Home tour: a private getaway balancing serenity and sustainability in Batangas, Philippines

With enthusiasm, Rosario describes how the outdoor pool’s curvature echoes that of the nearby Taal Lake. This seamless flow between the elements carries through into the home, where natural light permeates the space. The ground floor features an open plan, a two-toned stone and wooden floor delineating the living room from the dining table and the open kitchen. Having started a family of their own, the Rosarios prefer this setup, “where everyone can settle in their own nooks and crannies, but still be within view of each other.” 

Easy access to the kitchen also mirrors how guests naturally gravitate towards the source of food, starting conversations and clinking drinks to while away the hours. “Every space is distinct, but it feels harmonious,” said Rosario. Here, his full collection of mid-century furniture pieces is on display, with pieces like the Eames 670 chair in the corner reflecting his appreciation for this period in design history. 

Such elements are blended with Filipino designs such as jalousie windows, allowing the clean forest air to permeate the space. Paired with vibrant paintings from Martin Rosario’s collection and Melissa Rosario’s sophisticated pieces, the Batangas home truly takes on a charm of its own. 

Another notable feature of the Batangas abode is how unique each door is, from the front door clad in different shou sugi ban techniques to the cheeky anthropomorphic face on the bathroom door. The Rosarios spent countless hours sketching up new designs for this often-overlooked feature, wanting every entrance to feel like a connection with one’s innate sense of wonder and revelry. 

Beside the staircase stands a wall of glass blocks, a retro callback that falls effortlessly into the design story of the first floor. It ensures that natural light still filters into the space, all while maintaining a sense of privacy from the outdoor spaces. 

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Moving onto the staircase, Rosario points out how the use of reclaimed wood invites guests up into the more private quarters. The double-height glass wall breaks up the granite-textured walls of the hallway, allowing natural light to guide guests from one bedroom to another. The first bedroom to catch one’s eye features a curved wooden door that slides open, its windows showcasing the pool and lake beyond. 

Blink, and you’ll miss it: that’s exactly the level of privacy the Rosarios wanted to afford the primary bedroom. Tucked away from the main hallway stands the unassuming entrance to a truly breathtaking bedroom. 

With wraparound views of nature pouring through the calming space, Rosario says this room best exemplifies the perseverance it took to transform this hillside home into a sanctuary. He would often come back to the property at random hours of the day and night, absorbing these pockets of time in a space that felt predestined.  

At the same time, Rosario ensures that sustainability finds its way into the bedroom. Looking up onto the ceiling, the marine ply ceiling adds unexpected personality to the space. “It often has a utilitarian connotation,” he mused. “But I like it for its imperfections and its lack of uniformity. Each piece may be cut from different trees, but they come together as one here.” The nearby open shelving is made out of compressed layers of particleboard, another simple material that takes on a purposeful approach.

Moving back outside, the home also features a nook for Rosario’s extensive collection of records and artworks he has yet to find a home for. The working area continues this analogue tapestry with its typewriter and drawing materials, a source of fascination for guests from all walks of life. 

And even from here, Rosario points out, there are scenes of nature slipping through your peripheral vision. This level of intentionality was a guiding principle for the entire Batangas home, ensuring that one stays grounded amid the tumultuous changes of their natural surroundings. And no matter where guests go after their stay at Tanua, they will be carrying around the imprint of this beautiful home for years to come.

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