Upon entering the Concengco Residence, one of the first things that stands out is the pocket garden at the center of the house, serving as the space’s lungs. Through a glass wall, a variety of plants are visible, not only adding a pop of color to the monochromatic interior but also help improve the quality of air indoors.
The pocket garden is accessible through a sliding glass door on the side. It has an open roof, which allows ample amount of sunlight to come in throughout the day and provides the house with enough ventilation.
This detail plays a crucial role in the overall design of the house owned by photographer and writer Jar Concengco with wife Kay, a furniture maker. The couple wanted to have a house that can withstand the test of time with minimal impact to the environment. For Kay, sustainability goes beyond the conscious efforts when designing and building a house. The house should respond to the needs of the users that may also change overtime. It is important that the structure also grows with them.
A Sustainable Home for A Growing Family
Designed by DEQA Design Collaborative, the house was designed with active and passive sustainable strategies, together with materials and technologies.
“Sustainability in architecture focuses primarily on environmental impact and resource conservation. Considering the design, construction, and operation of healthy and efficient built environments in this approach is essential,” explained Architect Denise de Castro, Principal Architect of DEQA Design Collaborative.
Through the green efforts incorporated into the design of the house, the architect was able to minimize sun exposure, achieve passive cooling with cross ventilation, and include a courtyard to optimize the stack effect. The team was also able to specify LED lighting, install energy-efficient doors and windows, and provide an area for an edible garden.
The project is a collaboration between the architect and the owners. Kay and Jar were involved in the design process to ensure the house caters to the needs of their growing family. According to Kay, she was pregnant with their second child when they started the house. Her request to the architect was to design a home where their kids can play around but not child-proof to the point that they won’t be able to prepare them for the real world.
Now, the couple has four children. Kay shared that the house still works for them the same way as it did when they still only have two.
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Photography by Ed Simon
