The original structure of this 1,172 square meter private residence in San Juan City, Metro Manila, Philippines has commercial units attached to its facade. The renovation work stripped off the remainders of its commercial functions to reveal a purely residential program.
Inside the house, the generous living spaces were maintained and flooded with ample natural lighting. The liberal application of windows also opens up the spaces into a manicured garden with a swimming pool and a 3-storey high man-made waterfalls. This creates a setting of a nature-surrounded retreat in the middle of a bustling city.
The exterior of the house speaks a modern tropical language articulated through clean lines, neutral color palette, and accentuated use of natural wood and stone finishes. The facade is also a play of volumes. Rather than appearing flat as dictated by its rectangular floor plan, architectural and structural elements such as balconies and columns are treated to create depth and break down the massive scale. Simultaneously with its serene interior, this new contemporary skin marks this old home’s springtime.
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