| Just when you've finally saved up enough to build your | | | | use of glass plates adds a thoroughly modern touch to |
| own home, looking for the best person to design and | | | | the front part of the house. |
| build it, while staying within your budget, is a tricky one. | | | | Arch. Monzones' genius came to full play with the |
| Enter NATMO Asia, an architectural firm that has been | | | | renovation of a very small house in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. |
| in the design and construction business for 20 years | | | | Originally a bungalow with two bedrooms of Lilliputian |
| now. Architect Neil T. Monzones, a graduate of Mapua | | | | proportions, it is now a marvel of architectural |
| Institute of Technology's College of Architecture and | | | | creativity. Transformed into a spacious home good for |
| currently serving as Vice President for the United | | | | a family of four, a roomy bedroom was created in the |
| Architects of the Philippines, has been consistently | | | | loft area with its own toilet and bath. A glass-encased |
| designing and building structures that are well-planned | | | | balcony off the spiral staircase allows stargazing and |
| and fit any budget requirement. | | | | enough space for a garden. The whole lower part of |
| Arch. Monzones' own home in Batangas is proof of | | | | the house was extended but doesn't go right smack |
| how the contemporary 3-storey structure suits the | | | | to the maximum allowable space, a common mistake |
| trapezoidal shape of its lot. The house rises at an | | | | of builders who expand right up to the edge of the |
| interesting angle, easily making it an outstanding feature | | | | property and give a tight feeling on the exterior views. |
| in the community. With his signature round "holes" on | | | | With this extension, kitchen and laundry areas are |
| the exterior and extensive use of glass both in and out | | | | relocated at the back to give ample room for the living |
| of the house, the Monzones home never looks dated. | | | | and dining spaces. Restraint and ingenuity, as well as a |
| One of the exciting features inside is a bridge that | | | | clever mix of materials, give this house just the right |
| overlooks the living area and connects the bedrooms | | | | combination of efficient floor plan and style savvy. |
| on the second level, as well as a loft perched on the | | | | Now, this modern Asian house is the very model of |
| third level of the house. A guest bedroom, currently | | | | what happens when you build a beautiful home (with a |
| being used as a multiple-purpose room, is built above | | | | carport and pocket gardens on 3 sides to boot!) |
| the office space and separate from the main house, | | | | without breaking the bank. |
| ensuring privacy for both homeowners and guests. | | | | Read more of NATMO at activephilippines. |
| The circular wall of one bedroom with its generous | | | | |