Designed to mimic the cascading contours of the Banaue Rice Terraces — a living national cultural treasure and landscape of the Philippines, manually carved and handcrafted by the Filipino Ifugao ancestors approximately 2,000 years ago. The studio envisions “The Rise” as a sustainable luxury condominium development that blends with nature and aims to echo the beauty of Filipino creativity and craftsmanship. A cascading silhouette of Philippine pride arises as a tribute to the forefathers of this monumental masterwork.

By working with nature, the form was derived from the original mapped-out contour lines of the Banaue Rice Terraces intricately imprinted into the sloping site, shaping a structure that embodies an organic design typology. The step-like structure resembles seamless treads, evocative of movement from past to future. The conforming curves, like a ripple of waves, represent how architecture continuously evolves over time.

From “Rice” to “Rise”, the reimpression centers on how each unit appears to move higher – emanating the elevated lifestyle this proposed development intends to offer. The unit cuts are born from the undulations of every curve, creating exciting spatial-relation opportunities, granting room to a seamless indoor-outdoor experience with the feeling of having the advantages of a home with the conveniences of condominium living.

Amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Rise’s planning was driven by profound awareness of the growing desire for green spaces and to reconnect with the healing touch of nature during lockdowns and isolation. Recognizing the benefits of nature on mental well-being, the project prioritized integrating green elements into each unit, evoking a sense of calm and balance.
One of the project’s main pillars is to become a sustainable community thus, The Rise is pursuing a 5-star BERDE* Certification, the highest rating in the local green building system in the Philippines with a tailored approach to the country’s unique environmental landscape, climate conditions, cultural aspects, and sustainability goals.

Form coexists with function at The Rise, a 19-storey condominium development featuring 146 units meticulously crafted with livability as the primary focus. Each residential unit is thoughtfully designed to maximize panoramic vistas and provide expansive outdoor spaces for its residents.
Strategic design elements such as gaps between units to introduce sufficient natural light and ventilation, inclined lift solution to a terracing structure that moves individuals from one level to another, privacy fences and intentional landscape planters to preserve visual boundaries that enhance both functionality and aesthetics.

Truly a project helmed by nature and crafted by design, The Rise at Monterrazas is an architectural landmark that will leave a significant and lasting mark to the architectural landscape of Cebu City.