Cover The steel bricks wrapped around a family home in Malabon, Manila
The steel bricks wrapped around a family home in Malabon, Manila
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Explore how Lino Architecture balances subtle elements of brutalism and sustainability in the Malabon family home
Amid the relentless demands of the Philippines’ tropical climate, it can be difficult to balance sustainability and aesthetics. But for Don Lino of Lino Architecture, this is a challenge he’s willing to take on. “How does one create a simple, functional space that still looks interesting?” he asked himself before designing this property in Malabon, a city in the northern part of Metro Manila.
Upon approaching the property, viewers are enthralled by a steel architectural screen cladding the entire home. “The scaling of the pattern works with the composition of the whole architectural elevation,” says Lino. “The landscape at the base of the façade complements the masculine material.” The contrast between the lush greenery and the steel material around the Malabon home adds undeniable visual interest to the space.
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The steel bricks wrapped around a family home in Malabon, Manila
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Lino took inspiration from traditional clay bricks, which help reduce heat. He adds a modern interpretation to the material with the aluminium tubes, which absorb and release the heat while ensuring natural light pours into the home. “Even the detailing and spacing of the patterns played a role in this,” he says. The result is a barrier that balances usability and contemporary design.
Once the homeowners enter through the porch, they are immersed in the home’s open plan. A seamless flow between the living room, dining area and kitchen is laid over a double-height ceiling. This gives the family flexibility in planning gatherings with loved ones or simply lounging around. The living room features a muted palette of greys, allowing the marble textures to take centre stage. The couch has pillows that ground the space with their earth tones, working harmoniously with the stone material on the coffee table.
Above The outdoor area with a playground at a family home in Malabon, Manila
Above The outdoor area at a family home in Malabon, Manila
The outdoor area with a playground at a family home in Malabon, Manila
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Moving outdoors, the living room and dining area overlook a garden deck. In the nearby lanai, the family hosts gatherings under the trellis. The cooling winds make any sunset celebration effortless, allowing the adults to unwind with a cocktail as the children explore a nearby play area. The outdoor area also benefits from the architectural screen wrapped around the Malabon home. The materials create cross-ventilation while filtering in the afternoon light, working in tandem with the home’s western orientation.
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A bedroom overlooking the main garden at a family home in Malabon, Manila
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Returning inside the home, one walks through the living room and up the stairs into the family’s rooms. Along the way, visitors see the family’s collection of art pieces, which add unexpected colour and dimension to the space. The bedrooms overlook the main garden, with natural wood materials and minimalist colour schemes creating a serene atmosphere.
When asked why he created more neutral interiors for this Malabon family home, Lino said, “I wanted to make sure the spaces worked well together, ensuring their flexibility so the family could grow into them as time goes on. This paves the way for future furniture and accessories for the family to reflect their unique character.”
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Credits
Photography: Chroma Studio Manila
About
Celine first read Charlotte’s Web at the age of five–and she hasn’t stopped turning pages since. Her favourite authors are Mona Awad and Nat Cassidy. Besides writing for Tatler, she listens to BTS and spends time with her family.
Work
Celine took up secondary education with a major in English, graduating from De La Salle University in 2023. She advocates for female empowerment through creative expression by writing for Tatler Homes.
For story leads or inquiries, you may reach out to her via celine.dabao@tatlerasia.com.
