Architecture + Interior

Homes in the Philippines Exuding Modern Slow Living

Here are a few homes in the Philippines that exude the concept of Slow Living

July 31, 2023

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By 

Shan Arcega

The fast-paced lifestyle comes hand in hand with city living. In the day-to-day flooded with calls, meetings, and worklife, people desire the sanctuary that reminds people of quietly living through the day.

What is modern slow living?

Slow architecture or slow living movement supports designs and actions done out of a need for a slower speed of life. Modern slow-living architecture then urges home occupants and designers to think in the long-term. It also celebrates the use of local and sustainable materials.

Alongside many other celebrities like Nadine Lustre and Andi Eigennman who both now take roots in one of the country’s island gems-Siargao, many city-dwellers have also long since expressed their wants to partake in slow living too. Maybe an effect of staying inside the house during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the houses in the country, here are just a few around the Philippines that exude the comforting modern slow living style.

Casa Cecilia in Laguna

Casa Cecilia was designed by Architecture student Jolo Cecila and Architect Anjo Cantalejo. Photo by Jeric Rustia.
It’s a hidden understated villa in the heart of a traditional Filipino-grown farm. Photo by Jeric Rustia.

Casa Cecilia is a farm villa in Barangay San Bautista, San Pablo, Laguna. Designed by architecture student Jojo Cecilia and architect Anjo Cantalejo, it features Mediterranean design elements and is surrounded by the beauty of nature. This ten-hectare farm is located at the foot of Mt. Malarayat and faces the morning of Mt. Banahaw. The tropical modern Mediterranean villa ages beautifully as time passes, probably making it one of the most elegant homes in Laguna by far.

Related read: Casa Cecilia: A Modern Tropical Mediterranean Farm Villa in Laguna

House 115

This home in Batangas combines modern tropical design with communal living. Photo by Ed Simon.
Many of its elements combine modern living with the warmth of nature. Photo by Ed Simon.

Architects John and Pauline Sac of 50/53 Architects are those responsible for House 115’s beautiful design. Set in Batangas, this vacation home encourages connection and interaction between people and nature. Its one key feature includes the skylight in the main bathroom. Strategically placed above the tub and shower, it creates a soothing effect when combined with the elements of water.

Related read: House 115: An Atmosphere Of Calm In Spaces For Connection

The Siargao Beachfront House

This Siargao House has a Javanase-inspired nipa roof. Photo by Summer Puertollano.
Many of the other elements are inspired by the couple’s travels from around the world. Photo by Summer Puertollano.

Often, people mistake this Siargao home for a resort. An expected reaction considering its sheer size. Designed for Gai Olivares and her late husband Nicolas Rambeau, this Siargao home is the perfect marriage between luxury and relaxation. As Olivares has been traveling since the 90s, the home has elements inspired by some of the places they’ve traveled to. Among its many key features is the Javanese-inspired nipa roof.

Related read: Living Large In Siargao: This Beachfront House Has The Luxury Of Space Poised For The Slow Lifestyle

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