Sofia Townhomes

Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines, 2008

Sofia townhomes is one of the few premium developments of DMCI and VCI, and is a multi-family townhouse development of about 70 units, sitting on 75 sq.m. lots for inner units and 105 sq.m. for end units.

Client \ VConsunji Development Corporation

Location \ Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Building Area \ 185 sq.m. average per unit

Program \ Residential Townhouse Development

Status \ Completed

Approach

The design process for this multi-family townhouse development started with an understanding the growth patterns of start-up families, which were to be the primary users of the project. Set in a 75 sq.m. lot per townhouse, spaces are kept compact yet efficient to attain affordability, and to be just right for the initial needs of a small family.

Customizability and Expandability

During the planning, families of different backgrounds and sizes were interviewed; their pace and path of growth were simulated to anticipate their future needs, informing the design to be flexible enough to allow each family to customize their houses over time. Rooms can be structurally added in double-height spaces, lofts can be converted into play dens, roof decks can be converted into additional bedrooms, and living spaces can eat up into mini-gardens – to name a few examples. This feature hopes to give the inhabitants a feeling of freedom despite starting with uniformity, ultimately leading to a strong sense of ownership.

Design Features

To give the inhabitants a feeling of expanse, full height glazing was provided for abundant natural light to flood the interiors. Balconies and roof gardens are accessible from almost every space to maintain a connection to the outdoors. These cantilevered protrusions, along with wide canopies; project deep shadows that protect the interiors from direct heat gain. Canopies connect to architectural frames that meander the façade, organizing the massing and doubling as wind walls that funnel in winds that achieve a Venturi effect, cooling the spaces within with natural cross-ventialtion