MODERN AND ASIAN IN KAWIT
At the rate his designs have been making a dent in the local landscape, it won’t be surprising if he makes his strong presence felt in the hotel and resort scene
Cavite is known for talismans and insurgents of yore. Lately, local culinary offerings have also been hogging the limelight. This province offers another attraction: the ancestral houses where heroes once lived. Cavite, though, has also become a hub for modern architecture, what with new subdivisions sprouting and new houses being built.
One up-and-coming talent has perfectly blended aesthetics and function in his design.
Joshua Ryan San Juan has always loved designing even as a child. He eventually earned his architectural degree from De La Salle University in Dasmariñas, Cavite. After his work with Atelier Almario of the celebrated Almario sisters, he set out on his own and braved the competitive world of architectural profession and business.
His hard work and eye for perfection have propelled his company into one of the top reliable firms for home and office projects. At the rate his designs have been making a dent in the local landscape, it won’t be surprising if he makes his strong presence felt in the hotel and resort scene. And that may be sooner than soon.
In this spread, he shows us a product of collaboration with Architect Rene “Richie” Corquera of Airworx ---- the Kawit, Cavite residence of Alvin & Gemma Papa, which is basically Modern Asian.
Built in 2017, the house boasts of textured tiled walls, warm wood and soft lighting, with curated pieces of antique and indoor plants completing the balanced look. The energy circulates smoothly from the living room to the kitchen and dining area and vice versa.
The Papa home expresses the owners’ love for art and the peculiar hobbies of the family members. Some blue and white porcelain heirloom pieces sit atop the sturdy shelf. The earth colors provide a break from the hectic world outside as the Papas come home to a relaxing ambience.
The homey atmosphere flows up to the second-floor family area which one reaches by sauntering up the staircase of elegantly combined glass, steel and wood elements. Complementing these elements is the up-lighted low pedestal where a pot of verdure breathes life into the space.
As one enters the bedrooms, the personalities of the occupants are manifested. The colorful room conveys the upbeat charm of a girl. The boy’s room has a simple structured privacy with a study area, while his toy collection is neatly displayed on the shelf. The masters’ bedroom is haven for the tired parents. The four-post framed bed and personal space for husband and wife is just right for unwinding by watching TV on the lounge chairs. Adding charm and personal touch to the room are wall frames with their nostalgic photos which adorn the wall. The lighting evidently plays an integral role in highlighting the elements in the interior of this house.
“I love seamless architecture and interiors,” says Josh, who loves traveling as it allows him exposure to various architectural trends through time. “It is the kind where both exterior and interior speak the same language.”
As for his guiding principle when designing a space, he says, “I believe every project should make a statement; it should tell a story to captivate both clients and their guests. It should be functional and artistic.
“More importantly, I am inspired by my client’s vision. It’s critical that we’re both on the same page. When home owners come to you for a design, they already have a vision, but I consider it my responsibility to give them my best version of their vision and hopefully we see eye to eye. It is a joy if they embrace my ideas fully.
“It’s easy to come up with ideas and elaborate designs but every project has to start with the client, their intended use, what makes them happy and their budget — after all, it’s their house and hard-earned savings. Every space is a product of the collaboration of the client and the designer.”
Architect Josh has created another living space warmed by the daily exchanges of love and laughter within a contented family.