This study examines the sustainability of traditional rural Filipino dwellings by focusing on the system of space of home yards. Vernacular homes such as the bahay- kubo are celebrated for their adaptability, environmental efficiency, and cultural value. Beyond the built structure, the home yard, known as bakuran, natad, arubayan, or mula, is vital for sustainability, serving functions like food production, social interaction, and ecological resilience. These spaces act as extensions of the home, fostering self-sufficiency and reinforcing practices that have sustained rural life for generations.
Using an Archinographic approach, an ethnographic method in architectural research, this study explores how home yards contribute to ecological balance, energy efficiency, and climate adaptability. Through immersive observation, findings reveal that home yards are multifunctional, supporting subsistence, livelihood, and social cohesion while enhancing well-being. Their integration into daily life reflects a harmonious relationship between habitation and nature. The research emphasizes the need to preserve and adapt indigenous principles in modern housing development. Understanding the role of home yards in traditional dwellings can guide architects, planners, and policymakers in creating resilient, culturally rooted communities that address contemporary challenges while sustaining heritage.

Authors:
Antonio Jr Gutierrez, De La Salle University, Philippines
Barren Paul Del Rosario, De La Salle University, Philippines
Earl Kesternich Distor, De La Salle University, Philippines
Asuncion Bilono, De La Salle University, Philippines
Mikaela Ilano, National University, Philippines

About the Presenter(s)
Antonio Gutierrez is a current Associate Professor of Architecture in De La Salle University- Dasmarinas, Cavite, Philippines.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Monday Schedule

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