Brutal Beauty: Stark modernism is softened by nature – including an indoor tree – in this tranquil Manila house
In the bustling city of Manila, a serene and stunning residence stands out as a testament to the ideal blend of creativity and brutalism. The breathtaking abode is a masterclass in combining style, comfort and functionality. Materials are simple and essential, the colour scheme is boldly black and white, and the mood minimalist.
Brutalist interior design is characterised by its untreated concrete, angular lines and stark aesthetic, and this house in Manila follows a similar expression of functionality while embracing a raw beauty. The built area of about 2,200 square feet sits on a 4,000-square-foot lot in Afpovai, an upcoming neighbourhood close to Bonifacio Global City.
Natural materials like wood, stone and plants are often incorporated within modern brutalist interiors to balance the coldness of concrete and metal, and this can be seen throughout the spacious residence. These textural contrasts add depth and visual interest, creating a warmer and cosier feel.
Conceived as a sanctuary for a couple to enjoy after retirement, it was designed by Ivy Almario of Atelier Almario, an award-winning interior design firm known for its distinctive style. The designer’s philosophy is centred around creating spaces that resonate with her clients’ personalities and lifestyles. In this instance, their love of shutters features throughout the house, dividing the anteroom, bedroom and living room while maintaining a sense of intimacy and unity.
As you step into this airy retreat, you are immediately enveloped by an aura of calm, thanks to the clever use of natural ventilation and a soothing colour palette. The double-height ceiling and kamagong wood accents create a sense of drama, while the carefully curated collection of oriental artefacts adds a touch of sophistication.
Since the house is cocooned among other buildings, the clients requested that the designer employ efficient ventilation to remedy the otherwise stifling tropical heat. In the initial stages of the design process, it was thus decided that the first floor would be wrapped by a lanai (open-sided verandah). Their preference for louvre windows also upgraded the space. Landscape design was thoughtfully implemented with the plantation of citronella to control mosquitoes. Essentially, the home was designed to be a solution to the challenges of the site.
The most striking feature is the inclusion of plentiful plants, vines and even a tree inside the house, hinting that the owners have a green thumb. This blends nature with the indoors and makes the living spaces fresher and more inviting. Another distinctive element is the tall metal racks that serve as storage space rather than built-in cabinets or shelves.
Metal is used throughout the house whether in railings for the staircase and landing or the living-room furniture. Here, the L-shaped sofa matches the coffee table in its sleek metal-frame design. Both furniture and upholstery embody the residence’s dark-hued theme. A large, round mirror transforms the staircase wall into a feature wall and accentuates the scale of the room.
In terms of paint and colour, a skim coat is used on the outside concrete, while the inner walls are painted white and offset by a plethora of black. Timber tiles were used on the floor to soften the appearance of the large, vertical-slatted windows. The abundance of natural light alleviates the rugged textures, creating a sense of warmth and comfort.
Ample natural light also pours in through the shutters of the master bedroom, which becomes a tranquil oasis. The use of luxe fabrics and neutral colours adds to the calming ambience; it is easy to imagine yourself relaxing in this peaceful haven. The walk-in closet has a dressing table and full-length mirrors opposite the wardrobes.
The dressing area benefits from abundant natural light as well. The en-suite bathroom is divided into two sections by a sliding door: an indoor washing area and an outdoor bathing area. This affords the owners the luxury to bathe under the open sky since the compound’s high concrete walls maintain their privacy.
The interiors openly embrace a minimalist approach, eschewing unnecessary ornamentation and focusing on functional simplicity. Furniture is kept sleek and low-profile, with clean lines and few embellishments. This aesthetic creates a sense of calmness and clarity, allowing the eye to focus on the raw beauty of the materials.
With its impeccable architecture, interior design and lush tropical setting, this brutalist house in Manila sets a new standard for luxury living in the Philippines. It is a testament to the country’s growing design prowess and a shining example of how exceptional talent can create truly breathtaking living spaces.
Photos: Atelier Almario
