Old-world Charm
In the marvellous architecture and interior design of Filipino heritage homes, form and function not only complement each other but evoke the grandness of a distant past
One of the lasting legacies of Spanish rule in the Philippines is the Antillean style of architecture. Common in many old residential houses, this architectural style can also be seen in convents, municipal and provincial offices as well as schools. With adobe walls as its structural foundation and wood as the main material for the large open-layout top levels, the Hispanic style that originated from Central America was suitable for the Philippine climate, and especially against the natural disasters that constantly ravage it.
Despite the vestiges of Spanish, Chinese and Filipino influences in local culture, the bahay na bato (stone house, as the Antillean residential architecture was popularly called) is unique to the Philippines. The grandeur of structural materials, beauty of intricate details and opulence of the furniture are signs of affluence and the stature the family holds in society.
When the Americans came to the country at the turn of the 20th-century, eclectic style and Art Nouveau were introduced, adding significant alterations to the classic Antillean architecture. But it was the Art Deco movement that left the most impression, giving us architectural gems as in the Commonwealth Era mansions that survived the war.
Philippine architecture has grown along with the progress of the nation and its people. But memories of a glorious past are still imbedded in a nation’s history. And if the walls of these old houses could only speak, they would be singing songs and poems from the tertulias and bailes that once filled its halls.
STATELY HOMES
The mansions of the principalia
class were known for their grandness in scale. Hence, a traditional bahay na bato would have large wooden doors called entrada principal to let carruajes
(carriages) enter the zaguan
(corridor). At ground level, there usually is the patio, with flooring of Piedra China or Chinese granite and the patterned hand-painted tiles imported from Spain called azulejo. The patio is used as a garden and serves to cool the rooms of the house. Usually, the patio is connected to the azotea, an openair balcony where one can see the aljibe, the water cistern, filled with rainwater or potable water. To enter the house, an Antillean door knocker can be used to
inform the servants that someone is outside. Within the large wooden door is a smaller door for people,
called
postigo. A grand staircase called
escalera welcomes the guests, leading them to the entresuelo or mezzanine. In houses owned by the elites, there are rooms in the entresuelo that are reserved for the extended family of the owners or to visiting guests. But the main highlight of the entresuelo is the despacho, also known as oficina. This is where the owner of the house conducts business transactions together with his clerks and accountants. It is sensible that the office is located here as beside the
zaguan below this level is the
silong, where goods and crops harvested from the hacienda are temporarily stored.