Over the past decades, adaptive reuse has been utilized as a sustainable alternative for the built environment. It involves repurposing existing buildings for a new use, allowing the past to remain while serving a modern purpose. Here, structures facing potential demolition or no longer serviceable are seen as sources of raw materials for new projects. […]
F Residence: Travelers’ Hotel-Inspired Second Home Embodying Continuity
For a couple accustomed to diverse hospitality environments through frequent travel, a second home with a similar level of comfort and aesthetic is a necessity. Within the high-end, contemporary minimalism of Alveo High Park, they found their ideal canvas to establish this familiar feeling. The F Residence is a continuation of the building’s design, carrying its elegant aesthetic within its walls.
A Permanent Accommodation
Constantly booking accommodations proved impractical for the couple, who travel often. From the start, they knew they needed a permanent base for their excursions and business trips away from their provincial home. This prompted them to seek the expertise of the Manila-based Design and Build Group, Two Over Two, to create a second home strategically located for fast access travels.
The design brief was simple: to create a modern hotel that felt like a restful in-between—a place to retreat to amid their journeys. But upon studying Alveo High Park’s character, Two Over Two Design Principal and Managing Partner Franz Gutierrez introduced the idea of extending the condominium development’s aesthetic to the clients’ one-bedroom unit.
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“The main concept was driven from the certain vibe that you feel when you enter the development,” Gutierrez explains. “So, the lobbies, the hallways, these common spaces are basically an extension of your unit. For us, it’s important to keep it in line with the concept and there should be a sense of continuity. So, when we spoke to our client, they also agreed with the concept that we’re trying to develop.”
Leveraging the building’s complementary design, Two Over Two kept a simple, open layout to highlight the core spaces. From there, the design group crafted a light and breathable place in a span of seven months.
Refined Spatial Continuity
Typical of a commercial interior design for a small condo, the 65 square-meter F Residence initially faced a challenge to separate public from private spaces. Two Over Two’s primary solution was to define the spaces without relying on physical partitions.
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Starting from the foyer, a large sideboard becomes the immediate focal point. This is to subtly segment the entrance from the combined dining and kitchen area directly opposite.
Maintaining the concept of continuity, the area features a dining table directly integrated into the kitchen countertop. Gutierrez revealed that this is one of the key solutions to counter the kitchen’s originally diminutive floor area. Instead of a separate dining table, this solution improved foot traffic and created a more fluid, open feel.
More so, it allowed the design group to have an extended pantry and storage running parallel to the main counter. This significantly expands the visual perception of the kitchen and dining zone while also boosting its functionality.
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Sintered stone was meticulously applied to both the backsplash and countertops. Meanwhile, moisture-proof beige high-density fiber laminated boards form the casing for the extensive pantry. To additionally accentuate the dining table, Two Over Two included a wood plastic composite fluted accent wall adjacent to it.
At the far end of the condo is the living area, defined by a recessed media wall. Its volakas marble backdrop stands out through the interplay of natural light from the balcony’s glass door and cove lighting. Furthermore, the wood veneer base cabinets were intentionally lowered to match the height of the customized furniture.
On the opposing wall where the sofa sits against, the design group also included a recessed lower portion. Gutierrez explained that this part adds a sense of depth to the modern condo interior design’s linear layout.
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A Holistic Home
The vision for continuity and modern hotel vibe for a small condo interior design extends even into the private rooms. Both doors leading to the bedroom and bathroom are likewise clad in matching wood veneer to discreetly blend with the common areas.
In the bedroom, you’ll find the same materials utilized in the common spaces, but applied in a darker hue to foster a more intimate and cozy atmosphere. It also retains the recessed wall for the TV cabinet, mirroring the approach in the living area.
On the other hand, Two Over Two put two access points to the bathroom: one from the bedroom and another directly from the living area. This thoughtful design ensures privacy for the owners and provides visitors a convenient option. Inside, the space is fitted with nero marquina stone and euro grey tinted glass, providing a sophisticated contrast to the lighter-colored tiles.
Beyond just material selection, Two Over Two wove the themes of continuity and modern hotel design into every general detail. This included a less vibrant color palette of desaturated browns, grays, and black that flows seamlessly throughout the unit. This color choice is crucial to allow natural light from the limited windows to effectively reflect within the F Residence.
Adding a layer of tactile sophistication, the fabric-textured wallpaper provides a subtle contrast to the rich grains of the wood veneer. In terms of lighting design, Gutierrez shared that the clients specifically requested for magnetic track lights in tricolor. By having the versatility to switch between daylight, warm white, and cool white illumination, the condo unit adapts the ambiance to any mood or activity within the home. In addition, strategically placed pin lights further enhance the aesthetic impact of each area.
F Residence: A Culmination of Cohesion
For a company that has operated for 12 years, establishing a distinct identity in creating cohesive spaces is paramount. F Residence, as mentioned by Gutierrez, became a culmination of those learnings, effectively guiding Two Over Two closer to their overarching goal of crafting integrated and harmonious interiors.
“It’s basically a culmination of our learnings and ideals. The identity that we want to portray is basically exhibited here.” Gutierrez reflects. “It really pays to stick with the design concept that you developed.”
Photos provided by Two Over Two Group
Read more: Project 223: A Modern Condo Inspired by the Hourglass
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