Architecture

A raw and relaxing beach house in Tali, Batangas

Polished concrete and wood louvers peek through a bowl of green just a stone's throw away from the beach

March 27, 2018

|

By 

Cy Yambao

“We always tell our guests that there are no rules—the rule is to relax,” the lady of the house relates as she sits comfortably on the edge of the lanai decked in wooden planks. It was a fine morning to take a dip in the pool, with the surrounding trees moving gently to the breeze and the sun’s rays casting shadows against the outdoor teak furniture. This is the typical scenario at Windward House, a young couple’s beach house in Tali, Batangas that serves as the family’s escape from populated and polluted city living.

The beach house primarily uses raw materials like palacino wood, and exposed, sealed, and polished concrete to convey a warm aesthetic.
The beach house primarily uses raw materials like palacino wood, and exposed, sealed, and polished concrete to convey a warm aesthetic. The main living area, which faces an infinity pool, doubles as the lanai that blurs the boundaries between the indoors and the outdoors.
I’ve always wanted this whole slatted effect,” the husband admits. “The intent was to have these slats to create privacy without really barring the outside from coming in.”
The outdoor dining area is ideal for feasting over fresh seafood, with wooden slats and a canopy of trees blocking the rays of the sun.

The 1,450-square meter property is enveloped in abundant greenery and expansive seas, a major factor that won the hearts of the couple who has always shared a love for the outdoors. “When we were looking for lots, [the one we bought] was pretty lush, and there were carabaos with their own watering holes. It felt right,” the lady of the house recalls. For a couple who appreciates the luxury of being able to let loose in a tranquil retreat, Windward House is indeed the ideal dwelling they have envisioned even before getting married.

READ MORE: Magnificent views of Mt. Makiling in 8×8’s MV House

“We just wanted it open, so that our children can run around, and our guests can easily come and feel comfortable,” says the lady of the house. Their vision was successfully brought to life by architectural and interior design firm Utwentysix (now defunct), banking primarily on natural materials like local palacino wood from crates, and exposed, sealed, and polished concrete.

Windward House, as the property is called, provides a tranquil escape that is only a stone’s throw away from the beach. Beside the main house are two casitas especially built for the couple’s visiting friends.
Utwentysix, the architectural and interior design firm that brought the owners’ vision to life, took advantage of the generous breeze in Tali by incorporating louvers to both casitas. Aside from providing natural ventilation, the louvered windows also shield the interiors from direct sunlight.

The angular roof design conveniently connects the main house to two separate casitas, which were especially built for visiting family and friends to experience the same level of privacy and relaxation. Wooden slats and louvered windows provide proper ventilation, as well as protection against sunlight. Locally produced wooden furniture completes the warm ambiance of the seaside home, along with the unpainted concrete walls that represent the couple’s carefree personality.

“I love cooking. We used to always rent this place in Tagaytay, and the problem was that I’d have to cook facing a wall,” says the husband, who is now able to prepare dishes while interacting with guests seated by the self-made counter.
The family loves to eat, which is why the kitchen and the connecting dining room are considered the central areas of the home. The eight-seater wooden table with cast iron legs stands out against unpolished concrete walls.
The toilet and bath is enclosed in glass and concrete walls, and is adorned by minimal fixtures that contribute to a rustic ambiance.
The casita’s pitched ceiling suggests a sense of height that consequently disguises increased floor space. The glass windows offer a clear view of the main house and allow natural light to permeate the room.
“The location of the house is pretty much within a bowl of green, making it very relaxing. Our friends who have houses right by the beach would always say that it’s more peaceful here,” the husband shares. “That’s exactly what we envisioned: a nice, quiet place for the kids.”

The Windward House has been the constant stress reliever of the couple, the ideal place where they can come home to simply be inspired and let their creative juices flow. While they plan to add a massage hut or a brick oven in the future, the couple is certainly happy with what they currently have. “The last thing we want to do is sell this house,” the lady of the house affirms. “We want this home to not just be for us, but for our family as well. We value our family a lot, and instead of going to the mall to have lunch, we’d rather come here.” 

Original article first appeared in MyHome Inspiring Interiors book and myhome.onemega.com. Edits were made for BluPrint online.

Download this month's BLUPRINT magazine digital copy from:
Subscribe via [email protected]