Living close to nature can have profound benefits on a person’s overall health and well-being. Those who live close to green spaces are less likely to be obese, inactive, or dependent on anti-depressants. If you're thinking of building a new home, here's a possible inspiration. We recently discovered a house that’s not only located in a nature-inspired estate, it has an actual mango tree inside it.

The property is located in Country Club Drive in Ayala Alabang Village. Called “Mango House,” it is built around a mango tree which existed way before the construction of the property. British architect Guz Wilkinson designed the structure. The guy is a proponent of preserving the integrity of the natural spaces he builds on. The design was executed by local architect Arnel Dyanghirang.

Meanwhile, Filipino landscape artist Jun Obrero is responsible for designing the estate’s beautiful, lush garden landscape. Obrero is famous for his work on Antonio’s Restaurant in Alfonso, Tagaytay; One Rockwell Condominium and Joya Lofts and Towers in Makati; and Fernwood Gardens in Quezon City. 

What’s easily impressive about the Mango House is the seamless transitions between the internal and external elements. The rooms are spacious, well-ventilated, and high-ceilinged. They’re also well-lit, thanks to huge windows that allow natural light to come in.

A major focal point apart from the mango tree is the 148-square meter lagoon-like saltwater pool which makes the house look like a dreamy oasis. Also lending a relaxed feel to the house is a waterfall fixture where the water cascades into the koi pond.

It took seven years for the owner to build the property, offers video presenter Annika Sy. It’s mainly because the main material used to construct it is narra which apparently is no longer as easy to come by. Huge slabs of narra were used on the flooring, ceiling, and walls of certain areas of the house.

Another interesting feature of Mango House is its floating staircase, called as such because it has no visible supporting structure, giving off the illusion that it’s floating in space. In reality, of course, the staircase made of locally sourced dau wood is attached to the wall.

The house also has a “jungle room,” which has a beautiful balcony that offers tranquil views of the trees, the terrarium, and the pool. The balcony has a glass sliding door protected by an automated curtain.

Check out the rest of the property by watching the YouTube video.