Cover The Cubo Batangas Model (Photo: courtesy of Cubo Modular)
The Cubo Batangas Model (Photo: courtesy of Cubo Modular)
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Co-founder and COO Zahra Zanjani introduces the recently launched CUBO Batangas Model. Discover more about the revolutionary house here.
A study by the University of Asia and the Pacific last 2016 said there will be a 12.3 million housing shortage by 2030. Several construction groups have been trying to come up with solutions—one that not only allows companies to build houses faster but also considers the effects on the environment. One of these is CUBO Modular.
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“We envision a world where everyone has access to sustainable, affordable, and dignified homes. To realise this, we are on a mission to accelerate sustainable building by designing and manufacturing modular engineered bamboo house kits,” Cubo chief operating officer and 2021 Gen.T honouree Zahra Zanjani shares.
Above The Cubo Batangas Model – Just Married
The Cubo Batangas Model – Just Married
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The company’s patent-pending CUBO Modular System is the first and only engineered bamboo building platform in the world representing Filipino design and craftsmanship. And last May 2023, they launched the Cubo Batangas Model, which is “equipped with everything you need to live wherever you wish” with an optional off-grid solar system and rainwater harvesting tank.
According to Zanjani, owning a home shouldn’t be complicated. “We’ve developed additional services to increase the speed of delivery and simplify project management. The Batangas model will only take days from delivery to turnover.”
Apart from this, you can also design your dream home with their online designer. “We’ve come up with a wide selection of configurations and options for our homeowners to choose from. The Batangas Model is now furnished by IKEA, the world’s largest furniture company. We have also aimed for this model to be inclusive for individuals with special needs.”
For us to better understand the importance of these houses, Zanjani answers a few questions from Tatler.
Is there a story behind the Cubo Batangas Model? What makes it “revolutionary”?
Zahra Zanjani (ZZ): The most familiar tiny house in the Filipino vernacular is the traditional Bahay Kubo. Our house kit designs pay homage to our cultural heritage and identity. The Bahay Kubo has been built by generations of skilled craftsmen by harmoniously weaving parts together and delivering them as one functioning home. This combined with innovative building technology, and the growing tiny house trend in Australia, New Zealand, and the US, is where we draw our inspiration from.
Also read: Escape to nature at this Carlo Calma-designed property in San Vicente
Above The Cubo Batangas Model – Golden Years
The Cubo Batangas Model – Golden Years
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Why would someone opt to move into a tiny house?
ZZ: Tiny houses make an attractive option for those seeking a simpler, affordable, and sustainable lifestyle. Our homeowners say that having all the essentials in your house doesn’t mean needing more space. You have a fully-functioning home that’s designed just for your lifestyle.
For newly-wed couples, a tiny house is a great option when you want a space to start and call your own. For the elderly and retirees, downsizing is a common choice. It offers a simplified lifestyle, ease of accessibility in getting to what you need, less maintenance compared to a bigger lot and space, and supports overall well-being so that they have more time to do what matters most to them.
What would a CUBO community look like?
ZZ: We want to be able to build environmentally-conscious communities that could be for long-term residential, rentals, or even commercial use. The traditional tiny house movement has proven that you don’t need a lot of space to do what you want.
More and more people are growing interest in the tiny house movement and we dream of more landowners and developers to build holistic communities with us at CUBO Modular.
More from Tatler: How these Pratt Institute alumni are shaping the future of Filipino architecture and design
Zanjani shares that they do not only focus on environmental sustainability but also aim to address social issues. The new product was designed to supply the housing gap that the country is currently facing. “We want to be able to serve every Filipino in need of a dignified home.”
Promoting the use of local labour and skills, supporting local artisans and creating fair and decent job opportunities for an industry that usually isn’t held accountable, generating Green Jobs, and empowering women in the workplace will always be a plus in terms of vision—and Cubo checks everything off that list.
Discover, learn, design, and shop for your dream home at cubo.ph. You can also visit them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok at @cubomodular.
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Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
