As repeat clients, this retired couple was seeking a home near family for the winter months. Taking cues from the vernacular housing typology of the Philippines, we created a modern site-specific solution which maximizes daylight, captures territorial views and encourages natural ventilation from prevailing winds. The “ying/yang” sloped roof form provides shelter from the heavy seasonal rains. Louvered shading provides protection from the sun and a secured basement is fully vented by three light wells enabling passive cooling. Thus, the indigenous Filipino house with sloped rooves, screened walls and open lower floor, has been reinterpreted in a modern way.