perforated adobe wall absorbs tropical heat to protect filipino residence

studiokama prioritizes thermal comfort over aesthetics

Applying core principles of tropical architecture, Studiokama’s J House addresses the spatial constraints of its location in Batangas, Luzon, Philippines. The architectural firm focuses on delivering thermal comfort and weather resilience. Despite the challenges of the project, the design optimizes spatial organization while incorporating solutions such as a perforated adobe facade to manage heat absorption and dissipation. A quatro aguas roof (a roof with four slopes) is installed, folded down on the southwest side to shield the interiors from sunlight. Positioned within a themed subdivision, the project prioritizes functionality over strict adherence to visual guidelines. 

all images by Bien Alvarez

low maintenance materials serve vacation house use

The irregularly shaped lot, sloping terrain, and panoramic view of Taal Lake to the southeast posed significant design challenges for Studiokama, addressed through spatial planning and material choices. The residence is divided into three floors. The ground floor houses communal spaces including the dining, kitchen, and living areas. Bedrooms are accommodated on the second floor, while service areas are located in the basement, accessible through a curved driveway. Given its status as a vacation home, practicality guides the architectural and interior design studio‘s choice of materials for the J House. Adobe and polished concrete, selected for their low maintenance requirements, are complemented by wooden accents in the furniture. The bottom volume of the residence is clad in adobe, while the top half is made of concrete. This creates an introverted form that ensures privacy while allowing for sight lines and airflow. 

the adobe wall absorbs heat during the day

J house design features heat-absorbing adobe wall

Functionality precedes the design, ensuring that J House remains comfortable in its tropical setting. A distinctive architectural gesture involves orienting the 12-meter pool along the southwest perimeter, serving as a key element for inducing cross-ventilation and regulating temperature. A perforated adobe wall absorbs heat and dissipates it through the pool during the evenings. Steel grill floors are installed on the basement and second level to allow rising hot air to pass through, effectively reducing heat buildup within the house. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors and windows wrap around the rear elevations of the J House, offering various views of Taal Lake for residents to enjoy from any spot indoors.

the project prioritizes functionality over strict adherence to visual guidelines

the southwest wall is defined by voids and perforations

steel floor grills manage ventilation throughout different levels

practicality guides the studio‘s choice of materials

adobe and polished concrete are selected for their low maintenance requirements

wooden accents in the furniture complement the materials used

Floor-to-ceiling glass doors and windows wrap around the rear elevations of the J House

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the 12-meter pool induces cross-ventilation and regulates temperature

service areas are located in the basement

the massing model is used to manage degrees of privacy | image by studiokama

massing model showing composition of upper and lower sections | image by studiokama

massing model | image by studiokama

project info:

name: J House
location: Batangas, Luzon, Philippines
designer: Studiokama | @studiokama_
photographer: Bien Alvarez | @bien_alvarez

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edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom