The site is located on the highest plateau of a 20-hectare property in Palawan, one of the Philippines’ pristine and nature-sensitive cities. From it can be enjoyed panoramic views of the sea and mountain ranges. The natural response was to come up with a plan-form that affords opportunities to enjoy the said views from anywhere inside the house and to constantly connect with nature. The result is an octagonally-planned house which seems to lean forward or be magnetized towards the direction of the views, luring the visual sightlines of the visitor to the breathtaking mountainscapes and oceanic horizons.
The structure is a contemporary interpretation of the Filipino vernacular house (the nipa hut or the bahay kubo), with the service areas at the ground level and the house proper elevated on the second floor as if on stilts, surrounded with wide overhangs that protect the interiors from heat gain and double as verandahs or outdoor spaces.
Project Team : Principal Architect – Jason Buensalido; Project Architect – Lyka Picones