When one thinks of a Filipino home, standard images are of a “kubo” with “nipa” roofing and “sawali” walls. However, isn’t it more appropriate to think of a home designed for the Filipino… his needs, his habits, his way of life, and even his budget?
Today, you find many houses with rooms that are not fully utilized and only collect dust. There are houses with formal living and dining rooms, with furnishings that are usually covered with cloth or plastic (giving the semblance of ghosts), and are used only on special occasions a few times a year. The homeowners are content to dine, albeit uncomfortably, in a less grandiose nook or in a portion of the kitchen. In turn, the so-called kitchen is not really being used as a place to cook, but only for displaying almost brand new kitchenware. The most utilized area of such a house is the “dirty kitchen”, where the hub of activity lies. Ironically, these high-traffic areas are usually placed in the least important and most uncomfortable parts of the house. This is true for the huge mansions in high-class subdivisions, as well as many simple residences. So much space is wasted. To make matters worse, the extra rooms pose an additional burden to clean and maintain, much like white elephants that are considered holy but are generally worthless.
Why then do we have houses like these? Is it because we like to copy the western lifestyle of the rich and famous we often see on TV? Are we so enamored with foreign interior design magazines perhaps? It seems that the western style does not really suit most of us, much less the frequent formal party-giver lifestyle. Surely, we can make our home design look up-scale and modern, but more in tune with our way of life. Fuzzy sofas and area rugs and thick heavy curtains may look impressive but are not very practical in our clime.
Our Asian neighbors have their own distinct styles. For example, a typical, traditional Japanese house is simple and compact, with multi functional spaces, proper proportions, and using materials suited to their climate. Rooms are not overly large. They can sleep, eat, and entertain in the same set of rooms. Our indigenous homes, as seen from the Ivatans, to the Ifugaos, to the Tausugs, follow the same concepts of practicality and efficiency, designed to withstand inclement weather and specific local conditions. Each group has kept its distinct style intact, free from impractical influence. Although our needs remain basically the same, our standard of living has developed beyond the practical and it would be wise to rethink them, go back to the basics, strive for better balance between what is functional and what is merely decorative. Surely we can pick up good ideas from other cultures, but these must be adjusted to suit our needs.
Steadily over the years, designs have evolved and become more practical. Because of the rising cost of construction materials, labor, and energy, Filipinos are becoming wiser and more practical. Homemakers are learning that simplicity can be just as elegant and small spaces can be made to look appealing. Careful planning will result to better, more functional designs.
Developers and architects are challenged to create more affordable homes. Buyers’ needs are carefully analyzed and addressed. Rooms are becoming more functional. Every square meter of the house must be useful. Zero space wastage is the objective. Energy efficiency is a major consideration and flexibility and expansion are both anticipated. The challenge continues and designs can only be more innovative.
If we really need to cut down to basics, I believe the living room would be the first to go. The dining room can be reinvented as the main area for entertainment by making it cozier and more comfortable. After all, it is already the best place to sit, dine, and talk with family.
So, if one of these days, you visit a modern home and find the living room missing, do not be surprised. This could be the trend in future homes, one that harks back to the practicality of indigenous houses.
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