old filipino house drawing easy

Easy DIY Plan: Recreate Old Filipino House Design

By Joseph Rodriguez
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Ever dreamed of designing your own old Filipino house? You're in the right place. We're here to guide you through creating a drawing of an old Filipino house, an architectural treasure that reflects the country's rich history and culture. By the end of this article, you'll be ready to capture the charm of ancestral homes on paper, no matter your drawing skill level.

Unlike modern buildings, old Filipino houses, made of wood and thatch, are steeped in tradition. They have broad, high-pitched roofs to withstand heavy rainfall and strong typhoons. Below, we'll explore the unique features and provide easy-to-follow steps to draw one of these architectural wonders.

Designing the Roof

The roof is the most distinctive feature of an old Filipino house. Typically, it's made of galvanized iron or hipon tile.

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amazing 🤩
amazing 🤩
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar - House Illustration
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar - House Illustration
a drawing of a small hut with steps leading up to it
a drawing of a small hut with steps leading up to it

Start by drawing a large, rectangle, representing the house's floor plan. Above it, sketch a broader, longer rectangle for the roof. This will create an overhang on all four sides, a characteristic feature of these houses.

The Gable Roof

To create the gable roof, draw a straight, vertical line down the center of the roof rectangle. From the midpoint of the line, draw two more lines at 45-degree angles, meeting the roof's edges. This will create the A-frame design.

a drawing of a yellow house with two balconies on the second floor and an orange tiled roof
a drawing of a yellow house with two balconies on the second floor and an orange tiled roof
an old book with different types of houses
an old book with different types of houses
a pencil drawing of a house in the woods with stairs leading up to it's roof
a pencil drawing of a house in the woods with stairs leading up to it's roof

Some old Filipino houses have more complex roof designs, like hipped or cross-gable roofs. You can draw these by adding more lines and altering the angles, but remember: keep it simple at first, and gradually add complexity.

The Dormer Window

Dormer windows, small windows that protrude from the roof slope, are common in old Filipino houses. To draw one, create a smaller rectangle on one of the roof slopes. Add a cross to the center, representing the window frame and glass panes.

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a drawing of a white building with red roof
a drawing of a white building with red roof
a drawing of a pink house with two doors
a drawing of a pink house with two doors
a drawing of a house with a thatched roof
a drawing of a house with a thatched roof
Filipino Sari-sari Store Drawing
Filipino Sari-sari Store Drawing
a drawing of an old stone building with a thatched roof and door in the desert
a drawing of an old stone building with a thatched roof and door in the desert
رسم البيت للاطفال - فلاش توونز
رسم البيت للاطفال - فلاش توونز

Designing the Exterior Walls

Old Filipino houses have high-pitched roofs, leaving plenty of wall space for decoration and ventilation.

Around the perimeter of your floor plan rectangle, draw a second rectangle, slightly larger in dimension. This will be the exterior wall. Don't worry if your house doesn't have exact measurements; the purpose is to get the proportions correct.

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The Capiz Windows

Capiz windows, made of translucent capiz sea shells, are a classic Filipino design feature. To draw one, create a rectangle in one of the exterior walls. Add diagonal lines across the rectangle to represent the capiz shell frame.

Bahay Kubo (My Nipa Hut). pen and ink. 2015 by DanteLuzon on DeviantArt
Bahay Kubo (My Nipa Hut). pen and ink. 2015 by DanteLuzon on DeviantArt
a drawing of a house with stairs leading up to the second floor and two levels
a drawing of a house with stairs leading up to the second floor and two levels
a house with a thatched roof next to a stream and palm trees at night
a house with a thatched roof next to a stream and palm trees at night

Remember, capiz windows are often accompanied by transom windows above them. Draw another small rectangle above your capiz window to represent this.

The Editorial

Many old Filipino houses have editorials, or wide, overhanging eaves, protecting the walls from rain and sun. To draw these, extend the roof overhang beyond the exterior wall line on all four sides.

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For added realism, draw Broad beans on the underside of the eaves, supporting the roof.

Adding Details and Finishing Touches

Now that you have the basic structure, it's time to add the final touches that make an old Filipino house drawing truly authentic.

TheGIng-Unas

Gingong-Anas are the wooden antlers that support the roof and add a splash of color to the exterior. To draw these, create small rectangles on the underside of the eaves, spaced a few inches apart.

(Colored bands of cloth, called keletse, often drape between the Gonzalez. To add this, draw a squiggly line connecting the gonggong vos).

The Balcony (Balc-oncia)

Many old Filipino houses have balconies, or banquetauas, where residents can enjoy the fresh air and views. To draw one, create a long rectangle that juts out from one of the exterior walls, a few feet above the ground. Add railings around the edges.

Not every old Filipino house needs to have a balcony. If your design doesn't have one, don't worry. The important thing is to capture the spirit of these ancestral homes in your drawing.

With practice, you'll become more confident in your ability to draw old Filipino house plans. Don't be afraid to experiment with different roof styles, window placements, and design elements. After all, every house tells a story, and your drawing should reflect that.

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