The career trajectory of JJ Acuña reads like a global odyssey—one that stretches from a quiet Texas suburb to the skylines of Hong Kong and, most recently, Manila. Across each locale, he honed an approach he calls “spatial DNA”. It’s a bespoke methodology that weaves client aspirations, cultural context, and intuitive materiality into environments that […]
Embracing the Highlands: Inside a Stylish 2-Bedroom Mountain Retreat
In an era where everything is fast-paced, many find themselves yearning for a temporary escape. A weekend mountain retreat outside the metro can provide this respite. That’s why when interior designer Maureen Joyce Pineda was tasked to design a family’s condo unit in Tagaytay Highlands, she addressed this need through her design approach.
One with Nature
Shaping spaces around the concept of nature is becoming increasingly popular. “The design concept I had in my mind the moment I saw the space was ‘Mountain Retreat’ because the unit is situated in the highlands. The unit is also facing the view of People’s Park, the highest point of Tagaytay,” shares Pineda.
The interior designer adds, “The goal for this space is to emulate the characteristics of nature, bringing [them in…] and fostering that deep sense of connection with the environment.”
A Tactile Welcome
Upon entering the space, one immediately sees the interplay between light and texture. Add to that the lush greenery of the unit’s surroundings, and one will feel immersed in nature.
Some of the challenges Pineda encountered when designing the unit were space constraints and varying ceiling heights. “I started [addressing these] by framing the living room to give justice to the picturesque view of the mountain,” she states. This setup also distinguished the living area from the dining space and kitchen.
Natural light bathes the unit, thanks to the glass sliding doors that open to the balcony. Pineda added light-colored polyurethane stone panels from Phomi to highlight this glow, creating the sensation of being inside a cave. A plush sofa and an area rug soften the space’s look, while a sculptural wooden accent chair adds warmth.
Enhancing Family Living
The strategic space planning and layout maximized every inch of this two-bedroom abode, provided ease of movement, and allowed users to connect deeply with their surroundings. Pineda’s choice of material finishes and furniture pieces successfully integrated nature into the unit.
The location of this vacation home gives “a unique advantage of having a rest house close to the city, offering the best of both worlds,” Pineda observes. “[Here], the family can enjoy activities in the club such as horseback riding, biking, golf, swimming, and more. In relation to this, the space was designed to have an indoor-outdoor connection, a space that would support [the] users’ recreational activities.”
Indeed, this mountain retreat can be the family’s sanctuary whenever they want to take a break from city life. Whether they spend time outdoors or stay in, thanks to Pineda’s design, each family member remains connected to nature.
Read the full article in MyHome’s August 2024 Issue, available via the sarisari.shopping website, Shopee, and Lazada. E-magazines are available for download via Readly, Press Reader, and Magzter.
Photographed by Ed Simon.
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