In today’s local architecture for average Pinoys, antesala is an anachronism. In the Spanish colonial bahay na bato, an antesala (also known as caida) is a spacious upper floor landing directly at the top of the main staircase. Its primary function was the main receiving and waiting area for those who had neither the relationship with the homeowner nor the social standing to be ushered into the inner sala mayor. This is where social filtering took place, where acquaintances or service people were welcomed.
Nowadays, most of Pinoy homes no longer have the space to allot for an antesala. But we’ve made one, anyway, in this stylized version of a contemporary kubo. The space is modern as inspired by the vernacular architecture of the bahay na bato and kubo.
Contemporary Antesala
This moodboard is an aspirational idea of how a modern homeowner could make an additional breezy space to welcome family and friends. If you’ve got the room, it would be a nice space to have, especially for a family with a wide social circle. The kids and their barkada could enjoy loud and lively conversation here during social gatherings, while the adults occupy the sala mayor for their equally lively discussions.
Local materials—banig, solihiya, and habi—are some of the inspiration for the materials used in the space. Stone and wood are combined to give the room an organic feel. Architectural design for this open space fits our climate because it allows for air circulation, something we would need especially during the summer season.
Boysen Colors and Materials
Here are five paint color swatches to give an idea of the colors you can use for a space such as this. Please note that not all are used on surfaces. They can also be found in the home accessories used in the moodboard.
The colors are neutral, light, and organic to replicate nature. If you have a beautiful garden, these colors echo the outside world and help bring nature into the home.
Using a faux cement finish like Kohl of the Konstrukt Lunar Series adds an industrial touch to the space and gives it an edgy, contemporary feel. Add wood stained in the beautiful Teak shade of Boysen Xyladecor to balance the rugged feel of Kohl.
Boysen Xyladecor is a solvent-based, deep penetrating type of stain that combines decorative, water repellent, and wood preserving properties in one. It dries to a silk matte finish and emphasizes the grain, bringing out the natural beauty in any kind of wood.
Vernacular Design with a Twist
Filipino architect Edwin Uy introduced me to critical regionalism a while back. His words:
For me critical regionalism, which started in the 70s, is finding ways to make the buildings and urban landscapes revere the details of a particular region, the materials, and what that environment calls for.
Basically, architects have to be aware and be conscious of what we have in our country or in our region. It becomes complex because we have thousands of islands and each region can have something particular which one can use and apply in one’s architecture or design. In architecture, it could be the materials that the locals use which are considered in the design process, and the environment when it comes to planning the technical aspects of a project.
I can imagine that those who are thinking about building a farm house, a beach house, or a bahay bakasyunan would find this moodboard inspiring. You can always use this as a springboard to make your dreams more concrete.
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