Vernacular House Architecture and Climate Change Adaptation: Lessons from the Indigenous Peoples of Cagayan, Philippines

Structures such as vernacular dwellings were not only shaped by culture and tradition but also reveal how people dealt with climate. Using a descriptive-qualitative research design, this study analysed the vernacular houses of the Ibanag, Itawit, and Malaweg in the province of Cagayan in the Philippines to derive a practical template for designing sustainable and climate-conscious houses and buildings. Using focus group discussions (FGD) and observations cross referencing it to concretised architectural and cultural sources revealed that the vernacular houses, particularly that of the Ibanag and Itawit, possess similar characteristics to the typical Filipino bahaykubo, however, distinguished with a separate kitchen bridged by a “balag” or “binattag”. It is elevated from the ground to keep the floor dry and to protect their belongings when the Cagayan River swells. The walling and windows of awning or sliding type made of bamboo practically makes the house penetrable providing natural ventilation and lighting. The “gannung” or “tallung” (silong in Tagalog) allows air to flow from below through the bamboo permeable floors. There is absence of ceilings or room divisions in the house that allows free circulation of air during the hot seasons. Moreover, materials like cogon, bamboo, uway (rattan), and local woods which are endemic in the locality were used in its construction. Ultimately, close community ties and the bayanihan spirit in the community are vital mechanisms for climate change adaptation. With the environmental challenges indigenous communities are facing today, the vernacular houses’ architectural design features can inspire the houses and buildings of today.