INDIGENOUS MATERIALS
INDIGENOUS MATERIALS
INDIGENOUS - originating in and characteristic of a particular region or
country; native
INDIGENOUS MATERIALS - are naturally and locally found in a specific
place. This reduces building costs and helps to boost local economies.
INDIGENOUS ARCHITECTURE
A style of architecture that is specific to a particular region.
CAPIZ SHELLS
“glass oysters”
specifically made for
interiors and wall
decoration
durable enough to withstand
the typhoon rains and winds.
Capiz wall coverings for
acoustic insulation
“Capiz ” of Omexco
Features wall coverings made with capiz shells. After a careful
cleaning and drying process, the shells are softened, coloured with
water-based dyes and then polished. Some weaves in this collection
are interwoven with bakbak (bark of the banana tree) providing a
refined association of different authentic natural materials.
STRAW BALE
highly insulative,
low-embodied-
energy, natural
building
THERMAL PROPERTIES
Bale walls are typically
coated with a thick layer of
plaster, which provides a
well-distributed thermal
mass, active on a short-term.
STR AW BA L E commonly used in natural
building or "brown"
CONSTRUCTION construction projects.
STRAW BALE
easy availability, naturally If exposed to water, compressed
fire-retardant and high straw may expand due to
insulation value. absorption of moisture.
Two Storey Hotel in Europe Built Entirely With Straw Bales
Firmly committed to sustainable construction methods and the ecological ethic, Maya
Boutique Hotel's straw-bale construction reduces its energy needs and creates a cozy,
comfortable atmosphere throughout the year. Cool in summer and warm in winter.
SCL Straw-Bale House / Jimmi Pianezzola Architetto
“In this building we tried to reduce constructive solution to the
very few that the project needed. As a single architectural
entity the perimeter wall is entirely made with straw-bales. “
BAMBOO
versatile and highly
reliable raw material
commonly used as a
framework in the
nipa hut
BAMBOO
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
BAMBOO
The S3H is designed with the Filipino
cultural value and community in mind,
with its distinct triangular structural
shape of the bahay kubo that evokes
familiarity, security and a temporary
safe house from disasters. The bahay
kubo’s high-pitched roof and long
eaves provided the structural outline
for the S3H, which evokes a sense of
S3H(Sustainable+Strong+School+Home) familiarity and shelter.
BAMBOO
Bamboo Courtyard Tea
House
The floating tea house is organised in
asymmetric cubes on a lake. The bamboo
courtyard provides the adequate setting to
a tea experience.
BAMBOO
Bamboo is used to make
corridors and brise soleil.
RATTAN
naturally renewable palm that grows in
the tropical regions
With the characteristics of its flexible woody stem, derived
typically from a secondary growth, makes rattan
a liana rather than a true wood.
RATTAN
used for furniture,
handicrafts, and
building material
RATTAN
Rattan House
The rattan house was conceived to make the
most of what is a relatively condensed site in
Singapore’s “good class bungalow” district; with
buildings all around and little breeze.
RATTAN
COCONUT SHELL
the fruit of
the coconut palm
▪ interior wall
finishes
▪ floors
▪ furnitures
COCONUT SHELL
NATURA AGED RUSTIC
L
RICE HULL ASH
Rice hulls are the hard
protecting coverings
of grains of rice
RICE HULL ASH
Ash from rice hulls or
husks is an affordable
and effective substitute
for cement.
Durable as the
concrete hollow
blocks yet much
cheaper
RICE HULL ASH
CEMENT
It has demonstrated significant Suitable incinerator/furnace as well
influence in improving the as grinding method is required for
mechanical and durability properties burning and grinding rice husk in
of mortar and concrete. order to obtain good quality ash.
DRIFTWOOD
wood that has
been washed
onto a shore
DRIFTWOOD
MUSHROOM
WALL
Designers figured out a way to
grow wall insulator and packing
materials using MYCELIUM
If placed in a mold, these
organic matters grow to the
desired shape within a couple
of days, and can then be
stopped using a hot oven.
ANAHAW
Anahaw is a tree
that is widely-
distributed
throughout the
Philippines
its broad leaves are used in
making various types of
handicrafts and as roofing for huts
Anahaw trunk is used for
house pillars, house floors
ANAHAW
CUT
DRIED
THATCHED
Santol or cotton fruit is an ideal as a wood
alternative material. Less dense compared to
other wood variants and it is actually very easy
to work with
SANTOL WOOD
COCONUT
LUMBER
Wide,
cylindrical
stem
COCONUT PALM TREE
COCONUT
LUMBER
Dark Brown Tone:
HIGH >600 KG/M3
Medium Brown Tone:
MEDIUM 400-600 KG/M3
Light Golden Tone:
LOW 200-400 KG/M3
COCONUT
LUMBER
It is a new
timber resource
that comes from
plantation crops and
offers an alternative
to
rainforest timber
Coconut Palace by
Francisco Mañosa
Leafstalk of the coconut leaf from which
the smaller leaves grow
COCONUT FRONDS
COCONUT FRONDS
Said to be
even
harden
than
coconut
lumber
WOOD ENGINEERED FROM
COCONUT FRONDS
