The Corner House, located at the intersection of two busy streets in San Juan, Manila, responds to the city’s need for open-air public spaces suited to its tropical climate. It becomes a refuge from the dense urban environment, offering a space for relaxation and social interaction.
© Jar Congenco
The design features a cascading ground plane that links the street to a four-story atrium, offering a unique open-air experience amid floating glass restaurant boxes. Motorized louver walls and roller blinds provide natural ventilation during favourable weather, while operable building envelope systems enclose the space during the monsoon, transforming the project into adaptable, breathable architecture that responds to its environment.
Site Plan
A 500-meter spiraling ramp, starting from the ground, wrapping and punching through the building, serves multiple functions: from jogging, to dining, events, and exhibitions. It invites visitors to interact with the interior and connect with the surrounding, rather than retreating from it.
© Jar Congenco
The lightweight steel structure, operable walls, and ceiling fans ensure a breezy and comfortable environment year-round, while dichroic skylights infuse the interior with vibrant beams of light. The rooftop event space, nestled among lush berms that control views to the skyline, offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city below. Vibrant skylight cubes double as high tables for parties and landscape lighting installations, adding a dramatic touch.
© Greg mAYO
The Corner House represents more than a physical structure; it is an adaptive urban ecosystem, integrating flexible, climate-responsive architecture with dynamic public spaces, offering a harmonious space that evolves with the rhythms of the city.
Project Info:
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Architects: Monash University Department of Architecture
- Country: San Juan City, Philippines
- Area: 16100 m²
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Photographs: Jar Congenco, Greg mAYO
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Lead Architects: Amata Luphaiboon, Twitee Vajrabhaya
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Design Team: Waraphan Watanakaroon, Pitchaya Poonsin, Veeris Vanichtantikul, Yada Pianpanit
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Architecture Offices: BAAD STUDIO LTD. CO. (as Architect of Record)
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Engineering & Consulting > Other: ACCENT STUDIO as Lighting Designer
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Landscape Architecture: Clarq Landscape Design Studio
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General Constructing: Megawide Construction Corporation as main contractor
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Engineering & Consulting > Civil: David Carl H. Reyes Structural Design
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Engineering & Consulting > Mechanical: KOMFORT-AIRE, Incorporated as Mechanical engineer
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Engineering & Consulting > Mep: S&H Electrical Const. Corporation as Sanitary Engineer
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Engineering & Consulting > Electrical: Armstrong Plumbing Corporation as Electrical Engineer
Anastasia Andreieva is an accomplished Architectural Projects Editor at Arch2O, bringing a unique blend of linguistic expertise and design enthusiasm to the team. Born and raised in Ukraine, she holds a Master’s degree in Languages from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Her deep passion for architecture and visual storytelling led her to transition from translation and editorial roles into the world of design media. With a keen eye for conceptual clarity and narrative structure, Anastasia curates and presents global architectural projects with precision and flair. She is particularly drawn to parametric and digital design, cultural context, and emerging voices in architecture. When I’m not analyzing the latest architectural trends, you’ll probably find me searching for hidden gems in cityscapes or appreciating the beauty of well-crafted spaces. After all, great design—like great connections—can be found in the most unexpected places. Speaking of connections, because architecture isn’t the only thing that brings people together.