split house

Sporting a four-car garage, two interior courtyards, oversized bedrooms, as well as various lounge and entertainment areas, this four-storey residence takes the notion of maximizing space on a whole other level. The clients, active people with an affinity for the outdoors, specifically requested to allow as much daylight inside the living spaces to mimic the natural environment. This is made possible through large balconies and openings strategically located throughout the building envelope. Meanwhile, the two courtyards break up the large building mass and introduce airflow inside. The divisions between these indoor and outdoor spaces are blurred, creating an exciting contrast of privacy and transparency as you move across rooms.

Envisioned to be the permanent residence of a young bachelor preparing to start his own family, this four-storey home nestled atop one of Cebu’s premier subdivisions is destined to be anything but ordinary. Starting with the building program, the arrangement and collection of spaces are unlike anything you’ve seen in a traditional home.

A spacious receiving area, bordered by a double-height interior courtyard, ushers you inside. Beyond this space, you are offered a glimpse of the entire first floor, which is a recreational zone dedicated to hosting parties and entertaining guests. To your left, nestled below a screened skylight, golden rays of sunlight filter into the vast main courtyard that occupies nearly a third of the house’s floor area. A staircase pulls you in that direction and leads you down a couple of floors, past the bedrooms, and towards the lanai, where a second courtyard comes into view. A solitary tree sitting in the middle of a koi pond sets the scene, as your eyes travel toward the magnificent scenery beyond.