In Philippine architecture, the ventanilla is a small window or opening below a larger window's casement, created—often reaching the level of the floor—to allow either additional air into a room during hot days or some air during hot nights when the main window's panes are drawn.[1][2][3] It also allows for more light to strike the floor.[4]
The ventanilla is often used on upper floor windows, as in the bahay na bato. As the lower part of a composite window, its larger upper part is typically a window with sliding capiz shell-paned panels. The ventanilla is just under this upper large window's sill and is typically made with sliding panel-covers behind balusters or grills.[5][3]
Bobby Mañosa's traditional methods for his design of the Coconut Palace is considered as displaying a fine example of how ventanillas can be applied in modern Philippine architecture.[5]
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