Contemporary House in the Philippines: A Beginner’s Guide

Choosing the right style for your dream home can feel like a big decision, especially with so many options out there. From traditional to modern designs, it’s easy to get stuck between what looks good and what works best.

One style that’s been making waves recently is the contemporary house. You might wonder… ‘What makes this style so popular?’

Contemporary homes are loved for their clean lines, open spaces, and eco-friendly features. They blend current design trends with everyday practicality. Plus, they’re flexible, giving homeowners plenty of room to show off their personality. This creates a space that’s both stylish and functional.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key features of contemporary houses, pros and cons, and a peek into the stunning Filipinos’ homes. By the end, you’ll understand why this architectural style might just be the perfect fit for you.

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What is a Contemporary House?

A contemporary house is a newer style that reflects current trends in design. Unlike traditional homes, contemporary houses embrace simplicity, fluidity, and innovation. Its features include clean lines, open spaces, and eco-friendly materials. This creates a perfect balance between style and functionality.

What sets contemporary homes apart is their adaptability to modern needs. Their design integrates smart technology and energy-efficient systems. This makes it ideal for environmentally conscious homeowners.

It’s easy to confuse contemporary houses with modern houses, but they're different. Modern architecture emerged in the early 1900s, focusing on industrial materials and minimalism. Contemporary design, however, constantly evolves, blending sustainability with diverse textures and modern influences.

Types of Contemporary House

Contemporary houses come in many styles, each adapted to its environment and culture. Here are three popular types:

Urban Contemporary

It is designed for city living, featuring compact spaces, sleek materials, and smart technology.

Coastal Contemporary

It is inspired by seaside settings, with large windows, light palettes, and breezy open spaces.

Mountain Contemporary

It blends rustic charm with modern design, using natural stone, wood, and large glass panels to connect with the surrounding landscape.

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Main Elements of Contemporary House

It’s easy to mistake contemporary houses for modern ones. However, they come with distinct features and design elements listed below. It is important to note that these are not established characteristics. Afterall, contemporary houses allow homeowners to experiment with innovative concepts while maintaining functionality.

Interior Design Elements

The key interior design elements of contemporary houses these days are listed below.

Natural elements

Incorporating natural elements enhances the organic feel of contemporary homes. This blend of natural beauty and functionality makes contemporary homes inviting and timeless.

Indoor plants, carved wooden accents, and natural stone finishes create a cozy yet modern vibe. Large windows bring in abundant natural light, further emphasizing a connection to the outdoors. These elements not only add warmth but also foster a serene and eco-friendly ambiance. 

A great example is our Abreeza Towers project, where we used custom wood paneling to add warmth and elegance. The custom TV panel, crafted from marble synthetic sheet, brings a modern touch. This design blends natural elements with sophistication. Ultimately, it creates a cozy and stylish urban retreat.

Minimalist design

Minimalist design prioritizes simplicity and functionality. Clean lines and clutter-free spaces dominate this style. Bare yet stylish interiors are a growing trend in contemporary homes. It reflects the philosophy of “less is more,” removing unnecessary details.

Open-concept layout

An open-concept layout seamlessly connects the living, dining, and kitchen spaces. This creates an airy, free-flowing interior that maximizes space. It enhances natural light and promotes ventilation throughout the home.

Open layouts are highly functional, offering flexibility for interior design. They’re ideal for modern households, fostering connectivity and ease of movement. For those who value spaciousness and versatility, this design is a perfect choice.

Neutral-toned palettes

Neutral tones are a key feature of contemporary homes. Colors like white, beige, and gray create a calming atmosphere. They offer a versatile backdrop for bolder accent colors. This balance ensures the space remains elegant and understated. Such palettes help homeowners achieve a cohesive and modern look.

Our Patio Suites Project showcases this balance beautifully. Using organic wood panels, black metal accents, and greenery, the palette creates sophistication. Vibrant accent walls bring energy and personality. This proves that neutral tones can create a balanced, stylish, and visually engaging space.

Large windows

Large windows allow natural light to flood the interior, making spaces feel open and vibrant. These windows also connect indoor and outdoor areas seamlessly. It also highlights the beautiful outdoor views. Homeowners can experiment with various shapes and sizes for unique designs. This enhances both the interior’s ambiance and the home’s exterior appeal.

Multi-textured design

Multi-textured designs introduce layers of visual interest. Textures elevate the overall design, turning simple spaces into sophisticated ones. Materials like smooth metal, rough stone, and soft fabric create depth and balance. This combination adds warmth to minimalist interiors. It fosters a dynamic yet cozy atmosphere. The result is a harmonious and inviting contemporary home.

Contemporary-style furniture

Contemporary-style furniture enhances the aesthetic of a home. These pieces focus on sleek, functional, and ergonomic designs. Furniture such as modular sofas and minimalist chairs are popular choices. These elements create a sophisticated interior, while balancing comfort and style seamlessly. 

Our Arezzo Place Project is a space-saving condo that highlights this approach. It features a Murphy bed with integrated desk and a foldable sofa bed. This contemporary-style furniture blends practicality with modern aesthetics, offering both comfort and functionality.

Exterior Design Elements

The key exterior design elements of contemporary houses these days are listed below.

Clean lines

Crisp, clean lines are a defining feature of contemporary house exteriors. Simplicity is key, with geometric shapes taking center stage. These lines strip away unnecessary details, focusing on precision and symmetry. By keeping the exterior streamlined, contemporary houses achieve a striking yet uncluttered appearance.

Asymmetric house design

Asymmetry brings a fresh, dynamic look to contemporary homes. It breaks the monotony of traditional layouts, adding visual interest. Uneven rooflines, offset windows, or staggered facades are common examples.

These design elements add personality without sacrificing balance. Homeowners can experiment with asymmetry while maintaining cohesion through materials or color schemes. The result is a bold and unique architectural statement.

Green energy system

Contemporary houses embrace green energy systems to promote sustainability. Solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient appliances are popular choices.  By incorporating eco-friendly features, homeowners significantly reduce energy consumption and environmental impact. 

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Strengths and Weaknesses of Contemporary House

Like any architectural style, contemporary houses have their pros and cons. Below, we’ll break down their advantages and limitations to help you decide wisely.

Strengths

Contemporary houses stand out for their innovative designs and functionality. These strengths make them highly appealing and set them apart from other architectural styles.

Eco-sustainable energy solutions

Contemporary houses incorporate green technologies stylistically into their design. Examples of eco-sustainable energy solutions include solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and rainwater systems. These features reduce environmental impact while saving homeowners money in the long run.

Stylish appearance

Contemporary homes use sleek lines, bold geometric patterns, and innovative materials. This blend of style and practicality ensures each home is visually striking while meeting modern needs. These detail effortlessly combines make these homes stand out in a unique and captivating way.

Maximize interior

A hallmark of contemporary homes is their efficient use of space. Open floor plans enhance flow, while multi-functional furniture maximizes living areas. These design choices create a sense of spaciousness, perfect for modern living.

Personalized living solutions

Contemporary houses reflect the unique preferences of their owners. Layouts are flexible, adapting to diverse lifestyles. These may include home offices, hobby rooms, and smart technology. These homes offer tailored solutions that enhance comfort and functionality.

Weaknesses

Despite their appeal, contemporary houses have some drawbacks. These weaknesses are important considerations for potential homeowners.

Large budget requirement

Contemporary homes often require significant upfront costs. High-quality materials drive costs higher, and advanced technologies may increase long-term maintenance expenses. To manage costs, prioritize essential features or explore alternative materials without compromising quality.

Restrictive aesthetic flexibility

Contemporary houses have a distinct look, making it difficult to blend with other styles. Their focus on clean lines and minimalism limits design flexibility. However, homeowners can add a personal touch by incorporating subtle contrasts through decor.

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Top 5 Famous Contemporary Houses in the Philippines

Filipino homeowners are embracing global design trends while adapting to the country’s hot, humid climate. Contemporary houses in the country strike a balance between style and practicality. This offers energy-efficient solutions, spacious layouts, and welcoming spaces for family and guests. 

The blend of global ideas and local needs has led to some of the most impressive modern homes. Below are examples of Filipinos who have built contemporary homes in the country:

1. Marian Rivera and Dingdog Dantes’ Casa Dantes

After more than two decades, DongYan built a luxurious three-storey home in Makati. Designed by Vazdesigns Asian Consult, this house embodies contemporary elegance. It includes a tropical-inspired outdoor veranda. The large pool, blending neutral tones, and wood elements completes the vibes. The lush greenery beside the pool and potted plants in the living foyer adds to its organic feel.

Inside the living area, high ceilings, large windows, and a clear glass banister greets you. Concrete finishes and earthy tones complete the modern look. Its design, use of natural materials, and open spaces make Casa Dantes a true masterpiece.

2. Small Laude’s Modern Tropical House

Small Laude’s six-story modern tropical mansion perfectly showcases contemporary architecture. Designed by the renowned Architect Ed Calma, it blends form and function with a sleek, polished look. The exterior features clean lines, expansive glass panels, and a sophisticated palette of slate gray and deep black.

The spacious living areas and high ceilings create an open, airy atmosphere. Functional yet stylish furniture provides both comfort and elegance. It also includes natural lighting, minimalist interiors, and a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. These elements make Small Laude’s home a true definition of contemporary house.

3. Chesca and Doug Kramer’s Mountaintop House

Chesca and Doug Kramer’s mountaintop home is a dynamic, ever-evolving home. Renovations are frequent, reflecting their personalized approach to contemporary living. What was once a kid's playground was renovated to a beautiful outdoor area. Now, it accommodates family activities, showing how the house adapts over time.

With a massive living area, high ceilings, and large drop lights, the interior offers a bright and open feel. Spacious dining areas are perfect for entertaining. The home cinema and kids’ study add modern convenience. Adaptability, open spaces, and functionality are the highlights of Kramer's contemporary home.

4. Kryz Uy and Slater Young’s Skypod

Kryz Uy and Slater Young’s Skypod is a stunning contemporary glass house nestled in the hills of Cebu. It features floor-to-ceiling glass windows and walls with stunning mountain views and plenty of natural light. Solar-powered lights and garden floodlights enhance energy efficiency, reflecting a commitment to sustainability.

The Skypod features open spaces, minimalist interiors, and a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. These elements highlight its contemporary appeal. The LLG Architects also ensured the sleek architecture harmonized with modern yet cozy interiors. These features make the Skypod a standout example of modern living

5. Camille Prats’ Family House

Camille Prats’ family house perfectly blends contemporary design with practicality. The open-layout living, dining, and kitchen areas create a warm and welcoming space. Sliding glass doors separate the kitchen to keep cooking smells contained and maintain a modern, seamless look.

The house features sleek, contemporary-style furniture and natural light streaming through large windows. Clean lines and minimalist interiors add to its elegance. At the same time, the functional design choices enhance everyday living. Neutral tones and open spaces further highlight Prats' home’s contemporary appeal.

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Conclusion

Contemporary houses combine style, sustainability, and technology. These features make them highly appealing for modern living. While the design evolves with trends and requires careful planning, the process doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Here at Pencil Design Studio, we specialize in creating contemporary homes tailored to your lifestyle and values. We’re here to design a home that reflects your style while ensuring everyday practicality. Let’s build your dream home together.

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