Building with Care and Thought
The world of architecture can be challenging, filled with the constant push and pull between form and function. But standing firmly in this field is Architect Mark G. Madrid, whose work testifies that harmony can be achieved when functionality and beauty are skillfully balanced. For Madrid, designing homes is not just about creating structures but crafting spaces that resonate with warmth and livability.
"My philosophy is simple: function first," Madrid asserts, grounding his decades of experience in a principle that ensures every plan, no matter how dramatic or simple, works seamlessly. He believes that engineering must be efficient, anticipating future needs, while the aesthetic should offer a harmonious composition and proportion. As he poetically puts it, "Engineering is genius. Architecture is love."
When asked about the elements that define a beautiful home, Madrid's response is heartfelt. "A home must feel safe, comfy, and restful. It should exude warmth," he says. The home is not just an area, within it is a space where memories and love can thrive. Madrid asserts that his designs strike a balance of form, space, and proportion, alongside a thoughtful orientation to natural light, ensuring they foster an inviting atmosphere.
While it may seem that balancing aesthetics and functionality is a challenging dance, it is one that Madrid has mastered. The first step, according to him, always starts with function. This pragmatic approach guides his designs, so they not only meet the client's spatial desires within budget constraints but also offer a visually pleasing exterior. Natural yet hardy materials like stone, wood, and glass contribute to a sense of warmth and openness, reflecting a nuanced touch that utilizes different elements.
A prime example of Madrid's philosophy at work is the "Garage with a House" project. Initially conceived to house a client's modest car collection, the design evolved into a cohesive living space that worked with the budget and an irregularly shaped lot. The split-level ground floor ingeniously separates living areas from the showcase garage, while the basement and upper floors provide additional functional and private spaces. "Every nook has a use," Madrid explains. Using short hallways to connect adjoining rooms and wide windows to open up the space to surrounding views and cross-ventilation, Madrid's project highlights the efficiency and thoughtful customization that define his work.
"A home must feel safe, comfy, and restful. It should exude warmth," he says. The home is not just an area, within it is a space where memories and love can thrive.
"The client wanted a functional home without much stone cladding or embellishments. I relied on form and architectural shaping to make it interesting,"
Madrid's other project, the Acacia house, presented a peculiar challenge for him: creating a striking design with a predominantly white palette. "The client wanted a functional home without much stone cladding or embellishments. I relied on form and architectural shaping to make it interesting," he recalls. The thick white walls, clerestory windows, and light-colored tile floors infused the space with warmth and character. Advanced features like double-glazed windows and flush-mounted solar panels demonstrate Madrid's sincere commitment to sustainability and efficiency.
The Makiling house, with its wraparound glass windows, creates a seamless indoor-outdoor connection and offers panoramic course views to the avid golfer homeowner.
Incorporating the environment and landscape is a signature of Madrid's designs. He maximizes outside views with large picture windows and, for larger homes, creates internal green spaces to enhance natural light and ventilation. The Makiling and 1 Coucal houses illustrate this concept beautifully. The Makiling house, with its wrap-around glass windows, creates a seamless indoor-outdoor connection and offers panoramic course views to the avid golfer-homeowner. The Makiling house manifests contemporary elegance through its clean lines, natural stone, and sleek metal cladding. The open-plan interiors present a warm and thoughtful minimalism that blends the best aspects of luxury and livability.
The 1 Coucal house, on the other hand, is surrounded by village roadways and an open park lot. To broaden the space, Madrid used glass picture windows framed by adobe walls and strategic shading to manage solar heat effectively. Much like the Makiling house, the 1 Coucal house shares that accessible modernity that balances opulence and function, with a sleek exterior featuring expansive glass panels and robust structural elements. The living area is accentuated by expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and a staircase with floating wooden treads, seamlessly integrating the different levels of the home. However, what truly sets the 1 Coucal house apart is the intricate metal lattice design. This two-layer lattice graces both the stairs and the facade, adding a delicate yet captivating 3D effect.
For the architect, leveraging what nature provides is a key philosophy. With the 1 Coucal and Makiling houses, Madrid ensures proper solar orientation, complemented by tree shading, sun louvers, ledges, overhangs, and heat-reflective film to maintain controlled temperatures while creating a striking visual statement. Looking ahead, Madrid envisions energy efficiency as a pivotal force in the evolution of home design. He foresees new materials and advanced equipment playing a critical role in this transformation. "New materials and equipment will be crucial," he notes, emphasizing their importance in creating sustainable living spaces. However, Madrid expresses caution regarding the rapid obsolescence of home automation systems. "I'm wary of home automation's short lifespan," he explains, highlighting the potential pitfalls of relying too heavily on technology that has potential obsolescence.
Madrid advocates, instead, for a return to form, where simple, functional planning takes precedence over the novel yet untested. By placing a premium on the principles of efficiency and thoughtful design, Madrid predicts a future where homes are not only energy-efficient but also seamlessly integrate the client’s lifestyle and the natural surroundings.
For homeowners aspiring to enhance their homes' beauty, Madrid's advice is clear and to the point: seek professional guidance. "Get an architect or interior designer. Harmony in design is essential. Pick a theme and stick with it. Less is more," he counsels, underscoring the importance of trust and collaboration in the design process. He urges future homeowners to find a design signature they like and to have faith that these designers will perform.
Transitioning from vision to execution, Madrid emphasizes the importance of financial transparency. Clients should be open about their budgets so the designers can guide them effectively throughout the project. It's easy to overdesign and overspend, which can lead to cancellations, unexpected costs, or worse, projects that stall and remain unfinished. By maintaining an open dialogue about financial constraints, homeowners and designers can work together to create beautiful, practical, and feasible designs.
One cannot help but notice that Ar. Madrid's every thought and answer exuded thoughtfulness. There is a genuine love in his recollections of past projects, an excitement in how he teased out solutions to different problems, and an openness in sharing his philosophy and approaches. Perhaps, this is how he earns the trust of his many clients. By being genuine and knowledgeable and dedicated, Mark G. Madrid demonstrates the artistry and practicality needed to design homes that are not only beautiful but also deeply livable. His work stands as a beacon of what thoughtful, well-executed design can achieve, exemplifying that trust and understanding are just as important in building a foundation as cement and stone. D+C
Ar. Mark G. Madrid has been practicing architecture for the past 29 years. Currently, he leads M.Madrid Architectural Design, a firm specializing in residential and commercial projects, assisted by Ar. Cherry Balaoro. Ar. Madrid honed his skills in hospital and school design while serving as senior architect for Pablo R. Antonio Jr. Design Consultancy Inc. from 2000 to 2008. In 2012, he trained to become a BERDE professional under the Philippine Green Building Council. He firmly believes that in planning or designing a project, function always comes first. Once the plan satisfies the need, beauty will follow. For more insights and updates, follow him on Instagram: @madridarchitect.
WORDS
John Duanan
IMAGES
Edsel Roman, Ricci Jimenez
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