Before the construction of stone houses, nipa huts or bahay kubo used to be the shelter of our natives. It existed long time ago and still can be found along the countryside. Its name is said to have originated from the Spanish word, cubo, which means “cube,” because of the bahay kubo 's rectangular/cubic shape.
Before the Philippines was colonized by the Spaniards, nipa hut already existed. It is an architecture that is constructed of indigenous materials that can easily be found in their local surroundings – wood, planks, grass, bamboo and large logs. Normally cubic in shape, this shelter is raised on stilts or posts of one to two meters depending on the area where the said shelter is constructed – it may be on solid ground, on a hillside or mountainside, or in shallow water.
Nipa hut works well as a shelter from average wind and rain. It is constructed to perfectly adapt to the tropical climate of the Philippines and to be easily repaired or rebuilt once damaged by typhoon, flood or earthquake which frequented the country. However, the downside of its bamboo construction is that it is easily damaged in larger storms, but is inexpensive and easy to replace.
Nipa hut is one of the Philippines' cozy and pleasurable places to relax. It is designed to let in as much fresh air and natural light as possible. It is normally located in provinces where there are a lot of trees and plants surrounding it making the air fresh and breathable. And because of being surrounded by nature, it makes the surroundings of the nipa hut peaceful and calm which makes the place relaxing relaxing.
Our natives really did a great job on building such architecture which is still cherished by most of us until now. It is a one of a kind masterpiece made originally by our natives that is why it must be treasured and preserve for the next generation to see and experience how to live in the Philippines’ national shelter, the nipa hut.