Casa Rubio y Larena 1790
The Architectural Legacy of Casa Rubio (1790) Built in 1790 , Casa Rubio stood as a premier example of the Bahay na Bato (specifically the Antillan or Balay na Tisa style). Designed by Spanish architect Danilo Castillo-Montegrande and executed by master local carpenters, the residence blended European structural grandeur with Filipino craftsmanship. It was originally commissioned by Don José Antonio Zoilo Rubio y Abilla as a gift for his second wife, Doña Ma. Lourdes “Canuta” Villacampa Rubio . I. Structural Composition · The Foundation (First Floor): The ground floor was constructed using cut coral stones (known locally as tablea ). These thick walls provided a cooling effect and structural resilience against the elements. · The Upper Frame (Second Floor): In contrast to the stone base, the second floor utilized heavy native timber , creating a flexible frame that cou...