Ayala Greenfields Estates

Nothing really significant happened today, as I was working for the most part of it. One of the projects I'm currently working on that I'm really excited about is a 3-storey residence-slash-resthouse located at Ayala Greenfields Estates in Calamba, Laguna. The site is situated in the middle of a lush golf course, with spectacular views of Mt. Makiling and of Manila at the same time. I simply fell in love with the place the first time visited the site. I immediately thought of using huge windows on the house to frame the picturesque beauty it's evidently going to be surrounded with. I was actually surprised that such a place existed in the area -- 'heaven on earth', as one of the residents there proudly described it to me.

(location map)


After a few conceptual studies, my client and I finally decided on using a tropical modern theme for the house (which is a popular trend right now) with touches of Balinese elements. Asian-modern, in other words. The challenge, however, is to make the structure blend well with its surroundings, and to keep the design modern without it being too stiff.

Elizabeth Reyes (of 25 Tropical Houses in the Philippines) defines 'tropical modern' as characterized by residential designs that are distinctive in their use of mutable space, sensual local materials, and functional accommodation of hybrid East-West lifestyles. This includes environmental friendliness with constant experimentation on new materials and techniques. ...elements such as cross-ventilation, sun screens, wide eaves, raised floors,and sensitive solar orientation are given a contemporary twist.'

The scheme I'm presently working on is a play of local materials and Asian elements. It 'showcases' the scenic views around and takes full advantage of natural light and ventilation. I can't wait to present the final draft to my client. Maybe I'll find time to post some of the drawings here soon.