OLD Houses for ABC Wednesday
Last Saturday i joined my two male friends in visiting some Heritage Houses in Taal, Batangas, another town in my province. We were looking for some very old relics which might have surfaced in these old houses, now made into museums. These houses were used during the Spanish period centuries ago in mid 19th century, and were houses of the rich and famous during that time. These are mostly built from indigenous materials like hardwood and shells for the windows. Some houses have intricately designed ceilings imported from Belgium. But the hardwood's durability is really awesome to withstand insect damage and tropical weather conditions.
The architectural design during those times also fit the warm tropical climate. Windows are widely opened with opening provisions even below the window ledge at level with the floor. Room partitions are also wide open and all sides have doors for continuous air circulation. Airconditioning units are not available yet those days, and these house designs ensure very good conditions inside the house as if the occupants are just resting well under the trees. These are houses which are in total connection with the environment.
Living rooms are wide and very accommodating and hospitable both for air and to visitors.
Wide eaves give enough shade to the side of the house and give colder temperatures inside.
A lounging chair near the window has the same porous woven rattan seat and back for thorough air circulation. It also slightly rocks back and forth to enhance sleep.
An old dresser cabinet with full length mirror also withstood the test of time. The right mirror reflects the four-poster bed with lacy covers while the left reflects the green vegetation outside.
