Ifugao houses?

To serve as a foundation for the walls.

To increase the height of the attic.

To hold the king posts in place.

To support the roof and act as a smoke exhaust. (correct)

What materials are primarily used in the construction of Ifugao houses, reflecting sustainable resource utilization?

Locally sourced hardwood and thatch. Signup and view all the answers

What design feature of Ifugao houses helps minimize ecological impact?

Elevated wooden platforms. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary structural material used for constructing an Ifugao house?

Amugawan timber Signup and view all the answers

Which architectural feature is characteristic of the Ifugao house?

A pyramidal roof Signup and view all the answers

How are the connections of the Ifugao house constructed?

By handcrafted and mortised techniques without nails Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the oliang disks in the Ifugao house structure?

To prevent rats from entering the house Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the levels of habitation in an Ifugao house?

Three levels: ground, living area, and storage Signup and view all the answers

What adornments can often be found inside the Ifugao house?

Rows of animal skulls Signup and view all the answers

How deep are the posts of an Ifugao house buried in the ground?

50 centimeters Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the patie in an Ifugao house?

It serves as a storage area and roof support Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of the Ifugao house contributes to its ability to withstand extreme weather conditions?

Complex technology that enhances tensile strength Signup and view all the answers

What is the average size of an Ifugao house, considering socio-economic factors?

12-14 feet wide and long Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the Ifugao house serves to prevent rats from entering?

Wooden discs (lidi/halipan) Signup and view all the answers

What role does the truncated roots play in the structure of the Ifugao house?

They act as a type of footing for the house. Signup and view all the answers

Which materials are primarily used for the flooring of an Ifugao house?

Wooden planks about 2 inches thick Signup and view all the answers

How is the roofing of an Ifugao house designed to withstand environmental factors?

Incorporating slopes to divert rainwater Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the side floor beams (mundilig) in an Ifugao house?

To support the ceiling beam and wall boards Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining feature of the upper half of the Ifugao house's walls?

It is derived from the inner side of the roof. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The traditional house of the Ifugao people is called "Bale" or "Fale"
The "Bale" features a dominant pyramidal roof covering the walls
The "Bale" is elevated on posts made of large round logs buried in the ground and secured with stone boulders
All connections of a "Bale" are hand-crafted and mortised without nails or hardware
The exterior of a "Bale" resembles a pyramid resting on four posts
The interior space of a "Bale" is enclosed by slanting walls and a spherical-shaped ceiling
Rows of animal skulls are displayed inside a "Bale" as offerings to the gods during annual rituals and as a source of pride for the homeowner
The "Bale" is conceptualized as a three-level dwelling

Floor Levels of a "Bale"

Ground Level: Four posts support the house. Wooden discs called "Oliang" are placed on the posts to prevent rats from entering.
Second Level: This is the living area accessed through a removable ladder. Social activities, eating, cooking, and sleeping occur here.
Third Level: This level features a shelf called a "Patie" extending from the wall boards. This provides storage space for granaries and supports the roof.

Architectural Design

Structural Frame: The "Bale" is made from timber of "Amugawan" trees raised on four posts buried 50 centimeters below ground and locked in with stones. The construction demonstrates complex technology, providing tensile strength to withstand typhoons, heavy rain, and earthquakes.
Connections: No nails or bolts are used in the construction of the "Bale". The upper half of the wall is formed by the inner side of the roof, creating a dark, windowless chamber resembling a womb. The roof system rests on the house cage.
Roof System: The "Bale" has a steeply pitched, pyramidal roof covered with thick layers of thatch or cogon. This helps to insulate the house from the heat of the sun and torrential rain.

Size and Floor Plan

The "Bale" has a square floor plan.
An average "Bale" is approximately 12-14 feet wide and 12-14 feet long.

Parts of a "Bale"

Post (Tukod): The "Bale" is built on four strong posts made of large round logs measuring 8-12 inches wide by 6-10 feet long. These posts are buried underground and locked with stones as a foundation. Some posts have intact roots, acting as footings.
Wooden Discs (Lidi/Halipan): Wooden discs are placed around the posts to prevent rats from entering the house. These discs are approximately 2 to 14 inches thick and 36-40 inches in diameter. They either have a square opening or a bore.
Side Floor Beams (Mundilig): These are the outer two floor beams that receive tenons of the secondary posts and wall boards. They have right-angle grooves to hold the floor boards.
Floor (Dotal): The floor is made of wooden planks about 2 inches thick and 7 feet 7 inches long. The width varies from 12-16 inches, covering the entire floor area.
Purlin (Wanan): This is a horizontal timber supporting the roof rafters. It also carries the central cross-beam.
Intermediate Post (Pamadingan): These support the ceiling beams and the lintel beams or purlins.
Wall Header (Huklub): This chest-level transverse beam is where the wall boards are rabbeted.
Wall Boards (Gaob): These measure approximately 1 ½ inches thick with varying width and height. Each board has a V-shaped bottom and top that fit into the grooves of the floor beams, joists, and wall header.
Attic Central Beam (Pumpitulan): One or two "King Posts" are positioned on this beam.
Apex Frame (Ambubullan): The apex frame supports the upper ends of the rafters and gives the roof its pyramidal shape. It also serves as the smoke exhaust for the house.
King Post (Taknang): This post prevents the roof from collapsing. It stands on the attic central beam and its tip is attached to the center of the apex frame.

Adaptations to Environmental Challenges

Structural Resilience: The elevated wooden platform and steeply pitched roof of a "Bale" protect against heavy rainfall and landslides, ensuring structural integrity and inhabitant safety during extreme weather conditions.
Sustainable Resource Utilization: Using locally sourced materials like hardwood and thatch reflects an adaptation to the environment and promotes sustainability, as these resources are abundant and renewable. This allows the Ifugao people to maintain their architectural traditions while minimizing ecological impact.

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Description

Explore the traditional Ifugao house known as the 'Bale' or 'Fale'. This quiz covers its unique architectural features, including its elevated structure, handcrafted connections, and significance in Ifugao culture. Discover the specifics of its design and function across different levels.

Ifugao House - Bale Structure