So 2009's first month is half done already, and I'm just on my first post for the year. Funny how when I'm cramped with so many goings-on -- get-togethers here and there, gifts to wrap, project deadlines to be met, drawings to finish -- I find it so much harder to write a post. So many wonderful things have happened (and I say 'wonderful' because I want to sort of start off the year with optimism--my battle plan against the impending recession!) over the last couple of weeks, that I can't decide which ones to write about first.
The Greenfields Estates project is almost done, and I'm quite happy with how the design showed on the final perspectives. My client's design preference actually turned out to be more tropical-modern than modern balinese. I mentioned in an earlier post that I'm going to be posting other views of the house as soon as they're done, so here they are:
View of the pocket garden that cuts through the center of the house:
View of the den:
View of hallway at the 2nd floor:
I've been worrying quite a lot about the recession that's supposedly impacting us this year, especially since the industry I'm in (design/construction/real estate) is a direct hit, which is why I was extremely grateful and pleasantly surprised when i came across really good project prospects -- four of them. Three of these are commercial/retail projects, and the other one's a renovation project for a restaurant in Makati. I'm absolutely excited about this, so I'd better not divulge anything more so as not to jinx it. I'll just post more about the projects when they're a definite go already (contract signed and all! haha!).
I love my job. Just had to say it. :D
I know we might be facing harder times this year, but I'm confident God will see us through all of it. So we just have to do our best, pray, sit back, relax. He's in control. ;D
Here's the most recent study for the Greenfields Estates Project (lot size over 500sqms).
The view across the street seen from the would-be house is that of the golf course's hole number 10. From the get-go, my client was very particular about creating a design that will maximize this view. The problem, however, is that a 2-storey house is being constructed on the lot right across our site, which will potentially block any view coming from that side. So we decided to go three stories high and use higher floor-to-ceiling distances to see over the house across the road.
The design is kept modern and straightforward through the use of uncomplicated, clean lines. Wood elements and stone cladding were used to add an Asian feel and warmth to the structure. View decks and balconies are strategically placed to link the interiors to the magnificent exterior surroundings and to take advantage of the best available views.
More study visuals to be posted soon!
My office(-slash-dairy's-photo-studio-slash-ross'-flat) is at the 14th floor of Crisanta Tower in Pasig City, situated in such a way that we get a good view of the global city area. Yes, it's a nice view--which I didn't pay much attention to until Dairy took photos of it.
Beautiful! (or maybe dairy just takes really good photos. haha!) I can't believe this is right outside our window.
Note to self: Stop and smell the Roses!
Nothing really significant happened today, as I was working for the most part of it. One of the projects I'm currently working on that I'm really excited about is a 3-storey residence-slash-resthouse located at Ayala Greenfields Estates in Calamba, Laguna. The site is situated in the middle of a lush golf course, with spectacular views of Mt. Makiling and of Manila at the same time. I simply fell in love with the place the first time visited the site. I immediately thought of using huge windows on the house to frame the picturesque beauty it's evidently going to be surrounded with. I was actually surprised that such a place existed in the area -- 'heaven on earth', as one of the residents there proudly described it to me.
(location map)
After a few conceptual studies, my client and I finally decided on using a tropical modern theme for the house (which is a popular trend right now) with touches of Balinese elements. Asian-modern, in other words. The challenge, however, is to make the structure blend well with its surroundings, and to keep the design modern without it being too stiff.
Elizabeth Reyes (of 25 Tropical Houses in the Philippines) defines 'tropical modern' as characterized by residential designs that are distinctive in their use of mutable space, sensual local materials, and functional accommodation of hybrid East-West lifestyles. This includes environmental friendliness with constant experimentation on new materials and techniques. ...elements such as cross-ventilation, sun screens, wide eaves, raised floors,and sensitive solar orientation are given a contemporary twist.'
The scheme I'm presently working on is a play of local materials and Asian elements. It 'showcases' the scenic views around and takes full advantage of natural light and ventilation. I can't wait to present the final draft to my client. Maybe I'll find time to post some of the drawings here soon.
Perspolis Persian Cuisine (located along Katipunan Ave.,QC) is definitely one of my favorite places to eat in -- great food, reasonable prices. The interior design, however, is an entirely different story. I went there again yesterday for lunch, and took some photos of its interiors.
Had the restaurant given more attention to its (interior) design, the Persian 'dining experience' would have been exceptional. It's evident that spending for the furniture and materials is at the bottom of the owner's priorities for the place. 
Middle eastern design is all about colorful, elaborate detailing, textures, and intricacy (think persian rugs), and it's quite sad that the only things remotely reflective of these are the red carpets, red paint, and the curtain beads. It was a good idea to provide a separate area for dining on a low table while seated on the floor ( as with other persian restaurants), but this could have been made more comfortable and attractive if several floor pillows were placed on the sitting area instead of it just being a plain carpeted platform.
The ceiling design had me confused -- it actually looked more japanese than persian. 
The airconditioning units looked like they were placed there as an afterthought -- all the tubings are exposed instead of embedded on walls. The flooring material used was ceramic tiles (and white, at that) -- basic, safe, and well, drab. It served its purpose, but it sadly didn't do anything for the design at all.
There are only a few restaurants in the city that serve good food at affordable prices, but even fewer of these are tastefully designed as well. Although Perspolis is a far cry from the design and facilities of similar establishments (take Ababu, for instance), I hope its owners do something about the interiors soon. ;-D
