New York studio CAZA has completed a cast-concrete house in the Philippines, aiming to optimise passive cooling and natural ventilation.
FR House comprises a series of "concrete cubes" that facilitate cross-ventilation and regulate the building's temperature at the warmest times of the day.
FR House is located on a sloping site in Punta Fuego
According to Carlos Arnaiz, founder of CAZA, this is essential in a climate that is hot and humid year-round.
"Concrete was chosen for its efficiency in combining thermal mass and structural volume, allowing for effective cooling of the house while minimising the space required for the structure," he told Dezeen.
The house has two main storeys with a basement underneath
"The concrete absorbs heat during the hot, sunny days, keeping the living areas cool. When the temperature drops, the heat is released into the interiors," added Arnaiz. FR House is located in Punta Fuego, a seaside town on the west coast of the Philippines' largest island, Luzon. CAZA, which has a satellite studio in nearby Manila, designed it as the home for a couple who had previously lived abroad.
"Upon returning to the Philippines, they wanted to create their own architectural haven for relaxation and entertainment, a personalised slice of paradise inspired by their love for innovative designs," said Arnaiz.
A covered swimming pool runs alongside the ground floor
Set into a slope, the 660-square-metre house is laid out over ...