A Filipino Interpretation of Modernist Architecture Unlike the rest of Makati today, the northern end of Paseo de Roxas in Makati is anchored by a low complex rather than a tall skyscraper. This is the elegant Asian Institute of Management, designed by architect Gabriel Formoso and completed in 1971. In my opinion, the building is […]
Beauty in Subtlety by Nazareno Architecture + Design
When you think of Makati City, the image of a bustling financial district and an active metropolitan lifestyle often comes to mind. But situated in one of its gated communities is a house that flourishes not just in the calmness of its surroundings but also in its quiet architectureArchitectureThe art and science of designing and constructing buildings, structures, and spaces that are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. It encompasses the planning, design, materials, and techniques used to createGo to Architecture Glossary. This abode, designed by Nazareno Architecture + Design, was built for a senior couple and their visiting children and grandchildren.
Large glass windows allow the residents to enjoy the outdoor view while inside the house.
“I wanted to, at that point in our practice, create a house with a strong, solid form that was still very much within the language that I like doing, which is very orthogonal in nature,” Anthony Nazareno, Principal Architect and Designer of Nazareno ArchitectureArchitectureThe art and science of designing and constructing buildings, structures, and spaces that are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. It encompasses the planning, design, materials, and techniques used to createGo to Architecture Glossary + Design, shares. “I wanted to create something strong enough in form that was just almost devoid of any cladding material. We wanted a house that had a very quiet exterior to it.”
Nazareno has worked with this family for quite some time now. Their relationship began when the family reached out to him after seeing one of his projects featured in an issue of BluPrint magazine. From that encounter, Nazareno has designed the son’s house, the patriarch’s house, and this multigenerational home where even the family’s 100-year-old Ah Ma will stay.
Simple But Impactful Design
The house’s gate and facade are done in a palette of light gray and white. “I would imagine your first chance looking at the house, what you saw was just a painted house. You couldn’t really see the cladding because most of it was on the sides. I wanted you to be drawn by that. I wanted you to be drawn by that quietness,” Nazareno describes.
Nazareno shares that the living area is designed for entertaining, with the pieces intended to be used, not merely showcased.
Straight lines also dominate the exterior of the house, which are in keeping with its clean aesthetic and modern style. Ceppo Di Gre claddings adorn certain portions of the exterior, injecting just the right touch of variety and texture without disturbing the structure’s understated design.
Refined Spaces
Nazareno’s firm was also tasked with shaping the interiors. He noted that the couple wanted the interior spaces to have a clean look, just like the exterior. By using light ash wood veneer, Nazareno succeeded in maintaining a fresh aesthetic throughout, even with the extensive cladding.
A round, 12-seater dining table sits in the main dining area—perfect for entertaining a large group.
The furniture pieces are mostly white and light gray, with a few black pieces here and there. This tone-on-tone color scheme gives the house a curated feel—a tasteful choice of pieces and materials that spell quiet luxury.
Nazareno also added that the homeowners, who are advanced in age, do not like clutter, hence the big storage rooms in the house for the things they have accumulated over the years.
Enduring Appeal
“I’m hoping it will age well,” answers Nazareno when asked about how he thinks the house will fare in the years to come. “Number one, the materials that we used here outside and [inside] should stand the test of time in terms of the quality and sturdiness of it. In terms of design, I have always been part of the school of thought that modern architectureArchitectureThe art and science of designing and constructing buildings, structures, and spaces that are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. It encompasses the planning, design, materials, and techniques used to createGo to Architecture Glossary and modern design stand the test of time as much as any design style.”
With the house’s quiet architectureArchitectureThe art and science of designing and constructing buildings, structures, and spaces that are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. It encompasses the planning, design, materials, and techniques used to createGo to Architecture Glossary, quality of the materials used, and a refined touch in the interior spaces, there is no doubt that this family residence will remain the visual marvel that it is now, even as decades go by.
Read the full story by ordering your copy of BluPrint Volume 2, available via the sarisari.shopping website, Shopee, and Lazada. E-magazines are available for download via Readly, Press Reader, and Magzter.
Photographed by Ed Simon.
Read more: A Serene Mountain Retreat by Fitnesscape Creative Studio
Frequently Asked Questions
Anthony Nazareno designed the home with a “quiet architecture” philosophy, focusing on strong, solid, and orthogonal forms. The goal was to create a house with an understated exterior—devoid of excessive cladding and finished in a light gray and white palette—that flourishes through its simplicity and clean, modern lines.
The house was specifically built for a senior couple, their visiting children, grandchildren, and their 100-year-old matriarch. The layout prioritizes accessibility and ease of movement, while large storage rooms were integrated to house years of accumulated belongings, satisfying the homeowners’ preference for a clutter-free, minimalist environment.
The interiors maintain a fresh and curated feel through the extensive use of light ash wood veneer and a “tone-on-tone” color scheme. High-quality Ceppo Di Gre cladding was used on select exterior portions to add texture, while the interior furniture features a sophisticated mix of white, light gray, and black pieces to evoke a sense of quiet luxury.
The living area is designed for authentic entertaining, featuring furniture meant to be used comfortably rather than just displayed. A centerpiece of the home is a large, round 12-seater dining table, which serves as the primary gathering hub for the family’s large multigenerational dinners and social events.
Architect Anthony Nazareno believes that modern architecture stands the test of time through the use of sturdy, top-notch materials and a timeless design language. By avoiding passing trends and focusing on high-quality finishes and streamlined forms, the residence is built to remain a visual marvel for decades to come.
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