Technological University of the Philippines - Manila

College of Architecture and Fine Arts

School Year 2020-2021

A Research Study on Bungalow Residential

Houses and Site Analysis on Silangan
Road, San Mateo, Rizal

Submitted by:

Tocol, Beryl Azeria S.

BSA-1E

Submitted to:

Arch. Juney G. Agron

November 2020
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I. INTRODUCTION

Architectural Residential Homes varies in different kinds of style (e.g. Federal Style,

Bungalow, Craftsman, Tudor Style, etc.). A Bungalow, is a one-story house, it can either be a

cottage or a cabin. It is generally small and, in some cases, upper rooms are set in the roof and

commonly has a dormer window.

Bungalow houses often have one to one-and-a-half stories with inviting verandas that

are shaded by overhanging roofs supported by exposed beams and rafters. It is commonly

narrow, rectangular or squarish forms. The style is well-known, often on high demand, and most

people in today's time prefer this kind of design on houses.

Observing from the outside, bungalows are defined by a strong emphasis on horizontal

elements. The roofs are almost low pitched therefore it is not very steep. Bungalows are also

easily classified with its common exterior features such as a wide covered front porch. This kind

of house is notable for its craftsman shift. Bungalow houses also have a strong emphasis on its

design and decoration, together with ornamental details carved within some parts of the

structure. Most of these details are commonly handcrafted, and gives emphasis to local

materials and designs. (What is a Bungalow? - Definition & Styles, 2017)

Shifting to a site analysis on Silangan Road in the municipality of San Mateo in the

Province of Rizal. Silangan Road is one of the barangays in San Mateo. According to DILG

CALABARZON's website San Mateo is a first-class urban municipality in the Province of Rizal. It

is one of the fastest growing municipalities in Rizal Province. It is located along the western

border of Rizal Province. The site possesses various spacious parks, tree-lined streets and

roads, and industrial zones. The greater part of the municipality is composed of residential

areas, while the eastern part is composed of high plateaus and foothills of the Sierra Madre

Mountains.
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STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This study sought to determine the following:

1) What is a Bungalow?

a. What are the styles of a Bungalow House?

b. What are the different features and characteristics of a Bungalow?

2) What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of a Bungalow Residential

Home?

3) In relation to the Site Analysis of Barangay Silangan, San Mateo, Rizal, is

a Bungalow house ideal to be built in the site?

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

According to the Oxford Languages, Bungalow is derived from the original Indian word

from the late 17th century, "bangla", meaning belonging to Bengal or a house in the Bengali

style. A type of cottage built for early European settlers in Bengal.

The modern bungalow that is known today was adapted from the one-story huts in India

in the 19th century. The original version of the modern bungalow was built in Bengal, India for

English officers in the course of the British colonialization of India. (GEHRY, 2020)

When the English men first built the bungalow, its purpose was for the temporary

settlement and that bungalow houses can be quickly constructed and provide the English men

shelter from the sun. Once the British colonialists returned to Britain, they also brought home

the style of the bungalow house and the design began to be popular up on the English coasts.

But the Architectural style reached California in the 1890s and into the 20th century, bungalows

became the de facto design for American single-family properties. (DAWSON, 2019)

The Californian architects Greene and Greene, are the ones credited for the rise of

popularity of the bungalow houses. The influence of their Craftsman bungalows can be seen
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throughout the country of United States. One of the bungalow designs by the Greene brothers is

the grand Pasadena's Gamble House in 1909, but they also design affordable bungalow homes

for average American families. (CHECHAR, 2019)

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The significance of this study is to be able to identify a Bungalow residential house,

together with its different styles, features, and characteristics.

This study might give new information and can be beneficial to the following group of

people:

Students. The study can give information and ideas to students especially those taking

a degree in Architecture.

Teachers/Instructors. The study can give additional information to Pre-school teachers

and college Architecture Instructors.

SCOPE AND LIMITATION

This study is only limited to the information about the types, characteristics, advantages

and disadvantages of a Bungalow Residential houses, including American and English

Bungalows and a site analysis on Barangay Silangan Road, San Mateo, Rizal.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

The following terms are listed to have better understanding of the study:

Bulkheads. An upright partition separating compartments

Dormer. A window projecting vertically from a sloping roof

Eaves. The edge of a roof that sticks out or hangs over the building's side

Gable. A triangular section of wall at the end of a pitched roof, extending from the eaves to the

peak.
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Parlor. Reception room or public space.

Portholes. An opening (such as a window) with a cover.

Rafters. Structural component that is used as part of a roof construction.

Shingle Roof. Also known as laminated or dimensional shingles.

Story. Floor of a building or house.

II. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

A Bungalow commonly has one or one and a half stories, a broad bracketed gable roof,

a large porch, and it is often built with rustic materials. (CHING, 2011)

Pocket bungalows or “Bungalow Belts” are mostly found in American cities. These

houses are usually found in urban areas. (CHECHAR, 2019)

The bungalow is one of the most common housing options in the Philippines. In the

Philippines, you’ll see suburban subdivisions dotted by this type of houses, offering residents

the privacy because of its capacious layout — this house is often characterized by spaces in the

front, back, and sides, while the house sits in the middle. (Bungalows: architecture, inspiration

& pictures, n.d.)

Types

Bungalow houses varies with their design, to be able to differentiate one Bungalow apart

from the other, the following are the different types of Bungalow houses:

According to Mastroeni on What Classifies A House Style: What Makes A Bungalow

Home, in 2020, Bungalow types are:

Craftsman Bungalow

The name "Craftsman bungalow" is used to describe the classic bungalow. These types

of bungalows feature street-facing gables with shingled roofs. These houses are often painted
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with brown or dark green to blend with the color of nature. It is also known for the wide,

overhanging eaves.

California Bungalow

This type of bungalow is quite similar to the Craftsman Bungalow, the difference of these

two types are the material used in the construction. California Bungalow home exteriors

generally uses stucco and wood shingle and horizontal siding but not bricks (commonly

redwood). However, other bungalow subtypes use bricks.

Modern

Modern styles contain curved corners to provide a sense of motion. It may also have

portholes or bulkheads. It is often made of materials such as concrete, glass, and brick.

Meanwhile, the interiors are generally light and airy with the touch of modern designs.

Tudor

These bungalows have steeply-pitched roofs with large elaborated chimneys. It also

features a wall cladding, tall and narrow windows, and decorative half-timbering.

Prairie Style

Prairie styled bungalows were developed by a group of Architects from Chicago known

as the Prairie School (famous Architect Frank Lloyd Wright was among the members). The type

of bungalows contains large piers, used to support the porch roofs, as well as rows of casement

windows, broad and flat chimneys, and contrasting wall materials and trim.

Additionally, from Frank Gehry written in Masterclass, on the Guide to Bungalows: 5

Styles of Bungalow Houses in 2020;

Chicago Bungalows are brick-built and usually feature one-and-a-half story above its

basement, with stairs leading up to the porch from the street level of the house. These subtype

bungalows may feature dormer windows and an enclosed front room, meanwhile the stairway

entrance is located at the side of the house.

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Moreover, according to Braverman on What is a bungalow home, in 2019. There are

also bungalows called the Queen Anne Bungalows, these types of bungalows have a Victorian

flair, with shingled or clapboard-covered sides, wrap-around porches, and a medium-pitched

roof.

Furthermore, according to Linda Chechar on the Characteristics of Bungalow Style

Houses, in 2019, added more types of bungalows that are popular and can be found in other

parts of America;

Spanish Colonial

Extremely prevalent in the Southern part of California and restored examples of these

bungalow often requires a big amount of price. The features of these bungalows are tile roofs

and smooth stucco exteriors. It has arched windows, doors, and pass-through rooms. Some

have circular entries and front courtyards: common features are tiles stairs and wrought iron

balustrades.

Cape Cod

This type has a steep pitched roof, end gables, and central chimney. Designed as a New

England style that is perfectly symmetrical, with a central front door flanked by side windows.

Foursquare

An example of rebellion against elaborate Victorian homes. These bungalows contain

style elements from Arts and Crafts and Prairie styled bungalows. Commonly structured as a

perfect square and features large boxy rooms.

Mission

Inspired from the Spanish missions that dotted to the Southwestern part of America.

Mission bungalows incorporates stucco or smooth plaster sidings, and a tile room. General

features of these bungalows are overhanging eaves, exposed rafters, arched entries, and roof

parapets.
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Characteristics and Features

Characteristics that ties the different types of bungalow all together:

Exterior

Balanced and well proportioned, but not symmetrical, appearance from the front of the

house. A low roof, often with beams or rafters exposed. A modest veranda. Bungalow columns

Interior

Usually one-and-a-half stories. Front door generally opens to the main living space. An

open floor plan that lacks a formal parlor. Simple decorative accents. Plenty of built-ins aa (in

terms of decorations) (MASTROENI,2020)

According to Dordick on What is a Bungalow Exactly? These Are the Defining Features,

in 2019. Common features of bungalows are;

A Low Profile

Commonly these types of houses have its floor raised up and front steps are needed.

Open Floor Plan

The interiors of a bungalow house are very efficient with space because most closets

are small and often are built-in cabinets and shelving. Its small size makes it ideal for couples,

singles, and individuals who want to downside the lives.

Low-Pitched Roof

Can be gabled or hipped. This kind of house usually features deep eaves and may or

may not have exposed rafters. Overhangs are included to help shield the house from the direct

sunlight.

Essential Large Front Porch

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Bungalows are well-known for this feature. Today's home preferences include features

that lets homeowners bring the outside in, and that is what exactly a large porch of a bungalow

brings.

Additionally, by John Spacey on the 14 Characteristics of a Bungalow, a bungalow;

Low rise, it is no higher than a one-and-a-half stories.

Veranda, bungalows possesses front verandas that is covered by an overhanging roof.

Overhanging Roof, bungalows have a slow-sloping roof that overhangs the edges of

the house

Bungalow Columns, columns are used as support for the roofs where it overhangs far

over the front porch

Squarish, bungalows often have a wide front and rectangular form.

Dormers, these are window located on the second floor of a bungalow projecting

vertically from a sloping roof

Land Footprint, due to the bungalows low rise structure, these houses use more land

for each square foot of its interior than a ordinary house.

Cozy, bungalows aren't overly large with low ceilings as compared to other styles of

architecture such as a Victorian house.

Privacy and Light, bungalows feel private because of its deep interior spaces due to its

squarish layout and its first-floor windows are usually hidden by a fence or a tree.

Basement, some bungalow houses contains basements. The first floor of a bungalow is

elevated therefore the basement can also have windows.

Accessibility, due to its one-floor-layout, bungalows are valued by people with

disabilities and senior citizens for their accessibility.

American Craftsmen, a design movement in 1880-1930 that features ornate designs

and craftsmanship influenced by folk culture

Adaptation, bungalows are generally able to adapt to the local culture and climate
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Ultimate bungalow, a large bungalow-like house that contains multiple stories but gives

the visual appearance of a bungalow.

SITE ANALYSIS

According to the website PhilAtlas. The municipality of San Mateo Rizal is composed of

a land area of 55.09 square kilometers or 21.27 square miles which constitutes 4.62% of Rizal's

total area. Barangay Silangan has an area of 7.655 kilometers squared, a population of 52, 996

determined by the 2015 Census, and population density of 7,095.32 per kilometers squared.

Cities that are closest to the site are Marikina, Quezon City, Antipolo, San Juan, San

Jose del Monte, and Caloocan. The adjacent Barangays are Pintong Bocawe, Cupang

(Antipolo), Santo Niño, Gulod Malaya, Santa Ana, and Guitnang Bayan II (Poblacion). The

nearest municipalities are Rodriguez, Cainta, Taytay, Teresa, Pateros, and Angono.

Historical Background

According to DILG CALABARZON’s website San Mateo with its large size was

dismembered on April 27, 1871 when Captain General Isquierdo issued a decree separating the

barrios of Balite, Burgos, Marang and Calipahan from San Mateo and formed them into the new

Municipality of Montalban (Rodriguez).

Republic Act No. 137 of the Philippine Commission incorporated this town into the newly

created Rizal Province on 11 June 1901. In 1903, the Philippine Commission "in line with the

policy of economy and centralization" as opposed to today's policy of decentralization enacted

Act No. 942 which consolidated the Municipalities of San Mateo and Montalban, with the seat of

government at San Mateo. Executive Order No. 20, dated February 29, 1908 separated

Montalban from San Mateo, thus formalizing the latter's status as an independent municipality.

(DILG CALABARZON, n. d.)

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Geography and Site Levels

The site’s Coastal/Landlocked is Land blocked and has none water marine bodies. The

municipality lies in the Marikina Valley. The Marikina River runs through the western portion of

the Municipality, while Nangka River runs through the south, bounded by Marikina City. San

Mateo has lush trees in other high areas. Most part of the area is currently residential and the

other parts are on high level ground.

Access to Site

The site is accessible, given the well-known landmarks Diocesan Shrine and Parish of

Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu, Maarat Basic Trail, and Book Museum cum Ethnology Center.

The area is known for a great site for mountain biking. Therefore, the site gives accessibility to

cyclists, and other forms of transportation (e. g. jeepneys, tricycles, buses, UV express etc.).

Climate

Figure 1, Average Temperature and Precipitation

Retrieved from: mateoblue

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Fig 2, Maximum Temperature

Retrieved from: mateoblue

Fig 3, Cloudy, Sunny, and Precipitation days

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Retrieved from: mateoblue

Hazards

Silangan Road, San Mateo Rizal lies on the Marikina Valley Fault. Therefore, it is at high

risk for earthquakes. It is also located near the Marikina river which makes the site a candidate

for possible flood or storm surges during strong typhoons. The flood can also be caused by the

deforestation from the near mountains that lessens the number of trees that protects the area

from the flood.

Additionally, from the recent news, on November 11 and 12, 2020 typhoon Ulysses

caused the worst flood in some parts in the province of San Mateo Rizal.

III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

Based from the information of different types of bungalows, the following images are

presented to be able to identify the different types of a bungalow:

Figure 4, Craftsman Bungalow

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Retrieved from: https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/craftsman-bungalow-organic-architecture/

Figure 5, California Bungalow

Retrieved from: https://www.marshallwhite.com.au/2018/10/04/the-appeal-of-the-californian-bungalow/

Figure 6, Modern
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Retrieved from: https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/222083825359160205/

Figure 7, Tudor

Retrieved from: https://dengarden.com/misc/Characteristics-of-Bungalow-Style-Homes

Figure 8, Prairie Style

Retrieved from: https://dengarden.com/misc/Characteristics-of-Bungalow-Style-Homes

Figure 9, Chicago Bungalows

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Retrieved from: https://www.architecture.org/learn/resources/buildings-of-chicago/building/chicago-bungalow

Figure 10, Queen Anne Bungalows

Retrieved from: https://www.houstoniamag.com/home-and-real-estate/2018/05/queen-anne-bungalow-heights

Figure 11, Spanish Colonial

Retrieved from: https://dengarden.com/misc/Characteristics-of-Bungalow-Style-Homes

Figure 12, Cape Cod

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Retrieved from: https://dengarden.com/misc/Characteristics-of-Bungalow-Style-Homes

Figure 13, Foursquare

Retrieved from: https://dengarden.com/misc/Characteristics-of-Bungalow-Style-Homes

Figure 14, Mission

Retrieved from: https://dengarden.com/misc/Characteristics-of-Bungalow-Style-Homes

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Based from the collected information from the characteristics and styles, and additional

research, resulted some advantages and disadvantages of having a Bungalow House:

Advantages

Bungalows are smaller houses compared to ordinary houses; thus, it comes with a lesser

price.

It is accessible for young families, people with disabilities, and senior citizens.

The property may have a smaller carbon footprint, and living expenses comes with a lower

price.

It can be expanded, in some cases where in the user needs more space, bungalow can be

built up or out.

Can be easily cleaned. Since the roofs are lower it is easier for the gutters to be cleaned.

It has an open-plan design. Today's preferences for spacious floor plans makes bungalow

houses a great candidate.

Great resale prices, bungalows are always in high demand due to its popularity and the

people's preferences.

Disadvantages

Maintenance of the property may require some additional expenses

Bungalows are designed to block the sunlight; thus, the interiors tend to be darker.

Rooms such as the bedroom, bathroom, and dining rooms are generally smaller compared

to ordinary houses.

Bungalows offer less storage space

Lack of security. Windows are accessible by burglars from the ground.

It is not ideal for a growing family.

Not enough room separation.

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The hazard of the property. In some cases, with the one-story house it is more likely to be

flooded during strong typhoons because of its low profile.

IV. CONCLUSION

The following are the gathered information for the study that posited the statement of the

problem:

A bungalow is commonly a one- to one-and-a-half stories house, in some cases, it

possesses an upper room located at the roof. The common styles of a bungalow are Craftsman

Bungalow, California Bungalow, Modern, Tudor, Prairie Style, Chicago Bungalows, Queen Anne

Bungalows, Spanish Colonial, Cape Cod, Foursquare, and Mission. Moreover, the common

different features and characteristics of a bungalow residential homes, according to John

Spacey’s 14 Characteristics of a Bungalow House are; low rise, has a Veranda, has an

Overhanging Roof, has a Bungalow Columns, Squarish form, has a Dormers, Land Footprint, it

is Cozy, has a Privacy and Light, can have a Basement, Accessibility for all people, American

Craftsmen, and Adaptation.

Furthermore, advantages and disadvantages were acquired with further research on the

characteristics of a bungalow house. Some of the advantages are; Bungalows have lesser

prices. It is Accessible. Has a smaller carbon footprint. It can be expanded. Can easily be

cleaned. Has an open-plan design. Has great resale prices. Meanwhile the disadvantages are;

the additional expenses. Has darker Interiors. Smaller spaces for rooms. It has less storage

spaces. Lack of security. Not ideal for a big family. Doesn’t have enough room separation. The

hazard of the property

In relation with the site analysis in Barangay Silangan, San Mateo, Rizal. It is ideal to have a

Bungalow house at the site, given the circumstances that:

The house should be more elevated.

The house is built with strong materials.

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The Family has good security.
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REFERENCES

Braverman, B. (2019). What is a bungalow home? Retrieved from: https://www.bankrate

.com/real-estate/what-is-a-bungalow-home/
Calabarzon, DILG. (n.d.). San Mateo. Retrieved from: http://calabarzon.dilg.gov.ph/133-
old- lgus/old-rizal-lgus/647-san-mateo
Chechar, L. (2019). Characteristics of Bungalow Style Houses. Retrieved from:
https://dengarden.com/misc/Characteristics-of-Bungalow-Style-Homes
Ching, F. (2011). A Visual Dictionary of Architecture. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
Dawson, K. (2019). What Is a Bungalow-Style House? Retrieved from:
https://www.housebeautiful.com/design-inspiration/a30318572/what-is-bungalow/
Dordick, V. (2019). What is a Bungalow Exactly? Retrieved from: https://www.homedit
.com/what-is-a-bungalow/
Gehry, F. (2020). Guide to Bungalows: 5 Styles of Bungalow Houses. Retrieved from:
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/guide-to-bungalows#what-is-the-history-of
%20bungalows
Homify. (n.d.). Bungalows: architecture, inspiration & pictures. Retrieved from:
https://www.homify.ph/rooms/bungalows
Mastroeni, T. (2020). What Classifies A House Style: What Makes A Bungalow Home?
Retrieved from: https://www.mymove.com/home-inspiration/decoration-design-
ideas/classifies-house -style-makes-bungalow-home/
Mateoblue. (n.d.). Climate San Mateo. Retrieved from: https://www.meteoblue.com
/en/weather/historyclimate/climatemodelled/san-mateo_philippines_1689056
PhilAtlas. (n.d.). Silangan. Municipality of San Mateo. Province of Rizal. Retrieved from:
https://www.philatlas.com/luzon/r04a/rizal/san-mateo/silangan.html
Spacey, J. (2019). 14 Characteristics of a Bungalow. Retrieved from:
https://simplicable.com/ new/bungalow
Study.Com (2017). What is a Bungalow? - Definition & Styles. Retrieved from:
https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-a-bungalow-definition-styles.html.