Home tour: Architect Miguel Pastor built a modern minimalist home

A family home designed by architect Miguel Pastor beautifully embodies the precious trust between client and designer

“I am particularly drawn to quiet modernism and the ethos of minimal design,” explains the architect, Miguel Pastor, about his most recent residential project, a four-bedroom family home in a luxurious neighbourhood of Metro Manila. “I see architecture as a poetry of materials. The good play of forms, textures, and light communicates a mood, enhances a way of life, and enriches the human experience.”

Set amidst a family compound, the L-shaped structure featuring a formal kitchen, Asian kitchen, lanai, library and basement opens to a sprawling shared garden and pool. “When we create a space, there should be a good dialogue between the exterior and the interior,” says the architect. “They should speak in one harmonious language so that the living experience becomes a universe of fluid motion.”

Above Instead of simple white walls, Pastor chose unique colors and textures to showcase the art collection

Pastor is no stranger to the play between interior and exterior as his design practice is often mainly focused on retail, working with the Suyen Group for many years. His oeuvre comprised many stores—from fashion brands to furniture and even food outlets, each one having their own set of guidelines and aesthetic but still adhering to the principles of flow from the outside in.

For this residential project, the architect worked closely with the homeowners to encapsulate and embody not only their needs as a family of five but also their personalities and interests. “We were blessed with a harmonious relationship with Arch Miguel,” shares the homeowner. “We trusted him completely. In fact he was not just our architect, he also played a major part in the interior design. Miguel was very thoughtful and understanding of our needs while keeping the integrity of his vision design-wise.

Above The mix of old and new is something that really resonate with the couple and this was something Pastor was able to execute effortlessly

Above Sentimental pieces collected by the homeowners during their travels were integrated into the spaces

A close friend to the couple, Pastor delivered on the scope poignantly, resulting in a lovely home that is chic and polished yet relaxed and liveable, featuring multitude eye-catching art pieces. “They are a well-travelled couple. They have developed a fondness for the arts and have acquired several artworks,” he illustrates. Aside from this, the homeowners also have an eclectic collection of vintage, mid-century, and modern furniture sourced during their travels.

Above The homeowners love to entertain their friends and family. The dining table from Leon Gallery seats 12 to 14 and features chairs by Fritz Hansen and a stunning light fixture by Via Bizzuno

Above An artwork by Buen Calubayan sits at the bottom of the stairs

Above Artworks are commissioned pieces by Marina Cruz and Andres Barrioquinto and a mirror from Cedric Dupont Antiques reflecting that play of old and new

“My vision was to create a space that will contextualise these collections and yet maintain a sense of home instead of a shrine. Considering that the living area was the epicentre of the house, we created dramatic walls as respite to indulge one’s eyes to the couple’s art collection.”

The expansive living room is the axis of the home where every other space can be accessed. It’s also one of the most used areas, where the homeowners love to entertain guests, lounge with their children after dinner, or relax on weekends. “The living room is the most important space where family gatherings often happen,” continues Pastor. “It is the focal point of the house and must evoke a sense of warmth, cosiness, and joy.”

Above The most personal space in the home featuring the couple’s personal items, souvenirs, and memories from different travels

The bold layering of contrasting materials might not have been an instinctive choice to showcase a vibrant art collection, however, it surprisingly works. “The materials used to define the interior palette were grey-green Italian marble, natural and smoke oakwood for wall panels combined with natural Terrazzo floors. This was a mélange of quiet tones in the materials that could easily blend with any form of art installation they had.” The different textures provide thoughtful backgrounds for each piece, allowing them to shine in their own curated vignettes rather than feel like one austere white gallery. “Several of these materials are used in museums and galleries to establish a certain degree of formality and discipline, yet when combined together, evoke a sense of warmth.”

Lighting is also an essential aspect of the home. Big floor-to-ceiling sliding windows allow natural sunlight to come through while a well-planned and curated lighting scheme set the mood for a more transitional ambient experience. Pastor worked with light designer, Mark Wilson, for this project. “Mark was very definite in achieving a good lighting design that incorporates multiple layers of light sources that can be used together or separately to create different scenes so that the space can provide adjusted light for multiple uses in the same room.”

Above Thoughtful details throughout the home. A favourite painting of the homeowner in a striking blue by Lee Aguinaldo

Stylish and sculptural light fixtures from Via Bizzuno, Foscarini, and Fritz Hansen, anchor the rooms, most notably the dining room. A recessed alcove provides a beautiful setting for a dramatic droplight from Via Bizzuno that runs almost the entire length of a generous antique wood dining table. “Lighting plays a most pivotal design element in all interior spaces,” declares the architect. “It contributes immensely in creating a welcoming and productive environment while enhancing the aesthetic value of every space.”

Above The kitchen is where the family converges most of the time

Above The homeowners spend hours in the kitchen as they like to talk and sit at the table long after our meal has finished

The homeowners have only praise about working with Pastor, particularly about his natural talent in creating intentional creative and aesthetic tension in a space. “He is very good in mixing modern with old world,” explains the owner. “He creates a story, an emotion. We both shared and understood that antiques and storied pieces add soul and character to a home. This really made everything more seamless—having an architect with the same design principle, who is very generous with his knowledge and passions, is truly a gift.”

Above The bedroom is a quiet spot provides the inner sanctuary for the owners

The risk of placing one’s complete trust in a designer and architect is high, as the line between refined curation and showroom. However, it is clear that in this instance, both parties share a tangible sensitivity to the true essence of good design: a living space.

“Architecture is like poetry,” states Pastor. “Words are arranged in a rhythm just like materials are chosen to evoke harmony. Materials should be both related and be relatable. They are the tools that architects use to communicate thoughts, feelings and ideas. It must feel easy and natural, from the way the furniture is arranged, to how it is lit, and what materials have been used. It must appeal to all the senses, and not just the eyes. Living is also about our sense of scent, a tactile experience, and a mood created by sound.”

Above The walk-in closet and dressing area of the lady of the home also offers a view of the garden and the pool, and can also be considered as a quiet space for meditation

Above Different colours of wood add warmth to the space

Ultimately, a home is about the people in it. A concept that the architect understands profoundly: “I always advise clients that one should surround themselves with only the things they love. This gives a deeper meaning to a space. This transforms a space into a home.”

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Home tour: Architect Miguel Pastor built a modern minimalist home for a family close to his heart