AN ODE TO EARTH

Amid lush greenery lies a sustainable haven created by the architect Gelo Mañosaa testament to his deep respect for nature and an homage to his Filipino roots

- Maritess Garcia Reyes

Call it destiny. The architect Gelo Mañosa–youngest son of the late National Artist for Architecture and Allied Arts Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa–had a dream one night that he and his wife, Kat, owned a farm. Unable to shake away that vision, Gelo found himself browsing through lots for sale online the following day, and while scrolling, a photo of a piece of land lined with tall Indian trees caught his attention. “I spent many summers and holidays at my uncle’s place in Calatagan growing up. I saw that tree line [in the photo] and instantly knew exactly where it was because it was across his farm. We used to light our fireworks there for New Year’s,” he says, narrating how he found the land in 2014, which he bought to build a weekend home and to create lasting memories with his family. Gelo and Kat then already have two growing children.

The farmhouse, which the young Mañosa slowly built through the years, echoes the signature style the Mañosa family is known for. “It’s Pinoy,” Gelo describes. Like many architectural structures the Mañosas designed, the home uses locally sourced coral stone, wood, rattan and capiz, evoking a classic Filipino aesthetic while maintaining a modern sensibility. But more than an homage to his roots and design DNA, the living space is a beautiful ode to nature. Known as a sustainability advocate, Gelo ensured that environmentally sound features are at the core of its design.