“I always had a clear image in my head and knew exactly how I wanted Mingala to be,” explains the designer. “But it also grew organically. No matter how you plan, we had to learn to work with the terrain, and design accordingly.” Although the costs of building on such a rocky plot is equally as steep as the incline, she feels the payoffs are higher. “We have different views, at different elevations, and the difference in height between living spaces enhances privacy. The process of bringing Mingala to life is often organic. Sometimes a giant immovable boulder emerges during excavations which is then integrated into the landscape setting. The width and depth of roots also determine the paths I create between the mature trees. We let the lay of the land guide the downward flow of rainwater.”

The initial urge of creating a seaside escape was to give their children a space to live freely from the constraints of the city, away from electronics, and closer to nature. “We wanted them to read books on hammocks, snorkel every day in the reef, and sleep in mosquito net-covered beds with natural breezes flowing around them,” she explains. To this respect, the house is built with soaring roofs and accordion like walls that fold to leave the structure fully open, allowing for cross and stack ventilation “We were inspired by the sea, the existing terrain and the tropical breezes. We also wanted to respect the traditions of vernacular architecture. The wind blows in all the time and birds fly through freely. Each night we catch the fragrance of jasmine and gardenias that scent the air.”

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The second house was just recently finished and it was imperative that it reflect the sensibility and energy of the existing house. The key would be to find the right architect who could truly understand the kind of lifestyle and philosophy the couple imbibes while away from Manila. “As a Buddhist, I believe in the impermanence of things,” she elaborates. “I believe that when material things are destroyed, their soul or essence remains. I wanted to capture the essence of Mingala through our senses. We thought about what we wanted to perpetuate: being able to wake up at two in the morning to watch the full moon spread a sequined carpet across the bay; to smell the scent of Dama de Noche on a warm summer night; to hear the sound of crickets before the rain.”

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The result is a fresh take on the existing house, with the same design sensibilities and personal flair. “They are sister houses, kindred spirits. Each belongs to the other. The only difference is that one is situated at a higher elevation and has capiz doors, whereas the ‘older sister’ has tall hardwood louvered doors. They look into and onto each other. A butterfly or bird that flies through one, can continue on its path and go through the other.”

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