“Farmhouse living close to the metro.”
Chill, laid-back, relaxed. Cool breeze blowing through the windows. Afternoon naps. Lots of greens. The sound of cicadas in the night. These are images that come to mind when one is thinking about life on a farm.For our millennial client who is so used to hectic life in hot and congested Metro Manila, this lot she purchased in Alfonso, Cavite, around five minutes away from Tagaytay, is a wonderful location to build their weekend haven. The theme for the house they’d like to have is a modern take on the classic farmhouse. So we took elements from the traditional farmhouse, like the triangular roof and the whitewash finish, and merged it with midcentury modernism. We used mid century because contemporary modernism is all about clean, solid lines and it would dilute the idyllic charm of the farm aesthetic.Triangular roof, vaulted ceiling
The prominent triangular roof on the left side of the facade is not just an architectural feature—it is a solution. This allows for a vaulted ceiling inside, making the room feel more spacious.White wood-plastic composite panels will be used to clad the wall up to the apex of the triangle to give it texture and guide the eyes into the unique geometry of this section in the facade. 
Dog-friendly balcony featuring breezeblocks
The sights and sounds of the modern farmhouse are not just for humans to enjoy, but for the client’s furbabies as well! The lot faces east into the gentle morning sun, and what better way to appreciate this but to put a balcony out front. As the client would like to unwind over the weekend with her babies, we took an element from midcentury modernism—the breezeblocks—and used it for her balcony railings.Breezeblocks let the cool breeze in and have plenty of space for the furbabies to peek through and enjoy the scenery while at the same time, keeping them safe as they hang out with their human.To keep the design cohesive, we also utilized breezeblocks on a section of the front fence to give them privacy without sacrificing their access to the fresh air.
form and color
The facade is predominantly white, mixed with dark gray, and a smattering of wood accents. The color choice pays homage to the whitewash finish on traditional farmhouses. Whitewash is a lime compound that is heavily resistant to scratches and dirt and suitable for use in barns and grain storehouses.The dark gray is from mid century modern design, which allows the white to stand out even more starkly in contrast. The wood accents lend a wonderful warmth and texture and contribute to the homey vibe of farmhouse living.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Lot Area - 216 sqm
Floor Area - 238 sqm
No. of Storeys - 2
No. of Bedrooms - 6
No. of Bathrooms - 5
