House of Screens by PXP Design Workshop Co: A Tropical Architecture Masterpiece

The House of Screens by PXP Design Workshop Co is a refined example of tropical residential architecture located in Quezon City. Designed in 2022, this 700 m² contemporary home responds intelligently to climate, privacy, and modern family living.

Created for a family of four, the house serves as a second home, reflecting an evolved lifestyle focused on comfort, openness, and a strong connection with nature. The design concept revolves around a “screen house,” integrating passive design strategies to combat heat while enhancing ventilation and visual openness.

Climate-Responsive Design Strategy

One of the most defining aspects of the project is its west-facing orientation, which captures scenic views of lush greenery across the street. However, this orientation also exposes the house to intense sunlight and heat gain, an issue solved through thoughtful architectural interventions.

The architects introduced extended eaves and timber louvers, functioning as a brise-soleil. These wooden screens filter harsh sunlight, reduce heat gain, and maintain indoor comfort. At the same time, they preserve outward visibility while ensuring privacy, making the facade both functional and visually striking.

Spatial Planning and Privacy

The spatial organization is carefully layered to enhance privacy and usability:

• Lower Ground Floor: Service and ancillary spaces, partially embedded into the terrain
• Upper Ground Floor: Main living areas elevated from street level
• Second Floor: Bedrooms and family spaces

This vertical zoning not only shields the interiors from public view but also improves airflow and thermal comfort, key principles in sustainable tropical house design.

Materiality and Landscape Integration

The house exterior features a warm palette of locally sourced teak wood and natural stone, creating a timeless and elegant aesthetic. The timber screen acts as a breathable skin, reinforcing the home’s environmental responsiveness.

Inside, the design emphasizes open-plan living, softened by pockets of greenery and gravel beds that subtly define different zones. This integration of landscape within the interior enhances spatial flow while maintaining a strong indoor-outdoor connection.

Custom furniture and curated accessories further elevate the interiors, aligning with the client’s vision of a modern tropical home with a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Architectural Significance

The House of Screens stands out as a benchmark in:

• Passive cooling strategies in tropical climates
• Privacy-driven residential design
• Integration of landscape and architecture
• Use of local materials for sustainable construction

It demonstrates how architecture can balance aesthetic elegance, environmental performance, and lifestyle needs in dense urban settings.

All photographs are works of  Greg Mayo