PK House | 8X8 Design Studio | Kalatagan, Philippines

Contemporary version of the Bahay Kubo with view to Balayan Bay

Located on a hill in Kalatagan, Batangas, the PK House by 8X8 Design Studio Co. is a modern reimagining of the traditional Bahay Kubo, a typical Philippine house on stilts that long defined the country's folk architecture. The design presents a three-story weekend retreat with a rooftop terrace, offering panoramic views of Balayan Bay and surrounding mountains, while preserving the traditional form in a modern interpretation.

Situated three hours from Metro Manila, the house is at the center of a 3-hectare plot, strategically positioned on the highest point for a 360-degree view. The design combines tropical adaptation, structural ingenuity, and cultural memory, creating a home that embodies both heritage and contemporary sophistication.

Modern interpretation of tradition

The name 'PK' refers directly to the Kubo project, a reference to the traditional Bahay Kubo, typically a grass-thatched house on stilts, consisting of three main parts:

• Silong — the open roof structure used for communal needs and ventilation,

• Bulwagan — the elevated living area, and

• Bubon — the spacious roof with wide overhangs protecting the house from sun and rain.

In PK House, these archetypal elements are reimagined across three distinct levels:

• First floor (Silong): An open communal area with a 9-meter-long steel table, surrounded by relaxation zones, a kitchen-gallery, and outdoor facilities including a pool, hot tub, and fire pit. The space brings people together while offering a stunning view of the ocean horizon.

• Second floor (Bulwagan): The main living level, enclosed by movable glass panels, surrounded by protruding balconies that serve as terraces for viewing and shade for the lower floor. This area offers panoramic views of the bay and mountain range, combining openness with climate responsiveness.

• Third floor (Master bedroom): A private sanctuary with a Hinoki wooden bathroom, fully rotating Vitrocsa glass, and uninterrupted sunrise views over the sea. The design brings natural landscapes inside, connecting architecture and horizon.

At the top of the structure is a covered terrace with barbecue, serving as a cozy spot for stargazing or sunset gatherings — a symbolic pinnacle representing rest, landscape, and light.

Structural clarity and tropical resilience

The steel frame of the PK House ensures precision and durability in a marine environment. All structural elements underwent sandblasting and protective coating before assembly to combat corrosion. The angled vertical profile, resembling a stepped pyramid, enhances both aesthetic dynamism and structural efficiency.

Each projection and overhang serves a specific purpose, mitigating tropical heat while protecting the interior from monsoon rains. This porous spatial structure ensures a continuous airflow, maintaining comfort and minimizing energy consumption.

A dialogue between past and present

While the design uses modern materials and technologies, its soul remains distinctly Filipino. The reinterpretation of the Bahay Kubo is conceptual rather than literal — an architectural dialogue between heritage and innovation. By elevating traditional typologies into a modern steel form, 8X8 Design Studio Co. redefines how tropical architecture can honor folk wisdom while maintaining spatial luxury.

The result is a serene sanctuary that connects people, place, and culture — a structure rooted equally in memory and contemporary life.

A modern symbol of Filipino identity

Through PK House, the studio 8X8 Design Studio Co. demonstrates how thoughtful reimagining brings timeless relevance. Every design decision, from volume layers to declarations of open and permeable spaces, reflects the essence of tropical living. The project becomes a new architectural landmark in Kalatagan, respecting the landscape, celebrating Filipino heritage, and pointing toward a sustainable, contextually aware future.