Imagine stepping out of your cozy bedroom onto a spacious terrace, the warm Philippine sun kissing your skin as you sip your morning coffee. This idyllic scene is a dream easily achievable with a bungalow house design featuring a terrace – a popular architectural style in the Philippines that blends modern comfort with a traditional warmth. The bungalow, with its single-story layout and inviting terrace, offers a unique way to enjoy the island life, embracing a connection with nature and creating an inviting space for relaxation and entertaining.
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This article delves into the captivating world of bungalow house designs with terraces in the Philippines. We will explore the key features and advantages of this style, provide insights into floor plan considerations, and showcase some stunning examples of bungalow homes that seamlessly blend traditional Filipino design elements with modern aesthetics. Whether you are planning to build your dream home or simply seeking inspiration for your next design project, this exploration into the world of bungalow houses with terraces promises to be both informative and visually captivating.
Understanding the Bungalow: A Filipino Tradition Reimagined
The bungalow house, a popular dwelling in the Philippines, has a rich history rooted in the country’s colonial past. Initially introduced by American settlers in the early 20th century, the bungalow adopted local architectural influences, evolving into a distinctive style that resonated with Filipino tastes and lifestyles. The single-story layout provided practicality and affordability, while the open floor plan and expansive verandahs maximized natural ventilation and provided a sense of spaciousness.
Modern bungalows, while retaining the core essence of their predecessors, have embraced contemporary design trends. They feature sleek, minimalist lines, larger windows to invite in abundant natural light, and versatile open-plan layouts that cater to the needs of modern Filipinos. The incorporation of a terrace further enhances the bungalow’s appeal, offering an extension of living space that blurs the lines between indoors and outdoors, allowing residents to seamlessly move between their home and the surrounding natural environment.
The Allure of the Terrace: Bringing the Outdoors In
The terrace, an essential element of the bungalow design, serves more than just aesthetic purposes. It acts as a transitional space, a buffer between the interior and the exterior, blurring the boundaries between living and nature. It offers a multitude of benefits:
- Extended Living Space: The terrace seamlessly expands the living area, providing a spot for dining, entertaining, relaxing, or simply enjoying the fresh air.
- Natural Connection: The terrace becomes an extension of the outdoor environment, allowing residents to immerse themselves in the tropical ambiance, whether it’s the scent of blooming flowers or the rustling of leaves in the breeze.
- Versatility: The terrace can be tailored to suit a variety of needs, from a cozy reading nook to a vibrant outdoor kitchen or even a home office escape.
- Enhanced Ventilation: The terrace facilitates natural ventilation, allowing fresh air to circulate throughout the house, maintaining a comfortable temperature and creating a healthy living environment.
Designing the Perfect Bungalow with Terrace
Crafting a bungalow home with a terrace is a collaborative process, involving architects, designers, and homeowners working together to create a space that embodies both functionality and aesthetics. The design begins with careful consideration of the following key aspects:
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1. Defining the Purpose of the Terrace:
The first step in designing a bungalow with a terrace is to establish its intended use. Will it be a place for morning coffee and leisurely breakfasts, a space for hosting intimate gatherings, or a tranquil retreat to unwind after a long day? By defining the purpose, you can ensure the design, materials, and layout effectively meet your needs.
2. Optimizing Space and Flow:
The layout of the bungalow and terrace is crucial. Seamless flow between the interior and exterior is key. The design should encourage natural movement and create a sense of interconnectedness between the different living areas. Consider designated pathways or transitions to create a smooth flow from the house to the terrace.
3. Choosing the Right Materials:
Material selection plays a critical role in creating the desired ambiance and functionality of the terrace. For the Philippine climate, durability and weather resistance are essential. Common choices include:
- Hardwood: Durable and beautiful, hardwood flooring adds warmth and sophistication to a terrace. Consider tropical woods like narra, ipil, or kamagong for longevity and moisture resistance.
- Tile: Ceramic or porcelain tiles offer durability and ease of maintenance, making them a practical choice for a busy terrace.
- Stone: Natural stone, such as granite or slate, adds a touch of elegance and can withstand the elements.
- Bamboo: A sustainable and readily available material in the Philippines, bamboo adds a natural and rustic charm to a terrace.
Floor Plans: Visualizing the Bungalow with Terrace
Floor plans serve as blueprints for your dream bungalow, outlining the arrangement of living spaces, bedrooms, bathrooms, and of course, the coveted terrace. While specific floor plan designs vary depending on individual needs and the size of the land, here are common features of a bungalow with a terrace:
Typical Floor Plan Elements:
- Open Plan Living Area: The central living space, often incorporating the kitchen and dining area, is designed for open and free-flowing movement. This fosters a sense of spaciousness and encourages social interaction.
- Bedrooms: A bungalow typically features 2-3 bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom and closet space.
- Terrace Access: For maximum connection with the outdoors, the living area often has direct access to the terrace, creating a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor living.
- Private Balcony: Some bungalows offer private balconies attached to bedrooms, offering scenic views and a secluded space for relaxation.
- Outdoor Kitchen/Dining Area: For those who love entertaining, a well-designed terrace can incorporate a dedicated outdoor kitchen and dining area with a countertop, sink, and grill.
- Landscape Design: The terrace can be further enhanced with greenery, providing a natural backdrop and a tranquil ambiance.
Examples of Stunning Bungalow Designs with Terraces
To inspire your own bungalow building journey, we present some captivating examples of bungalow houses with terraces found in the Philippines.
Example 1: Modern Minimalist Bungalow with Terrace
This bungalow boasts a clean and modern design, with sleek lines, large windows, and a spacious terrace that wraps around the house. The terrace is paved with polished concrete, creating a seamless transition from the living room and kitchen. A lush green lawn surrounds the house and the terrace, providing a natural backdrop and a cool, inviting atmosphere.
Example 2: Traditional Filipino Bungalow with Terrace
This bungalow seamlessly blends traditional Filipino architectural elements with modern design sensibilities. The use of natural materials such as wood and bamboo adds a rustic charm, while the open layout and spacious verandah provide a sense of airy openness. The terrace, overlooking a well-manicured garden, is an inviting space for dining, relaxing, or simply enjoying the tropical breeze.
Bungalow House Design With Terrace In Philippines With Floor Plan
Conclusion: Embrace the Bungalow Lifestyle
A bungalow house design with terrace offers a unique and appealing way to embrace the tropical lifestyle. It combines the practicality and easy living of the bungalow with the joy of outdoor connection and versatility of a well-designed terrace. The bungalow, with its single-story layout and inviting outdoor spaces, provides the perfect environment for families, individuals, and couples to create a home that resonates with their personal style and connects them to the natural beauty of the Philippines. Consider embarking on the journey of building your own bungalow with terrace; it might be the perfect step to unlocking the idyllic lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of.
