Architecture has the power to bridge the past and present, reshaping spaces to meet modern needs while preserving their original character. A well-designed renovation does more than update aesthetics. It honors a structure’s history, layering new narratives onto its existing foundation. Rather than opting for demolition, AP House architect Don Lino, alongside Project Architect Ronald Romero, MDCC General Contractor Marlon Cruz, and Project Manager Marilou Boboyo, saw potential in their client’s 1980s home in Quezon City, envisioning an evolution of the space that still retained its essence. His approach centers on adaptive reuse, allowing the original home to be reimagined and reinvigorated without erasing its past.
“Luckily, the clients gave me the flexibility to explore a major renovation,” Lino shares. This openness allowed him to craft a design narrative that respects the home’s origins while pushing architectural boundaries.
The original lot measured 800 square meters, but the homeowner later acquired an adjacent property, expanding it to 1,100 square meters. The renovation resulted in a four-bedroom residence that integrated old and new elements.
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A Dialogue with the Past
Initially, the clients considered demolishing the house. However, recognizing the potential to breathe new life into the space, encouraged them to explore a renovation instead. Looking for merits in the existing structure, he explains, “I still try to see if I can work with that in the hope you’ll end up with better architecture… [something] a bit more profound,” he explains. “I like to see old in new. And it tells you this timeline, the story behind it.”
The preserved original roofline is the central feature of the attic
Renovation presents unique challenges, including cost management and integrating new elements into an old framework. “In architecture and construction, if we do only new [things], will it save costs? Will it be more expensive?” Lino ponders.
He also highlights the unpredictability of renovations. But despite these concerns, the decision to renovate proved worthwhile, adding depth and character to the home.
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The design underwent numerous iterations involving a process of continuous refinement. It was important that the project didn’t appear as a forced blend of two styles. This involved preserving the home’s original historical character while modernizing it for functionality.
AP House retains the essence of its 1980s origins while adapting to contemporary living standards. “When I work with old structures, I like to highlight the contrasts. If you blur the line too much, it feels indecisive,” he asserts. “I do love, not just the renovation part, but more of if I can marry history and the now.”
A Statement in Contrast
The façade of the AP House, featuring its pitched tiled roof.
One of the home’s most striking features is its pitched tiled roof, which Lino chose to preserve, and contrasted it with a modern rectangular volume. He explains that this extends from the original structure to represent an evolution of the home’s existing spaces, creating a dialogue between old and new. These serve as functional additions, designed to be integral parts of the house, adapting to the needs of a new family.
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He sought to highlight this transformation in the architectural plan, ensuring that the new elements complemented and extended the original massing rather than simply acting as secondary supports. Carefully considered proportions further enhanced spatial perception. “I’m big on composition—the function needs to respond in terms of form,” he emphasizes.
Material selections also reinforce the contrast between past and present. The unconventional use of stainless steel cladding adds a modern edge. By adopting a monochrome palette throughout, it creates a cohesive and refined aesthetic.
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