view finder house

The client for this project envisioned a simple resthouse that he and his family can regularly visit to get away from the pressures of city living. Along the side of the road, the first thing one sees is a stacked series of resting boxes, its openings lined with slender wood panels, intended to direct one’s gaze to the view. The otherwise simple frontage draws one into a grand 4-meter high entryway which then leads to an expansive outdoor gathering space, nestled delicately atop stilts at the edge of a steep mountain terrain.

The understated sophistication from the façade is carried over to the interiors through the stark white walls and pale wood finishes. Not different from how a central hearth anchors a home, an oculus sits at the middle of the second floor living room, the primary indoor gathering space for family members. Its curved shape softens the overall linear and angular form of the house, while the wood finishes at the ceiling and floor direct one’s eyes to the picture windows framing the magnificent vistas.

Taking advantage of how the site’s axis lies parallel to the northeast to southwest monsoon path, large openings on both front and rear sides are set in place to promote natural ventilation all throughout the house. The vertical wood baffles shield the interiors while a retractable pergola covers the generous outdoor communal space making it perfect for afternoon siestas with family and treasured friends. Topping this all off is an infinity pool that sits at the edge of the property, designed not only to cool off oneself but the surrounding areas as well.