What tropical modern architecture asks of its materials

The appeal of a contemporary Balinese home often rests on a few honest materials. They also do the most work, and they tell you a great deal about how a house has been cared for.

Plaster and limewash

Pale walls keep interiors cool and show the movement of shade through the day. They also show damp. Look at the base of walls and under deep eaves.

Stone

Local stone gives a floor weight and texture. Ask how it was sealed and how slippery it becomes when wet, particularly around pools.

Timber

Screens and roofs bring warmth, and they are the part of a tropical house most likely to need attention over the years.

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