This YouTube Channel Is Re-imagining Filipino Vernacular Design For The 21st Century
10 designs we love from Modern Balai
There’s something about Filipino design elements that make us feel at home—more so when incorporated in our spaces. That’s why in recent years, the love local movement has become flourishing, as people recognize the distinct beauty and character that makes it uniquely ours.
YouTube channel Modern Balai, established in May last year, ignites this proudly Filipino aesthetic into their videos. Celebrating house designs, both minimalist and vernacular, which is an inspired expression of 21st century architectural trends, they put out native-inspired home styles that fit in the present-day setting.
In their description, they describe their designs as “cost-efficient yet resilient and sustainable” that aims to be an inspiration for people for their own dream houses. And as we binge-watch their channel’s contents, it’s safe to say we truly are inspired!
If you are yet to discover their works, check out the gallery below and find 10 designs we love from Modern Balai!
10 Modern Balai Designs We Love
10 Modern Balai Designs We Love
10 Modern Balai Design We Love
The creative flair through the use of textures make this space tastefully unique and inviting. The combination of structured lines is softened by the use of metal filigree makes this home feel like a warm Filipino welcome!
Photo Credit: @modernbalai
10 Modern Balai Design We Love
The marriage of local elements—like solihiya and bamboo weave—with modern fixtures offers the perfect semblance of present-day tropical living.
Photo Credit: @modernbalai
10 Modern Balai Design We Love
Provincial home meets modern transitional—and no, this design is definitely far from boring! For those who prefer to keep the straight lines, but wouldn't mind the use of local materials that lend their home a vernacular flair, this is it!
Photo Credit: @modernbalai
10 Modern Balai Design We Love
The abundance of wood in this house makes it warm and instantly relaxing. Good thing that it’s balanced out with symmetries that make this design aesthetically pleasing.Best of all, is its porch which honors the importance of indoor-outdoor living, perfect for the tropics!
Photo Credit: @modernbalai
10 Modern Balai Design We Love
A small space is turned into a contemporary house that doesn’t go too far from our roots, yet embodies the traditional.
Photo Credit: @modernbalai
10 Modern Balai Design We Love
This two-storey home is far from your usual townhouse. Despite the limited space, the distinct Filipino flavor is successfully injected without losing its modern-day aesthetic. This is seen in the use of large stone cladding in its exterior, mimicking the traditional bahay na bato. Rendered in a smooth stone laid out in a running bond pattern, the traditional becomes today's masterpiece.
Photo Credit: @modernbalai
10 Modern Balai Design We Love
Reminiscent of the older days when bahay kubos were elevated to make space at the bottom for storage or animals. However, this is a contemporary, expanded version of the traditional—a beautiful merge of design generations, it is also a nod to the "kampung" house found in the Philippines' Southeast Asian neighboring countries.
Photo Credit: @modernbalai
10 Modern Balai Design We Love
Think bahay kubo—but make use of glass. The result: a cozy, stylish lodge.
Photo Credit: @modernbalai
10 Modern Balai Design We Love
The lines, the pleasing to the eyes neutral palette, the inviting aesthetic—what’s not to love? The use of light wood in this home recalls Scandinavian design, making it very appealing to today's generation who price the light and breezy look.
Photo Credit: @modernbalai
10 Modern Balai Design We Love
The design makes you reminisce of your summer days in the province, but incorporated with modern elements such as the gun-metal black finishes and the facade's straight lines, to match your present-day lifestyle. A porch in the first level and a generous balcony on the second floor will make one want to catch the fresh breeze.
Photo Credit: @modernbalai
