AHA!: The typhoon-resistant stone houses in Sabtang, Batanes rock!

Summary

This video explores the unique and resilient architecture of the Ivatan people in Batanes, where homes are built from stone and limestone, crafted to withstand powerful typhoons. The traditional houses feature thick, stable walls and roofs made from kogon grass, providing excellent protection against the elements. The video also highlights the craftsmanship behind local accessories like the vakul headgear, made from the boyboy plant, which serves as both sun and rain protection. The resourcefulness of the Ivatan community is evident in their ability to use simple materials for durable, sustainable living.

Takeaways

• 😀 The traditional stone houses in Batanes are made from coral stones or sea rocks, offering exceptional durability.
• 😀 These stone houses can withstand extreme weather conditions, including winds up to 250 km/h, and even typhoons.
• 😀 The oldest stone house in Batanes, the House of the Kai, was built in 187 and is still standing strong.
• 😀 The stone houses are built with thick walls, up to one meter wide, providing stability against strong winds.
• 😀 The roof of Ivatan houses is made from cogon grass, which is layered and pressed tightly together to prevent leaks during storms.
• 😀 Despite being made from thin materials, the cogon grass roof does not let water penetrate, effectively protecting the interior from rain.
• 😀 The Ivatan people wear a headgear called 'vakul,' made from the buyoy plant, which helps protect them from both sun and rain.
• 😀 The vakul headgear is carefully woven and designed to shield the wearer from harsh weather, reflecting the local ingenuity in materials.
• 😀 Ivatan houses are typically one-story, with a low structure, which helps reduce the impact of storms and high winds.
• 😀 The simplicity and natural materials used in Batanes architecture, such as limestone and cogon grass, contribute to the resilience and functionality of the houses.

Q & A

What materials are used to build the stone houses in Batanes?

The stone houses in Batanes are primarily made from coral stones or stones sourced from the sea. These are combined with crushed limestone, sand, and water to form a durable mortar.

Why are Batanes' stone houses resistant to strong winds and storms?

The stone houses in Batanes are resistant to strong winds and storms due to their solid construction. The walls are thick, about one meter wide, which makes them more stable and less prone to damage, even under wind speeds of up to 250 km/h.

How old is the oldest stone house in Batanes?

The oldest stone house in Batanes, known as the House of the Kai, was built in 1870 and is still standing today, showing the durability of these traditional homes.

What role does the thickness of the stone house walls play in its stability?

The thick walls, up to one meter in width, contribute to the stability of the stone houses. The wider the walls, the more stable the foundation, helping the house withstand the impacts of storms.

How does the roof of a traditional Ivatan house function during heavy rain?

The roof of an Ivatan house is made from cogon grass, which is layered tightly to prevent water from leaking inside. The grass fibers are thin and close together, reducing the space between them, which makes it harder for water to penetrate during heavy rain.

What is a vakul, and how does it help the Ivatan people?

A vakul is a traditional headgear made from a plant called 'buyoy-buyoy'. It serves as protection for the Ivatan people against both the heat of the sun and the rain, similar to how the cogon grass roof protects the houses.

What materials are used to make the vakul?

The vakul is made from 'buyoy-buyoy', a plant found in Batanes. The fibers of this plant are woven together and treated to ensure they are waterproof, offering protection against the elements.

How does the design of the Ivatan houses help reduce the impact of storms?

The design of Ivatan houses includes low single-story structures with thick stone walls and roofs made from tightly bound cogon grass. This design minimizes wind resistance and reduces the risk of water infiltration during storms.

What makes Batanes' stone houses more durable than those built with sedimentary rocks?

Batanes' stone houses are made with coral stones and limestone, which are more resistant to weathering over time compared to sedimentary rocks. This gives them greater durability, even when exposed to harsh conditions like storms.

Can the Ivatan people still make their traditional vakul today?

Yes, the Ivatan people still create their traditional vakul today. The crafting process is passed down through generations, with some individuals skilled in weaving the waterproof headgear from the 'buyoy-buyoy' plant.