THE pandemic has changed how homeowners in the Philippines want their homes to be designed. Aside from the usual preferences of comfort, location and affordability, autonomy is becoming a tangible characteristic. They want to help design their residences, make sure it can provide an option for working from home, and ensure they have their own “isolation spaces.”
“The pandemic stopped the economy, business, everything, and we had an opportunity to see what needs to be changed and what needs to be done when it comes to architecture,” says Ar. Richard Garcia, co-founder and head of Garcia Lee Architecture and Design.
A proposed residential apartment in Quezon City with a lower floor for economic activity. PHOTOS FROM AR. RICHARD GARCIA
Offices for remote work are becoming a fixture in the home and no longer a pleasant option. Though many companies have required the return of their employees to the physical offices, others are open to a hybrid setup where personnel can work in their own homes a few days a week. Regardless of company policy, more and more Filipinos who are tired of the traffic and the high cost of living want to have the option to work at home as freelancers or consultants. They want to be prepared when they do get that opportunity and not build or re-design a space in their house only after they get a work-from-home offer.
Garcia concedes that technology has made this setup with a cozier yet efficient home office possible. He cites savings in utilities, the absence of or a shorter travel time and comfortable productivity as the advantages the homeowners look for.
The home office.
Home offices and guest rooms can also be converted into occasional isolation spaces. Or a separate one can be built permanently. An isolation space has its own bed, toilet, pantry and even a bar. It can have its meditation corner or be placed beside a small garden.
The purpose of the isolation space, as opposed to the home office, is to give the owner his or her precious me time: to be in solitude, shut out the noise of the world, indulge in their private hobbies, or just chill. “It is becoming a trend: a small space, meditation room or small garden to have your alone time,” says Garcia, adding that this is one way many Filipinos cope with pressures that can exact a toll on their mental health.
A home office that can become an isolation space.
Balancing the Filipinos’ desire for health and wellness is their need to make extra income. Many homeowners who live in at least a two-story structure are considering converting the bottom floor into a location for a small business.
“They are looking at economic activity or a business aspect for the lower floor,” says Garcia, “where they can open a store or some kind of marketplace.”
Finally, homeowners want a direct hand in constructing their homes, which goes beyond advising their architects on how they want their living rooms or bedrooms to look. They prefer to source or buy their materials, from floor tiles to electric wires. Accessibility through online stores and a desire to save costs are the prime motivators.
Garcia says that this customer behavior, which he calls DIY or do-it-yourself, is understandable but can be risky. The equipment may be cheap, for example, but it can be prone to the breakout of fire. The homeowner may buy and put on a lot of lights in an obvious part of the room to make it look good, not realizing that they can overload and present a fire hazard.
“There’s always a limitation up to where you should have a DIY,” he maintains. “If you have an opportunity to consult an architect or interior designer, please do so.”
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