You might have seen Brutalism enter, once again, as an architectural trend. Buildings are made from low-cost materials like concrete, looking large and imposing through its strong use of monochromatic colors and sharp geometric designs.
These striking looks are reminiscent of mid and late 20th-century architecture where the efficiency of concrete is combined with avant-garde expression to create iconic landmarks such as the Cultural Center of the Philippines or the old Makati Stock Exchange.
Though it is a rather divisive architectural style, with its detractors pointing out that it brings about an ominous and brooding atmosphere, especially when against the dark backdrop of grey skies and periodic rains.
In response, many architects and designers have turned to utilize the expressive style of Brutalism while considering the country’s archipelagic climate. Introducing Tropical Brutalism, an architectural style that places the coldness of concrete within the warmth and comfort of the tropics.
A Tropical Spin on a Western Style
The main purpose of bringing the tropical into the brutal is to transform the uninviting ambiance of rigid forms and rough textures into a refreshing yet strong architectural statement.
One way to capture the invigorating mood of the tropics is to align the building’s use of structure with the climate. When making use of breezy winds and sunny weather, for instance, balconies and walkways are constructed to be as open and spacious as possible to promote natural ventilation.
The tropical variant also sees the Brutalist design incorporating rich tropical foliage. Green landscaping combined with geometric simplicity helps emphasize the tranquility evoked by the lushness of tropical fauna.
We can see this style in action in the main office building of San Miguel Corporation, where its layered structure is accented by comforting greeneries, making it a marvelous display of architectural strength while still being grounded and serene.
Tropical Brutalism in Your Home Interior
The main principle of tropical brutalism can also be incorporated in interior design where simplicity and minimalism can be complemented by a surrender to nature’s comforts.
Remove unnecessary ornamentation and curate pieces that evoke island motifs. Your souvenir from a previous beach trip can juxtapose nicely against rather dull textures from a Brutalist-inspired wall.
Be sure to also bring in your favorite climate-appropriate house plants, as indoor foliage will make a room feel organic and cozy. Here are some tropical house plants to cultivate a relaxed atmosphere in your living space while also enhancing air quality.
One of the best ways to also apply this unique style is to incorporate tropical colors to offset the neutrals of brutalist-inspired shades. Visually striking hues can make a room feel less monotonous.
Match the ruggedness with brightly-colored furniture which can add variety to the room. You can also splash color into columns or wall recessions to maximize the the varied look you are going for.
Have Fun with Textures and Colors
The decorative finishes of the Konstrukt Lunar Series are best to get the Brutalist vibe in your home, but you can experiment by combining them with vibrant colors from Virtuoso Silk Touch. These industrial textures contrast nicely with the delicate feel of your selected tropical hue.
Check out the mood board below for recommendations.
Tropical Brutalism takes a break from excessive modernity by taking into account tropical motifs drawn from natural fauna, resulting in styles that complement each other. It is a design principle that works best to showcase textured looks while still having a lot of heart.
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