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DESIGN | M_DL.RR

M_DL.RR is a 2-storey house with a ground floor that mirrors the Silong feature of our local Bahay Kubo. The design suggests to be used for family gatherings or for any kind of special event. The owner plans to invest in a house which they could transform into a Bed & Breakfast type of accommodation. Hence, the master’s bedroom was isolated from the main area of the house. Considering this and the client’s family, the common bedroom was designed to accommodate 4-10 people. This makes it flexible for either their guests or family members’ use.



The basic Bahay Kubo also became the model for our material selection. Inspired by the warm feeling brought by natural materials, we made use of wood and rattan together with a concrete finish for contrast. This creates an environment where any heavy elements are removed for a calm, airy, and gentle mood.
A modern caida, the outdoor ante-sala features sleek rattan chairs where the owner can enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning. We designed a green wall for a space-saving alternative to plants in large clay pots typically found in Filipino homes.

The double doors open to the indoor ante-sala, as if arms opening wide to welcome you to a long-awaited holiday. The indoor ante-sala is designed to have a custom accordion solihiya partition to divide the receiving area and the living room.
The furniture selected for the living room is a modern take on the papag. A decorative panel with plants frames the TV area, with herringbone patterns identical to the exterior of the residence. Vivid green plants were placed throughout the living room to bring the outside in.

True to the hospitality of Filipino homes, the living area can provide for a comfortable accommodation to visitors and family.
​​​​​​​It is part of Filipino culture for the whole extended family to get together. All members help prepare for the meal, whether a small dinnertime gathering or a feast for celebrations. The kitchen becomes an area that creates memories–from sharing recipes to catching up with each other. We designed the kitchen to have no visual division from the dining area to allow for the social aspect of food preparation to flourish.
On one side of the dining table, we placed wooden benches to give space to an indefinite number of guests in the room. It is a known occurrence in Filipino culture to huddle and eat together. The peacock chair, a classic Filipino design, is placed at the kabisera where the padre de pamilya or head of the family usually sits. Natural light fills the dining area, emulating the Filipino spirit of being bright, sociable, and full of life especially during gatherings.
Siestas are customary in Filipino households, and children are especially encouraged to nap during the afternoon. This was considered for the common bedroom which can accommodate up to 12 family members. The owner specifically requested the double-deckers so that each of her four children and their families can have a designated bay.

We placed the ladders in between the double-deckers, its extended steps acting as shelves for charging or decor while also functioning as a visual barrier. Solihiya headboards match the partition used in the living room. The beds were laid out parallel to each other, allowing an environment for conversation. At the end of the aisle, double sliding doors open to the common toilet and bath with a separate lavatory, water closet, and shower.
The Filipino Revival concept takes inspiration from the board and batten style of traditional houses during the 19th century.

Wood sidings are left unpainted to create a sepia aesthetic for the residence. Green colored glass with engraved patterns commonly found in traditional homes replaces the ventanilla balustrades, giving the exterior a unique feature. It also extends the espejo or clerestory windows upwards. Both allow daylight and fresh air to enter, similar to a floor-to-ceiling glass window. The vertical grillwork which frames the windows has a scaled-up banig pattern that hides the utility lines and becomes the main design character of the residence.


M_DL. PROJECT TEAM
DESIGN | M_DL.RR
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