The R House | Hurray's 255 sqm. Experimental Passion Project
By Andrea Cortina-Portugal
A welcome visual disruption in a landscape dotted with homes inspired by more traditional styles, the R House tells its story in contrasts – simple yet sophisticated, straightforward but surprising. Right from the street the R House is the sort of house that catches your gaze as a whole and draws you in with its details. From the solid anthracite-colored structure to the low brick wall accented by a green pedestrian gate, down to the lush landscaping, seemingly arbitrary yet anything but.
A project that has evolved and adapted through the pandemic, the R House is a collaborative project of Hurray Design and GridCore Builders
“We wanted something different, something that looks unfamiliar locally but looks like what you see in magazines like Dwell or The Local Project,” share owners Bong and IDr. Rossy Rojales, PIID, who lend their initials (RR) to the name of the house which, coincidentally, is also a play on Our House. “Something a little more edgy and experimental in the local setting but have the elements that we wanted for our own house based on our travels and inspiration.”
The brief was clear: a modern black barn house with handpicked fixtures and finishes that afforded the owners some smart luxuries that were, in all, easy to maintain in the long run. The owners’ wishlist ran long: Smart toilets, a nice laundry area, and a great kitchen. Open airy spaces that are well-lit and have good ventilation. A heated jacuzzi is situated in a landscaped garden. Premium smart features are weaved into each room — the list goes on, as lists for dream homes often do. “We wanted a lot I guess,” conclude the man of the house. “We can’t have everything, but I think in the end we got most of it.”
Kicking off before the pandemic meant that the project had its fair share of roadblocks and obstacles in addition to challenges posed by the unique nature of the structure. “[The] excitement comes when you see the initial design becoming more or less a reality,” shares the owner. “But like all projects, each stage has a different level of excitement.” Firm in this mindset, the Hurray Design founders locked arms with their own teams from Hurray and GridCore Builders and, along with their trusted partner suppliers, endeavored to build their dream home amidst lockdowns and logistical restrictions.
The result is a home in which every corner has been thoughtfully designed to engage its dwellers in a fun, laidback environment that’s got something to stimulate each of the senses. Clay bricks laid out on the floor continuously stack up to form a built-in bench that runs across the length of one wall in the Foyer. Randomly placed wood and green round pegs function as both wall hangers and quirky accent pieces. A step-up delineates the Foyer from the Living, Dining, and Kitchen areas.
Clay bricks form the Foyer’s built-in bench
“Interiors are from varied influences, some pieces are vintage mid-century modern, some are current and some are our own past furniture,” says the owner. “Textured walls, consistent wood tones, patterns of circles and bricks, abstract art are other highlights.” The owners’ midcentury modern pieces are particularly stunning in a space that gives each piece a chance to stand out while still blending right in. The kitchen features deep teal kitkat tiles and is fully equipped with built-in appliances that include a dishwasher, wine chiller, and steam oven.
The kitchen and dining room’s open concept allows R House guests to multi-task and socialize
Off the common area is a cozy den, Bong’s favorite space. “I finally have a dedicated mancave with my collection of records and vintage gears, an arcade machine, and some other things I have hoarded in the past,” he shares.
Record collection and vintage gear as pictured in the home’s mancave
Outside, a mix of pole bamboo, rosemary herbs, and an assortment of tropical plants with a stretch of grass and an outdoor jacuzzi, altogether adding life and energy that complements the quiet solidness of the house. And then there are the other green features of the home. “The house has hybrid solar power with batteries to handle outages as well as store power to save electricity. It has solar water heaters too and lighting control and automation,” shares the owners, whose long-term vision includes opening up their home to family and select guests, thereby sharing the R House experience with a bigger audience. To date, they’ve hosted 20 people at most!
Greenery surrounds this Scandinavian-inspired home
Having seen their own dream home come to fruition, the Rojaleses have this to say to others who may be contemplating the pursuit of building their dream homes too, “We can help you build your dream vacation home in Tagaytay, in a beach somewhere, or just outside the city. Let us know how we can help!”
The Rojaleses basking in the morning glow of Tagaytay
To see more of Hurray’s other projects, check out the rest of our blog at Beyond Ordinary!