SmartAge Unveils Home of the Future: A Glimpse into Tomorrow’s Living

In a significant stride toward redefining modern living, SmartAge recently inaugurated its experiential showroom, Home of the Future. This state-of-the-art space showcases the latest smart home, smart lighting, and smart glass technologies, designed to revolutionize how we interact with our surroundings. The event was a star-studded affair, attended by prominent figures from the design industry and loyal clients who have become friends of the brand. Among the esteemed guests was renowned designer Budji Layug, who played a pivotal role in crafting the showroom’s aesthetic, alongside other luminaries such as Anthony Nazareno, Moogz and Anna Garcia, Spencer Sy, Patrick Espiritu, Ivy Almario, Paolo Castro, and many more.

A Visionary’s Journey

In an exclusive interview, Gabriel Henares Esguerra, Co-Founder and CEO of SmartAge, shared the journey that led to the creation of the company. Gabriel’s background in the vintage watch industry, coupled with his passion for menswear and fashion, has always been deeply intertwined with an appreciation for the finer things in life. Throughout his career, Gabriel has consistently turned his passions into businesses, guided by a central theme: to elevate the human experience. Through The Gentleman Project, a watch and lifestyle brand, he promoted self-mastery, teaching that self-care and appearance are part of a broader pursuit of personal growth. With R.M. Gallagher, an online vintage watch boutique, educated consumers on the value of vintage timepieces, enriching their understanding of history and craftsmanship. Now, with SmartAge, Gabriel continues this journey by transforming everyday living spaces, unleashing the full potential of today’s technologies to enhance how people live at home.

Gabriel’s journey into smart home technology began when he realized the potential of smart technology to enhance the quality of life. Together with his business partner and now wife, Meecan Esguerra, who previously worked in the F&B industry, they saw an opportunity to create a business that resonated with their interests and made a meaningful impact. Despite initial skepticism about mixing business and romance, their shared vision and complementary skills proved to be a winning combination.

“Any venture I embark on must resonate with my passions,” Gabriel emphasized. “With SmartAge, we want to inspire purpose, creativity, and passion by designing and executing smart spaces that elevate the human experience.”

Home of the Future

Home of the Future is a testament to SmartAge’s commitment to innovation and design excellence. At the launch event, SmartAge treated guests to an immersive experience, where they explored various smart features that comprise a SmartAge home. The showroom demonstrated how technology could seamlessly integrate into daily life, showcasing voice-activated lighting and advanced automation systems.

A highlight of the showroom is the exquisite design crafted by Studio BDJ, a collaborative and dynamic design studio with renowned designer Budji Layug as principal designer, and board topnotcher Marc Henrich Go as principal architect. Driven to push the boundaries of design, Studio BDJ is passionate about providing a unique approach to every project, creating spaces that seamlessly blend form and function.  Gabriel, a long-time admirer of Layug’s work, was thrilled to collaborate with the renowned designer. Layug’s signature style, known for its seamless blend of modernity and tradition, is evident throughout the space. His keen eye for detail and innovative use of materials have transformed the showroom into a harmonious blend of technology and artistry.

The design approach for the showroom focused on creating a space that feels both cutting-edge and welcoming. The design interweaves a variety of materials, textures, and forms with high-tech elements, creating an immersive experience. The concept was to create a representation of what modern living can be, adding the dimension of technology into ever-evolving design, while ensuring that the showroom feels like a home rather than a technology exhibit. The layout is intuitive, guiding visitors through the various smart features without overwhelming them, and making the experience both seamless and inviting.

Home of the Future showcases how SmartAge transforms homes into environments that respond seamlessly to residents’ presence. It integrates technology into the home’s fabric, creating extraordinary experiences. For instance, synchronized alarms, lighting, and playlists enrich mornings, while homes anticipate desires, adjusting settings based on voice, gestures, and mood. SmartAge redefines sensory interaction by adding a sixth sense, making homes adaptive and deeply personal. It turns homes into living entities that evolve with residents, blending design and technology to create a harmonious living experience.

Bridging the Gap Between Tradition and Innovation

Gabriel and Meecan’s vision for SmartAge extends beyond individual homes. Inspired by Meecan’s exposure to advanced technologies as an ASEAN scholar in Singapore, the couple aims to bring similar innovations to the Philippines. They believe that by transforming homes into smart living spaces, they can contribute to building smart communities and cities, thereby elevating the overall standard of living in the country.

One of SmartAge’s flagship projects, the Velaris Residence, exemplifies this vision. The 468-unit development is a showcase of how modern technology can enhance larger scale residential living. From integrated lighting and AC systems to featuring smart mirrors, each unit offers a glimpse into the future of smart living. Looking ahead, SmartAge plans to expand its impact by seeking to participate in large-scale community projects, such as the New Clark City initiative, which aims to develop a fully integrated smart city.

Gabriel passionately described their mission to bring first-world living standards to the Philippines. By starting with individual homes, the brand aims to lay the foundation for smart communities and, eventually, smart cities. Its goal is to create spaces that are not only functional and efficient but also inspire creativity and joy.

A Human-Centric Approach

Despite its high-tech nature, SmartAge places a strong emphasis on customer service and education. The company’s approach to working with clients is both comprehensive and personable, ensuring that every user, regardless of their tech-savviness, feels comfortable and supported. Moogz and Anna Garcia highlighted the exceptional support they received, noting that SmartAge’s team is always ready to assist and educate clients on the basics of the technology, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.

“SmartAge’s team is very knowledgeable and friendly,” Moogz Garcia remarked. “They make sure to explain everything in a way that’s easy to understand, even for those who aren’t tech-savvy. They start with the basics and gradually introduce more complex concepts, so you’re never overwhelmed.”

For Patrick Espiritu and Spencer Sy of PXP Design Workshop, SmartAge has been more than just a supplier; they’ve become trusted consultants. “They’re teaching us about the potential of space and how to improve it with the available technology,” Patrick said. “It’s not just about the products; it’s about enhancing the overall experience.”

Anthony Nazareno echoed these sentiments, praising SmartAge for their versatility and ease of use. “Their dimming systems and integrated lighting solutions are top-notch,” he said. “They offer a seamless experience that doesn’t feel forced, which is crucial for clients who might be hesitant about incorporating new technology into their homes.”

The Future of Smart Living

As SmartAge continues to push the boundaries of smart home technology, Gabriel’s vision remains clear: to elevate the human experience through thoughtful design and innovative technology. By transforming homes into intelligent living spaces, SmartAge aims to enhance comfort, convenience, and overall quality of life. Their commitment to creating a smarter, more connected future is not just about the technology itself but about the impact it has on people’s lives.

Board members of the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID) were also present during the launch of the Home of the Future.

Home of the Future offers a glimpse into this future, where technology and design converge to create spaces as functional as they are beautiful. As SmartAge grows and innovates, it is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the next era of living in the Philippines, one smart home at a time.

Home of the Future is now open by appointment. Register to schedule a visit and explore the possibilities of a smart home. Visit SmartAge’s website and follow its Instagram to keep updated.

Photos courtesy of SmartAge