A House That Plays With Opacity and Porosity To Create Open Spaces Without Feeling Too Exposed

Despite the dark and monolithic structure of the Halcyon House designed by Barchan + Architecture, it feels open and generous once you step inside. This balance was vital for the home to become both a quiet respite from the noisy world and a direct connection to natural air and light.

The home was named Halcyon House when they realized that the client's name was synonymous to peace. Chief Design Ambassador of ‪@barchanarchitecture‬ Jason Buensalido says "Halcyon means peace and prosperity - two things that are constant in all of our home designs."

Peace was manifested in the house's architecture by providing a controlled environment for the clients - a respite from the outside world. Solid volumes that embrace a courtyard help shield noise while dark tinted windows provide privacy. With prosperity, Buensalido explains that this doesn't exactly pertain to wealth. "It's really about the openness and generosity to life."

High, cathedral ceilings give spaces a sense of prosperity while sliding doors allow generous wind to enter. Barchan + Architecture Vice President of Operations Ems Eliseo reveals that they also did the interiors.

"The main design thrust for the interiors was how do we make the spaces warmer and more homey. As you can see the architecture is a little more modern, contemporary and edgy. We made sure that the pieces that we chose was more textured to contrast the edginess of the house."

Pieces like Ito Kish's Gregoria Chair, Kenneth Cobonpue's Limbo Chandeliers and the Hanako Coffee Table by Vito Selma fill the living space.