Home tour: a glimpse of sustainable tropical living in Batangas, Philippines

Sustainability lies at the heart of all of Serrano’s homes, and Courtyard House was no exception. But for her, this term takes on a very specific and unique role in all that she designs. Being sustainable doesn’t “always mean using natural materials, especially when sourcing real stone can involve mining and forest clearing. What matters more is choosing materials that perform well over time and minimise their impact on the environment”. Longevity, durability and timeless design choices are just as integral to designing sustainable homes as material selections are.

From a bird’s eye view, the house is divided into two structures, with a glass bridgeway connecting them. When asked about some of her favourite details of the house, the bridge immediately came to mind for Serrano. “[It] connects the two wings almost effortlessly. Light, restrained, nearly disappearing, yet present enough to assert its role. I believe design should be honest, in the sense that you can understand what you’re seeing. That’s why we used the thinnest possible columns and structure to support the bridge. When people experience it, they begin to sense the relationship between design and engineering, how little is actually needed to carry weight, how a floor can float, how a single pane of glass can define space. That's where the magic comes in: when structures made of stone, concrete and glass feel unexpectedly light. By revealing only what is necessary for the house to stand, the space becomes honest, expressive and deeply architectural.”

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Beneath the glass bridgeway lies a central courtyard, paved with stones and surrounded by trees; it does not compete with the natural landscape but instead, embraces and integrates it. While visually pleasing, the courtyard simultaneously serves a purposeful function and helps “regulate the home’s microclimate [by drawing] daylight deep into the interior while promoting constant cross ventilation while the water cools the air”.

Serrano herself spent many mornings and nights at Courtyard House to ensure the goal of independence from the need to use artificial cooling, heating and lighting was met. “The wind here is incredible,” she says. “It’s really just how air wants to move. The large windows facing the golf course catch the prevailing breeze, and because there’s a smaller opening on the other side by the courtyard, the air is naturally pulled through the house.”

What it means to live sustainably is a constant subject of debate in our times. Whilst we face the very prevalent realities of climate change, we are constantly looking towards modern technology to bring new environmental solutions. That said, more often than not, the solution lies in looking back, in observing how our ancestors learnt to adapt and thrive within the natural environment. When asked about her approach to sustainability, Serrano prioritises the importance of “creating architecture that ages well, environmentally, spatially and emotionally”.

A house that belongs so completely to its place and its people doesn’t need to be replaced or rethought for the lifetime of the home. “Our role as architects is to create spaces that offer comfort and protection while fully embracing the natural world,” she adds. Courtyard House is a tribute to these sustainable sensibilities, and will, without a doubt, serve this Filipino family for generations to come.

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