In our previous posts, you’ve seen glimpses of these windows during mentions of old Spanish houses.
Capiz Windows, also known as exotic windowpane oyster panels, are classic windows in Philippine colonial architecture. These were widely used in Spanish-Filipino colonial houses. These windows are a combination of beautiful cut oyster shells framed inside Philippine hardwood.
A bit of trivia about the shells: The capiz window pane oyster is called Placuna placenta. It is a marine mollusk from the family Placunidae family. These shells are edible but are more valued as raw material. It served as a substitute for glass and was durable. They are also used as materials for chandeliers and lampshades as well as for glue, chalk, and varnish.
Reference:
“Windowpane oyster “https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windowpane_oyster
M. COVARRUBIAS JAMIR, “The Lantin House of Candelaria”.
https://www.jstor.org/stable/42633029
Bobby Argote, “A PRELIMINARY STUDY ON THE RESTORATION PROJECT OF ST. VINCENT DE FERRER CHURCH OF DUPAX DEL SUR: PROJECT IMPLICATION”
http://www.journal.unpas.ac.id/index.php/sampurasun/article/view/431
https://www.canva.com/design/DAEBxUuVi1E/3iViGxtbJizf2v7G-8mbBg/edit