Cliff House Villas

Ed Simon

• Arquitectos

Cliff House Villas: a work that embraces nature with APE Grupo’s ceramics integrating seamlessly into the surroundings

Cliff House Villas is a residential project in the Philippines that merges modernity with a profound connection to the lush nature encircling it.

APE Grupo’s ceramic materials are thoughtfully integrated into the architectural concept, harmonising with the overall aesthetic and other materials.

This project was created by the Filipino studio Zubu Design Associates, which champions an architectural ethos of innovation and respect for the natural environment.

The spectacular residential development of Cliff House Villas by Zubu Design Associates, perched on a cliff along the eastern coast of the Philippines, received a nod in the first edition of the APE Grupo Architecture Awards.

Cliff House Villas is an architectural project conceived and designed from the unique geographical context of its setting. Spanning an extensive 10,000-square-metre site that gently slopes towards a rugged cliff, the development offers panoramic views of the bay and sea.

The various villas and spaces have been meticulously positioned to align with the horizon, creating a natural and harmonious relationship with the surroundings while preserving the site’s topography. It is a modern, understated project that integrates seamlessly with nature.

Situated on the island of Cebu in the Central Visayas region, an area rich in vegetation and natural beauty, the project features a contemporary design that engages with all surrounding elements. Scattered across the vast cliff and its grounds, the development includes the main house, a pool house, a guest house and supporting spaces.

These translucent glass homes are nearly invisible, blending with the natural environment and connecting their interior and exterior worlds. All living units enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the bay.

The APE Grupo jury appreciated the project’s achievement in creating “Miesian” spaces. The cubes are inspired by the architectural and aesthetic lines of the great Mies van der Rohe, one of the leading architects of the 20th century, whose work has profoundly influenced our spaces.

Ceramics become the essence of the design

Drawing on elements of Mies’ modern architecture, the villas across the expansive site are elevated on a visible metal and glass structure. As the jury highlighted, “ceramic is a noble material that has been seamlessly integrated into the design, becoming the essence of the space, both in its interior and exterior applications.”

In addition to the APE Grupo ceramics used in various areas of the lightweight glass units, the architectural studio has incorporated local stone, enhancing the natural beauty of the site through this material combination.

“Respect for the natural environment and the tropical climate has been crucial in the design process of Cliff House Villas,” says architect Buck Richnold Sia. “The houses are designed to optimise ventilation and natural light, adopting a simple approach to facilitate the flow of breezes and sunlight throughout the day,” he adds.