Makiling Reserve

The Residence at Makiling Reserve is a home deeply rooted in its thoughtful concept, multifaceted connection, and biophilic design. Ar. Nazareno’s intent in architecturally expressing the 2077 square meter home was to thoughtfully evoke both the owners’ Filipino roots and a more contemporary approach reflecting the owner’s childhood bungalow home. In addition, the Residence at Makiling Reserve was designed with principles of biophilic design, ensuring respect for the property’s natural surroundings before its architecture was built. With this considerate impact in mind, Ar. Nazareno crafted the home to have a dynamic visual connection, seamlessly blending the users and their built environment, with the surrounding nature. The Residence at Makiling Reserve’s angular plan was deliberately set back from the main property line to preserve the trees up front. This articulation carried over to its orthogonal form woven around the existing trees within the property, integrating further the architectural conversation with the natural environment. This coexistence is also made evident through its v-shaped roof lines, which define the open plan with a split layout characterized by its two wings. On the right wing, 3 bedrooms and a home gym were designed to be accessible via an angled hallway that borders a water feature and garden area. This arrangement cools and separates the public from the private spaces of the home. On the other hand, the leftmost wing houses the only upper-level structure of the residence: the guest house. Finally, the living area located in the middle of the architecture provides a lush panoramic view of the existing and newly planted foliage in the foreground, with the neighboring golf course as its background. The home was designed with biophilic principles to connect its environment and residents and vice versa, minimizing the negative impact and maximizing positive contribution. In the weaving of its form in the site, the architects involved decided to make use of the home to highlight existing external greenery, on top of the collaboration of newly planted foliage to emphasize its presence. Another biophilic approach was to also include the use of solar panels and a rainwater harvesting system to fully utilize renewable energy and water resources. This optimization benefits the home’s users beyond immediate comfort and convenience, as it also demonstrates the architectural commitment to sustainability. The architectural impact that the Residence at Makiling Reserve extends beyond the realms of optimizing human comfort and environmental sustainability. By utilizing locally sourced adobe stone for cooling and operable Accoya brise soleil for allow natural ventilation, the residence not only regulates its temperature but also embodies a contemporary interpretation of the Bahay na Bato, paying direct homage to local identity and architecture.This holistic approach not only integrates the home with its natural surroundings but also preserves and celebrates the cultural heritage of the Philippines. In essence, The Residence at Makiling Reserve harmoniously coexists the architectural innovation, cultural homage, and environmental stewardship as a home not meant for just its owners but for a timeless ethos that celebrates Filipino lifestyle and sustainable living.