Architecture

The Winged House: An Idyllic and Modern Mountain Cabin to Rise in Baguio City

BRIOARC Studio updates the cozy mountain cabin for this modern home in the City of Pines

March 7, 2022

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By

Joy Celine Asto

Baguio City remains a popular destination not only for quick vacations, but also for long-term stays. So, it’s not surprising to find it continuously attracting city dwellers who want a home outside the usual urban setting. Among the latest projects set to rise in the City of Pines is a modern forest residence that BRIOARC Studio is breaking ground for.

Dubbed the Winged House, the Pasig-based studio designed it as a couple’s home and cozy retreat for sharing with their loved ones. With this in mind, the house will allow the clients to enjoy the idyllic mountain forest setting with family and friends. As a contemporary version of the traditional forest cabin it will rise as “an unassuming monolithic, wood-clad box and sheltering roof with ample connection to the outdoors.”

The site of the Winged House is a 990 sqm plot on a steep slope. This was a design challenge in itself, but the location also came with other limitations. “The topographic condition and stringent guidelines in the preservation of pine trees by the LGU and the village allow for very limited buildable space,” they noted in their project description. ”The original design parameter was to create a cluster of small cabins surrounding the main house and sky villas were intended for the guests.”

To address these challenges, the architects identified the cluster of trees that would serve as as the starting point of the design process. Then, they studied the vistas at different elevations. These steps allowed them to preserve the pine trees and work within the set boundaries afforded to them. As nature is crucial to the mood and feel of the Winged House, they also wanted the residence to maintain the utmost respect for the natural surroundings.

“We adapted the volumetric line of the building to the existing forested site by connecting the void spaces in between. We also wanted to let the landscape breathe and choose the way it would be,” they added.

Next, they divided the Winged House into two interconnected structures. Apart from the main house, they also incorporated a guesthouse. This will “maximize the relationships and connections between the building and the landscape.” They also arranged a framework of terraced spaces to reveal various experiences as the residents descend to the ground.

Finally, the studio also made sure to account for the changing weather conditions of the mountainside in their design. “It usually becomes foggy as early as noon. So, we made sure that all rooms will get a view on top of the tree canopy. This way, they will still get a bit of sunshine throughout the day. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors with extended deck areas at the common living spaces allow a seamless indoor-outdoor experience.”