Concrete Garden
Completed
Situated in one of Manila’s denser neighborhoods, Concrete Garden house is both a complement and a contrast to the context of the site. The house is an open plan single-storey residence surrounded by tropical landscaping, designed for a couple and a family of dogs. The landscape and the structure merge to shape a unique outcome – a house, made of concrete, and yet exuding the spatial calm of a garden.
The Concrete Garden House embodies a balance of landscape and structure, evident in thoughtful design solutions. One such solution is the building's scale, limiting the building's height enables the structure to blend with the landscape. The muted strength of the structure provided an avenue for the landscape to take precedence. However, the house does not aim to render itself invisible amidst the landscape. The facade is designed as a soft fence composed of concrete blocks and wood panels, with a large concrete canopy overhead that provides the visual presence to balance its scale. The fence acts as both a facade and a functional screen, enabling sunlight and breezes to permeate the structure. A planting strip is concealed behind the fence with bamboos that grow through the cut-out on the canopy, a junction where the natural and artificial elements meet. These solutions balanced both landscape and structure, creating an appealing visual connection. Balance is also reflected in the uniformity of the plan and the symmetry of the structural grid and the façade, with its repetitive breeze blocks and concrete and wood fence. Concrete and wood are primarily used on this project, from the floor, to the walls, and the roof. The consistent use of these materials evokes a seamless transition of external elements into the interior. Concrete, like stone, ages well and is capable of taking life’s blows and accepting traces of use, while wood provides calm and warmth to the spaces.
The existing adobe wall was also preserved which enhances the garden's character.
The high-ceiling living and dining area is the central space of the house.
The house incorporates dog fences, while the cabinets with open bottom shelves acts as the dog’s nook.
The open floor plan encourages visual and spatial connections among inhabitants, while low wooden dog fences offer flexibility to compartmentalize the layout, promoting interaction and disconnection within the space. The floor plan was designed to ensure every space had access to the gardens, with ample light and air to enter. The existing adobe wall was also preserved which enhances the garden's character. The high-ceiling living and dining area is the central space of the house, while the master bedroom is made private through placement deep into the lot, away from the main road to avoid visual and auditory distractions. The service area is situated along the fence, hidden from view, while serving as a barrier from the road for privacy. The dogs are primarily considered as the “residents”. The house incorporates dog fences, while the cabinets with open bottom shelves acts as the dog’s nook. The garden and lanai serve as the dog’s play area. The landscaping is also now a home to local birds, which became a haven to build their nests.
The Concrete Garden House stands as a testament to the integration of natural and artificial elements in architecture. From the structural scale and facade design, to spatial planning and material selection. The Concrete Garden House was grounded on the fundamental concept of balance in each element throughout the design process.
Concrete, like stone, ages well and is capable of taking life’s blows and accept traces of use.
The facade acts as a soft screen that allows sun and breeze through the house.
A planting strip is concealed behind the fence with bamboos that grow through the cut-out on the canopy, a junction where the natural and artificial elements meet.
Project Team
ARCHITECTURE
Agatha Rodis
Philip Mendoza
Mia Manzano
STRUCTURAL
Gruppo Struktura
MECHANICAL
HC Engineering
ELECTRICAL
HC Engineering
PLUMBING
HC Engineering
Publication
Designboom
Bluprint