Concrete, steel, glass and natural stones give this residence the unique modern vibe. The design brief is to create a modern haven on the provincial island setting. The location is proximal to a beach front and often visited by moderate to monstrous cyclones every year, the structure has to be typhoon proof. The lot is small, every inch is maximized.
The brief was to design a residence that conforms with the lot location. The lot posed few challenges. Flanked in the middle of the archipelago where a frequent cyclone path, this was taken as major consideration. The house has to be sturdy, typhoon-proof and well-positioned for minimal
damage. 40 meters on southwest is a beach front. With a sea view missing, the ocean gale – known to be harsh and sometimes devastating, poses a more pressing concern. A firewall facing that direction was installed to be the first line of defense against the strong winds.
The plot is fairly small. With all the spatial requirements, every inch of space is precious. Traffic flow and space planning was carefully laid.
Every square inch was maximized to give an impression of openness. Despite its small site, this house creates an impression of scale.
The strict geometry, clean lines and mix finishings of the house make it stand out vis-a-vis a more traditional houses nearby. The black stone clod wall breaks the generally white facade. It immediately gives an ambiguous character. Concrete, stone, concrete and steel when mixed together makes a contemporary look. The exterior color palette is black, white and 2 shades of gray.This house was designed with passive cooling and lighting in mind.
The glazing and fenestration were carefully laid out to harness prevailing winds and breeze. There is a careful consideration on the positioning of the living spaces in respect to the movement of the sun. Philippines is a tropical country, overheating can be a problem. Ceiling is well insulated
and clearance is big for enough air circulation. It is also well ventilated. The spaces are naturally well-lit. The house is beautiful as it is sustainable. Its carbon footprint is lowest possible. The power system is hybrid, solar panels were installed on large portion of the roof.
The interiors is modern. The clean lines from the exterior spill over to the interior design. Red accents break the overall white walls. Black and gray pieces add interest to the spaces. Natural-stained wood gives a homey feel to the residence. A balance of old and new, international and Filipino is perfect mix reflective of the client’s personality. The client is a world traveler; jet-setting from Dubai to Milan, or Mumbai to Sao Paolo. The design is tailored to his requirements and taste.
