Half-Cladding Trend in the Philippines: The Costly Misconception Homeowners Need to Know

🏡 The Rise of the “Half-Cladding” Look

If you’ve scrolled through TikTok, Pinterest, or Facebook home design pages lately, you’ve probably noticed one of the latest architectural trends — half-cladding, where only the second floor of a house is covered with decorative panels like wood planks, fiber cement boards, or metal sheets.

It’s undeniably attractive — modern, minimalist, and gives that “Instagrammable” tropical home vibe. But here’s the problem: many Filipino homeowners now believe that this design trick will lower their construction costs.

At KDA Design + Architecture, we often meet clients who ask for “half cladding” because they’ve seen it online and assume it’s budget-friendly. In reality, it’s one of the most misunderstood architectural trends today.

⚙️ What Is Half-Cladding, Really?

Half-cladding started as a design technique — not a cost-saving measure. In modern tropical homes, architects use cladding to highlight a certain volume, define contrast, or emphasize a “floating box” look.

Developers later popularized it in model homes, creating the illusion of a premium finish while keeping façade materials minimal. Over time, homeowners adopted the look — but the design intent got lost.

Today, half-cladding is often copied for its style, not its function — leading to technical and financial misunderstandings.

💸 The Big Misconception: “Cladding the Second Floor Is Cheaper”

Here’s what homeowners need to understand:

Half-cladding does not reduce your construction cost.

While you’re covering less area, the detailing behind that design adds complexity and expense. Here’s why:

1. Cladding adds layers, not savings.You still need a proper wall behind the cladding — usually CHB or framed panels. On top of that, you’ll need sub-framing, weather barriers, and sealants to keep it watertight.

   
   

2. Transitions are costly.Where your cladding meets painted walls, extra flashing and detailing are required. These can cost anywhere from ₱800–₱1,500 per linear meter.

   
   

3. Labor and maintenance increase.Skilled labor is required for installation, and tropical weather means you’ll likely reseal or repaint panels every few years.

   
   

4. Visual balance matters.Without professional guidance, partial cladding can make your façade look disjointed — reducing curb appeal instead of enhancing it.

   
   

In short, what seems like a simple design tweak can actually increase both upfront and long-term costs.

🧭 When Half-Cladding Works (and When It Doesn’t)

The key is purposeful application. Half-cladding can look great and perform well if used strategically:

✅ On protruding second-floor volumes or balconies, to emphasize form.

✅ On lightweight upper walls, to reduce load on the structure.

✅ When it acts as a rain screen, improving ventilation and moisture resistance.

However, when used merely for trend or aesthetic mimicry, it becomes a costly mistake disguised as modern design.

🧱 The Smart Approach for Homeowners

If you love the look of cladding, talk to your architect early about how it fits your budget, structure, and long-term maintenance plans. A professional can:

• Recommend cost-effective alternatives (like textured renders or stone veneers).

• Design proper junction details to prevent leaks.

• Balance proportions for both aesthetics and practicality.

  
  

At KDA Design + Architecture, we don’t just copy trends — we translate them into meaningful, sustainable designs that make sense for Philippine conditions.

🧩 Final Thoughts

The half-cladding trend looks good online, but it’s not the magic shortcut many believe it to be. Every material choice affects structure, cost, and durability.

Before following a trend, ask:

“Is this design choice for function, or just for fashion?”

Because in the end, a truly well-designed home isn’t just on trend — it’s timeless, efficient, and built with purpose.

📚 References

• Metalink Roofing & Cladding Systems. “Exterior Wall Cladding in the Philippines.” https://metalink.com.ph/blogs/exterior-wall-cladding-philippines

• GRM Biowood Philippines. “Wood Cladding on Exterior Walls.” https://grmbiowood.com.ph/wood-cladding-on-exterior-walls

• UGC Philippines. “Combining Concrete with Metal Wall Cladding.” https://www.ugc.ph/blog/combining-cement-concrete-with-metal-wall-cladding

• DPWH & ASEP. National Structural Code of the Philippines, 7th Edition.