Houzz Tour: A Resort-Style Home in the Southern Philippines
This spacious home made up of three different structures achieves a cohesive look by bringing the outdoors in
Situated within Iloilo City, a province in the Visayas region of the Philippines, this sprawling house is the gift from a mother to her 22-year-old daughter. “Since the daughter doesn’t have any plans yet of moving out of the mom’s house, we planned it to suit an ‘envisioned’ lifestyle when the time of moving in comes,” says Iloilo-based interior designer Isabella Robles Go of Living Innovations Design Unlimited, the team behind this major renovation.
The acquired property consists of three differently designed structures that were constructed at different times. The design team’s main challenge was to create a cohesive look for these three structures. “They love to travel, particularly to the beach, so the theme we proposed was resort living. We also went for an open layout of the living spaces, because they are a big family and love to entertain,” she says.
The acquired property consists of three differently designed structures that were constructed at different times. The design team’s main challenge was to create a cohesive look for these three structures. “They love to travel, particularly to the beach, so the theme we proposed was resort living. We also went for an open layout of the living spaces, because they are a big family and love to entertain,” she says.
The main house was built around the late 1980s/early 1990s. It is a two-storey structure with living spaces, a home office, a wet kitchen, a maid’s room, a bedroom, and two bathrooms at the ground floor. It has two bedrooms and a common bath at the second floor.
The second structure (the one with the fish emblem) was added on the right of the main house. It has living and dining areas connecting to the main house’s wet kitchen.
The third structure, towards the left rear of the property, has two guest rooms. It has its own entrance and is not accessible from the main house.
The second structure (the one with the fish emblem) was added on the right of the main house. It has living and dining areas connecting to the main house’s wet kitchen.
The third structure, towards the left rear of the property, has two guest rooms. It has its own entrance and is not accessible from the main house.
“The moment we stepped into the project site, I told the client that the living room had so much potential, and we only had to break down the walls to open it up to the garden,” says Go.
With the narrow windows in front of the house replaced by full-height ones, and sliding doors at the side, natural light and breezes can now be enjoyed in the living room. The designer used a palette of earth tones to create a visual connection with the newly landscaped garden and outdoor deck.
Roller blinds stave off the heat when needed.
The staircase has new solid wood treads and metal railings. It goes well with the modern yet homey aesthetic of the house.
The design team had to find a way to mask the structural column in the middle of the living space. The solution: build a divider with open shelves, which would also serve to separate the living and dining areas.
The design team had to find a way to mask the structural column in the middle of the living space. The solution: build a divider with open shelves, which would also serve to separate the living and dining areas.
Like the marble flooring, the original stonework in the living area was also retained. A floral painting by a local artist complements the new seating area.
A small office used to be located in the rear of the main house (left side of this photo). The door leads to the wet kitchen and service area.
The design team tore down the old office and converted the space into a dry kitchen. An island counter doubles as a bar.
In the dining area, the 10-seater, live-edge wood dining table ensures there is plenty of space for family and guests to commune.
In the dining area, the 10-seater, live-edge wood dining table ensures there is plenty of space for family and guests to commune.
With an open layout, the living, dining and kitchen spaces enjoy a more seamless flow. They are also brighter and airier, thanks to the new large openings that span the side wall.
The old bedroom on the ground floor was used as a home office. Aside from its own bathroom, it had a sliding door that connected to the second house.
Go reclaimed the room’s original purpose, transforming it into an elegant master bedroom. “We removed the old tile flooring and changed it to solid wood. We also decided to close the connection to the second house, and that wall became the headboard area,” says Go. Padded panels add depth and texture to the spacious bedroom, while cove lighting creates a play of light.
The adjacent bathroom was really outdated, but the designer saw potential in its large footprint.
“It was spacious enough to fit a walk-in closet in it,” says Go. The design team changed the ceiling and added cove lights to give the illusion of a higher ceiling.
New wall and floor tiles, as well as a granite-top vanity cabinet with a large framed mirror, make for a modern and cosy update.
On the second floor, the two bedrooms had walls made of plywood, and were in bad condition.
“We changed the walls to fibre cement boards, which are sturdier and more resistant to fire,” says Go. Old windows were also swapped out for new awning windows.
Walk-in wardrobes were added to both bedrooms by building a wooden partition with sliding doors. “There are no definite users yet for these spaces, but we were thinking ahead. Most probably future children or relatives of the family will be staying here, so we have to make them more functional,” she adds.
Walk-in wardrobes were added to both bedrooms by building a wooden partition with sliding doors. “There are no definite users yet for these spaces, but we were thinking ahead. Most probably future children or relatives of the family will be staying here, so we have to make them more functional,” she adds.
Modular systems for the walk-in closets: DesignCrib Inc
Like the first bedroom, the second bedroom had plywood walls and louvre windows.
Since there are no dwellers here as yet, the designer opted to dress the bedrooms in a warm, neutral palette for a timeless look.
There is only one bathroom on the second floor. “Originally, you had to exit the bedrooms to access the bathroom. People on the ground floor could see you coming out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel,” she says.
To create a more private and user-friendly space, the designer opted to connect the bathroom to both bedrooms. The generous light that streams in helps to create a comfortable feeling in the compact space.
In the second house, the previous structure featured a bay window at the living area.
“We decided to make the second house an open space,” says Go. Walls and windows were hacked down to make way for a lanai (veranda). Now with a clear view of the garden, it serves as a relaxing hangout.
“Since the family loves to entertain, we also added a bar and a small dining space in this area. The ceiling fans keep the area cool during hot and humid days,” she adds.
“Since the family loves to entertain, we also added a bar and a small dining space in this area. The ceiling fans keep the area cool during hot and humid days,” she adds.
The guest house – the third structure – was the latest addition to the property, so most of the finishes in its rooms were new. Minor refurbishing were carried out including repainting and repairing of doors and wall cracks.
The exterior, on the other hand, was revamped to harmonise with the other two structures. Just like in the main house, posts made from fibre cement and painted brown, add a linear character to the facade.
The exterior, on the other hand, was revamped to harmonise with the other two structures. Just like in the main house, posts made from fibre cement and painted brown, add a linear character to the facade.
“The deck in the garden was originally a cement-finished surface used by the previous owners for laundry. Upon seeing the property, I already saw how beautiful this garden would be, where the family can also hold parties and serve as playground for future children,” says Go. The laundry area was moved to the back of the house, and grass was planted to extend the garden.
The team built an outdoor deck, where the family and guests can enjoy al fresco gatherings. Weatherproof wicker furniture with open weaving enhance the comfortable lounging. “It’s really nice to lounge here in the afternoon as the third house blocks the afternoon sun,” says Go.
Furniture: Locsin International
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The team built an outdoor deck, where the family and guests can enjoy al fresco gatherings. Weatherproof wicker furniture with open weaving enhance the comfortable lounging. “It’s really nice to lounge here in the afternoon as the third house blocks the afternoon sun,” says Go.
Furniture: Locsin International
TELL US
What did you find most striking about this home? Share in the Comments below.
Who lives here: The future home of a 22-year-old (the house is a gift from her mother)
Location: Iloilo City, Philippines
Size: Land area of 573 square metres (6,168 square feet); Built-in area of 330 square metres (3,552 square feet)
Project duration: 9 months