space matters: a casa in metro manila
Written by designfolder on December 4, 2009 – 10:59 am -
It all started with the acquisition of a comoda. The owner of this uniquely Filipino home started collecting antiques after falling in love with a single beautiful piece. We love how he turned his antique collection into a passion for recreating a 19th century Vigan-style bahay na bato right in the middle of the country’s busiest city.
Guided and inspired by Felice Sta. Maria’s Household Antiques and Heirlooms and Philippine Ancestral Houses by Fernando Zialcita and Martin Tinio, Jr., he collected materials and furniture from old houses in Ilocos and Binondo and from junk shops and garage sales to build his family’s dream house.
His wife left all design decisions to him but requested that he keep flamboyant and ornate carvings and details to a minimum. And it looks like he granted her wish. There are a number of intricate elements in the space but they don’t feel overpowering. The home is airy and light – true to the characteristics of an authentic bahay na bato.
There were just too many interesting details, like this medieval-looking Christmas décor in the picture below (inspired by Elton John’s collection of Philippine antique santos) that fit the old world feel of the house, that we couldn’t fit them all in one post.
Watch out for the second part where we’ll show you the different furniture pieces and accessories that make this home unique. We’ll also share with you in the coming weeks this experienced homeowner’s guidelines on collecting and maintaining antiques. 
Tags: architecture, bahay na bato, filipino homes, home, interior design, philippine architecture, space matters. ancestral house
Posted in space matters | 3 Comments »
