Cover The exterior of Cascade House by H1 Architecture in Manila, Philippines
The exterior of Cascade House by H1 Architecture in Manila, Philippines
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Creating a tropical sanctuary in Metro Manila, the Cascade House by H1 Architecture embodies a seamless flow between landscape and functionality
Amid the bustling city of Manila, privacy is more of a luxury than ever. H1 Architecture understood the high premium of tranquil space in their recent project, The Cascade House. From the start, they treated the constraints of density and limited outdoor space as parameters for an entirely new space to take shape.
As a result, this Manila family home is oriented around a continuous ground plane that descends through terraces and platforms from the main living areas to the outdoor pool and beyond. Rather than enclosing the home behind a conventional, solid perimeter, they opted for a permeable metal veil at the street edge.
This maintained a sense of privacy while allowing vegetation, light and the landscape to permeate. “We wanted Cascade House to have a sense of discovery,” the architects shared. “What stays with you is not the building as an object, but an experience: walking through shade, hearing water nearby, discovering a garden unexpectedly, or moving between indoors and outdoors without quite noticing the transition.”
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Above The entryway of Cascade House by H1 Architecture in Manila, Philippines
The entryway of Cascade House by H1 Architecture in Manila, Philippines
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This seamless flow between architecture and greenery makes its presence known immediately. The floating steps create a meditative journey up to the foyer, where sectional movements connect the main living and dining spaces with the family lounge, gym, entertainment areas, pool, and garden below.
H1 Architecture was able to achieve this by creating a dialogue between two contrasting volumes: one recedes in line with the contours of the land, while the other maintains a monolithic presence. This tension between enclosure and dynamic movement creates a truly innovative, reflective atmosphere. The neutral palette is enhanced by the use of stone and wood to create spatial depth throughout the Manila home.
The pool leading up to the entertaining area of Cascade House by H1 Architecture in Manila, Philippines
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Instead of a disconnected, subterranean area, the basement allows natural light to filter through sectional openings, while plants refresh the space, especially during Manila summers. The Cascade House is thus anchored in an intimate relationship with the landscape, ensuring that each room balances aesthetics and functionality with ease.
Understanding Manila’s tropical climate was essential to this project. H1 Architecture emphasised deep overhangs, screened edges and shaded terraces for cross-ventilation. Such strategies counteract the heat and the sun’s glare.
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An aerial view of the Cascade House by H1 Architecture in Manila, Philippines
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Meanwhile, they championed sustainability through passive architectural decisions rather than as a separate layer of technology. Altogether, allowing the plants to grow in pockets all around the Manila home and allowing natural light to seep into every corner have proven to be the most practical solutions. As the H1 Architecture team said, “A house that remains relevant, useful and loved for decades is inherently more sustainable than one that constantly needs to be reinvented.
The intentionality with which the project was made truly makes it stand out. One almost forgets that they are mere steps away from the busy streets beyond their door. “The most successful moments are when you stop thinking about whether you are inside or outside, upstairs or downstairs,” the team enthused. “Architecture, planting, water, light and family life begin to feel like parts of the same environment.”
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Credits
Photography: Studio Synthesis
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.
