Description

The Cruz residence features a modern and minimalist style of architecture for a small family in Alabang, Manila, Philippines. The house design initially takes the proportions of a 10 x 10 x 11.60m cube. Four floating walls wrapping the residence creates a more approachable proportion that allows privacy for the interior spaces. 

The house structure uses rigid lines, sleek edges and continuous linear lighting. The space seeks to take the residents inside a simplified yet futuristic gaming arena contrasted by gray tones, subdued lighting and raw materials to imbibe a cool, neutral atmosphere that is conducive to gaming. The parameters the studio worked with included being able to fit more bedrooms on the top floor as well as integrating a family room on the second floor, making it a focal point of the house. The 4-walls design translates to the family’s need for togetherness. All bedrooms are located on the third floor while all the living spaces are on the first and second floors. The integration of a balcony in the master bedrooms provides the residents a relaxing elevated outdoor space. 

With the intention of having more friendly proportions, four floating walls were created around the four elevations of the house. These walls scaled the general volume of the house and allowed the interiors some privacy, given that big windows were to be used for this space. Taking these into consideration, the volume of the structure creates a “T” shape with all the bedrooms on the top floor. This “T” shape generates two porches, one in the main façade for the entrance of the house and the other one for the back garden. The interior spaces of the house feature floor-to-ceiling windows that open up to garden spaces.