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Manila Bulletin devider Property and Living devider This Filipino-designed house can mediate heat, withstand typhoons

This Filipino-designed house can mediate heat, withstand typhoons

Featuring the cuboid house by designer Gil Bien

Published Jun 1, 2024 08:27 am

Recently, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) declared the official start of the rainy season in the Philippines. With this, even well-built homes can experience a range of structural issues. Common problems include roof leaks, overflowing drain pipes, and discoloration. In the worst cases, entire homes can be destroyed. Despite the strong typhoons that frequently hit the country, these concerns are evitable. Case in point: the cuboid house.

Filipino designer Gil Bien has introduced the cuboid house in the country, designed to withstand typhoons, particularly given that approximately 20 typhoons enter the country's area of responsibility each year.

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Exterior of cuboid house (Photo courtesy: Gil Bien/Instagram)

Before developing his cuboid house design, Bien conducted numerous experiments. He analyzed typhoon wind patterns to determine which areas of a house are most affected during powerful storms.

Following these experiments, Bien envisioned a unique house design with no corners. He created a replica of this design, currently located in Malilipot, Albay, where the roof gutter was removed.

After successful experiments, Bien launched the cuboid house in 2022, aiming to provide Filipinos with a home that could withstand severe winds. He later registered the utility model and industrial design at the Bureau of Patents to exclusively own this design.

"All my experiences and lessons as a designer were tested, but through nearly two years of study, trials, and construction, I have never been happier as a designer," he stated.

The price range for the cuboid house starts at PHP 1.4 million and goes up to PHP 3 million. Bien emphasized that investing in this house is a smart decision, especially for those frequently facing property damage from typhoons.

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Cuboid house interior (Photo courtesy: Gil Bien/Instagram)

The cuboid houses are not only designed to withstand typhoons but also to mediate heat. "The Cuboid is designed with the tropics in mind. One of the key features is its ability to mediate heat," Bien shared, noting that the interior is six to 10 degrees Celsius cooler than the outside.

With the introduction of cuboid houses, Bien believes that "design will save the world."

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