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louisemortelLouise Mortelportfolio.LML O U I S E M O R T E L2 0 2 2 - 2 0 2 6 ITERATIONS & POSSIBILITIES
Louise MortelA twenty-four year-old graduating architecture student from Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Manila, majoring in Construction Management. Proud probinsyana, a hobbyist and freelance photographer, with a personal pursuit of promoting and preserving local architecture. Her design approach is rooted in critical regionalism and social architecture, aiming to create spaces that respond thoughtfully to the cultural, environmental, and social character of place. She believes that every design has the ability to tell a story about a culture, way of life, or experience; and wants to accomplish creating such spaces with each project she tackles. Additionally, she wants her designs to not only be structurally sound and sustainable, but also contain meaning to them connected with people in emotional ways through their heritage or community roots. Starting from a humble beginning, she plans on continuing to develop her practice with an intention and response to values that support contextual sensitivity and social relevance.P U P - M A N I L A+OTHER FREELANCE PROJECTSPOSTERS BUSINESS CARDS MOCK UPS BUSINESS PRESENTATIONS PROJECT BOARDS SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT LAYOUT PORTRAITSLAND TRANSPORT TERMINAL IN PASIG CITY TABIHANI: A MOUNTAIN RESORT AND HOTEL COMPLEX IN LAKE SEBU DALOY: A MIXED-USE COMPLEX IN PASIG CITY HIGH-END RESIDENTIAL BUILDING IN FORBES PARK, MAKATI JOLLIBEE ILOCOS SUR BALAY TRAZA DE LAGUNA: HIGH-END SUBDIVISION IN STA. ROSA, LAGUNA ROMBLON CULTURAL COMPLEXPROJECTS IN THE ACADEME
land transport terminallouisemortelLouise Mortel
I started thinking about how I could make waiting for rides feel like coming home, and after watching passengers in terminals spend hours looking for their rides, families reunited, and students returning home from school; I realized that while all of these spaces serve as transportation hubs, they are also emotional and stressful parts of people's journeys, and therefore, contain many stories in the process of being told. Unfortunately, most terminals are designed for logistics rather than human experiences, so I wanted to create a terminal that would not only transport patrons but would also welcome them into the building and allow them the opportunity to take a breath between their travel. The design focuses on providing users with calm and orientating spaces by utilizing natural light, regional materials, and open areas.LAND TRANSPORT TERMINALP A S I G C I T YA dynamic ceiling of woven-like textures and light-filled waiting areas designed to accommodate both the individual and family are examples of how I used form and function to create warm, inviting spaces. I have included wayfinding, accessibility, and intuitive circulation to decrease anxiety and have an inclusive environment for all users. What has made this project special is that I learned more about designing with compassion rather than just form or function and that architecture is not about buildings but about the people that occupy them. As such, this terminal will be more than just a transit point; it will be a point of rest along the journey designed with intent and for the users.
maarchitects.com.phmaarchitectsmaarchitectsOur studio is a place of ideas and possibilities. A place where design and architecture serve to create new and exciting possibilities for our clients and the communities that we serve. It is critical for us that in architecture we find the means to contribute concrete and definitive improvements to the city and to the community. In every project that we undertake, we ponder on the future and always strive to define the spaces that we create and develop. This design process requires a constant stream of dialogues and critiques in an atmosphere where open ideas can be shared, an environment that cultivates intense desires to constantly search for better and brighter solutions.louisemortelLouise MortelLANDPORT TERMINALP A S I G C I T Y mountain resort+ hotel complex
The greater goal of this project is to be more than just a resort for people to have place to relax; it will become a healing landscape for nature and for the culture of Lake Sebu. Using regenerative design, the project will give back at least as much as it consumes to help restore ecosystems, provide opportunity for community, and enhance the visitor experience. Lake Sebu is the homeland of T’boli indigenous people, and their traditions and artistry are a vital part of the landscape. Inspired by theT’boli canon, the resort complex reflects local vernacular wisdom in articulations of form, choice of materials and spatial rhythms and combine modern sustainable design solutions. When guests arrive they walk through a shade pavilion amid forested native trees and enter an environment where visitor comfort is generated from sustainable practices. The attraction will have a flow through various common areas, such as open air dining terraces, a gathering spaces for culture performances, places for picnicking and celbrating that change to intimate refuge areas along the lake shore. The dock area for water taxis is not only a place for people to arrive, but will become become an experience in itself for visitors to join in ceremony and connect with the spirit of the Lake Sebu. This project will not only provide for places to recreation, but give for community. The livelihood centre, will local retail shops, and support for T’Boli artisans will keep T’Boli culture alive, seen and cherished. The landscape enhancement will benefit the environment in return, ecological strategies such as closed loop wastewater treatment, organic farming systems and reforestation areas will create regenerative systems to restore nutrients to the land. In this proposal we have tried to go beyond creating one more hospitality experience; it has been important to rethink the current notion of hospitality in fragile environments and redefine how architecture can be a vehicle for renewal by ensuring that every building, path, and garden gives back to the earth, provides benefit to the host community, and creates spaces that allow the human soul to stand still, connect with other souls, and feel a sense of belonging.MOUNTAIN RESORT & HOTEL COMPLEXL A K E S E B U , S . C O T A B A T O
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JOLLIBEE ILOCOS SURI L O C O S S U R
JOLLIBEE ILOCOS SURI L O C O S S U R
louisemortelLouise Mortelhigh-end residentialNTOTAL GROSS FLR. AREA= 439 sq.m. PAVED AREAS = 192 sq.m. UNPAVED AREAS = 171.4 sq.m.1400024000SITE DEVELOPMENT PLANSCALE1:75METERS1A-3A-336PRC REG: TIN: IAPOA:PTR: DATE ISS: PLACE ISS:MANILA CITYSITE DEVELOPMENT PLANMR. AVIN ONGTHESE DRAWINGS & SPECIFICATIONS AS INSTRUMENT OF SERVICE ARE THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OF AR. ALBERT XAVIER M. MERANO. IT SHALL BE UNLAWFUL FOR ANY PERSON TO DUPLICATE, COPY AND REPRODUCE, IN PART OR IN WHOLE, WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE ARCHITECT. ALL MEASUREMENTS ARE TO BE VERIFIED ON THE SITE BY CONTRACTOR. ALL DISCREPANCIES ARE TO BE IMMEDIATELY REPORTED TO THE ARCHITECT AND PROJECT MANAGER. CONTRACTOR ARE TO PREPARE AND SUBMIT SHOP DRAWINGS TO ARCHITECT PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT OF WORKS.THREE (3)-STOREY RESIDENCE W/ BASEMENTP R O P O S E DARCHITECT-OF-RECORDREPUBLIC ACT NO. 9266 SECTION 33LOCATION:PROJECT TITLE:CARMEL ST., SAN MIGUEL VILLAGE, MAKATI CITYADDRESS:PROJECT OWNER:REVISIONS:DATE:DRAWN BY:SHEET CONTENTS:M+O DESIGN STUDIOSHEET NO.:DEVELOPMENTAL CONTROLSSetbacks: Front=5.00 meters Side=2.00 meters BHL= 10 meters 1. Total Lot Area (TLA)Rear = 2.00 metersTLA = 14.00m x 24.00m TLA = 336 sq.m2. Maximum Allowable Building Footprint (AMBF)AMBF = 10.00m x 17.00m AMBF = 170 sq.m3. Maximum Allowable Percentage of Site Occupancy (PSO)PSO = 55% (Residential) NBC PSO = 184.84. Total Open Space Requirements on Lots (TOSL)= 10%TOSL = ISA + USA x TLA TOSL = 30% + 15% x 336 sq.m TOSL = 45% x 336 sq.m TOSL = 151.2 sq.m5. Impervious Surface Area (ISA)= 30%ISA = TLA x 30% ISA = 336 x 0.30 ISA = 100.8 sq.m6. Unpaved Surface Area (USA) = 15%USA = TLA x 15% USA = 336 x 0.15 USA = 50.4 sq.m7. Maximum Allowable Construction Area (MACA)MACA = PSO + ISA MACA = 55% + 30% MACA = 858. Gross Floor Area (GFA)GFA = 65+192+121+61 GFA = 439 sq.m9. Total Gross Floor Area (TGFA)TGFA = AMBF x No. of Floors TGFA = 170 x 4 TGFA = 680 sq.m10. Floor Lot Area Ratio (FLAR)FLAR= GFA/TLA FLAR= 439 sq.m /336 sq.m FLAR= 1.3Check: 11. Total Lot Area (TLA) = MACA + USATLA = 85% + 15%TLA = 100%12. Open Space within Lot (TOSL)TOSL = TLA x 10% TOSL = 336 x 0.10 TOSL = 33.6 sq.m 3-STOREY W/ BASEMENT HIGH-END RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGB E L - A I R , M A K A T I
21903324POOL B 22 m²POOL A 9 m²55182193PANTRYUPMAIN KITCHEN 13 m²141813221321914181MAIN DINING 14 m²TERRACE37343734STAIRS & VT 9 m²UPLIVING AREA 29 m²17081708BALCONY 9 m²2 m²14 m²11530156635672918200024701939163828848930GRD. FLR. AREA= 121 sq.m.13941606214055181850DNLOUNGE 16 m²1528322114181SHOWER ROOM 3 m²322112133DN37343734WIC Room 5 m²STAIRS & VT 13 m²MASTER BEDROOM 18 m²T&B 5 m²17089530156635672918248034583028896613941606GRD. FLR. AREA= 61 sq.m.OPEN BELOWSECOND FLOOR PLANSCALETHIRD FLOOR PLANSCALE1:100 METERS1:100 METERS3 A-34 A-3A-336PRC REG: TIN: IAPOA:PTR: DATE ISS: PLACE ISS:MANILA CITYFLOOR PLANSALBERT XAVIER M. MERANO, uapMR. AVIN ONGTHESE DRAWINGS & SPECIFICATIONS AS INSTRUMENT OF SERVICE ARE THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OF AR. ALBERT XAVIER M. MERANO. IT SHALL BE UNLAWFUL FOR ANY PERSON TO DUPLICATE, COPY AND REPRODUCE, IN PART OR IN WHOLE, WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE ARCHITECT. ALL MEASUREMENTS ARE TO BE VERIFIED ON THE SITE BY CONTRACTOR. ALL DISCREPANCIES ARE TO BE IMMEDIATELY REPORTED TO THE ARCHITECT AND PROJECT MANAGER. CONTRACTOR ARE TO PREPARE AND SUBMIT SHOP DRAWINGS TO ARCHITECT PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT OF WORKS.THREE (3)-STOREY RESIDENCE W/ BASEMENTP R O P O S E DARCHITECT-OF-RECORDREPUBLIC ACT NO. 9266 SECTION 33LOCATION:PROJECT TITLE:CARMEL ST., SAN MIGUEL VILLAGE, MAKATI CITYADDRESS:PROJECT OWNER:REVISIONS:DATE:DRAWN BY:SHEET CONTENTS:M+O DESIGN STUDIOSHEET NO.:138413843221LAUNDRY 11 m²3221SERVICE KITCHEN 10 m²DINING 18 m²10047T&B 2 m²16902807STAIRS & VT 9 m²UP3752MAID'S ROOM 11 m²STORAGE 4 m²21902190GENSET 6 m² 66.3 SF55175518KITCHEN 15 m²GUEST ROOM 15 m²DRIVER'S ROOM 9 m²T&B 5 m²32083221LANAI 21 m²HALLWAY 17 m²2147037345442DNSTAIRS, VT & ENTRANCE HALLWAY 18 m²1708PORCH 10 m²731273324-CAR CARPORT112 m²6363356527982080192129751425115301480208729182000229533681761303512859448156213941606GRD. FLR. AREA= 65 sq.m.GRD. FLR. AREA= 192 sq.m.BASEMENT FLOOR PLANSCALE1:100 METERSGROUND FLOOR PLANSCALE1:100 METERS12 A-2A-2A-226PRC REG: TIN: IAPOA:PTR: DATE ISS: PLACE ISS:MANILA CITYFLOOR PLANSMR. AVIN ONGTHESE DRAWINGS & SPECIFICATIONS AS INSTRUMENT OF SERVICE ARE THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OF AR. ALBERT XAVIER M. MERANO. IT SHALL BE UNLAWFUL FOR ANY PERSON TO DUPLICATE, COPY AND REPRODUCE, IN PART OR IN WHOLE, WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE ARCHITECT. ALL MEASUREMENTS ARE TO BE VERIFIED ON THE SITE BY CONTRACTOR. ALL DISCREPANCIES ARE TO BE IMMEDIATELY REPORTED TO THE ARCHITECT AND PROJECT MANAGER. CONTRACTOR ARE TO PREPARE AND SUBMIT SHOP DRAWINGS TO ARCHITECT PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT OF WORKS.THREE (3)-STOREY RESIDENCE W/ BASEMENTP R O P O S E DARCHITECT-OF-RECORDREPUBLIC ACT NO. 9266 SECTION 33LOCATION:PROJECT TITLE:CARMEL ST., SAN MIGUEL VILLAGE, MAKATI CITYADDRESS:PROJECT OWNER:REVISIONS:DATE:DRAWN BY:SHEET CONTENTS:M+O DESIGN STUDIOSHEET NO.:
louisemortelLouise MortelThe goal for this interior project is to make spaces that feel comfortable, elegant and like home. Each of the spaces is a blend of clean contemporary lines, natural textures and under-stated luxury. The bedroom offers a peaceful escape with its floor-to-ceiling glass doors and private balcony. Soft colours, materials and finishes contribute to a calm atmosphere. The existing modern features work with the overall environment to create an experience of not only comfort, but also relaxation.Connecting to the living room is the double-height scale of light and volume, underscored by a featured wall of marble and lightened with woven touches and organic textures. It is a place to be together. This home's comfort is created not via excess but through thoughtful curation using natural materials, timeless shapes, and understated luxury.Large and small gatherings can take place at the long marble tabletop in the dining room. The vertical wall panels of wood and stone provide a beautiful background to set a warm and classy atmosphere. Above the dining table is a sculptural light fixture that provides a unique dining experience.
louisemortelLouise Mortel
This development is located within the Sta. Rosa Growth Corridor, an area of rapid development and expansion. The design and layout of the development will set a standard for suburban life that balances exclusivity with sustainability and community connection to place. The overall design includes a master plan that allows for harmony between private residences, community amenities, and green open space throughout the entire site. The use of wide, 15-meter major street access to commercial centres and recreation areas will ensure that the residents can enjoy both convenience and peace and quiet. The overall design allows for walkable community interaction where residents can access all of the lifestyle necessities within the confines of the neighbourhood. The residential product offerings consist of single-family homes in various styles from the Casa de Vivienda to Casa Grande, all created to cater to a variety of family sizes and needs while providing a unified architectural style. All of the homes are designed with contemporary Filipino aesthetics in mind, including features such as wide eaves, large banks of windows, the use of natural materials, and seamless integration of indoor-outdoor spaces. Lots have generous floor plans and will include roof decks, Lanais, Family Halls, and Swimming Pools, all designed with modern luxury, yet also honouring the traditional ideas of family gatherings and living in homes. Sustainability is the foundation of the project and the overall goal of the subdivision; the use of passive cooling techniques, trees providing landscaping buffers, and green planting areas will all help to lower the environmental impact of the project while improving comfort. The vision for the subdivision is to provide a community that fosters well-being, privacy and a sense of pride of place. With Sta. Rosa’s designation as “The Lion City of the South,” this development will position itself as an address that combines urban accessibility with resort- style living and redefine suburban luxury for families looking for an elegant place to live that will serve as a lasting investment.REDEFINING SUBURBAN LUXURY: A HIGH-END SUBDIVISION IN STA. ROSA LAGUNA
CIRCLE as a symbol for unity, social-loop, fluidity, sense of belonging and securityMARBLE ALMERES as a cultural metaphor. Traditionally used for blending ingredients, it is translated architecturally into a "vessel" where diverse people from different backgrounds mix and interact.CLAYCONCRETEMARBLEBAMBOOLOUVERSBANIGMATERIAL & ECONOMY CONCEPT20 METER EASEMENT ADHERED IN COMPLIANCE WITH WATER CODE.BUILDINGS ARE STRATEGICALLY ALIGNED TO HARNESS NATURAL VENTILATION WHILE MINIMIZING THE IMPACT OF PREVAILING WINDS.V-SHAPE FOR SECURITY AND VISTACENTRALIZED LAYOUT.ROAD ACCESS TO ESPLANADE.SERVICE ROAD ACCESS.BUILDINGS ARE STRATEGICALLY ORIENTED SO THE LONGEST DIMENSION FACES NORTH AND SOUTH.caringcarrying oncrossingHONEYMOONHONEYMOONHONEYMOONCULTURE SHOCKCULTURE SHOCKCULTURE SHOCKADJUSTMENTADJUSTMENTADJUSTMENTADAPTATIONADAPTATIONADAPTATIONGUYANGAN CAVE(kweba) Guyangan Cave System is said to be the cradle of cIvilization of the province. This idea is expressed through tunnel-like passages, varied spatial transitions, or introverted spaces, evoking the feeling of discovery and storytelling —like moving through a natural cave.BARUTO(fishing boat)This symbolizes Romblon's craftsmanship and industry, while its function of mixing represents the blending of diverse communities and cultures.ALMERES(mortar & pestle)Symbolizes the rich maritime and migration heritage of Romblon. This is integrated into the roof style, designed as an inverted baruto, reflecting movement, voyage, and the province’s connection to the sea.DESIGN CONCEPTSAILING THROUGHWAVES OF CULTUREFORM CONCEPTROMBLON CULTURAL COMPLEX:ROMBLON CULTURAL COMPLEX:PROMOTING AND BRIDGING ARCHIPELAGIC CULTURE THROUGH EXPERIENTIAL NARRATIVE ARCHITECTURE PROMOTING AND BRIDGING ARCHIPELAGIC CULTURE THROUGH EXPERIENTIAL NARRATIVE ARCHITECTUREDESIGN CONSIDERATIONSDESIGN PROGRAMDESIGN SUB-CONCEPTS“I want my architecture to speak to thI want my architecture to speak to thI want my architecture to speak to the memory of ae memory of ae memory of a place,place,place, tototo reflect thereflect thereflect the culture of a place,culture of a place,culture of a place, and to be anand to be anand to be an expression of the peopleexpression of the peopleexpression of the people that inhabit it.that inhabit it.that inhabit it. I want my architecture to speak to the memory of a place, to reflect the culture of a place, and to be an expression of the people that inhabit it. I want my architecture to speak to the memory of a place, to reflect the culture of a place, and to be an expression of the people that inhabit it. I want my architecture to speak to the memory of a place, to reflect the culture of a place, and to be an expression of the people that inhabit it.DESIGN PHILOSOPHYDAVID ADJAYE A d j a y e A s s o c i a t e sNeo-vernacular Architecture and Experiential Design. These introduces a contemporary reinterpretation of local architectural identity, acting as a narrative- driven framework that honors and reimagines cultural memory through space. It serves as a symbolic expression of tradition and place, creating emotionally engaging environments rooted in heritage and experience.EVOLUTION OF FORMThe Romblon Cultural Complex is envisioned to become a vibrant cultural landmark that celebrates and bridges the rich, diverse heritage and culture of Romblon Province. This complex aims to embody the province’s collective identity through a dynamic integration of experiential design and narrative architecture, forging meaningful connections between space, tradition, and community. RCC aspires to be a central venue for preserving and promoting Romblon’s tangible and intangible cultural assets, from folklore and craftsmanship to music, dance, and visual arts. Beyond being a repository of heritage, the complex will serve as a living cultural space, hosting exhibitions, workshops, performances, and educational programs that nurture local creativity and foster unity across the archipelago.Project briefDESIGN GOALThe main goal of this study is to design an integrated cultural space in the province of Romblon that is dedicated to promoting and bridge its archipelagic cultural heritage, strengthen social cohesion, and promote the long-term sustainability of Romblon province’s cultural identity. The complex aims to support the province’s slogan “One Province, One Romblon”.SITE INTERVENTION STRATEGIESROAD WITH BIOSWALE ELEVATED BUILDINGS ESPLANADE RIVER DEVELOPMENT LOUVERSNARRATIVE DRIVEN SPACESMA. LOUISE ANNE M. MORTELMA. LOUISE ANNE M. MORTELPUP-MANILAPUP-MANILATOP THESES A.Y. 2025- 2026HONORABLE MENTION HONORABLE MENTIONCOLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN, AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
TOP THESES A.Y. 2025- 2026HONORABLE MENTION HONORABLE MENTIONCOLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN, AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
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