Skew House

Metro Manila, Philippines, 2015

This suburban house is for a young family of 5, who wanted something highly bespoke and unique for their home. To achieve this, we thought that the design doesn’t necessarily have to be drastically different from the norm, nor does it need to be too revolutionary. We also believe in this idea of incremental improvements, where minute innovations on an old model can also result into something special.

So the conceptual thinking became about for instance going back to the idea of ‘the box’ and pushing it by just a little bit, stepping out of it by just a little bit, or coming up with a sound design with a little bit of skew.

Client \ Confidential

Location \Metro Manila, Philippines

Building Area \ 700 sq.m.

Program \ Residential

Status \ Completed

Brief

The client was a young family of 5, whose needs are constantly changing and evolving. They have a minimum list of spaces that had to be met, but the lot they had acquired was not an exceptionally expansive one, which then led us to put the service and support spaces at a subterranean level.

By doing this, we were able to free up the three levels above ground for the main spaces while still providing outdoor spaces on grade thru the insertion of a courtyard at the heart of the plan, and thru terraces, balconied and multi-use decks on the upper floors. These spaces provide an immediate connection with nature and its elements (greens, wind, sky, sunlight) across all levels, which is something that everyone yearned for especially at the height of lockdowns during the pandemic.

Form

This contemporary house exudes optimism, embodying modern design principles to cultivate a positive and uplifting ambiance. The conceptual thinking involves revisiting the notion of ‘the box’ and subtly pushing its boundaries – whether by stepping just beyond its confines or introducing a slight skew, to craft a design that resonates with ingenuity.

A distinctive characteristic of this residence lies in its deliberate skewedness, evident in canopies, supporting columns, and selected glass features on each floor. This bold choice imparts a dynamic energy, ensuring every angle offers a captivating and unique view.

Upon entry, the house unveils a stunning courtyard view, flanked by inviting spaces on either side. Fenestrations grace the entire structure, strategically placed to balance light and ventilation. The use of large glass doors fosters a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, promoting natural airflow. Transom windows strategically control direct sunlight, curbing heat gain and maintaining a comfortable interior temperature.

Beyond the skewed elements and courtyard, the materiality adds to the home’s allure. Glass Reinforced Concrete Panels (GFRC) were employed to create sleek, hovering canopies which gives shade throughout the house. Earth tones were chosen for their versatility, harmonizing with diverse design elements such as wood and stone. This not only establishes a connection with nature but also ensures a timeless aesthetic, visual cohesion, and flexibility in design elements.

In essence, this contemporary dwelling transcends traditional norms, offering a space that is not only visually striking but also thoughtfully designed to enhance comfort, connection with nature, and a harmonious living experience.

Function

Despite the constraints of a small lot, all needs were met, and every room was allocated in our design. To maximize space, service areas were ingeniously placed below ground, freeing up the three above-ground levels for essential living areas.

The upper ground level, designed as a communal space, served as the heart of the household, fostering interaction and shared experiences. Meticulously arranged, it provided a versatile area for family members to gather, engage in activities, and strengthen their bonds, emphasizing the importance of togetherness in everyday life.

Ascending to the second floor, dedicated to private bedrooms, our design prioritized creating sanctuaries for individual family members. Each bedroom was crafted to reflect unique preferences, ensuring a personalized retreat within the collective home. This floor emphasized the importance of individual well-being within the family context, serving as a haven for rest and rejuvenation.

The third level, dedicated to entertainment and recreation, catered to diverse family interests. From home theaters to gyms, it provided a dynamic environment for leisure, fostering family bonding and lasting memories.

A central courtyard, a key design element, connected different levels and spaces, enhancing aesthetic appeal and acting as a metaphorical bridge between the interior and natural environment. Terraces, balconies, and decks adorned upper floors, expanding usable area and offering panoramic views, providing solace and inspiration, especially during global challenges like the pandemic.

In essence, our design philosophy sought to optimize limited space and create a dynamic living environment that responded to the family’s evolving needs. The result was a residence that not only met immediate requirements but also anticipated and embraced changing lifestyle dynamics—a home both functional and emotionally enriching.

Maaliwalas

In addressing the primary challenge of optimizing space within a modest lot while fostering a seamless connection with nature, the team focused on strategic zoning and careful placement of spaces. To combat local climatic conditions, we meticulously positioned areas to leverage prevailing winds and solar angles, preventing excess heat penetration. For instance, the second floor’s south-facing hallway acts as a buffer against prolonged solar exposure, with minimized windows on the southern and western sides. Extended canopies provide shade, curbing heat entry.

The concept of ‘Maaliwalas,’ embodying bright, airy, and refreshing spaces, guided our design philosophy. To achieve this, we emptied a u-shaped plan with a courtyard at the middle flanked with rooms on both wings. These wings have a shallow depth, ensuring that natural light reaches the entirety of the spaces within, as fenestrations are strategically positioned at the house’s exterior side and courtyard side. Oppositely positioned fenestrations facilitated cross ventilation, crucial in tropical settings.

Flexibility

The home’s design embraces flexibility as a core principle. Outdoor areas were intentionally left free of fixed furniture, creating adaptable spaces that can shift with the family’s evolving needs — from work and study to rest and play.

These multifunctional outdoor zones have become essential, offering room to breathe, move, and live with ease. More than aesthetics, the house responds intelligently to changing lifestyles, becoming a supportive and versatile sanctuary for the family.

Biophilia

This home embraces Biophilic Design by strengthening the connection between people and nature. Beyond abundant light, ventilation, and courtyards, it introduces unique transitions: accessing rooms like the guest suite or home office means stepping outdoors and crossing a small bridge surrounded by greenery, water, and fresh air.

These moments of immersion remind inhabitants of nature’s restorative power, weaving calm and grounding into everyday routines. Through biophilic principles and sustainable choices, the home becomes both environmentally responsible and deeply harmonious with the natural world.

Well Being

Nature deeply shapes our well-being, and this home maximizes a compact footprint by creating dynamic spaces that stay closely connected to the outdoors.

A central courtyard with lush greens and water features becomes a calming sanctuary, while the adjoining lanai serves as a social space for dining and gatherings. Balconies offer quiet corners for reading, working, or unwinding, and the roof deck doubles as a gym or an outdoor venue for entertaining.

Bright, airy rooms and large windows enhance spaciousness and maintain a strong visual link to nature—key biophilic elements that reduce stress and support overall wellness.

Ultimately, the home is thoughtfully woven with natural elements, fostering a harmonious, health-enhancing living experience.

Climate Action

The home is designed to work with the local climate, optimizing natural airflow and daylight. Windows placed on both the exterior and courtyard sides create cross-ventilation, essential in the tropics, while the courtyard’s water features support evaporative cooling and bring in soft, natural light—minimizing reliance on artificial lighting and air-conditioning.

Direct heat gain is controlled through smart orientation. A second-floor hallway on the south side acts as a thermal buffer, southern and western windows are minimized, and extended canopies shade larger openings to block excessive sun.

Sustainability continues through efficient systems and materials. LED lighting reduces energy use, and low-flow fixtures, dual-flush toilets, and water-saving urinals conserve water without compromising performance. GFRC exterior panels lessen waste, use fewer resources, and offer durable, lightweight cladding.

Together, these strategies reduce energy and water consumption and ensure long-term environmental efficiency for the home.