This Family Built A House On A Remote Island To Live With Nature And Animals | Palawan, Philippines

Summary

Architect Justin Guiab and his family moved to El Nido, Palawan, to build a home in harmony with nature. Their sustainable, open-plan house blends with its surroundings, using local materials and traditional construction techniques. The design prioritizes natural ventilation, sunlight, and eco-friendly practices. Justin shares his personal and professional growth as an architect, learning to balance creativity with cost and function. The home not only reflects his architectural values but also fosters a lifestyle connected to the environment, where family and wildlife coexist. The house is a testament to living simply and sustainably in an untouched paradise.

Takeaways

• 😀 The family's move to El Nido, Palawan, in 2017 was driven by the desire for adventure and a closer connection to nature.
• 😀 Justin Guiab, an architect, designed their home with a focus on sustainability, blending with the natural environment.
• 😀 The house, covering 1,500 square feet, was intentionally located in a remote area with access to electricity and good internet for work.
• 😀 The design was influenced by the local ecosystem, with careful attention to the sun, wind, and natural light to promote comfort and energy efficiency.
• 😀 The family used sustainable, native materials like wood, clay, and rammed earth in the construction to minimize ecological impact.
• 😀 The home is characterized by its open, fluid design, where indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly merge, enhancing the feeling of living with nature.
• 😀 The water used in the home comes from a nearby spring, which is rich in minerals and contributes to the family’s daily well-being.
• 😀 The family built a multifunctional dining table that serves as a kitchen counter, dining area, and living space, promoting a simple and practical lifestyle.
• 😀 Indigenous building techniques, like using cogon grass for roofing, were employed to create a durable, natural, and energy-efficient structure.
• 😀 The family emphasizes coexistence with nature, sharing their home with the local wildlife, and viewing the house as part of the larger ecosystem.
• 😀 Over time, Justin has gained a deeper understanding of how to design spaces that are not only functional but deeply connected to their surroundings.

Q & A

Why did Justin Guiab and his family decide to move to El Nido in 2017?

Justin and his family moved to El Nido in 2017 to escape the city life and embrace a simpler, more nature-connected lifestyle. His father, always seeking new adventures, inspired the decision to leave their urban home behind.

What unique challenges did Justin face while designing his own home?

Designing his own home allowed Justin to be creative, but it also highlighted the challenges of cost management. It was his first experience balancing creativity with the practical implications of budgeting for construction.

What role did the natural environment play in the design of the house?

The natural environment was central to the design of the house. Justin studied the land, including the wind and sunlight, to orient the house for maximum natural ventilation and light, while also ensuring it blended seamlessly with the surrounding nature.

How did Justin ensure that the house was sustainable and environmentally friendly?

The house used humble, locally-sourced materials like native wood, clay, and rammed earth. Additionally, the design focused on maintaining the natural landscape by preserving trees and creating systems like a pocket garden to filter wastewater and support local plants.

What is the significance of the large table in the home's design?

The large table serves multiple purposes—it acts as a kitchen counter, dining area, and living space. This design choice reflects the family's desire for an open, flexible space that fosters connection and simplicity.

What was unique about the water used in the house?

The water used in the house comes from a nearby spring, known for its purity and mineral-rich content. It is charged with ions, providing a healthful, natural water source for the family.

What role do animals play in the family’s life at the house?

Animals are a natural part of life in the house, with many spaces designed to coexist with the local wildlife. Justin appreciates the presence of animals, seeing them as integral to the ecosystem and his family's shared space.

How does the house address the issue of natural lighting?

The house is designed to maximize natural light, with open roof spaces allowing sunlight to filter through. The goal was to replicate natural lighting conditions, ensuring the space feels bright and connected to the outdoors.

What makes the roof of the house special?

The roof is made from cogon grass, a local material known for its insulation properties. It is tied with rattan, following traditional methods suggested by locals, which enhances durability and reduces heat, while also adding a cultural touch.

What does the phrase 'Nakikitira lang kami' mean, and how does it reflect the family’s approach to their home?

The phrase 'Nakikitira lang kami' translates to 'We’re just living here.' It reflects the family's humble perspective on their place within the environment. They see themselves as guests in nature, living in harmony with the land and its creatures rather than dominating it.