“A modern family home on the mountains.”
Glass, wood, concrete, stone: these are the materials prominent in modern architecture. For this family home in the highlands of Antipolo, the client wanted all the comforts of modern living amidst the relatively remote location. It is about an hour’s drive from the hustle and bustle of Metro Manila, up winding mountain roads, to a prime village called The Peak at Havila. 
Great views, wonderful hues
Situated at the literal top of the development, hence the name The Peak, one has sweeping views of the metropolis spread out in the horizon. On colder days, it is even known to fog, adding to the restful ambiance and so-called bed weather.On sunnier days, the client, an athlete, can jog around the village with his family to keep in shape as the rolling terrain provides an incredible natural workout.The client’s property faces the mountains, but the view isn’t any less wonderful as it consists of lush and vibrant greenery. It faces north, so it can get really chilly during November to February, when the northeast monsoon, otherwise known as Amihan, arrives.
An abundance of glass
The property’s location is blessed with panoramic forest views. To showcase this, the facade is designed to be mostly composed of glass. The client specifically requested big windows to let a lot of natural light and ventilation in.Spacious balconies in each level ensures everyone can have ample opportunities to enjoy the outside.
color cohesion
A combination of paint, stone cladding, and wood-look fiber cement boards provide colors and texture to the facade. White paint was used to temper the structure’s height and allow the other finishes to stand out. For instance, the stone and wood cladding on the right side is a nice balance to the transparency of the glass on the left side. Plant boxes with rich foliage provides a nice break in between levels and allows the modern style home to blend in with the surrounding greeneries.
modern amenities, sustainable solutions
The client is big on sustainability, and they are all for doing all they can to preserve the world for younger generations, as they have small children. Solar panels will be installed on the roof as a renewable source of electricity. Vertical gardens will also be installed at the rear part of the home to further minimize their carbon footprint.The home is also designed to be smart home-ready, easily controllable via Siri or Alexa.The client is a former basketball player, and high ceilings are a must-have. As the property will be built on a lot that is sloping upwards towards the rear, we decided that the structure should follow the movement of the terrain in order to have high ceilings all throughout. For instance, once you get through the front door, the client will be greeted with 3.80-meter high ceilings in the foyer and living room. This provides plenty of space for entertaining when they have some family and friends over.
Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors in the living area could easily allow for the party to spill into the balcony, where guests can also relish the refreshing breeze and appreciate the view.
Moving up into the kitchen and dining area, the ceiling height is at 2.90 meters, which provides more than enough volume and would not make it feel stuffy. Glass railing separates the dining and the living areas, so the clients and their guests can still engage with each other.
There is a kid’s corner beyond the kitchen, where the clients’ two small children could play together and have a neat little nook to put away their toys. A small staircase from the kid’s corner leads up to the guest room, with its own toilet and bath, where the clients’ extended family can stay over if they are so inclined.
Going up the main stairs, the entire second floor is devoted to the bedrooms, four in all: one each for the clients’ three children, and the master’s bedroom.
To strengthen their bond as a family, the family hall is located smack dab in the middle of the hallway, where they can hang out in a more intimate setting. This also allows everyone to say “goodnight” to each other before setting off in their individual rooms, helping nourish the Filipino values of filial love.
The client is aware, more than anyone else, of the importance of exercise. Going further up into the roof deck level, one will find a fully stocked gym. After an invigorating round of exercise, the client can step out into the roof deck and enjoy the scenery. Additionally, evening parties can also be held here. On New Year’s Eve, they can watch the fireworks with their family.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Lot Area - 353 sqm
Floor Area - 350 sqm
No. of Storeys - 3 (with 1 semi basement)
No. of Bedrooms - 5
No. of Bathrooms - 8