MAPUA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

INTRAMUROS, MANILA
SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
& BUILT ENVIRONMENT
2ND QUARTER S.Y. 16-17
AR144
DESIGN 4
BR1

SUBMITTED BY:
OLIVEROS, ANNA PATRICIA
PADLAN, MICHAEL KELVIN

SUBMITTED TO:
ARCH. SHEILA V. ELARDO

DATE SUBMITTED:
OCT. 11, 2016

Vernacular architecture is an architectural style that is designed based

on local needs, availability of materials used in construction and reflecting local
traditions. An original style, vernacular architecture did not use formallyschooled architects, but relied on the design skills and tradition of local builders.
However, since the late 19th century many professional architects have worked in
versions of this style.
I.

It tends to change over time to reflect the environmental, cultural, technological,

economic, and historical context in which it exists. While often difficult to reconcile
with regulatory and popular demands of the five factors mentioned, this kind of
architecture still plays a role in architecture and design, especially in local
branches.
Vernacular architecture can be contrasted against polite architecture which is
characterized by stylistic elements of design intentionally incorporated for
aesthetic purposes which go beyond a building's functional requirements. This
article also covers, where somewhere between the two extremes yet based upon
authentic themes the term traditional architecture.
There exist many areas of non-professional architectural practice, from primitive
shelter in distant communities to urban adaptations of building types that are
imported to the country to another. Because of that, vernacular architecture is a
very open, comprehensive concept. Used as a shortcut and a synonymous for
several different practices, and theoretical stands on those practices. These
include primitive or aboriginal architecture; indigenous architecture; traditional
architecture; folk, popular, or rural architecture; the so-called anonymous
architecture or architecture without architects
Today the vernacular architecture is one of the most wide spread way to build,
most likely used in building homes, given that 90 percent of the worlds
architecture is vernacular.

Vernacular architecture originated when mankind was forced to make use of the
natural resources around him, and provide himself shelter and comfort which is
responsive to the climate, a shield from the elements. It is a pure reaction to an
individual persons or societys building needs, and has allowed man, to construct
shelter according to his circumstance.

Vernacular architecture adheres to basic green architectural principles of

energy efficiency and utilizing materials and resources in close proximity
to the site. These structures capitalize on the native knowledge of how buildings
can be effectively designed as well as how to take advantage of local materials
and resources. Even in an age where materials are available well beyond our
region, it is essential to take into account the embodied energy lost in the
transportation of these goods to the construction site.
The effectiveness of climate responsive architecture is evident over the
course of its life, in lessened costs of utilities and maintenance. A poorly
designed structure which doesnt consider environmental or vernacular factors
can ultimately cost the occupant in addition to the environment more in
resources than a properly designed building. For instance, a structure with large
windows on the south faade in a hot, arid climate would lose most of its air
conditioning efforts to the pervading sun, ultimately increasing the cost of energy.
By applying vernacular strategies to modern design, a structure can ideally
achieve net zero energy use, and be a wholly self-sufficient building.
If anything is to be taken from vernacular architecture, it provides a vital
connection between humans and the environment. It re-establishes us in our
particular part of the world and forces us to think in terms of pure survival
architecture before the architect. These structures present a climate-responsive
approach to dwelling and are natural and resource conscious solutions to a
regional housing need. The benefits of vernacular architecture have been
realized throughout the large part of history, diminished during the modern era,
and are now making a return among green architecture and architects. In order
to progress in the future of architecture and sustainable building, we must
first gain knowledge of the past and employ these strategies as a wellbalanced, methodical whole to achieve optimum energy efficiency.

In order to analyze existing vernacular architecture, it is important to gain a good

understanding of what the sustainability issues can be in building design and
construction. By realizing the depletion of energy resources, it has been focused
on energy efficiency and conservation of natural resources.

Ecological design is defined by Sim Van der Ryn and Stuart Cowan as
"any form of design that minimizes environmentally destructive impacts by
integrating itself with living processes. Ecological design is an integrative
ecologically responsible design discipline.
It helps connect scattered efforts in green architecture, sustainable agriculture,
ecological engineering, ecological restoration and other fields. The eco prefix
was used to ninety sciences including eco-city, eco-management, eco-technique,
eco-tecture. It was used by John Button in 1998 at the first time. The inchoate
developing nature of ecological design was referred to the adding in of
environmental factor to the design process, but later it was focused on the details
of eco-design practice such as product system or individual product or industry
as a whole.
Interdisciplinary program focused on the development of a practical framework
for the integration of the built environment with locale and region specific natural
systems. A locally own permaculture design company creating landscapes which
integrate food, function, and beauty. Our innovative designers are committed to
restoring health and abundance to the land, while reconnecting humans to their
food and the rest of the natural world.

II. Indigenous materials

Abaca- belonging to Banana family, strongest among natural fiber. The fiber has
a natural high luster with colors ranging from pure white to ivory and dark brown.
The products are Slippers, ropes, twine, hammock, frame, display jar,
jars, Chelsea occasional chair
Bakbak- the outermost covering or leaf sheath of the abaca stalk is now highly in
demand in the furniture Industry. The thick strong brown fiber is an excellent raw
materials used to export furniture Industry. The furniture products from Bakbak
give a distinctive and exotic look. It is a flat thick durable sheath as twine or
braided.
The products are Mat, Bangkuay Bin, boxes, bin, display, jar, Cecilia dining table,
and arm chair.
Bamboo- is the versatile and highly reliable raw materials, either in strips, split or
whole timber itself.
The products are Frames, fashion bag, teen bag, strip daises, wall dcor.
Buntal- cylindrically shaped fibers. The supple ivory white strands are quite
durable, pliable, and have good dyeing qualities.
The products are High end fashion, bags, shoes, attach cases, desk
accessories like pen holder, picture frames, file trays, cigarette cases, wallets,
place mats, braide, lampshades, window blinds.
Buri- extracted from the matured leaves of the buri palm. The fiber is durable and
resistant to moisture. The products are Place mats, hats, bags, baskets, and
other woven products, Also for packaging and baling purposes. It was
incorporated with other materials to form novelty items, magazine rack, compact
disk, wall decors, food trays, jewelry box, square box, magazine rack,
memorabilia boxes, perfume tray, tray, and placemats.
Coir- is the fibrous material surrounding the fruit of the coconut tree through wet
or dry processes twines, indoor or outdoor fiber carpets, wall covering, doormat,
trellises, and geo textiles.

The products are Coco coir Table lamp, lampshade and pillows.
Nito- this fiber plant thrive wall in both virgin and logged over forest and in bush
and open areas. It is a solid material fiber that is covered with a protective bark, a
tough outer layer keeping moisture, heat and humidity.
The products are Nito and rattan bread tray, lampshade and decorative jar.
Pandan- Popular for the Filipinos, because the traditional sleeping mat was hand
woven from Pandan. These are widely distributed throughout the archipelago with
some species with some species growing along sandy beaches and others in
virgin forests.
The products are Sleeping mat, baskets, bayong, fashionable bags, floor mats,
hats, different functional trays, bins, and other novelty item like frame checkered
pattern, CD Cabinet, leaf shaped boxes, shoe tray, clothes hamper.
Raffia- a fiber extracted from unopened buri leaf in 3 stages 1. stripping the outer
leaf sheath 2. striping the 2nd leaf sheath 3. striping into different sizes. It is loom
woven into fabrics or used as wall coverings, upholstery material, folding doors
and window hangings.
The products are hats, placemats, folder, shoes, slippers, boxes, portfolio and
ladies bags, placemats, circular, boxes, Document boxes.
Rattan- Versatile raw materials for furniture and handicrafts.
The products are Baskets, picture frames, furniture and other novelty items, Zoya
lounge chair, Valenciaqueen size bed, Rest divan.
Rattan wicker- Ratan poles can be split, forming a different diameter called
wicker. It usually grows at low to medium elevations in virgin and second growth
forests but never in the open field. Basket, picture frames, hampers and other
novelty items.
The products are tote bag, rectangular basket, fancy wicker baskets, magazine
holder, sphere jar and center table.
Tikiw- A wild but useful variety of seagrass family.

The products are Container baskets, hampers with lids, bags, rugs, carpets,
placemats, jar, and other decorative items. Tikiw bag with leather, and coco
button- twine twisted tikiw, floor rug, bags, waste bin, sea grass sofa.
Tikog- belongs to sea grasses. It is also combined with other indigenous fibers to
form different products like bags, floor decorative mats, hampers, newspaper
racks, and holder, table mat, waste bin, tower candle holder, wall dcor.
Ugpay- a newly discovered indigenous raw materials. It is extracted for the dark
brown twine of a forest vine. These hanging vines are discovered by the Aetas.

Herbs
1. Bamban- Masantaceae family
hats, laundry and waste baskets, bags, mats, trays, flower potholders, tables,
magazine racks, bookshelves, musical instrument and fish traps.
2. Guinea grass- Gramineae
floral decor
leaf stalks used purely or in combination with other materials to make mats,
venetian blinds, partitions and handicraft items.
3. Gumi-gumi. Xyridaceae
flowers dried and used as floral decor. woven with other materials into mats and
blinds and partitions.
4. Lubigan- Cyperaceae
whole or split stems made into mats, bags, baskets, window blinds, and other
similar items.
5. Ragiw- Cyperaceae
Infloreucence used in floral decor

whole split fibers from the stems fashioned into mats, sandals, baskets, screens,
novelties and similar items.
6. Vetiver- cyperaceae
leaves woven into bags, mats, mail holder
Pandan
1 Pandan- Dagat. Pandaraceae
leaves converted into stripes that are woven into small handbags and container to
large floormats with light interior wall panels. Sabotan hats. Leaf fibers suitable
for handmade paper making.
2. Vayasubas- Pandanaceae
Aerial or prop roots made into high quality handicrafts such as baskets, fans,
hats, coin pursers.
Seeds, fruits, leaves
1. Araucaria- Araucariaceae
leaves as components in floral decor.
several species used as ornamental and christmas trees.
2. Auri-mimosaceae
Dried fruits (Rods) used in floral decors.
3. Balitbitan- caesalpiniaceae
Dried fruits used in floral decor
4. Banaba- Lythraceae
Dried fruits used for novelty items, interior decor, hanging decor, and similar items
5. Bitaog- Guttiferae

Dried fruits used in floral decors.

6. Dungon-late. Sterculiaceae
dried fruits used together with other materials for floral decor and similar items.
7. Fringon- Caesalpiniaceae- floral decors
8. Kalumpang- Sterculiaceae
fruits crafted into novelty items and seeds into necklaces and beads for
handicrafts
9. Lipay- Papilionaceae (Fabaceae)
seeds hand and made into bead chains (charms and key chain) and other novelty
items.
10. Narra- Papilionaceae (fabaceae)
fruits as components in floral decor
11. Palosanto- Polygonaceae
Dried flowers used in floral decors.
Species planted for ornamental purposes
12. Pili- Burseraceae
fruits not shells crafted into novelty items and decors
13. Talisai- Combretaceae
Dried fruits used with other materials in floral decor.
14. Voyavoy- Palmae (Aracaceae)
leaflets with a variety of domestic application such as production of mats, hats,
baskets

15. Wades Pitogo- Cycadaceae

Seeds used as hanging decors species as an ornamental tree in gardens and
parks
Trees
1. Kaitana- Rutaceae
carvings and small decoration novelty items. furniture, jewelry boxes
2. Rain tree (Acacia)- mimosaceae
Wood carvings, wall paneling, furniture, cabinet, kitchen utensils
Bamboo
Bamboo comprises 8090 percent of a bahay kubo. The material is very
versatile, used as strips, split, or whole timber varieties. Unfairly given the
moniker of poor mans lumber and relegated for use in furniture, bags, and wall
dcor, bamboo has experienced a renaissance as a building material thanks to
increased public interest in going green.
Rice Hull Ash Cement (RHAC)
The ash from rice hulls or husks is an affordable and effective substitute. When
burned between 700 to 750 degrees Celsius, the ash from palay coverings offer
binding properties that make it a suitable additive to cement solutions. Since rice
is a common crop in the country, RHAC building materials are easy to sustain.
Coconut Lumber
With the increase in prices of more commonly used lumber variants, recent years
have seen the exploration of palm trees as an alternative source. The once low
valued senile coconut palm trees have since been promoted as a source of
income for the lumber industry, with the material a source of veneer and
numerous building products.

Sample Works of Local and

International Vacation House
Sanchez Family Rest House

In a sprawling rest house in a small town, wide open spaces and Spanish colonial
furniture pieces make way for the two important things that are important for Filipinos:
family and tradition. Nearing their seventies, couple Artemio and Olivia consider this
large home as their quiet retirement abode, but on weekends, the large halls and
outdoor areas of their home are filled with activity and laughter of visiting family
members.

The Sanchez family rest house is a two-storey structure with a lush tropical landscape.
Inside, Spanish colonial furniture pieces are set against the contemporary shell of the

home. The tall ceilings and wide spaces provide the perfect backdrop for the large
furniture pieces. The home design is completed with lush tropical plants and personal
touches.

The home's facade is a charming sight. Framed by trees

and a sprawling landscape, the house's relaxing rural vibe
welcomes one to the Sanchez family home. Serving as the
house's original living room prior to its renovation, the large
foyer is furnished with several Spanish colonial furniture
pieces. A gallinera, a butaca and a wicker chair provide
more than ample seating space, while a baul is
repurposed as a coffee table.

The machuca tile patterns create an alluring floor design in

the living area. The large colonial furniture pieces fill up the space nicely. The space is
also blessed with abundant natural light from the floor-to-ceiling glass windows. By the
main dining area, a stone wall proudly displays artworks by the Sanchez cousin. Before
the renovation, the stone wall was once the exterior walls of the home prior to the
renovation.

White narra furniture dining tables and benches fill the patio space, thus providing much
room for dining family members.

Bucolic Two-Storey Vacation House

Location: Tagaytay City, Philippines
Given her busy schedule as the executive producer of a daily noontime show, Malou
Choa-Fagar wanted a vacation house that she can come home to whenever she wants

to take a break. As fate has willed, her husband Dante

saw an ad in the paper which lead them to a
Tagaytay house and lot. It was a dream come true
Malou and Dante bought it lock, stock, and barrel
fully furnished and landscaped.
The house is one with its surroundings. Its front and
right sides open directly to the garden while the
outdoors and indoors are delineated by a mere
change in flooring and level. The slightly sunken
ground floor is an open layout of two dining areas,
a lanai that looks out to the front garden, and a
pocket garden in the rear. The kitchen is in a
separate gazebo on the left side of the house.
Meanwhile, the second level hosts a living area and
bedrooms for inhabitants.
ENTRANCE
Tucked away along a small road just 10 minutes from the Tagaytay rotunda, the twostorey dwelling is veiled by a rustic fence of lumber, stone, boulders, thick foliage, and
wooden gates topped with a thatched roof. Consider taking on a do-it-yourself
landscaping job such as turning an ordinary fence into an artsy conversation wall such
as this.
FACADE
While a garden can teem with all sorts of foliage, a facade must be designed to mirror
the simple lines and floor plan of the house. Instead of cementing your driveway,
consider using gravel as pavement. This results in less construction cost and a softer
look. Plus, it allows rainwater to seep through the soil surface, permitting natural
filtration.
ENTRYWAY
Walking into a house should set the mood for relaxation. The ground floor is literally
open to guests and the elements, welcoming the outdoors in. The garden, boulders,
pebbles, plants, and stone steps leading to the house give off a country resort ambiance.

LIVING AREA
A country house may be segregated into two
levels. Here, the ground floor serves as the site
for more social activities such as entertaining and
dining.
LIVING AREA DETAIL
Design a country home to look massive yet
inviting. The exposed Howe trusses add visual
impact and height to the already impressive and huge living room. The warm soaring
ceiling counterbalances the cool polished concrete flooring and white walls.
True to the country concept, all rooms can be naturally ventilated, with huge awning
windows to allow for passive cooling and tall fixed windows above them to maximize the
view.
Use indigenous materials to cover surfaces. A long span of living space allows for a
pitched ceiling treated with banig. The ceiling exposes timber trusses, adding to the
rustic atmosphere and emphasizing the room's vertical nature. Also on the floor is a
banig mat. All these elements underscore a Filipino country atmosphere.
KITCHEN
The kitchen may be segregated from the rest of the house to keep away smells and
pests. In this example, an open bahay kubo serves as the pantry, crockery storage, and
cooking area away from the house proper.
DINING AREA
Create a third dining area for those merry occasions. Another
dining area was placed near the front of the house, facing
the entrance garden. The bamboo ceiling is a treatment that
is consistent throughout the ground floor. Ceiling treatments
provide cultural cues and add a hint of rustic festivity.
This area is the breeziest in the house. It's also a favored
spot where friends gather to eat, drink, and sing videoke."
Add a whimsical touch to your settees. The wooden fish sculpture was placed on the
table top as this dining area was situated close to a koi pond.
MASTER BEDROOM

The master bedroom occupied a smaller space to allow more

guests in the guest room. In the master bedroom, design themes
found throughout the house are evident. Bamboo sticks cover the
ceiling, while bamboo shades
adorn the windows.
GUEST ROOM
The bigger bedroom was installed as the guest
bedroom. Here, two double beds find their place. The
room is sparsely decorated yet it still follows the
country theme of the house. Stick screen filters light
from windows.
BATHROOM
Create a rustic scene in the bath area by enclosing its
windows with weathered wood. Also consider the
ceiling treatment as another extension of themes
found in the rest of the property.
VESTIBULE
Consider using materials found nearby for finishing in a whimsical vein. The expanse of
the stark concrete floor is occasionally interrupted by streaks of pebbles. Filipino
furniture further enhance a rustic vibe.
OUTDOOR DETAIL
Since the house can be a venue for parties,
accoutrements reinforcing this objective must be
applied to the surroundings. Install a large outdoor
basin in lieu of guests scrounging to wash their hands
in the powder room.
STAIRS
Public and private spaces should be strategically
grouped together. Whereas the spaces shared with
visitors are conveniently located on the ground floor, the more private family spaces may
be placed on the second level. To get to the upper floor, one may take the outdoor
trellised stairway on the left side of the house.

GAZEBO
The sky's the limit to imagination and creativity. When not in
use for parties, a garden gazebo may be turned into the
repository of large outdoor decor pieces.
FOUNTAIN
Like the koi pond, a fountain may also add the sound of
trickling water to soothe the senses.

Bahay na Bato
Location: Sta. Elena in Sta. Rosa, Laguna
Taking elements of vernacular
architecture,

like

wide

overhanging

eaves,

pitched

roofs, raised pile foundations and

local building materials such as
wood and stone, the countrys
best architects started a trend in
the 1970s.
Some

of

designed

the
and

houses
built

are

they
still

around. And though their style

immediately dates them, they have become academic references of dwellings that

answered specific needs, accommodating values and economies of the times in which
they were built.
Changing environment conditions due to global warming, as well as new breakthroughs
in technology, hardware, innovative construction materials and more active lifestyles,
dictated

retooling

of

these

earlier

architectural adaptive styles.

Elsewhere, in Southeast Asia, contemporary
architecture design was also adapting and
evolving from their respective vernacular
borrowings and influences.

In the meantime, modifications and new

adjustments needed to be made to suit
the housing needs of the 21st-century
Filipino nuclear family. Windows became
bigger, natural and bleached hardwoods
gained popularity over the dark-stained
parquet flooring, new cladding for concrete emerged, and customized louvers that could
slide and swing in any direction, coupled with railings of tempered glass, seemed right
for bringing the outdoors within, while leaving room for ample cross ventilation.
Today, it is a genre fittingly called Tropical Modernism, still translating vernacular styles
into a modern idiom, taking climate and culture into consideration, except this time with
the technology presenting exciting design opportunities for architects and interior
designers.

This architectural style, featuring open-plan houses that

blend modern and traditional elements and fuse indoors
and outdoors in relaxed and seamless ways, goes
beyond four walls with its many outdoor living spaces.
Passionate golfer
In the early 90s, Bienvenido Rico Tantoco Jr., a
passionate golfer and arborist, began to develop Sta.
Elena, a vast tract of land in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
Alongside building the first all-weather golf course in the
Philippines, he began replanting hardwood trees to
recreate a natural forest setting.
He envisioned Sta. Elena to be an intimate community,
with properties located around fairways. For people who
love the outdoors but do not play golf, the area could serve as a sanctuary to commune
with nature and take in its beauty.
Respecting the land and the natural progression of living things, Rico worked on a
timetable that would consider the period it would take for the trees and foliage to grow
and mature.

More than 20 years later, Sta. Elena is a beautiful golf and luxury residential estate
surrounded by clusters of fully grown hardwood trees. Its 27-hole, all-weather
championship golf course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., is sprawled over
approximately 100 hectares of land.
And so it was on this stage that architect Manny
Miana set out to design Rico and wife Nenas home.
At first glance, you can see how artfully he combines
vernacular styles and responses to climate and site
with

modern

architectural

vocabulary. Miana

described it as a neo-bahay-na-bato.
The house is built close to the property line, but maximizes the luxurious swath of treelined fairways with plenty of space for the pool, lanai and living room in the rear. The

long horizontal foyer connects two wings of the two-story main house: bedrooms and a
study to one side, and the kitchen and service areas to the other side.
Walls of adobe-clad concrete tiles, narra plank flooring, and wide windows that open up
to full views of the garden and the fairways line the foyer.
The house has three layers that allow it to breathe:
louvered shutters, screens, and tempered glass that
can slide open to let in fresh air or natural light, or
closed if air conditioning is desired.

Levels of engagement
Miana

describes

the

function of these layers and

their

several

engagement
surrounding

levels
with

of
the

environment,

while allowing the house to

breathe:
draperies in

The

motorized

the private rooms provide

complete darkness when the body needs to rest and rejuvenate after the days work.
You open this and you have your sliding doors, three-meter-high glass panels that allow
for views with air conditioning.
Then you can choose to open and just have the screen panels for protection from
insects and mosquitoes. Fortunately, with Sta. Elenas clean, fresh air, they are not
many.
Another setup could be drawing the screen panels open, revealing the full golf course
view. But on a bright, sunny day, you can draw the sliding aluminum louvers
(handsomely finished in powder cast wood) and use these as sunbreakers to diffuse the
sometimes harsh afternoon or morning glare.

Planned as two sprawling units, the main house and the visiting childrens and
grandchildrens quarters (still being constructed) are linked by a trellised bridgeway.
Already, some of the training plants had started to climb the trellis.
This house is a more organic home. It is rooted on the land with a golf course just
beside it, with lots of trees and open spaces. I took the cue from nature, seeing that this
is where this home would belong. It is a contemporary Filipino dwelling. I used Filipino
architectural idioms, like the balusters, but instead of stone or wood, I used glass panes;
instead of the sliding capiz windows in the bahay-na-bato, I used louvers that wrap
around the house.
From the Ifugao vernacular idiom, I got the
tapered wooden columns. The second floor
has

contemporary

Filipino-Asian

sensibility with some Japanese overtones,

like the flat-glazed Japanese gray-colored
tile on the roof. The adobe-clad concrete
tiles on the ground floor are borrowed from
the bahay-na-bato. There are a lot of
informal juxtapositions all around the house,
like the entrance canopy ceiling, which can
be seen from the second floor, is covered
with river stones.
The second floor is where the private living quarters, the main family and
entertainment rooms, and Nenas kitchen are. Beautifully appointed with
every modern appliance one can think of, it is
outfitted with temperature-controlled cabinetry
and lit up according to her specifications. A
round table, which can sit four to six, is a
favored spot for food tasting, easy dining, a
quiet meal or light snacks any time of the day or night.

It is a kitchen wizards delight, where food for every mood can be whipped up. Jars on
the countertops are filled with snacks and goodies for the grandchildren and adults.

Natural materials
The interior design follows an aesthetic that finds grace and beauty in the organic; hence
decorative pieces are mostly objects made from natural materials, such as huge woven
baskets, stone jars, burl wood, abaca rugs and wooden santo. The jars have the proper
heft and strong shapes to break the void of the open spaces.
On a more intimate scale, framed photographs of the children, grandchildren and other
members of the clan can be found in the rooms. The bedrooms on the second floor have
stunning views of Sta. Elenas verdant scenery, so much so that not much else is
needed as far as decorative touches in the rooms are concerned.
Rico planted the trees 20 years ago. The landscaping of the house was also done by
Miana, collaborating with well-known landscapist Ponce Veridiano, and nurseryman
Mang Lito of Sta. Elena Properties Inc., who supplied all the full-grown trees, like agoho,
narra and mahogany, from the Sta. Elena nursery.
They worked together on the koi pond, the pool, the hardscape and softscape. They also
planted dita and acacia trees, bamboo and frangipani. Everything was laid out for
pleasurable viewing, from the bamboo clusters growing beside the koi pond to the path
that leads to a small woody grove with trestle tables for a picnic on a carpet of green
grass, under the shade of mahogany trees.
Dotting the nooks and crannies of the lawn are Nenas chalkboard signposts with
spiritual sayings and reflections that inspire and delight. They are like small brushstrokes
in a landscape painting that is the entire back view of the house.
Nena wanted the house to be wrapped with lush vegetation, a beautiful vision. Rico
wanted a home with wide-open views to the golf course. We strategically positioned
trees and landscaping in areas requiring some levels of privacy, and opened the house
up in the more public areas of the house, says Miana.

In the evening, the house undergoes transformation. From the outside it looks like a
delicate Japanese lantern and evokes a meditative mood. Wall and garden uplights add
depth and drama, while column uplights give more height to the house.
It is a harmonious fusion of local building traditions with modern forms and sensibility, a
house where both owner and architect were able to review their aesthetic and functional
needs at a relaxed pace. The house has a genuine family feel to it, focused
wholeheartedly on life, where Rico and Nenas children and grandchildren can come to
stay, visit, relax and enjoy each others company.
The landscape, earth tones, muted palette and beautiful hardwood assert their
characteristics both inside and outside the Tantoco home.
The result is an environment that is simple but sophisticated, restrained yet luxuriousa
house that is one with the elements and so sure of its place.

Nature-Inspired Vacation House

Location: Batangas City

For

some

homes,

bringing the outdoors in

can be a challenge. But
in this property owned
by

architect

couple

Mandy and Myrna, its

no problem at all. The
enclosures

were

carefully edited out to

achieve

unique

outdoor vibe inside the

comforts of the home.
Located in Batangas, the house seems to be an invitation to Mother Nature to come in
and mingle with the occupants. Glass doors open up to lush gardens, shallow indoor
ponds brim with koi fish, and even unroofed areas welcome both sunshine and rain
showers right in the middle of the home. Evolving from six plans, the final version of the
house features high ceilings and lots of airy, open spaces. As you are welcomed by the
pond with large Vigan jars, youll see see the bridge leading to the other areas of the
home. Find out why nature is only too happy to drop by in this series of open kubos.
FACADE
A garden can give an impression of what guests
can further expect in a property. This garden
with koi pond artfully gives a glimpse of things
to come.
LIVING AREA
A tropical house need not be rustic. As
evidenced by high ceilings, big windows and
well-appointed wooden furniture, this home in
the province can be as refined as any in the
metropolis.
LIVING AREA DETAIL

Put two sofas across each other and frame a tableaux that opens to the lanai and
beyond. Clearly, the bones of a home and its dcor can be designed with the outdoors
as a major influence.
Add high ceilings and create lots of airy, open space in a home. This
house also cleverly incorporates a pond that runs alongside an
uncovered walkway, cutting through the center of the house.

WALKWAY
The uncovered walkway leads to other areas, including a prayer
room, kitchen and dining room that form a series of interconnected
pavilions.
KITCHEN
An abundance of natural light stream into the kitchen through the big
windows. With storage and keeping items organized as two of the
most important concerns in the area, kitchen cabinets are added below the sink.
DINING AREA
The dining room is an open space with six wooden chairs
surrounding a square table. To shield the area from the rain,
colorful curtains are added instead of walls.
STAIRCASE
Make a delineation between public and private areas of a
property. On the opposite side of the walkway in the main
pavilion are steps leading up to the second level bedrooms.

SECOND FLOOR AREA

Artworks made by the resident line the wall
floor. Even here, the colors reinforce what
seen in the garden and lower level.

in the second
was
earlier

VIEW FROM THE SECOND FLOOR

Touches of whimsy can be surprising. Being
the residents envisioned having a hanging
second floor.

adventurous,
bridge on the

SECOND FLOOR DETAIL

The koi pond and uncovered walkway can
be seen from
the second floor. Surprising design elements can further be reinforced by providing other
points-of-view from which to rediscover them.
HALLWAY TO BEDROOM
Create enclosures if the rest of a shelter has none. In the second floor, a bedroom unit
can be enclosed from unwanted elements by tightly sealing a room's doors and
windows.

MASTER BEDROOM
A master bedroom can be a site where one may indulge a fantasy. Create the bedroom
of your dreams by having a four-poster bed custom-made. For a fresh touch, drape a
canopy over the bed. This also serves to keep mosquitoes out.
BATHROOM
To create a spa-like feeling in the bathroom, it's opened up and highlights ample space
between the toilet and shower area
Bring the outdoors inside the shower area by providing natural light and an indoor
garden.
The openness of a house and its floor plan can enable residents to commune with
nature. In the bathroom, a bathtub was constructed to make the most of the natural light
and air.

GARDEN
Bridges, walkways, and ponds cut through the lush foliage in the garden. One can never
have enough greenery. It's an adage even minimalists will agree with.

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REFERENCE:
http://www.vernaculararchitecture.com/
http://www.archdaily.com/155224/vernacular-architecture-and-the21st-century
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecological_design
https://aaa.uoregon.edu/certificates/ecological-design
http://www.compagnonnovelties.com/index.php?
route=information/information&information_id=16
http://www.buensalidoarchitects.com/2015/10/use-of-indigenousfilipino-materials-and-methods-in-building-green-homes/