Contemporary Twist
This modern home located south of Manila radiates the owners’ love for design and entertaining
Building a house is a sizable feat, yet in some instances, the best results emerge when things are taken into one’s own hands. The homeowner of this contemporary abode—a lover of design with an extensive background and years of experience in steel fabrication—put the initial plans aside and, singlehandedly continued with a more sound and personal imprint on the new home being constructed. He desired a quiet retreat for his family. Creating an escape from the noise of the big city sums up the home, tucked away on a high point in a hilly suburban enclave. The gently rolling environment is one of comfort and promise: children running in playgrounds or adults out for dusk time strolls, with the birds chirping and breeze rustling leaves creating ambient sound.
“We wanted to bring much of the outside in,” he and his wife share, instinctively removing unwanted concrete walls in order to take advantage of the surrounding: a thicket of graceful bamboo held in place by steel rods strung across the perimeter, as well as generous views of the lake and mountains nearby. A sizable canopy shelters the entrance, the line of which traverses the entire structure from front to back. Rising towards the main door, the home’s initial greeting is replete with layers of greens, Japanese bonsai, and stone figures, rounded off with a striking outdoor seating in the shape of a woman’s lips designed by Salvador Dali for BD Barcelona.
One is welcomed by a warm open space of generous height. Tall glass windows allow light to flood the two storey space that looks out onto bright, cloudless days and stark yet starry nights. Standing guard in this space is a dramatic image of a womanly figure, a groundbreaking project that combined art
and digital technology, between Filipino National Artist Bencab and Dutch design company Moooi Carpets.
“We looked for elements or touches of surprise for our house, each one with a story to tell,” the couple volunteers. Such surprises opened up some years ago, during a chance visit to Euro-centred design showroom Abitare Internazionale, where the homeowners were immediately taken by the charisma and audacity of the distinctive and uncommon pieces on display. Striking a shared chord led to regular visits that turned into an on-going relationship with the showroom’s owners. “We’re not really interested in something predictable, we’re interested in things that are different and unexpected,” they explain.
In many instances, the lines between “formal” living and dining rooms are blurred, bringing an accessible notion of modernity and ease. The owner’s own hand is felt with a personal take on the staircase, composed of steel and collected aged wood. The expertise of many years working with steel has produced a quiet dexterity that is evident in minute laser-cut details that support the main staircase, as well as with the sturdy single strain staircase used to access the basement garage and “man cave.”
Apart from steel, there is extensive use of monolithic concrete, brick, and repurposed wood that lends a comfortably worn air throughout the home. A preference for distinctive and handmade details dot the house: a display shelf crafted of steel and aged wood in a niche, a shower of metallic flowers on the entrance wall, and a large painting by the owner himself, to name a few.
With their self-described style as “contemporary with a mix of vintage,” the young couple have created a subtle and understated living space, where friends and family regularly gather. A pair of supple leather sofas anchor the area, accompanied by an inviting modern leather lounger with a loose sheepskin rug. Neutral palettes of gray, white, and black tie it all together.
Popping up in different corners are the owners’ signature unique, delightful touches that come in many sizes: a collection of miniature fauna, whimsical porcelain creations, or even unexpected statement pieces such as a “Monkey” or “Pig” side table that enhance the feeling of exuberance that pervades the space. The latter functions as a butler table holding drinks and spirits.
The airiness continues in their dining area where meals and stories are filling. A generously
sized “Table B” table by Konstantin Grcic for BD Barcelona, seems to float and beckon. “I love the dining table because it looks like a wing of an airplane,” the husband says describing the sleek and bold stunner accentuated with handmade Venetian glass art and topped by a pair of iron leaf-shaped Moooi lighting that casts an alluring glow.
“We love to entertain family and friends who come over and get comfortable,” they both share. As a continuation of the dining area, the pristine and well-fitted kitchen also bears their imprint. Made of stainless steel, in keeping with preference for low maintenance and ease, the couple enjoys cooking hearty meals themselves.
Heading up to the second floor, the master bedroom is an expansive and welcoming sanctuary in itself. A king-size bed makes a wonderful place for rest and dreaming, rising to a captivating vista that sweeps and inspires. Family time is well spent for movies, kid-friendly flicks, or late evening features. The relaxing vibe continues into the en suite walk-in closet and airy bathroom, with plush fixtures that entice and seduce.
The couple describes the fine furnishing that fill their daughter’s room as “timeless things she can use and grow old with.” A streamlined bed from Italian bedroom specialist Flou that can be easily raised for additional storage space is matched with an elegant desk and shelving system, both with built-in soft LED lighting, from Italian design company Natevo. Contemporary art and an enchanting bird-shaped lamp by Moooi rounds up her young space.
Their boy’s room, on the other hand, is inspired by the owner’s father, deliberately washed with memories: old family photographs, a restored old scooter, and a vintage tripod camera are a few priceless heirloom pieces that make stories come alive in a warm and familiar setting.
Being a contemporary home full of personality, the present notion of entertaining characteristically lies behind one of the
homeowner’s own painted works. These special spaces, often times overtly masculine in temperament are called many names: den, game room, man cave, what was initially a conventional garage has been transformed into a surprising and well balanced underground retreat: a cosy Love sofa and a pair of Shift seaters from Moooi are set off by a striking Eden Garden floral rug by Marcel Wanders for Moooi Carpets. This “man cave” certainly invites one to linger, and at times, even slide into cosy naps at any time of the day.
A gaming table perfect for poker sessions keeps company with the owner’s collection of roadsters and handsome automobiles. This secluded spot complete with an impressively stocked bar, is a place where hours are spent with friends. The man of the house has another trick up his sleeve: he personally prepares and mixes potent cocktails for guests and can even spin hip tracks on the DJ table.
From the ground up, this home is a deeply personal signature expressed in timely and contemporary lines. Beyond that and more importantly, it is a wonderful starting point for the young family’s future that overflows with warmth, delight, and surprises.