Cover The prolific architect Jason Buensalido creates a glass-enclosed home that blends beautifully with its natural surroundings (Image: Jason Buensalido)
The prolific architect Jason Buensalido creates a glass-enclosed home that blends beautifully with its natural surroundings (Image: Jason Buensalido)
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Architect Jason Buensalido embraces the beauty of the natural ageing and oxidation process of materials in this family home extension
When Michael and Tess Marquez decided to build an extension of their house to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle as empty-nesters, they chose the architect, Jason Buensalido, to design a simple “gazebo” for them to use to entertain guests. Marquez, an experienced builder-contractor who has worked on high-end residential projects with Buensalido, trusted the architect completely in the course of the ten-month project from inception to turnover.
“When Mike approached me, the initial brief was just to build a gazebo on the vacant lot beside their house. Then I pitched the idea that whatever the design I would come up with, why don’t we carry it throughout the whole house? He immediately agreed. So we split the project into two phases. Phase 1 is just a new living room and a guest room; Phase 2 is to renovate the current home they were living in. They can use these new areas while we work on Phase 2 in the future, and eventually the two areas will be seamlessly connected,” Buensalido shares his vision.
Above A huge painting by Ombok Villamor serves as the focal point in this living area furnished with locally made furniture from Manila and Cebu
A huge painting by Ombok Villamor serves as the focal point in this living area furnished with locally made furniture from Manila and Cebu
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This turned out to be a brilliant idea as the extended area ended up defining the new look of the residence, with tall, full-length glass panes encasing the room, washing it in natural light while allowing air to pass through the screens when the panes are open. Concrete finishes, lightly stained narra wood, and exposed steel beams lend the feeling of openness everywhere.
The natural surroundings of Antipolo was a perfect location to show how natural materials become more beautiful when they age. “Any designer who understands the beauty of naturality would know that whatever raw material is used would eventually gather a certain amount of patina over time. This applies to wood, stone and concrete. Hence the name, Patina House Project,” says Buensalido.
Above Richly hued narra planks adorn the walls and ceiling of this space adding warmth to the modern sensibilities of Jason Buensalido. A favourite feature of the house is the bar and kitchenette at the end of the room
Richly hued narra planks adorn the walls and ceiling of this space adding warmth to the modern sensibilities of Jason Buensalido. A favourite feature of the house is the bar and kitchenette at the end of the room
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The interiors are furnished with mostly local acquisitions from Manila and Cebu. Kenneth Cobonpue’s iconic Croissant, Bloom, and Chiquita stools are arranged casually together with Marquez’ collection of fine vintage clocks, bikes and sculptures. Paintings by their favourites Villamor and Sanso adorn the walls, adding soul to the space. Geometric metal lights by Schema enhance the modern preferences of both architect and client.
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Above The feeling of lightness is created by floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors from Kenneth & Mock, heightened by the continuous ceiling design extending to the outside eaves
The feeling of lightness is created by floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors from Kenneth & Mock, heightened by the continuous ceiling design extending to the outside eaves
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Above Fine metal droplights from Schema illuminate the solid wood countertop of the bar which serves as a display area for some of the family’s art pieces
Above The owner’s collection of fine, vintage clocks lends a lived-in atmosphere to the living room and all throughout the house
Fine metal droplights from Schema illuminate the solid wood countertop of the bar which serves as a display area for some of the family’s art pieces
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The design process was relatively easy as the client and the architect understood each other. According to Buensalido, working with Marquez was friction-free not just because he was a contractor but also because he appreciated nature himself. Trust, a vital element in the success of any building project, was evident from the start.
“There are many contractors out there but not all appreciate nature. It’s usually always about maintenance, efficiency and how fast they want things built as they are bound by costs. In this case, it was the idea of achieving patina that guided us both in the selection of materials for the house,” shares Buensalido.
Above A sculpture by Jinggoy Buensuceso hangs in the cool and breezy al fresco dining area where the owners have preferred to eat especially during the pandemic
A sculpture by Jinggoy Buensuceso hangs in the cool and breezy al fresco dining area where the owners have preferred to eat especially during the pandemic
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Above In spite of the full glass windows and doors, the house feels secluded and private due to lush landscaping and the deep stretch of eaves shrouding it from the street
Above In spite of the full glass windows and doors, the house feels secluded and private due to lush landscaping and the deep stretch of eaves shrouding it from the street
In spite of the full glass windows and doors, the house feels secluded and private due to lush landscaping and the deep stretch of eaves shrouding it from the street
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Some of the man-made materials used in the house were the steel i-beams which were exposed as is and the roof fascia made of rusted metal. Buensalido and Marquez decided to install a metal fascia along the eaves of the house, but allowed it to rust first under sun and rain until it reached a colour that they both liked, and then put a sealant on it. As a result, the home displays a visually strong and unique façade.
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The project was completed just before the start of the pandemic. The al fresco dining area, the expansive windows and doors that let air and light pass through the area, and the garage that doubles as an outdoor lanai all contributed to making the lockdowns not just bearable, but actually pleasant. “We really appreciated the house more during this time; all the areas were used extensively by my family and even the guest room became a quarantine room. We would just slide the glass windows open and the screens would allow for great ventilation.
The ceiling fans also helped with air flow. Seeing the trees and plants outside, we never felt enclosed even when all the windows were closed. My family enjoys every corner of this space,” shares Marquez. Buensalido believes that architects and interior designers are there to recommend how to make the most out of life in the spaces that their clients move in. Inspired by the natural ageing process, celebrating the authenticity of materials, and designing with the goal of enhancing his clients’ lives have made the Patina House Project a home to cherish by its owners for a very long time.
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