You have to taste a culture to understand it.
Deborah Cater
If you’re looking for a modern version of the traditional Bahay Kubo, you’re in luck! In this blog post, we will discuss the cost to build a modern bahay kubo and provide you with some tips on how to make your project more affordable in which you can see at the end of this blog post.
The Bahay Kubo is one of the most illustrative and recognized icons of the Philippines. The name of the primitive Nipa hut is actually based on the Spanish phrase Cubo, meaning cube, probably because of its rectangular appearance and Bahay is the Filipino word for house.

The roof of the bahay kubo is traditionally made of nipa but the use of this material has several downsides. Nipa can be easily damaged by wind and rainwater so a GI sheet roofing can be opted to. Some modern-day hut is also a combination of concrete, bamboo, and sawali.

One of the native houses in the Philippines with a slight touch of modernization. The traditional Kubo does not use glass windows, it usually used wide pull-up windows. The native house above uses glass windows but most of the materials are made of bamboo. This feels refreshing and homey.

Commonly used by beach resorts. Most resorts in the Philippines use “Kubo” as the cottage for tourists. Why? It is not common in the city and it always feels like home to sleep in a bamboo-made house. There is a comfort in waking up in a traditional house.

It’s a modern traditional house that is made of concrete material for flooring while walls are made of hardwood to secure the safety and security of the dwellers.
Of course, Nipa needs maintenance, so most of the time traditional home lovers, do not use the Nipa as a roof anymore, they used a much sturdy roof for easier maintenance.

This Bahay Kubo is made of Nipa for the roof and bamboo woods for the walls. With a touch of modernity, it uses sliding windows. It is not the usual house you see where the living room or guest area is inside the house. The living area is outside the house with an open view of nature. It’s perfect for nap time or hanging out.

This traditional house with stilts perfectly blends the tradition and culture of many Filipinos.
Old houses usually are made of stilt posts for flood prevention. The shady space under the house can be used for work or storage ( if not on water ). More airflow in hot climates. Both increased airflow from underneath the floorboards, and increased wind from the slight elevation.
Our culture, our traditions, our language are the foundation upon which we build our identity.
Nipa Huts are a living symbol of rural life in the Philippines. It is the home of yesterday that has changed and survived even until today. Nipa Huts or Bahay Kubos are an icon of Philippine rural living.
The walls are often built with bamboo rods or mats to allow the house to be cool in the hot summers and warm in the rainy season. They are still built in a square shape and are left open for light and coolness. The windows are large to help give light and often are held open with a long bamboo rod, to allow for airflow. This is the modern Nipa hut—an icon that has survived and adapted over time.
Gallery of Modern Bahay Kubo Designs and Ideas


In addition, you may refer to the modern Bahay Kubo design inside and outside for your inspiration
Modern bahay kubo inspired beach house in Bohol, Philippines


Here’s a modern Bahay Kubo design concept on the traditional “Bahay Kubo” for a proposed Tiny House design by Zamora Architects






Below we answer the most common questions about traditional and modern Bahay Kubo.
1. How much does it cost to build a modern Bahay Kubo?
The cost to build a modern Bahay Kubo can vary depending on your location and the materials you choose. However, on average, it costs around $3,000-$4,000 to build a modern Bahay Kubo. Keep in mind that this price does not include the cost of the land. If you’re looking to save money on your project, we recommend using local materials and labor.
2. What are the types of Bahay Kubo?
Traditional Bahay Kubo: These are the most common type of Bahay Kubo and are typically made out of wood, bamboo, and nipa leaves. They are usually built on stilts and have a thatched roof.
Contemporary Bahay Kubo: These are modern versions of the traditional Bahay Kubo and are usually made out of concrete, steel, and glass. They often have a more rectangular shape and a pitched roof.
3. What makes bahay kubo unique?
The Bahay Kubo is a unique type of housing because it is typically built on stilts and has a thatched roof. This design helps to protect against flooding and strong winds. The Bahay Kubo is also unique because it is usually built out of local materials, such as wood, bamboo, and nipa leaves.
4. What material is best used in building modern Bahay Kubo?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best material to use in building modern Bahay Kubo will vary depending on your location and climate. However, in general, we recommend using local materials that are resistant to weathering and pests.
Common materials used in modern Bahay Kubo construction include
- Wood
- Bamboo
- Nipa leaves
If you’re looking to save money on your project, we recommend using local materials and labor.
Conclusion:
Modern Bahay Kubo can make a great addition to any home. Not only are they unique and stylish, but they’re also eco-friendly and can help you save money on your energy bills. If you’re thinking about building a modern Bahay Kubo, we hope this blog post has been helpful. Remember to use local materials and labor to get the most affordable price. Thanks for reading!
Good Day!
I would like to ask for your professional advice and assistance in the construction of a modern bahay kubo in my property at Agoo La Union.
Looking forward for your kind response on this inquiry
best regards
Richard
Hi Richard,
We have updated the content of the website that could actually help you in constructing your modern bahay kubo. If you have further questions, please feel free to reply to this comment. We will be happy to assist you with your questions or post new content about it.
Looking forward to your reply.
How much would it cost me building me one on my property in Baguio? I want modern cabin style. Two rooms.pls reply.
Thanks for your question! Building a modern cabin style in Baguio, Philippines can vary in cost depending on the size and materials used. On average, it costs around PHP150,000 – PHP250,000, generally speaking, two-room cabins tend to cost more than one-room cabins due to the additional materials and labor needed.
If you’re looking for an exact estimate of how much it would cost you to build a two-room cabin on your property in Baguio, we suggest reaching out to local contractors or companies that specialize in building cabins. They will be able to provide you with an accurate estimate bas
Hello Joniel. I’m inquiring if you can recommend a company I could work with to constuct several bahay kubo in our property in Tanay.
Thank you for reaching out to us. We recommend checking out the Facebook page of Michael Bamboo Shop. They specialize in the construction of bahay kubo. They can assist you with your project.
You may also want to browse through this link: Google Search. The link contains a list of construction firms in Tanay, Rizal, that offers various construction services. It’s always a good idea to research and compare the services and prices offered by different companies before deciding. We hope this helps you in your search for a reliable construction company in Tanay.
wow these are definitely great place to relax, nice work! very filipino design.