Buhay Bahay
Shortlisted Entry for Nano Nest Competition
Competition Overview
“With the growing population, land is constantly seen as a depleting resource and thus has increased real estate prices. Today, the definition of a house has barely boiled down to it being a commodity that constitutes a kitchen, a living area, bedroom and bathroom. This commodity offered is sometimes so inhabitable that it even lacks the basic notion of light and ventilation. Eventually, all the other additional notions of what a house should offer then become secondary. How do we then redefine a modern living space for a space crunch situation that it is not just habitable, but also restores these essential notions that make it a house?”
Challenge
“Design a ‘Living Space’ for a family of 6 (people from 3 generations to be considered). The participants must give a character sketch of the users/family chosen. Based on this, propose a modern way of living in a land crisis scenario for them. “
- Nano Nest: Maximizing living in tiny spaces
Spring 2020 // In collaboration with Samantha Ong & Bernadette McCrann
The Magpantays are a lively Filipino family,
and just as great as their love for each other, is their love for activity. Even though they’re living in a
narrow home, there’s no reason that each member of the family can’t find a
corner of the house to call their own. Together, or separate, they are the
Magpantays.
The morning is hectic, but Lola Hilda (grandmother) is the
Magpantay matriarch who keeps things in order as Lolo Ernesto keeps a watchful eye a quiet distance away. The
children are running in and out looking for backpacks, books, breakfast, and
conveniently, they’re all found on the main communal table in the kitchen. The
mother, Nanay Teresa already left
before sunrise to make her shift as a nurse at the local hospital. The house
during the day is quiet. Hilda and Ernesto have the home to themselves as they
meander through the gardens throughout the house. In the evening, the house
truly comes alive. Teresa is frequently the life of the party and Hilda can
hold her own in her weekly card games. Ate Cecilia is the most studious of the children but also shares the curiosity of
her younger twin siblings, Elena and Elias. With all this activity in the
house, it’s easy to get distracted. The twins love getting their hands dirty
and investigating the world around them. They’re frequently found in the
sunroom trying to catch insects and little lizards. In the house, there’s room
to participate in each others lives and there’s also dedicated nooks for each
of the inhabitants to find themselves again.
