CARLOS + ANTIQUE_ARCHITECTS

CARLOS + ANTIQUE_ARCHITECTS CARLOS + ANTIQUE ARCHITECTS is an architectural firm based in Dumaguete City that designs with onene

A Breathable Sanctuary: Carlos + Antique Unveils Earthquake Resilient and Eco-Friendly Terminal Concept for NegrosNegros...
09/06/2026

A Breathable Sanctuary: Carlos + Antique Unveils Earthquake Resilient and Eco-Friendly Terminal Concept for Negros

Negros Oriental, PHILIPPINES — In a major visionary step for the heart of a Negrense city, Carlos + Antique Architects has introduced a groundbreaking concept for a sustainable transit terminal tailored specifically for a Negrense downtown tricycle and jeepney lanes.

Led by principal Architect Ned Carlos, the concept directly addresses the intense urban heat and traffic congestion that local drivers and commuters face daily.

Applying Carlos’ signature Passive Green Architecture and philosophy of Intangible Pragmatism, the open-air hub features a soaring, undulating grid-shell canopy crafted entirely from structural bamboo, resilient to a magnitude 8.0 earthquake.

The sweeping organic framework is topped with a massive, engineered solar array that shades the vehicles below while generating clean energy, seamlessly blending tropical sustainability with a Negrense city's historic backdrop.

"Our tricycle and jeepney drivers are the backbone of our island’s daily economy, yet they operate on the absolute front lines of extreme tropical heat," says Carlos. "By placing a passive-green, highly functional bamboo terminal right in our cultural center, we prove that sustainable urban design can coexist beautifully with our heritage—protecting our drivers' health while preserving our unique commuter identity."

Image below ⬇️ A Sustainable Gateway for Negrense Commuters: An eye level perspective of the conceptual Passive Green transit terminal designed by Architect Ned Carlos of Carlos + Antique Architects. Sited in the heart of any Negrense city, the design replaces conventional concrete with a sweeping structural bamboo canopy and an integrated solar array, providing a breathable, eco-friendly sanctuary for local tricycle and jeepney drivers.

Architect Proposes "Adaptive Reuse" to Turn Aging Negros Heritage Homes into Thriving HubsDUMAGUETE CITY — Local archite...
26/05/2026

Architect Proposes "Adaptive Reuse" to Turn Aging Negros Heritage Homes into Thriving Hubs

DUMAGUETE CITY — Local architecture practice Carlos & Antique Architects has unveiled a conceptual framework advocating for the "adaptive reuse" of aging sugar heritage homes across Negros Oriental. Moving away from the trend of demolishing historic structures for generic concrete buildings, the firm is showcasing how ruined or neglected heritage properties can be retrofitted into vibrant, modern commercial spaces like cafes, boutique offices, and cultural hubs.

Grounded in the studio's design philosophy of "Nostalgic Modernism," the strategy preserves the original architectural identity and historical character of these structures while upgrading them with contemporary structural integrity and climate-resilient elements.

Key aspects of the heritage retrofitting framework include:
Preserving Historic Shells: Retaining original wooden frameworks, high ceilings, and stone foundations to maintain the distinct character of the sugar-era aesthetic.
Integrating Passive Green Design: Incorporating natural ventilation and passive cooling techniques inherent in traditional structures to reduce modern energy reliance.
Commercial Modernization: Retrofitting interiors with clean, industrial-modern fixtures suitable for premium commercial use without altering the historic facade.

"Demolishing our heritage homes erases the soul of Negros," said Architect Ned Carlos, Principal of Carlos & Antique Architects. "Through adaptive reuse, we can protect our historical identity while turning these aging properties into highly profitable, functional assets for the local economy right now."

The firm presents these conceptual case studies as an open roadmap for property owners and developers, proving that preservation and commercial progress can coexist beautifully in the region.

Image below: HERITAGE REBORN: A conceptual design by Carlos & Antique Architects demonstrates the power of "adaptive reuse," transforming an aging Negros sugar-era heritage structure into a vibrant, modern commercial hub featuring a boutique cafe and office spaces while meticulously preserving its historic stone foundations and wooden craftsmanship.

Architect Ned Carlos: Shaping a Greener, Walkable Dumaguete    榮耀歸於上帝DUMAGUETE CITY, PHILIPPINES — Originally published ...
21/05/2026

Architect Ned Carlos: Shaping a Greener, Walkable Dumaguete 榮耀歸於上帝

DUMAGUETE CITY, PHILIPPINES — Originally published in 2024 by the Dumaguete Tourism Office, this profile highlights Architect Ned Carlos, a prominent force in regional sustainable design who continues to champion a vision of urban development that blends environmental responsibility with civic functionality.

As the principal of Carlos & Antique Architects, Carlos has spent decades redefining the local architectural landscape, moving structural design away from energy dependence and toward passive green practices.

Born in Soriano’s PICOP in southern Surigao and an alumnus of the University of San Carlos in Cebu City, Carlos established his practice in Dumaguete City in 2001 alongside his wife, Menell Carlos. The firm is responsible for some of the city's most recognizable landmarks, including the St. John Bosco Chapel, the RUSI main building, and the prominent Dumaguete Cathedral Credit Cooperative (DCCCO) structures.

Beyond individual blueprints, Carlos’s true passion lies in the broader public realm. As a staunch devotee of green building, he remains at the forefront of advocacy to transform Dumaguete into a highly walkable, interconnected, and healthy city. By prioritizing pedestrian priority, natural ventilation, and human-centric design, his work challenges the status quo, advocating for public spaces that serve the community first.

Through innovative architecture and consistent urban advocacy, Ned Carlos continues to build a legacy that values sustainability, accessibility, and regional identity.

榮耀歸於上帝

Architect Ned Carlos Unveils Conceptual Vision to Reclaim Dumaguete’s Rizal-Perdices IntersectionDUMAGUETE CITY — Archit...
13/05/2026

Architect Ned Carlos Unveils Conceptual Vision to Reclaim Dumaguete’s Rizal-Perdices Intersection

DUMAGUETE CITY — Architect Ned Carlos, principal of Carlos & Antique Architects and former Director and President of the UAP-Dumaguete Chapter, has released a transformative concept for the intersection of Rizal Avenue and Perdices Street.

The plan reimagines this critical junction as a pedestrian-priority urban node, serving as a cornerstone for his "10-Minute Walkable City" visionary, conceptual master plan.

The design radically shifts the urban morphology by replacing motorized lanes with wide, permeable-paved sidewalks and separated bicycle paths. Framed by the historic Dumaguete Cathedral belfry, the redesign balances "Nostalgic Modernism" with 21st-century environmental resilience.

Key Visionary Features:
• Passive Green Infrastructure: Large native Narra trees and lush palms provide natural shade, reducing the urban heat island effect.
• Solar Bamboo Canopy: A central structure made of sustainable bamboo offers shaded seating and integrated solar power.
• Decentralized Connectivity: Artistic signage directs users to nearby "Market Hubs" within a 5-minute walk, promoting localized commerce.
• Active Mobility: The layout prioritizes non-motorized transport to reduce oil dependence and enhance public health.

“My mission is to bring heaven to earth,” says Carlos. “It is far more practical to build paradise where we stand than to wait for it elsewhere. By reclaiming these streets, we are designing the sanctuary our city deserves”.

Image below ⬇️ RECLAIMING THE CORE. A conceptual vision by Architect Ned Carlos of Carlos & Antique Architects transforms the Rizal Avenue and Perdices Street intersection into a vibrant, pedestrian-priority urban node. The concept replaces motorized traffic lanes with wide, permeable-paved sidewalks and dedicated bicycle paths to encourage non-motorized transport. At the center, a sustainable bamboo canopy with integrated solar panels provides shaded seating, framed by native Narra trees and the historic Dumaguete Cathedral belfry. This concept is a key component of Carlos’s "10-Minute Walkable City" initiative, aimed at reducing oil dependence through human-centric urban morphology.

Architect Ned Carlos Unveils “Green Arteries” Plan to Reclaim Banica River for DumagueteñosDUMAGUETE CITY — Architect Ne...
16/04/2026

Architect Ned Carlos Unveils “Green Arteries” Plan to Reclaim Banica River for Dumagueteños

DUMAGUETE CITY — Architect Ned Carlos has released a bold new vision for the Banica River, proposing to transform the city’s primary waterway from a concrete-lined drainage path into a multi-tiered Green Linear Park.

As part of his broader “10-Minute Walkable City” initiative, Carlos envisions the riverbanks as the city’s new “Green Arteries.” The plan replaces vehicular lanes and stagnant concrete edges with lush bamboo groves, native fern gardens, and permeable pedestrian paths.

Key Features of the Banica River Solution:
• Climate-Responsive Shading: Utilizing native vegetation to lower the micro-climate temperature by several degrees, making outdoor activity viable year-round.
• Sustainable Connectivity: Elevated, shaded bamboo-and-steel bridges designed to connect neighborhoods across the river, creating “10-minute shortcuts” that bypass traffic-congested roads.
• Eco-Friendly Infrastructure: Integrating sustainable hardwood seating and bioswales to manage urban runoff naturally while providing high-quality public space.

“The Banica River should be the lifeblood of Dumaguete, not a backyard forgotten to the elements,” said Carlos. “By reclaiming these banks for people and nature, we provide a healthy, safe, and beautiful corridor for the city to breathe and move without a car.”

The project aims to serve as a model for provincial river rehabilitation, proving that urban resilience can be both functional and aesthetic.

Image below ⬇️ Architect Ned Carlos’ bold proposal for the morphology of the Banica River corridor. Previously car-priority infrastructure is replaced by a multi-tiered green linear park. Shaded bicycle and pedestrian bridges connect different sides of the river, integrated with permeable paving and native bamboo groves. This strategy reclaims an existing natural asset as primary pedestrian infrastructure, offering a '10-Minute' shortcut between inner barangays.

Negrense Architect Ned Carlos Pushes for ‘10-Minute Walkable City’ to Shield Dumaguete from Global Oil CrisisDUMAGUETE C...
15/03/2026

Negrense Architect Ned Carlos Pushes for ‘10-Minute Walkable City’ to Shield Dumaguete from Global Oil Crisis

DUMAGUETE CITY — As the conflict in the Middle East sends shockwaves through local gas pumps, Dumaguete Architect Ned Carlos is proposing a bold "Negros-made" solution to global instability: transforming Dumaguete into a 10-Minute Walkable City.

With the Iran-Israel and US tensions driving fuel prices to record highs, Carlos argues that the city’s traditional reliance on motorized transport—from cars to the iconic tricycle—has become a vulnerability. His vision seeks to return the "City of Gentle People" to its roots, where life moves at a human pace and essential needs are just a short walk away.

Breaking the "Oil Trap"

“Every time a missile is fired in the Middle East, the working-class Dumagueteño feels it in their pocket,” said Architect Carlos. “We are currently at the mercy of a global oil market we cannot control. By redesigning our city so that work, school, and market are within a 10-minute walk, we aren't just going green—we are achieving economic independence.”

Carlos points out that Dumaguete’s compact geography makes it the perfect candidate for this urban revolution. Unlike the sprawling metropolitan areas of Cebu or Manila, Dumaguete’s core is naturally suited for high-density, pedestrian-friendly living.

The Carlos Plan: A New Way to Move

The proposal moves away from the "highway-first" mentality and focuses on four key pillars:

• Barangay Hubs: Developing local economies within sub-villages so residents don’t have to "go to town" for every basic errand.

• The "Shade" Initiative: Planting native trees along key corridors to ensure that walking in the tropical heat is comfortable and viable for all ages.

• Pedestrian Sovereignty: Widening sidewalks and creating dedicated bike lanes that connect the Silliman area to the downtown core and the Rizal Boulevard.

• Tricycle Modernization: Integrating the city’s famous tricycles as a secondary "last-mile" support system rather than the primary mode of short-distance travel.

A Model for Negros

While the plan is tailored for Dumaguete, Carlos believes it serves as a blueprint for neighboring cities like Bacolod and Bayawan. As the oil crisis threatens the transport of sugar and local goods, Carlos insists that urban resilience is the only way forward.

"We have always been a city of strollers and scholars," Carlos added. "It’s time our infrastructure reflected that. We need to stop building for the cars we can’t afford to fuel and start building for the people who live here."

Flames of Innovation:  CARLOS + ANTIQUE_ARCHITECTS ignite the Year of the Fire Horse with an abstract architectural symp...
17/02/2026

Flames of Innovation:

CARLOS + ANTIQUE_ARCHITECTS ignite the Year of the Fire Horse with an abstract architectural symphony of bold lines, fragmented forms, and ink‑washed textures, merging ancestral spirit with modern construction fire.” 🌟🏛️🔥.

創新之火:卡洛斯+古董_建築師用大膽的線條、支離破碎的形式和水墨紋理的抽象建築交響曲點燃了火馬年,將祖先的精神與現代建築之火融合在一起。 🌟🏛️🔥

Halfway to Industrial Perfection: The House of Ani Update 🏗️ this Valentines 💘 We are thrilled to share that the House o...
14/02/2026

Halfway to Industrial Perfection: The House of Ani Update 🏗️ this Valentines 💘

We are thrilled to share that the House of Ani is officially 50% complete!

CARLOS + ANTIQUE_ARCHITECTS transition from blueprints to a physical structure is a journey of raw beauty. The "harsh" concrete panels are up, and you can already feel the unmistakable contrast that will make this home a landmark in its neighborhood.

Currently balancing that rugged industrial shell with the warmth that makes a house a home.

Next up: reclaimed wood accents and those signature expansive glass windows.

Stay tuned as we continue to cultivate raw materials into something truly sophisticated.

"Nostalgic Modernism":  Sustainable Vision for Dumaguete Dumaguete City, Philippines - Architect Ned Carlos, principal o...
11/02/2026

"Nostalgic Modernism": Sustainable Vision for Dumaguete

Dumaguete City, Philippines - Architect Ned Carlos, principal of Carlos & Antique Architects, has launched "Nostalgic Modernism", a design philosophy that combines ancestral wisdom with modern engineering to create sustainable, high-performance buildings.

Carlos emphasizes that buildings should be "breathing machines" that respect the environment, rather than just aesthetically pleasing structures. He draws inspiration from world renowned architects Kengo Kuma’s spiritual harmony and Buckminster Fuller’s technical rigor, applying these principles to the Filipino context.

The approach prioritizes natural light, open air, and a connection to the surroundings, while integrating modern, sustainable engineering solutions to optimize performance and reduce environmental impact. "It's architecture that remembers where it came from while knowing exactly where it's going," Carlos explains. His designs incorporate innovative materials like self-healing Bio-Concrete, balancing humanity and modernity.

"The game has changed," says Carlos. "It is no longer enough for a building to be a beautiful object; it must be a breathing machine that respects the earth."

Photo: In a world of sterile "glass boxes," Architect Ned Carlos introduces a new ruleset for the Negrense tropics: Nostalgic Modernism. This philosophy rejects energy-dependent design in favor of "breathing machines" that respect the earth while honoring our heritage.

“Heaven on Earth” series

Architect Menell Carlos Unveils "Heaven on Earth" Design PhilosophyArchitect Menell Carlos has announced a transformativ...
05/02/2026

Architect Menell Carlos Unveils "Heaven on Earth" Design Philosophy

Architect Menell Carlos has announced a transformative new vision for their practice, dedicated to "bringing the Kingdom of Heaven to Earth." This ethos moves beyond mere construction, focusing on the creation of spaces that manifest divine order, peace, and beauty within the built environment.

"Architecture is the sacred craft of grounding heavenly ideals into our earthly reality," says Arch. Menell Carlos. "My mission is to translate the divine into the tangible, designing spaces that serve as a bridge between the celestial and the terrestrial."

By prioritizing light, proportion, and spiritual harmony, Carlos aims to redefine modern living through a "divine-to-tangible" approach. Her upcoming projects will serve as a testament to this philosophy, creating environments that elevate the human spirit.

Address

Suite M-2 Plaza Milagros Building, Perdices Cor. Sta. Rosa St. , Dumaguete City
Negros Oriental
6200

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