Cover The open floor plan of a black-and-white heritage home designed by architect Miko De Los Reyes of Imagimax in Manila, Philippines
The open floor plan of a black-and-white heritage home designed by architect Miko De Los Reyes of Imagimax in Manila, Philippines
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Explore how architect Miko De Los Reyes of Imagimax has blended elements of Filipino heritage with Singaporean black-and-white home design elements in this southern Manila abode
In a world that often imposes its will on nature, Architect Miko De Los Reyes took a vastly different approach: by embracing the bountiful slopes this new project presented. The Cerillo House now stands on the rolling hills of southern Manila, offering breathtaking views of Tagaytay.
The clients had come having admired the designer’s own home, a residence distinguished by its black-and-white modern façade and celebration of Philippine heritage. They had a similar goal in mind, blending elements of Singaporean colonial architecture with distinctly Filipino flair.
The Manila sanctuary stands out with its black-and-white palette, bringing scenes of nature in through a planter box running the full length of the garage. The vines growing across the building soften its edge and invite guests in across the threshold into a well-ventilated home.
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The exterior of a black-and-white heritage home designed by architect Miko De Los Reyes of Imagimax in Manila, Philippines
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The Manila home is organised across three levels, with the garage occupying the ground floor and the family’s shared areas on the second. There is a seamless flow from the living room to the dining room, and onto the kitchen, where the homeowners spend their time creating delicious meals for family and friends. “I believe in designing around how the owners actually live,” Delos Reyes shared, “which is why I built the home with the living, dining, and kitchen at its centre.” Reflecting the homeowners’ love for nature, potted plants hang above the kitchen's exhaust hood.
Above An aerial view of the living room in a black-and-white heritage home designed by architect Miko De Los Reyes of Imagimax in Manila, Philippines
An aerial view of the living room in a black-and-white heritage home designed by architect Miko De Los Reyes of Imagimax in Manila, Philippines
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Meanwhile, the living room is anchored around a coffee table cut from a single piece of solid wood, flanked by two traditional birthing chairs, infusing the room with dynamic warmth that contrasts with the more geometric forms of the built-in couch. The contrast between different materials in the space creates more visual interest, allowing pockets of conversation to develop during both gatherings and quiet nights at home.
Above The dining area of a black-and-white heritage home designed by architect Miko De Los Reyes of Imagimax in Manila, Philippines
Above The breakfast nook of a black-and-white heritage home designed by architect Miko De Los Reyes of Imagimax in Manila, Philippines
The dining area of a black-and-white heritage home designed by architect Miko De Los Reyes of Imagimax in Manila, Philippines
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In the dining room, an antique table with eight chairs establishes its unforgettable presence; “the feeling of solid wood cannot just be purchased from a store,” mused De Los Reyes. And throughout the interiors, the flooring maintains the same level of detail, with stark concrete allowing the black-and-white tilework to stand out even more.
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Above The outdoor lanai of a black-and-white heritage home designed by architect Miko De Los Reyes of Imagimax in Manila, Philippines
The outdoor lanai of a black-and-white heritage home designed by architect Miko De Los Reyes of Imagimax in Manila, Philippines
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Nearby stands an outdoor lanai, where guests can enjoy the cool breezes and sprawling scenes of the bustling Tagaytay City. This also gives them glimpses of the home’s verdant landscape, a special interest that De Los Reyes has cultivated, so to speak, for years. It was essential to create winding walkways through the main and pocket gardens, while balconies on the second and third floors create different viewpoints. “I feel such joy working with clients who love plants as much as I do,” he shared.
Above The balcony of a black-and-white heritage home designed by architect Miko De Los Reyes of Imagimax in Manila, Philippines
The balcony of a black-and-white heritage home designed by architect Miko De Los Reyes of Imagimax in Manila, Philippines
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Moving onto the more private spaces of the Manila home, a long staircase is flanked by two rows of floor-to-ceiling windows that lead to the third floor. The nearby hallway opens onto a balcony of its own, while the bedrooms are tucked into the house's corners, ensuring that they are a true sanctuary from the more front-facing areas below.
One of the most notable features in the master bedroom is a decorative screen, passed down to the owners, with an irreplaceable, ornate design. “Against the room's minimalist furnishings, it grounds the space, lending it warmth and richness,” said De Los Reyes.
The bedroom of a black-and-white heritage home designed by architect Miko De Los Reyes of Imagimax in Manila, Philippines
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This Manila home is the purest distillation of his philosophy: that the past and present meet harmoniously, setting the stage for both the mundane and the milestones to be cherished. After all, “my idea is to repurpose the past in a way that feels more natural, not contrived,” he said. With an intuitive understanding of the site’s unique characteristics, De Los Reyes displayed a confidence in its ability to weave a story of its own.
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Credits
Photography: Jar Concengco
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.
