SLIC scatters cluster of brick and limestone villas amid jungle in the philippines

intricate brick facades compose quarry house

SLIC Architecture’s Quarry House scatters a cluster of modules 70 meters above the coastline of the Philippines. Closely following the topography of the site, the volumes are shaped from bricks — for both structure and finishing — arranged in an intricate geometric pattern. Complementing the rugged jungle environment, the textured bricks further lend a distinct character, while landscaping configures pockets of green every few meters inside and out.

Despite its remote location, the solar-powered house is tilted at a 40˚ angle which made construction difficult. Instead of a boxy volume containing the entire program, the architects divided the core spaces into individual yet connected shared and private villas.

all images by Bien Alvarez

slic architecture scatters connected volumes amid the jungle

Quarry House’s program consists of a two-story cliffside communal space and six villas scattered downward. Living, dining, kitchens, outdoor lounges, and a 10-meter-long pool occupy the shared space — ideal for hosting intimate gatherings — while each villa enjoys its own suite, roof patio, garden, and spacious balcony. The villas are staggered to embrace private sunrise views while the brick-clad pathways that cross in between them become contemplative spaces of circulation.

With the interiors, the SLIC Architecture team sought to complement the simplicity of the form, pairing cream colored lime plaster walls with book-matched limestone flooring which nods to the plot’s limestone soil base. A majority of the furniture was custom made, from the dining table and kitchen island to the solihiya-clad cabinets and chairs.

Quarry House scatters a cluster of modules 70 meters above the coastline of the Philippines

The owner wanted to develop a load bearing brick that could double as a low maintenance finishing for his home, and so the SLIC Architecture team collaborated with them on pigment, composition, waterproofing, and the bush hammer finish. The result is a locally sourced, compressed soil brick that can be rotated into various configurations and would require little to no maintenance. These were used extensively throughout the site from perimeter walls to stair treads, and to make an outdoor shower by simply threading a water line through the holes of the brick.

‘Listening was very important and the project is the result of following the existing conditions of the site and respecting the nature surrounding the property,’ say the architects. Complimenting these circumstances is the sparse material palette with the striking protrusions of the compressed soil brick rounding out this home away from home. Since its completion, the Quarry House has also become a sanctuary for birds and other animals, who freely use the naturally treated swimming pool as a source of water. Although quite an isolated house, great care was taken to provide the creature comforts of urban living.

SLIC Architecture divides the core spaces into individual yet connected shared and private villas

the custom-made bricks can be rotated into multiple configurations

corridors are imbued with natural colors and textures from locally sourced stone flooring and bricks

the slabs of the villas also double as canopies for some of the outdoor corridors

the interiors complement the simplicity of the form

a custom designed solid narra wood door

cream colored lime plaster walls are paired with book-matched limestone across the interiors

all furniture was custom made by local artisans and suppliers

rocks found on site were fashioned into a sink and mixer for the pool toilet

project info:

name: Quarry House
architect: SLIC Architecture | @slic.architecture

location: The Philippines

photographer: Bien Alvarez | @bien_alvarez

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edited by: ravail khan | designboom