Cover The living room of the Quezon City, Manila home designed by C. A. Design House
The living room of the Quezon City, Manila home designed by C. A. Design House
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Explore the elegant, refreshing philosophy of C. A. Design House through this family home in Quezon City, Manila
In the heart of Quezon City, C. A. Design House has created a residence that embodies the essential Filipino concept of maaliwalas: a spacious and bright ambience that is essential to tropical living. Through careful attention to orientation, natural ventilation and light, this home demonstrates how restraint and clarity can transform limited square footage into a space imbued with serenity and deep connection with the natural world.
“The site almost told us it wanted to breathe,” mused the designers. “The floor area was modest, so we focused on maximising every inch to make the spaces feel generous and seamless while keeping all the functionality the users needed. This intuitive understanding of the site’s inherent qualities became foundational to the entire project.
Rather than imposing a predetermined aesthetic, the designers allowed the property’s natural characteristics to guide architectural decisions, creating a contemporary home that reflects the homeowners’ unique needs and personalities over time.
More from Tatler: Home tour: a Japanese-inspired family home in the heart of Mumbai, India
Above An exterior shot of the Quezon City, Manila home designed by C. A. Design House
An exterior shot of the Quezon City, Manila home designed by C. A. Design House
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While travel inevitably shapes design sensibilities, the team's strongest influences come from closer to home. “Filipino design is influenced by how people gather, how light and shade define comfort, and how homes adapt to the rhythm of tropical living,” shared the team. “Travelling refines our sensibilities, showing us new ways of living, but our compass always points home.”
The real inspiration emerged from the family itself: their roots, routines and the atmospheric qualities they sought in daily living. In line with that, the ground floor prioritises a seamless connection between the living, dining and kitchen areas. A double-height living space anchors the area, allowing light to pour through tall windows while establishing a strong visual and physical connection to the outdoors. To reinforce this, pockets of greenery woven around living areas bring an expansive, refreshing quality to the family’s daily experience.
Above The living room of the Quezon City, Manila home designed by C. A. Design House
Above The living room of the Quezon City, Manila home designed by C. A. Design House
The living room of the Quezon City, Manila home designed by C. A. Design House
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The project benefited from a deeply collaborative client relationship that allowed the designers to work with both freedom and purpose. “We appreciated that kind of openness so much because it allowed us to stay true to the essence of our role as designers: to listen, interpret and create with intention,” shared the team. “Thoughtful design does not need unnecessary glamour to stand out, only honesty and purpose.”
Furnishing decisions focused on longevity and comfort across the different generations present within the home. The custom marble coffee table and textured accents ground the living room in tactility, while soft fabrics, natural stone and warm wood tones add quiet depth without feeling overly styled. “Do indoor plants count as pieces? We like to think so,” the team quipped. The pieces were chosen to complement the home’s curves and clean lines, all working in tandem to create a soothing space in which the homeowners can unwind.
Some standout pieces in the living room are chairs by Kenneth Cobonpue, which complement the light wood pieces throughout the space. A marble coffee table adds contrast to the neutral hues of the nearby furniture, adding textural interest and grounding the many gatherings with family and friends.
In case you missed it: Home tour: Kelly Hoppen transforms a London townhouse into a light-filled sanctuary
Above An exterior shot of the Quezon City, Manila home designed by C. A. Design House
An exterior shot of the Quezon City, Manila home designed by C. A. Design House
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Above The balcony of the Quezon City, Manila home designed by C. A. Design House
Above The dining room of the Quezon City, Manila home designed by C. A. Design House
The balcony of the Quezon City, Manila home designed by C. A. Design House
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Altogether, an essential part of the home’s design was sustainability, which manifests primarily through passive environmental strategies. Natural ventilation and daylight are key elements in navigating the Philippines’ tropical climate, as highlighted through the large windows and deep overhangs that keep the interiors shaded and cool on summer days.
What sets this home apart is its anticipation of change, rather than its resistance to it. “Over time, plants will flourish, furniture may shift and memories will layer themselves naturally into the space,” the designers mused. “We intentionally kept the interiors uncluttered, allowing the family to shape it gradually as life unfolds.”
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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.
