Clay House

Overview

The Clay House — also called the Earth House — is an eco-friendly model structure designed and built by the Malicse family in Barangay Aguipo, Mabini, Bohol. Architect Terry Malicse conceived the design as an affordable housing concept that uses locally available earth materials supplemented by salvaged building posts from old school structures.

The house consists of two components: a vault house serving as the main living area, and an emergency shelter. The design is positioned as a practical, low-cost alternative for rural housing while demonstrating earthquake and typhoon resistance.

Location

Barangay Aguipo, Mabini municipality, southeast Bohol. The Clay House is near the Aguipo View Park.

Getting There

Mabini municipality is on the southern coast of Bohol, approximately 80 km from Tagbilaran City. From Tagbilaran, take a bus or van heading toward Anda or Mabini via the southern route. Travel time is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.

[TO ENRICH: More specific road directions to Barangay Aguipo needed.]

Practical Info

• Designer/Builder: Malicse Family; designed by Architect Terry Malicse
• Structure type: Earth/clay construction — vault house + emergency shelter

Vault house dimensions:

• Floor area: 28 square meters
• Mezzanine: 14 square meters
• Terrace: 10 square meters
• Kitchen: 5 square meters
• Emergency shelter: 57 square meters

Materials: Local earth materials; old school building posts recycled for structural elements

Structural rating: Designed to withstand strong winds in typhoon conditions and earthquake forces

[TO ENRICH: Visitor hours, contact information, whether tours are offered, current operational status of the model house.]

What to Expect

The model house demonstrates an earth-building technique adapted for Philippine climate conditions. The vault form distributes structural loads without conventional steel-and-concrete framing. The interior is described as livable and comfortable despite the unconventional materials.

Visitors can observe the construction technique and assess the design as an alternative to conventional Philippine housing. The proximity to Aguipo View Park makes it a natural pairing stop.

Notes

The Clay House / Earth House has a distinct BPTO taxonomy category of its own (“Clay House/Earth House”), indicating the BPTO recognizes it as a singular tourism draw rather than grouping it with general eco-architecture.