BADJAO HOUSE
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Historical background
The badjao people are an indigenous maritime group
in the southern Philippines ,historically known for
their nomadic, seafaring lifestyle. Traditionally,
they lived in boats called lepa-lepa, but over time ,
many began building stilt houses over shallow
waters along coastlines. This transition reflected
their adaptation to more settled lifestyles while
maintaining close ties to the sea. The stilt house
structure developed to suit their environment
offering protection from tides, allowing fishing
underneath, and promoting airflow in the hot, humid
climate. These homes were made from locally
available materials like bamboo and nipa,
showcasing the Badjao’s resourcefulness and deep
connection to marine life.
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Cultural or spiritual significance
The badjao house holds deep cultural and spiritual meaning
,reflecting the community’s close bond with the sea, which
they consider sacred and life-giving. Living on stilt houses
above water symbolizes harmony with nature and respect
for marine spirits.
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Architect and design context
Badjao houses, particularly those
not on boats, are built with a
strong communal and adaptive
design context.
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Visual and spatial characteristic
Badjao houses, often called stilt houses,
are characterized by their visual and
spatial flexibility, reflecting the nomadic
lifestyle of the badjao people, who are
known as sea nomads.
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Analyze the structure using the following concepts:
Elements of Art:(Line, shape, form, texture, color, space)
1. line- The stilt posts, ladders, and railings are examples of vertical and diagonal lines that create structure
and support.
2. Shape- The house has geometric shapes-rectangualr floors, triangular or trapezoidal roofs that create a
simple, functional design.
3. Form-The house has is three-dimensional, with open space underneath due to the stilts. The form is light and
airy. often rectangular in layout, allowing it to blend with its environment and adapt to tidal changes
4. Texture- Materials like bamboo, nipa palm, and wood provide a rough, natural texture that blends with the
coastal environment. These textures emphasize a handcrafted, organic aesthetic.
5. Color- Typically uses natural, early tones-browns, greens and tans taken from local materials. Sometimes
bright colors are added for decorative elements or cultural symbolism
6. Space- The open stilts create negative space underneath the house. Interiors are often compact but efficiently
arranged, with multifunctional spaces. ventilation and airflow are key, so open windows and minimal walls are
common.
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Principles of Design(Balance, Unity, Emphasis, Rhythm, Proportion)
1. Balance- Symmetrical or asymmetrical balance is achieved through the placement of
stilts and the roof. Despite the elevated and seemingly fragile structure , the design
distributes weight evenly.
2. Unity- The materials and design are consistent with the environment and cultural
needs, creating harmony. The stilt design unites the house with the water-based
lifestyle of the Badjao.
3. Emphasis- The roof often serves as a focal point due to its size and shape. Sometimes,
decorative details emphasize cultural identity.
4. Rhythm- repetition of structural elements like posts and bamboo slats create visual
rhythm. Patterns in woven walls or floor mats add to this sense of movement
5. Proportion- The house is proportioned to human scale but adjusted for
environmental needs.
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Title
The Floating Home of the badjao People
Structure name
Lepa House or Badjao Stilt House
3 elements of Art
1. line
Application: The Lepa house often uses horizontal and vertical lines in its design, with the structure raised on stilts
and supported by beams. The roofline typically features gentle slopes, creating a sense of continuity with the
surrounding water and land
Analysis: The horizontal lines of the house the horizon of the sea, symbolizing the Badjao people’s close
relationship with the water .
2. Shape
Application: the lepa has distinct, simple shapes that emphasize practicality and environmental adaptation.
Analysis: the triangular roof shape symbolizes shelter and protection, while the rectangular body of the house
maximizes the interior area.
3. Texture
Application: the material used in the construction of the badjao house, such as bamboo, nepa palm, timber, create a
tactile texture on the surface.
Analysis: the texture of the house contribute natural aesthetic and reflects the badjao connection to their
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environment .
PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
1. Balance
Application: the lepa house achieve the visual balance through its symmetrical and
stable form, despite its relatively simple construction.
Analysis: the balance of the structure allows it to withstand coastal weather
conditions such as storm and tides.
2. Emphasize
Application: the most emphasized part of the lepa house id the roof, wich is often
pointed or slightly curve and draws attention because its form and position a top the
house.
Anaalysis: the roof is visually striking and its prominent symbolizes protection and a
having from elements.
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CULTURAL RELEVANCE AND
EMOTIONAL IMPACT
The Badjao people’s stilt houses are more than architectural structures; they are a testament to a centuries-old
way of life rooted in the rhythms of the sea. Historically, the Badjao were a seafaring people, living on boats or
temporary shelters that allowed them to move freely across coastal regions in search of fishing grounds. Over
time, some groups transitioned to building permanent homes on stilts, reflecting their adaptation to the
environment while maintaining their maritime lifestyle. These houses, often clustered together in coastal
communities, embody a profound cultural connection to the sea, which has been the lifeblood of the Badjao
for generations.
The emotional significance of the Badjao house transcends its practical role as shelter. For the Badjao people,
these homes are imbued with a sense of identity, history, and pride. They are not just places to sleep but
symbols of cultural continuity, representing the perseverance of a people who have faced external pressures to
assimilate or abandon their traditions. The Badjao house is a direct link to their ancestors, who also lived in
these structures, and a visual reminder of their enduring connection to the sea and their way of life.
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what makes this structure a form of art?
The badjao house (lepa) is more than just a fucntional dwelling, it is form of art that
embodies the unique relationship between the badjao people and their environment.
The structure is the reflection of culture, tradition, making it an artwork of both
practicality and aesthetic value.
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The badjao house plays a vital role in expressing the cultural and identity of the
badjao people.
Through our exploration of the badjao house, our group discovered how deeply architecture can reflect
and express a community’s identity ,values, and way of life. The Badjao, often referred to as “sea nomads”
have a unique relationship with the ocean, and this connection is clearly reflected in the structure and
design of their homes. Built on slits above coastal waters , their houses embody not just practicality, but
also a cultural narrative of resilience, adaptability, and harmony with nature. The close proximity of badjao
homes to one another also highlights strong community values.
The Badjao house is also a repository of cultural symbolism. It is a testament to the traditions and history
of the Badjao people, reflecting their way of life and beliefs. The materials used in constructing the house—
such as bamboo, palm leaves, and wood—are locally sourced and carry cultural significance. The use of
these natural materials connects the house to the land and the sea, reinforcing the Badjao people’s deep
understanding of and respect for their environment. These materials are not only functional but are also
aesthetically pleasing, contributing to the house's role as a cultural artifact that carries the values of the
community.
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One of the most powerful aspects of the Badjao house is its embodiment of resilience and
adaptability, two qualities that are central to the Badjao identity. The Badjao people live in an
environment that is often unpredictable, with rising tides, storms, and floods being common in the
coastal areas where they reside. The stilted design of the house is a direct response to these
challenges, allowing the structure to withstand the elements and remain stable in the face of
environmental adversity. In this sense, the Badjao house is a symbol of the people’s resilience—an
architectural response to the harsh realities of coastal living.
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