FR House is a minimal residence located in Punta Fuego, Philippines, designed by CAZA. The design of the home was driven by two concerns: the first, to integrate with the steep topography and views of the waterfront, and the second, to create natural ventilation and minimize mechanical cooling.

The steep topography of the site determined the character of the project from the start.   The house is located on a relatively narrow lot, with an abrupt slope overlooking the South China Sea.   To integrate within this context, the house is divided into a series of equally-sized concrete cubes that rest on the slope and look towards the sky and the ocean, eliminating the need for traditional windows on the facade. The effect is a home that is intentional, yet playful, with a series of distinct yet interconnected rooms.

Each room features a skylight oriented in different directions, framing a specific view of ocean, sky or garden.   Initially-identical volumes are thus transformed into units with variable natural light reception, ensuring sufficient privacy from the neighboring lots.   While each bedroom frames different views of the surrounding landscape, an open box at the top of the house allows inhabitants to connect with the outside environment.  

By using cast-in-place concrete, the design minimizes the amount of space required for the building’s structure, helping maximize living space on the narrow site.   The material also works to keep the house passively temperature-controlled.   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. Left raw and unfinished, the concrete lends the interiors a sense of casual sophistication.