The style of the moment
MANILA BULLETIN, April 20, 2010
 Asian Tropical architecture has become the popular choice not only for homeowners, but for a lot of major real estate developers as well. Noted Filipino architects and interior designers have embraced this concept that blends modern, minimalist elements with traditional Asian designs.
Architect and interior designer Isabel Berenguer-Asuncion notes that there is a trend for this type of look here in the Philippines. “It started around 15 to 20 years ago, when several luxury hotels and spas in Phuket, Thailand and Bali, Indonesia opened. These places featured the Asian Tropical theme, and Filipinos who stayed or visited these places wanted to capture that look in their own homes in the Philippines,” she says.
In fact, Asuncion herself adopted the style for a major client which built a luxury residential resort in Morong, Bataan. The client was Ayala Land, Inc., which developed Anvaya Cove. The people at Ayala chose the Asian Tropical theme for this project. Lot owners are expected to use this theme when they build their houses here as the developer has in the various structures it built in the huge property that overlooks the South China Sea. Among these, are the main clubhouse, model houses and guest villas. The latest structures to be built are a group of quadraplexes that also carry the same style.
While it was the architects of ALI who designed the new structures, Asuncion was commissioned to furnish and decorate the model unit. As the Asian Tropical style imparts serenity and simplicity, Asuncion chose to retain this atmosphere with the type of colors and materials she chose for the furniture and materials.
Asuncion says she used as many natural materials as she could for the house. Lots of wood was used and cotton was used for the furniture upholstery and linen. Woven and synthetic materials get damaged very quickly in a rustic setting, she explained.
“We took note of the fact that these units are meant to be second homes. So they had to be easy to live in and easy to maintain. Like the architecture, the look had to be clean. So I used muted colors to keep the tone earthy and to keep in tune with the rustic setting,” she says. “Also, there shouldn’t also be too many details. No contrasting colors. The place shouldn’t be overwhelming to the eye. It should feel relaxing.”
The interiors had to be modern, she adds. “The people at Ayala are very forward-thinking and they like to present a modern look in their projects. So the furniture I designed for this model-unit had to look modern, but not too modern it looks cold. The muted colors give a relaxing, homey feel to the place.” |
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