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sale alert!: heima

Visit Heima in LRI, Makati and in CubaoX for their month-long sale this July!

space matters: bamboo goes modern

Bamboo (the unprocessed poles) for me was traditional, low-cost structures usually found in rural areas. It is anything but modern and sophisticated. That’s how I perceived the humble indigenous material until I saw this design in one of Green Guide’s  architectural magazines four years ago.

This is the Great ‘Bamboo’ Wall, designed by Japanese architect, Kengo Kuma, as one of the 11 private houses in an ecologically aware complex near The Great Wall of China.

Originally, Kuma’s idea of a house is “a sheet of floor floating in nature”, his philosophical reaction against the 20^th century architecture that is dominated by a strong sense of enclosure defined by steel and concrete (Architectural Design 2003). However, his perspective shifted from the horizontal to a vertical emphasis when he designed this modern bamboo house.

Inspired by the Great Wall of China, Kuma highlighted the presence of the walls while staying true to his “anti-enclosure” philosophy. He did this by making the walls permeable and transparent, much like a skin, using bamboo poles as the main material.

Apart from the design’s profound concept, I especially appreciate the “revamped image” given to bamboo by featuring it as a part of a modern architectural composition. Consequently, the organic appeal of bamboo gave this modern, minimalist structure a softer, more natural face. -ardel

*photos via Kengo Kuma‘s site and Architectural Design (September/October 2003)

in good taste: breakfast at antonio’s

I’ve been meaning to visit the newly renovated Antonio’s restaurant in Tagaytay. Good thing a friend of ours invited us to have breakfast there during the long weekend. I’ve been to the old Antonio’s restaurant and Breakfast at Antonio’s, and both were very successful in creating a wonderful ambiance for its customers. Naturally, I had high expectations for the new one and it did not disappoint me.

Reception area of Antonio’s

The interiors of the dining areas were very easy on the eyes, making use of only white and black paint. I love how the designer was able to include key elements to make the space look fresh and inviting. Apart from using intricately designed tiles and lamps, wooden pieces were also into integrated creating a very homey atmosphere.

Big vases in bold colors were also used as accent pieces

We ate at the ground floor, surrounded by big windows, perfect for the cool Tagaytay breeze. Of course the food was fantastic! You can choose from a wide variety of Filipino and Continental dishes. In case you plan to visit, order the french toast and the beef roesti - ana

design trail: traveling without moving

I just took the Lakbayan quiz and I got a C-! I guess I haven’t really gotten to explore much of the Philippines yet. For those of us who lack the time and resources to travel the country, plus63.com (or +63 which is the area code of the Philippines) is a great alternative to see the sights. Plus63 Visuals + Vibes is a “site for Philippine Music and Travel discovery”.  You even get to hear original Filipino music while looking at the amazing photos (some of which I’ve posted here).

You can also share your photos from your travels to different parts of the country. Visit plus63.com for more info. - lilli

{photos courtesy of plus63.com; photos from the top: airplane by melody sy, shoegazing by charles buenconsejo, capiz by berns de leon, miniature vigan, sunset by small onglatco}

style shopping: wine story

Because of their taste and the immediate dizziness that I get from them, I’m not a fan of alcoholic beverages except for the sweet and highly diluted mimosa (with lots of orange juice). In spite of that, I have always been intrigued by the culture behind wine. You can count me as a wine ignorant until I got the assignment to cover Wine Story, a new wine shop in Shangri-La Plaza Mall.

Established by the same company behind Healthy Options, Wine Story is definitely not your usual wine store. Unlike other shops that simply sell wines, Wine Story is like your one-stop shop for everything about wine. On top of their wide selection of wines, they also carry crystal wares, wine books and tasting diaries for those wine aficionados. 

What primarily sets it apart from other stores is that it only carries high-end wines with Bordeaux being their specialty. Compared to common table wines, I was told that the high-end ones boast of a more complex taste. Their bottles are displayed like how one would display diamond jewelries—showcased in a lighted glass case (bottom photo) which, in their case, also functions as a cellar.

Because their bottles are pricey (if I remember correctly, the least expensive bottle is at Php 5,000), they allow their clients to “preview” some of their selections before settling on a bottle. Their 32-bottle enomatic machines or automatic wine dispensers (top photo) make wine tasting look and feel so high-tech. A small LED panel (above) displays the characteristic of each wine and the prices per glass. For wine enthusiasts and wine newbies alike, this feature also makes it possible to enjoy different wines without spending a fortune.

To complement its high-end identity, the store’s interior, designed by interior designer Nicky Magcase, features top of the line materials and finishes to give the brand an equally luxurious image. -ardel

conscious living: how big is your ecological footprint?

I just completed an Ecological Footprint Quiz which is part of an assignment for my Designing with Nature class. I faired pretty well in the categories of food, housing, and goods and services with a lower than average Filipino footprint. Unfortunately, my carbon footprint (home energy & transport) was way higher than normal because I usually drive alone. Good thing I drive a small car, and have limited trips, averaging at 750 km/month only, mainly because I work from home.

Go take the quiz here. Don’t forget to click on and read the additional tips within the quiz on how you can reduce your ecological footprint. -ardel

design trail: not your usual museum trip

It’s back-to-school once again! And in keeping with the current “happening”, we’re featuring our schools, UP Diliman and Ateneo University, in a different light, showing off their artsy side. Apart from being two of the Philippines’ top universities, both are also venues for noted works in art and architecture. Today, we’ll take a peek at UP Diliman’s campus.

I have always thought of UP as a prestigious school with a pleasant environment because of its trees. It was only after I went through Ana’s photos of the campus when I realized that UP is like one huge museum, displaying works from several National Artists in both art and architecture. Two spots that stand out are the Parish of the Holy Sacrifice, commonly referred to as the UP Chapel, and the Quezon Hall or the administration building.

Designed by National Artist for architecture Leandro Locsin, the 1950s modernist UP Chapel is the country’s first church with a circular layout and the first structure with a thin-shell concrete dome architecture. Unlike most churches that are enclosed, the chapel is basically open except for the slanted columns and wall segments that provide partial enclosure to the interior space. The whole perimeter above the walls is also open for indirect natural lighting and passive cooling through the stack effect.

Together with Leandro Locsin, there are three other National Artists that are “on display” in the Chapel. The unusual ceiling-mounted, two-sided crucifix and altar table were made by Napoleon Abueva (a distant relative, I’m proud to say!), a National Artist for sculpture and the Father of modern Philippine sculpture. The wall murals depicting the stations of the cross were done by Vicente Manansala and Ang Kiukok, while the floor pattern entitiled The River of Life was made by Arturo Luz, all three being National Artists for painting.

Another art site is the imposing American colonial structure of Quezon Hall where the famous Oblation statue can be found. Designed by Juan Nakpil, another National Artist for architecture who is also recognized as the pioneer of modern Philippine architecture, Quezon Hall features neoclassic details like its symmetrical façade and tall classical fluted columns but minus the typical capital and base.

The UP Oblation, on the other hand, was by Guillermo Tolentino, another National Artist for sculpture. A statue of a naked man, the Oblation has always been synonymous with UP, representing its ideals of selfless dedication and service to the nation.

On your next visit to UP, take time to go to these sites, as well as the other buildings along the academic oval, for an unconventional Philippine art tour. -ardel

space matters: tiny apartment transformer

Here’s a design riddle for you: how do you fit 24 rooms in a 30-square meter space?

Change the walls to make the small space transform in 24 different ways!

This was the concept behind the design of this apartment. By incorporating moving walls and foldable components, Architect Gary Chang of Hong Kong has definitely made the most out of his small space. See for yourself in the video above.

The “one space fits all” idea is not new to us. The bahay kubo demonstrates a simple version of this concept where one space is used as a living,  dining, and a sleeping area by folding, unfolding, removing, and adding furnishings. However, Chang’s design incorporates more sophisticated strategies and components to suit today’s complex lifestyle.

I wonder if in the near future this would become the standard, as we see more and more condos being built in the city. I doubt it, though, because it would still be relatively expensive locally. Pricey steel tracks and lightweight wall systems were used for ease of movement. But Chang’s solutions are definitely ingenious.

Check out his other project The Suitcase House Hotel which used a similar design concept.

diy project: illustrated ziplocks

Over the weekend, I started working on the items that I’ll be sending for the Art Swap Project: 1) a greeting card with a watercolor illustration and 2) a coffee painted throwpillow. I initially learned about Art Swap via a blog post by Babalisme, an illustrator & graphic designer from Indonesia. While I’m finishing my artworks, let me share with you these cute and practical illustrated ziplocks that Babalisme made for the swap.

When I finish my art projects, I’ll start decorating & labeling my travel ziplocks for my electronic items, toiletries, undies, and swimwear during my free time. They’ll be a better alternative to those expensive store-bought organizing bags.

You can even use these illustrated ziplocks as instant, reusable gift bags. -ardel

space matters: white on my mind

Ardel’s makeover post the other day made me think about my favorite spaces.  Ever since I started following design blogs, I always loved looking at all-white spaces and wondered if I can create this kind of look in my future home. I thought I’d share with you some of my favorites:

What’s your favorite space? -ana

Photos by Pia Ulin, Siren Lauvdal from Emma’s blog