The “Equilateral House” Is A Vessel For Unexpected Surprises | ABS-CBN

ADVERTISEMENT

dpo-dps-seal
Welcome, Kapamilya! We use cookies to improve your browsing experience. Continuing to use this site means you agree to our use of cookies. Tell me more!

The “Equilateral House” Is A Vessel For Unexpected Surprises

The “Equilateral House” Is A Vessel For Unexpected Surprises

Jar Concengco

 | 

Updated Oct 13, 2022 03:50 PM PHT

Clipboard


“I wanted to go a little bit off grid to liberate circulation of the 90 degree grid,” explains Jorge Yulo in an episode of the new Youtube channel Uncommon focusing on architecture and design, “So that the movement would be anthropomorphic - less calculated. I thought that was something that made you appreciate the house long term.”


As most homes are built on a square or rectangular footprint, the Equilateral House designed by Jorge Yulo Architects and Associates allowed the land’s shape and orientation dictate its plan. This is precisely how Yulo works. “I don’t usually have a design process. I usually come up with my ideas serendipitously. It’s never the same source. After I get a project, I tend to absorb and incubate all the information. Somewhere along the way, there will be an intellectual reaction to it and I try to document that.”


The house’s name is actually a pun on two things. According to Yulo, “One, it’s based on an equilateral triangle grid. And it’s also in an area that’s close to the equator so cooling would be one of my challenges.”



Using an equilateral triangle grid as the home’s plan has allowed for unexpected surprises within the house. Jutting concrete volumes meet each other but don’t touch. Hallways made with large slabs of dao and wood from an old bowling alley run diagonally. “I wanted a continuous sense of discovery. With the way the world is put together, you can pretty much walk around a house blindfolded. So I wanted to liberate the users from that. So when they walk around this house, it’s like walking around a forest or a field rather than a built structure. It just makes for an interesting set of experiences even if you’re walking around the same space over and over,” Yulo adds. “I guess that points back to the materials used here. I have a lot of respect for nature - like wood and stone. I feel like there’s history there.”

ADVERTISEMENT


Yulo likens the home to a “museum of wood” as it uses about 10 types of different wood. The dining room table is made from African Bubinga - known to be one of the hardest woods in the world. “I was lucky enough to work with a stockpile of wood that were collected over twenty years,” Yulo reveals. “It’s like living with a lot of history.”



The ceilings also received the Yulo treatment with elaborate geometric patterns made of wood. “The ceilings were made to be ornate and aesthetically pleasing. They also help with the acoustics. They also save you from buying a chandelier!” Yulo laughs.



Yulo has a penchant for natural materials. The stairs are made from steel from railroad rails from 1880. “I try to use materials that have its own color - devoid of paint - so the colors would be the way the material honestly appears. And it’s usually a little more subdued.”


The lanai area is tiled with a mesmerizing pattern of black and white cubes mirroring the light installation of cubes on the ceiling. An oculus opens up to the sky. “I always marveled at the Pantheon in Rome. It has the original oculus. I love the way light penetrated the oculus and the projection of the sun throughout the building. And when it rained it rained straight down and left a circular wet spot. I thought that the Philippines would be the proper climate for such a building because it would be a good way for heat to escape. It was a good way to passively cool the building,” Yulo explains.



The lanai sat by the swimming pool and the garden. Ceiling fans helped circulate the cool temperature of the water throughout the house, helping to maintain a pleasant climate. The home’s massive volumes slanted towards each other have also contribute to the cooling of the house. “The juxtaposition of volumes in an angle creates wedges and that creates a Venturi Effect that helps distribute air around the house,” Yulo mentions.


Merging indoors and outdoors has become popular during the pandemic. “For the owners of this house, I wanted to provide a lot of outdoor spaces but within the comfort of their urban environment,” according to Yulo. Apart from the lanai, the roof deck also provides opportunities for its residents to bask in the outdoors.



“Designing off the 90-degree grid has its repercussions. I get lost in my own plans. I don’t suggest all houses be designed off the 90-degree grid. That would make this house a lot less significant, but it is definitely a bountiful source of experiences,” Yulo concludes.


Hear the architect talk about this masterpiece in this video:





ADVERTISEMENT

Francis Libiran Talks About the Story and the Inspiration Behind His Debut Home Collection

Francis Libiran Talks About the Story and the Inspiration Behind His Debut Home Collection

Grace Libero

 | 

Updated Jan 27, 2025 07:43 PM PHT

Clipboard


Francis Libiran has been in the fashion design industry for 25 years. Through the years, his name has become synonymous with quality, elegant, and stylish ensembles for men and women. However, many may not know that he also has a background in architecture. He took up architecture at the University of Sto. Tomas and later shifted to fashion design at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines. 

Although he has redirected his path to fashion, his love for interior design and architecture has always stayed with him. He would sketch furniture pieces and dream of one day bringing them to life. That day finally came when he casually met up with the team of OUR HOME and shared his vision of launching a home collection. Francis Libiran and OUR HOME turned out to be aligned with this vision.



According to the brand’s marketing head, Glowie Ramiro Robillo, she and her team would dream about what it would be like to launch a design collection. After all, fashion and home have always been connected, grounded on the same core philosophies. She shared, “We envisioned working with someone whose creativity could inspire and elevate how we see people visit their spaces. Fast forward to today, and here we are, standing before the realization of that vision.” Francis Libiran and OUR HOME make a perfect match with their shared vision and goal of putting forth exquisite pieces that are simple yet impactful. “It’s meant to be and, you know what, it’s such a refreshing to do,” Libiran said of his venture into another creative outlet. 

“This collection is more than just a milestone for our brands. It is a celebration of shared values, synergy, and partnership built on trust, just like family. Francis’ unparalleled talent, rooted in sophistication and timeless design finds its perfect home right here at OUR HOME,” Robillo said in her opening speech at the launch of Libiran’s home collection. 

ADVERTISEMENT



The collection launch was held at OUR HOME in SM Megamall, with a venue transformed into a showroom and runway. Libiran’s statement accent chairs took center stage, as models clad in his fashion creations showcased the style and functionality of every furniture piece. 

In an interview with Metro.Style, Libiran mentioned that the principles of designing clothes and furniture pieces are essentially similar. Just as he factors in the personalities and lifestyles of his clients when creating ensembles for them, he was also guided by the same considerations when he conceptualized and designed the styles and silhouettes of his furniture pieces. 



The Francis Libiran for OUR HOME collection includes six styles of accent chairs (which are made from a blend of polyester and cotton fabric imported from France); cushion pillows and covers in various intricate designs and luxurious fabrics; and luxurious home fragrances in the form of small to large candle jars, tin candle sets, and reed diffusers. 

“Your home is a representation of yourself,” Libiran shared. Inspiration from various sources, such as Pinterest, is good and all, but that shouldn’t dictate the whole aesthetic of one’s space. He added, “When a guest of yours enters your home, it represents who you are. So, I guess that’s where I was coming from. I designed different chairs for different personalities, and they were inspired by my family members.” This makes his debut home collection deeply personal.



Libiran cited his grandmother, Ramona, whom he credited as his source of inspiration in creativity. He named after her a chic open-back, patterned chair with a curved design. The chair’s supportive design is like a reflection of the support he got from her. It can work perfectly in different areas of the home, whether in the living room, bedroom, or dining area where one may explore mismatched chairs.


 

The Rebecca accent chair with subtle patterns is cozy and elegant, as inspired by Libiran’s fashionable mom. The luxuriously textured chair has a curved silhouette that reminds one of a mother’s embrace. It’s the perfect chair for the living room, a reading nook, or even a vanity area.  



His father whose personality is strict lent the inspiration for the Francois accent chair’s masculine aesthetic. A statement piece in taupe, with a bold print at the back, this chair would look great in a man cave. 



The Ellison accent chair was named after Libiran’s brother who the designer described as free-spirited. Thinking out of the box in capturing someone’s relaxed lifestyle, he came up with this boxy design with soft upholstery and clean lines, evoking and welcoming a sense of ease, warmth, and comfort wherever part of the home it may be placed. 



The Anita accent chair was named after a remarkable woman, who has become a source of unwavering support and light in Libiran’s life. He recreated that notion of positivity with a mustard yellow statement chair that’s structured yet comfy. 



Our favorite from the collection is the silver satin River swivel accent chair with its bold circular pattern. According to OUR HOME, it’s a piece that speaks of Libiran’s personal journey, “symbolizing his resilience and the flow of creativity that arises from life’s challenges.” With its swivel functionality, it is a fabulous pick for a home office, inspiring artistry and productivity.


Mix and match these standout furniture pieces with the cushion pillows and covers that are also part of the collection. Whether you're in the mood for something tropical, earthy, vibrant, or classic, you'll find a pillow cover design that will match your sofa or accent chair. 



Aside from furniture, Libiran's home collection also includes scents. “I love scents,“ Libiran told us. “For me, scents stimulate your mood.“ His collection features a variety of scents because he wants people to find something to match their ever-changing moods. He recommends the bamboo or citrus scent when you feel like relaxing. Laughing, he also mentioned that they even offer a scent perfect for creating a sensual vibe in the bedroom. “For me, scent is very sacred. That's why when we sat down with the supplier for it, I wanted to have those different moods to offer our clients,“ he said. 



Just like any covetable designer item, the Francis Libiran for OUR HOME collection has been created in limited quantities, so don't wait long to grab these pieces. 

As Robillo said, “These aren't just furniture and décor items; they are works of art, each with its own unique story, waiting to become part of your home.“ 


Watch our interview with Francis Libiran below:




Photos from OUR HOME

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

It looks like you’re using an ad blocker

Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker on our website.

Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker on our website.