Residential

Home and Heirloom: Gabriel Schmid Blends Tradition with Modernity

August 16, 2024
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By 
Rick Formalejo

Designing a retirement home for one’s parents is a significant undertaking for any designer. Especially when it involves blending personal vision with the pleasure of creating something unique. For Gabriel Schmid, working on the house presented an opportunity to design his parents’ sanctuary in Makati. It was both a professional milestone and a deeply dignified endeavor that shaped his architectural philosophy.

A spacious living area in Instia House, showcasing a harmonious blend of traditional Filipino design with modern elements. The room features wooden furniture, woven textures, and a large sectional sofa, all set against dark wood flooring and a vaulted white ceiling. Large windows allow natural light to fill the space, highlighting the fusion of classic and contemporary aesthetics.
The home masterfully blends traditional Filipino elements with modern design. The warm and inviting spaces celebrate local heritage and contemporary elegance.

The design concept marries traditional Filipino architecture with contemporary construction techniques, tailored to respond to the local climate, culture, and materials. Inspired by the iconic Bahay na Bato, the house features a robust lower level for durability and an airy upper floor that maximizes natural ventilation. Elevated living spaces immerse residents in the treetops, offering privacy and serene views of lush surroundings.

Functional Elegance

A modern kitchen interior at Instia House featuring a blend of Filipino and contemporary design. The space includes a large wooden island, woven dining chairs, and pendant lighting, with dark wood tones and natural materials that reflect Filipino craftsmanship.
The modern kitchen includes two large islands, woven dining chairs, and pendant lighting. Dark wood tones and natural materials reflect Filipino craftsmanship.

Balancing functionality with comfort was paramount in creating a home suitable for slow living. Designing a retirement home presented unique challenges, such as ensuring ADA standards and creating barrier-free environments. 

Accessibility and versatile living spaces were crucial considerations. Schmid’s design approach puts a keen focus on convenience and ease of use, recognizing potential challenges that come with aging. “We incorporated an elevator that connects the first and second floors. To minimize stair usage and accommodate extended stays on either floor, we designed two open living spaces: an inviting outdoor area on the ground floor and a comfortable indoor space on the first floor,” he explains.

Personal Touches and Characterful Family Home

An outdoor living area at Instia House that blends Filipino and modern design elements, with arched openings, woven furniture, and natural materials that create a connection to the surrounding garden.
The outdoor living area, with arched openings, woven furniture, and natural materials, create a connection to the surrounding garden.

Schmid acknowledges the influence of familial relationships on the design process. “Working with family can be challenging, as family dynamics are redefined, but it’s also very rewarding,” he notes. The home’s layout and features were tailored not only to meet his parents’ preferences but also to enhance their lifestyle. 

“We incorporated numerous gathering spaces to accommodate their love for hosting and socializing,” Schmid explains. “The design includes a variety of areas for different types of social gatherings, such as a TV area, a lanai, and a game room. I encased the powder room in a cylindrical enclosure, wrapped in bamboo laminates, which helps break up the large living room into its various gathering spaces.”

Legacy of Design

Exterior view of Instia House showcasing a combination of Filipino and modern design elements, including a woven screen wall on the upper level and curving concrete forms on the ground floor, surrounded by tropical landscaping.
The façade features a copper screen wall on the upper floor and curvilinear concrete forms below.

Reflecting on the project’s impact on his architectural philosophy, Schmid emphasizes the importance of listening and adapting to context. For him, design is a dialogue.

“My approach to residential architecture has become clearer as I’ve gone through the process. I believe that as an architect, it is crucial to be a good listener—to listen to the client [and] understand the context and climate.”

Gabriel Schmid

Schmid’s commitment to creating meaningful architecture extends beyond aesthetics to encompass functionality, sustainability, and human well-being. As he continues to shape residential spaces, he carries forward the lessons learned from designing his parents’ retirement home. 

Get a more intimate look at this home by ordering your copy of MyHome’s August 2024 Issue, available via the sarisari.shopping websiteShopee, and Lazada. E-magazines are available for download via Readly, Press Reader, and Magzter.

Photographed by Ed Simon.

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