Interiors  ·  Residential

TROPIC LIKE IT’S HOT

December 4, 2023

TEXT MONISHA SIVANESAN
IMAGES COURTESY OF ED SIMON

THIS SECLUDED FILIPINO HOME GOES ABOVE AND BEYOND WITH ITS IMPECCABLY FORESIGHTFUL PLANNING THAT TAKES ITS TROPICAL CLIMATE AND INHABITANTS’ EVER-CHANGING HUMAN NATURE INTO ACCOUNT, SHOWCASING HARMONIOUS FLUIDITY IN THE MIDDLE OF A CONCOCTION OF CONTRASTS.

A street path lined with mahogany trees hints towards the intentionally liberating getaway atmosphere that comes in waves over at the linear giant that is Screen House, located in a quiet neighbourhood south of Metro Manila, Philippines. Mitigating the seemingly imposing impact of this single-family dwelling’s extremely modern design by Buensalido+Architects, spearheaded by Principal Architect Jason Buensalido with Cholo Ramirez as the Lead Project Architect, are the verdant gardens and sizzling sunshine. In turn, a functional but breathable abode which invites nature indoors springs to life.

The house is organised by a central axis running through the entire depth of the property. Translated as a covered exterior walkway, this ‘avenue’ features volumes jutting out on both sides to contain spaces of various functions. Service spaces reside on the south side while served spaces are on the northern side, with each volume separated and punctured by outdoor areas that afford all with cross-ventilation and an abundance of daylight. A consequence of this, combined with generous ceiling heights, is a general feeling of coolness, lightness and airiness throughout the day or what is locally known as ‘maaliwalas’; this is an essential component in tropical architecture.
Varying ceiling heights and dimensions are also played around with, most evidently seen from the outside, lending to a dynamic blend of diagonal lines that cut through huge volumes of wood and concrete — a far cry from traditional, static architecture. Private spaces are enclosed with solid planes (walls), and the less private spaces are considered as voids, encased with transparent glass planes to allow greater permeation of light and ventilation; assignment of plane types is dependent simply on its function. Screens were employed as a secondary layer to enhance the level of comfort, safety and security from not just curious eyes but blazing heat rays too.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the design is the fact that the home was thoughtfully planned to easily adapt to the fluctuating needs and wants of the times long before the pandemic arrived, its scheme remained unaltered even after the perilous phase had ended. It’s essentially a pandemic-ready house, one may say.
The entrance door itself makes a bold statement to reinforce the firm’s avantgarde, progressive style through a dramatic set of organically sculpted handles by artist Jinggoy Buensuceso. The aforementioned axis starts from the louvred window-surrounded entry foyer and terminates through a series of sequential experiences with the main living area, outdoor deck, and ultimately at the massive swimming pool and landscaped garden designed by renowned landscape architect Bobby Gopiao.

Common spaces were designed to hold multiple guests simultaneously to accommodate the owner’s affinity for entertaining guests. With the dining area denoted as the large family’s favourite gathering point, Buensalido focused on centering it as an axis and supporting the client’s needs with a highly functional bar area that doubles as a buffet table and media centre on the side of the room. Consequently, the living room is treated more as a guest reception zone which is appropriate considering it, along with the dining and bar areas, directly face the breathtaking lanai fitted with Kettal’s timeless but modern outdoor furniture collections; this includes Bitta by Rodolfo Dordoni, Meteo by Konstantin Grcic, Cala by Doshi Levien, Net by Kettal Studio, Mesh and Maia by Patricia Urquiola as well as Zigzag by Emiliana Design Studio.
Greatly evoking the carefree but high-end resort vibes sought by the client is the unparalleled bedroom, featuring doors that slide completely open to unveil the garden. Going the unconventional route, the whole bathroom sans the sink is enclosed in clear glass, but both unite with the help of sky blue patterned tiles. Really driving home the overall theme is the choice of furniture and furnishings, especially the wood-and-rattan bed frame.

Having considered both environmental and human factors, the Screen House is a well-written, dichotomous essay between the natural and artificial, outside and inside, transparency and opacity, as well as openness and privacy. More than just an escape from the bustling metropolitan, it is a physical manifestation of an ideal lifestyle that prides itself on versatility — in every sense of the word.
“Screens were employed as a secondary layer to enhance the level of comfort, safety and security from not just curious eyes but blazing heat rays too.”
For more information, please visit www.buensalidoarchitects.com