The monograph presents Philippine ethnic architecture by structural method, use or function, historical period, and cultural group.
Ethnic architecture is influenced by the environment and the community. It draws on natural materials (e.g. wood, mud, bamboo, cogon), conforms to a general pattern (i.e. steep thatched roof, elevated on posts or stilts, slatted flooring, among others), and exhibits the design aesthetics of the owner. Generally, ethnic architecture is characterized as a multi-purpose, one-room structure that is light and airy but durable.
Ethnic architecture evolved from transient cave dwellings and lean-tos to more permanent structures like the bahay kubo (nipa hut) and bahay na bato (stone house). This shift primarily resulted from changes in lifestyle and livelihood: from a nomadic life of merely hunting and gathering to a more settled community engaging in agricultural activities. Further, the influence of religion and colonialism brought about new structures while still retaining the basic framework of ethnic architecture.
