A true example of avant-garde architecture in the Philippines. Artehaus exudes dynamism in tropical architecture. The form of the house is an architectural sculpture, boasting a majestic and eccentric shape. All defined by clean-cut horizontal, diagonal, and vertical lines with a ray of light peeking from its heart. Lighting is everything they say, and in this design, it shows.
Do not be fooled by the simplicity of this masterpiece. It truly defines Filipino Postmodern Architecture on a different level. As a start-up Avant-Garde Architecture Firm based in the Philippines, L.Ateliér Architects takes the architectural world by storm with its bold, eccentric, and innovative designs.
Situated in an odd-shaped 240-square meter lot, the presumed dilemma and limitations given by the lot shape have drawn the Architect further into the property. According to her, the property had an innate and untapped potential: The weird shape would allow her to manipulate the form, regardless of the small footprint.
Juxtaposition in Architecture
The overall composition of Artehaus makes the perfect case study on Juxtaposition in Architecture. The structure is clad with two juxtaposing materials: Travertine and Thick Aluminum Composite Panels in a deep shade of bronze. Large aluminum composite panels enclose the roof down to the sides and acts as a shell. It serves as an envelope that shields the whole structure from the harsh afternoon sun. Consequently, The linear pattern of the engineered wood soffit strikes a visual balance between the building envelope and the roof and is further emphasized by the accent lighting. These two elements, travertine, and aluminum, abridged by the warmth of wood, create a luxurious yet homey feel.
Artehaus’ Shell
The Space Study of Artehaus is interesting. It comprises two independent structures connected by a bridge. Both working together to share the massive yet lightweight roof load. In a tropical country, building heat gain is always an issue. The one-foot-thick rock wool insulation embedded into the roof solves this problem. The insulation acts as a barrier that makes it possible to have a high and open ceiling without further manipulating the building’s scale.
Structural Integrity without the Visual Clutter
Furthermore, All structural details are hidden from plain sight with utmost precision, creating a flawless and seamless building envelope and interior piece. The network of posts and lintels provides structural integrity without the visual clutter. Yet, makes a striking geometric form from different angles and perspectives.
User Experience as Top Priority
User experience is considered a top priority in the overall plan of this house. Entering the house, you are greeted by a grand staircase angled at 130 degrees from the entrance’s line of sight while creating drama through a practical application of occult symmetry. Furthered by the water feature provided by the swimming pool on the right, entering the house offers an inviting and invigorating experience.
Avant-garde Architecture in the Philippines
A grand living room then greets you with a lot of white space—a vast space designed explicitly after considering that the owner would regularly host cocktail parties. A concealed sliding door divides the public living room area from the staircase leading to the private bedroom spaces on the second floor.
Aerodynamic Concepts on Natural Ventilation
The path towards the kitchen and dining areas is a field day. A series of steps leading you to the heart of Artehaus. Just like an organism, the heart provides oxygen and allows it to breathe. The same concept applies here. The overall form of the house creates a vortex while maximizing natural ventilation. The whole experience of moving from the living area to the dining and kitchen area is refreshing, complemented by the water feature that greets you on your journey—further enhanced by Artehaus’ aerodynamic form.
Al-Fresco to the Next Level
Artehaus takes al-fresco to the next level. Enclosed via glass louvers on a sliding track, it allows space expansion while indoors.
The Kitchen and the Dining Room are divided by a built-in buffet that acts as an additional counter space during busy kitchen hours. Modular cabinets with a graphite textured laminate are wrapped around all storage units. A terrazzo floor with bits and pieces of fuschia, tan, gray, and black stones flows seamlessly from the kitchen and spills over towards the Dining room. This specific area was designed with one consideration: Visually merge both spaces while setting a boundary between the two.
The Heart of Artehaus
Cascading up the main staircase will take you to the Artehaus’ private zone. Literally and Figuratively the heart, it is where the family of four bond over their favorite activity to date: Saturday Night Movie Marathons. From here, you will find the Master’s Suite in one wing and the two bedrooms in the other. The family room acts is a point where all private spaces converge in.
The Master Suite stands on top of the Living Area’s structure. It boasts a massive walk-in closet, an office area, a spacious bathroom, and a bedroom that spills over to an outdoor terrace.
Spacious Personal Spaces
The walk-in consists of an island of tall wardrobe cabinets in the middle and additional storage built into the walls. Given the spatial proportion, the design objective is incorporate as much storage space as possible. The flow of movement between the interconnected spaces inside the Master Suite is impressive; forming a U-shaped plan, having two access points to the Master’s Bedroom.
Aerodynamic Facade
A curtain wall of glass louvers dividing the terrace from the main house creates a focal point for Artehaus’ facade. Partially covered by the roof and all of its’ parts with natural ventilation flowing freely into the rooms and out on the other side. The roof acts like a canopy — covering the terrace asymmetrically.
A Marvel of Postmodern Tropical Architecture
The movement throughout the space in itself is an art form. Resulting to a well thought-of plan evokes a surreal experience while traversing through the different rooms. Evoking a certain emotion while gliding through the stairs. As you walk through the house, the different textures and colors give a sense of calmness and beauty. It is a full on sensory experience: visual, tactile, olfactory, vestibular and proprioceptive. Above all, Artehaus is truly an example of avant-garde architecture in the Philippines
In conclusion, It is one of the most impressive plans we have seen to date— bringing a whole new definition to the term home. The smart use of all five senses in design brings about a lot of character to the architectural design of Artehaus. It’s truly a marvel of Postmodern Tropical Architecture and will still be in the years to come.
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