Home tour: a family’s nature-filled escape in Antipolo, Philippines

Upon entering, one is immediately struck by large floor-to-ceiling windows placed deliberately throughout multiple rooms. These windows make the visitor feel as if he is one with the natural surroundings instead of outside of them. While the windows contribute a dramatic visual effect, they also showcase an intentional use of natural light throughout the house.

“Dark textured walls, warm timber ceilings, polished concrete floors and generous natural light create an atmosphere that changes throughout the day,” Espiritu continues. “During rainy afternoons, the interiors become intimate and cocoon-like. On sunny mornings, the same spaces feel bright, airy and open. At PXP, we often let daylight become the primary source of drama, using artificial lighting only to complement the architecture rather than dominate it.”

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As a designer based in the Philippines, Espiritu credits an early fascination with visual and fine arts as the clearest path to his eventual career in architecture. Growing up, Espiritu recalls, “one of [his] earliest influences was Caravaggio and his masterful use of light and shadow. Later, as [Espiritu] pursued architecture, [he] became inspired by architects like Tadao Ando and Mies van der Rohe, whose work demonstrated that restraint, proportion and thoughtful detailing could evoke powerful emotional experiences.”

Prior to co-founding PXP Design Workshop, Espiritu spent many years designing and working in Singapore. This unique experience abroad “exposed [him] to international standards and a disciplined design process.” However, he always believed that architecture should belong to its place. “International design trends can inspire, but they should never dictate a project. In the Philippines, our climate, landscape, culture and way of living are unique. Every project begins by understanding those local conditions. We borrow principles, not aesthetics, from international architecture, then reinterpret them through local materials, tropical living and Filipino lifestyles,” he explains.

Compared to other countries and climates, designing homes in the Philippines brings its own unique set of challenges. “Climate is never an afterthought,” Espiritu says. “Instead, it becomes one of the project’s primary design generators.” For this home in particular, “rather than relying heavily on mechanical systems, we maximised cross-ventilation through large operable sliding doors and jalousie windows that capture Antipolo’s cool breezes. Natural daylight was also carefully controlled so interiors remain bright without excessive heat gain.”

Rather than trying to control the natural heat and humidity of the Philippines, PXP encourages clients to work with the local, natural elements. And by embracing our country’s climate, PXP finds balance and harmony in all the homes they help bring to life.

But how does PXP Design Studio bring each client’s unique vision into reality? Collaboration and partnership must always sit at the forefront of every joint endeavour. “We begin by listening. Clients will often describe emotions rather than physical spaces. They might say they want a home that feels peaceful, grounded or connected. Our role is to translate those abstract ideas into architecture through sequence, proportion, light, materiality and landscape,” says Espiritu.

He adds, “For this family’s home in Antipolo, they simply wanted a place where they could breathe, slow down and reconnect with nature. That single idea informed every major decision, from framing the rain tree to opening the living room toward the creek. When every design decision aligns with one central concept, the final result feels coherent and authentic.”

In today’s modern architecture and design industry, there has been a natural shift to prioritise urban, more compact spaces versus the openness of traditional Filipino design. PXP Design Workshop describes its philosophy: “We believe openness is less about square metres and more about how space is experienced. Rather than dividing a house into many enclosed rooms, we create flexible spaces that can adapt to different activities throughout the day. Even in compact homes, strategically placed courtyards, framed views, double-height spaces and visual continuity can make interiors feel significantly larger than they actually are. It’s about creating generosity through experience rather than simply increasing floor area.”

To the question of how design and functionality will continue to interact with (and inform) one another, PXP does not doubt that design and functionality will never be seen as separate. “A beautiful space that doesn’t function well eventually loses its beauty. Likewise, a purely functional space without emotional resonance becomes forgettable. Every design decision must serve both purposes,” Espiritu comments, citing a few examples in this Antipolo home to prove their point. “The dramatic roof form isn’t only an architectural statement; it protects the building from the elements. The open-plan kitchen encourages family interaction while improving functionality. Large windows frame beautiful views while simultaneously maximising daylight and natural ventilation.

“When aesthetics and function reinforce one another, the result is ultimately timeless architecture.” As Filipino homes and interior design continue to evolve over the next few years, Espiritu sees a clear progression towards more thoughtful, contextual and emotionally driven style. “Homeowners today are becoming less interested in trends and more interested in spaces that genuinely improve their quality of life. There’s a growing appreciation for sustainability, craftsmanship, natural materials and architecture that responds to climate rather than fighting it.”

Asked about what advice he would give to young and aspiring Filipino designers beginning to make their mark in the space, Espiritu shares an encouraging perspective. “Don’t chase trends, understand principles. Travel when you can, learn from great architecture around the world, but always return to your own context. Your strongest work will come from deeply understanding your site, your climate, your culture, and the people you’re designing for. Most importantly, stay curious. Observe how people live, how light changes throughout the day, how materials age and how nature shapes experience. Design isn’t about creating objects; it’s about creating meaningful places that improve everyday life.”

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