B U I L D I N G
T E C H N O L O G Y
1
INDIGENOUS
MATERIALS
Group 10
Indigenous
Materials
Indigenous materials refer to resources that are naturally found
or produced in a specific region or locality, typically by the
native inhabitants of that area. These materials are often
utilized for various purposes including construction, crafts,
tools, clothing, and food, among others. The use of indigenous
materials is often sustainable and culturally significant,
reflecting the unique characteristics and traditions of a
particular community or culture.
Using indigenous materials in architecture can be both
sustainable and culturally enriching. Indigenous materials are
those found locally, often reflecting the region's natural
resources and cultural heritage.
Abaca
Amongst the many wicker furniture styles
available today, abaca may be one that many
are unfamiliar with. Abaca, also known as
Manila hemp, is one of the country's 35 fiber
crops and is considered the 'strongest natural
fiber in the world'. Abaca has great economic
importance and is harvested for its strong,
versatile fiber that can be woven into home and
fashion accessories. Initially used as a material
for rope, abaca made its way inside local homes
as a durable, sustainable, and readily-available
material for furniture that is easy for designers to
work with. In its natural coloration, abaca
furnishings exude an exotic air that is brought to
the forefront in island-inspired interior settings.
Abaca can often be found in resorts aiming to
retain a traditional island feel as well as upscale
homes.
Capiz Shells
The Capiz shell, or also known as
“glass oysters” are specially for
interiors and wall decoration. It is
durable enough to withstand the
typhoon rains and winds. Capiz
wall coverings for acoustic
insulation
Straw Bale
Straw bale is the leftover remnant from
grain production, typically derived from
wheat, rice, or barley. After harvesting
the edible part of the grain, the stems
are often discarded or burned.
However, these stems can be
compacted into rectangular bales,
which serve as building blocks for
walls.
Bamboo
Bamboo is a versatile and a highly
renewable raw material. It is
commonly used as a framework in the
nipa hut. Technology has allowed
bamboo to be cured, where it is
soaked in special solutions that
eliminate the starches that make it
susceptible to fire and termite
infestation. It also preserves the
material, allowing it to last for as long
as 30 years
Rattan
Rattan is a naturally renewable palm that grows
in the tropical regions. It is historically known as
Malacca cane or Manila cane. Rattan is known
for being flexible and durable, with furniture
being made from the material harboring
characteristics of comfort, supplying a natural
and tropical feel to its surroundings. As a
material, rattan is lightweight, borderline
impervious, easy to move and handle, and able
to withstand extreme conditions of humidity and
temperature, with natural resistance to insects.
Due to these properties, rattan furniture is
suitable for both indoors and outdoors,
especially when utilized in Southeast Asia
climates
Coconut Shell
Coconut shell laminates are often
considered on par with the quality and
appearance of turquoise shells or ivory,
however, more recently we have also
seen them used as a building material.
Coconut husks fibers have been used
for more than a century in the
Philippines, albeit on a local and small
scale, involving products like ropes,
nets, textiles, and other small artifacts.
Rice Hull Ash
Ash from rice hulls or husks is an
affordable and effective substitute
for cement. It is durable as the
concrete hollow blocks yet much
cheaper
Drift Wood
Drift wood is a wood that has been washed
ashore by rivers, tides, or ocean currents. It
often comes from fallen trees, branches, or
logs carried by water. Its unique appearance,
weathered texture, and irregular shapes
make it an intriguing choice for architectural
applications. Driftwood can be used for
accent walls, sculptures, furniture, and
decorative elements. Its rustic charm adds
warmth and character to spaces.
Anahaw
Anahaw is a tree that is
widelydistributed throughout
the Philippines its broad leaves
are used in making various
types of handicrafts and as
roofing for huts
Anahaw Process
Cut
Dried
Thatched
Coconut
Fronds
Coconut fronds is the leafstalk of the coconut
leaf from which the smaller leaves grow. It is
said to be even harder than the coconut
lumber. It is used for veneer and various
building products. They contribute to
sustainable construction and showcase the
unparalleled craftsmanship of Filipino
residents
Timber
Timber is one of the most widely
used indigenous materials globally.
Different types of trees and wood
species are used for various
purposes in construction, including
framing, flooring, cladding, and
furniture. Examples include cedar,
pine, oak, teak, and bamboo.
Stone
Natural stone is another prevalent
indigenous material used in
construction. Stones like granite,
limestone, slate, and sandstone are
used for building foundations, walls,
floors, and decorative elements.
Stone masonry techniques have been
employed for centuries in various
architectural styles.
Clay
Clay is used in different forms
such as adobe bricks, clay tiles,
and terracotta for construction
purposes. It is often used for
making walls, floors, and roofing
tiles due to its natural abundance
and thermal properties.
Thatched
Grass
In some regions, dried grasses
or straw are used for thatching
roofs, providing a natural and
renewable roofing material
that is well-suited to certain
climates.
Cob
Cob is a building material made from a
mixture of clay-rich soil, sand, straw,
and water. This mixture is hand-formed
into lumps or "cobs" and then stacked in
layers to create walls. Cob construction
is an ancient technique that has been
used in various parts of the world,
including Europe, Africa, and Asia. Cob
walls are typically thick and have
excellent thermal mass properties,
providing natural insulation and helping
to regulate indoor temperatures.
THANK YOU!
Group 10
Members
Ervin Alba Jr.
BSA - 2
Reymark Abarientos
BSA - 1C
Mark Jefferson A. Bobis
Jecho S. Ocampo
BSA - 1D
BSA - 1C
Gian Floyd T. Villanueva
Shaina Saldo
BSA - 1C
BSA - 2
Jobelle L. Bernacer
BSA - 2