Rinna Soriano’s favorite part of her work is sanding. At her workbench, she stays focused, following the grain, adjusting to changes in its direction. Narra, she has learned, can have interlocking grain. A piece of mango once proved particularly difficult until a worker explained that she had reached the point where a branch once grew […]
Designing Mike Lim’s Ultra-Chic Condominium
The 180-square meter condominium of entertainment writer Mike Lim, the man behind the celebrity rumors blog Fashion Pulis, is a masterful blend of contemporary elegance and classic sophistication. It showcases how personal evolution and global experiences can shape a living space into something truly extraordinary. Designed with a keen eye for both aesthetics and functionality, this modern classic residence captures the essence of Mike’s refined taste and evolving preferences.
A Journey from Contemporary to Timeless
Lim’s design journey reflects a deep appreciation for both modern and classic styles. “I used to be a very big fan of modern interiors during my younger days, but as I matured, I wanted classic, so I instructed my design team to incorporate these two concepts,” Lim shares. This evolution led to the creation of a “modern classic” aesthetic, a term that beautifully encapsulates the space’s sophisticated charm.
The designers behind the transformation, ASMBL Construction led by its chief executive officer Jim Bautista and principal architect Arex Norberte, describe the concept of the space as “a contemporary classic.” Jim explains, “We integrated the trend now and timeless harmonious design philosophy of the classics that emphasizes symmetry, complexity, and functionality.”
Key Features and Design Highlights
One of the most striking elements of Mike’s condo is the innovative use of invisible doors. Drawing inspiration from luxury hotels he visited during his travels, Mike envisioned a design that would seamlessly blend doors into the walls. “I have witnessed the invisible doors concept overseas,” Mike explains. “I believe that sometimes, doors can either be a piece of art or a [distraction]. To eliminate this problem, I’ve instructed my design team to make everything invisible.”
Jim’s team executed this vision with precision, ensuring that the doors not only served their functional purpose but also enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the space. The invisible doors helped in maintaining the sleek, uninterrupted flow of the interiors.
Another standout feature is the meticulous attention to terminations, or the endpoints of various design elements. Mike’s insistence on perfecting these details is evident throughout the condo. “Terminations, although overlooked sometimes, are very important,” Mike says. “They show the difference between something luxurious and [something that’s] not. I’m very proud of [them] because I have been very strict about it.”
Functional Elegance
Mike’s condo is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and collaboration. The successful integration of modern and classic elements, combined with a deep respect for personal history and practical needs, has resulted in a living space that is both elegant and functional.
Jim’s expertise and attention to detail played a crucial role in bringing Mike’s vision to life. “At the end of the project, after all the challenges and changes, the client was very delighted with the outcome, which made us very happy, too,” Jim says. “It was about pushing boundaries and exploring new ideas while staying true to the client’s vision.”
The condo stands as a perfect example of how personal taste, historical influences, and modern design can come together to create a space that is both beautiful and deeply meaningful. It’s a home where classic elegance meets contemporary sophistication, offering a harmonious and timeless living environment.
Get the inside scoop of Mike Lim’s glamorous condo by ordering your copy of the MyHome October 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.
Read more: Calm, Creative, and Free: Architectural Portraiture by Auris Design
Large-format porcelain is no longer limited to conventional floor and wall applications. Advances in scale, finish, and fabrication have expanded its role across architectureArchitectureThe art and science of designing and constructing buildings, structures, and spaces that are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. It encompasses the planning, design, materials, and techniques used to createGo to Architecture […]
Mindanaoan architectureArchitectureThe art and science of designing and constructing buildings, structures, and spaces that are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. It encompasses the planning, design, materials, and techniques used to createGo to Architecture Glossary student Ejhay L. Durias of the University of Mindanao made history after becoming the first Filipino to receive the AYDA International […]
From Brutalism to Contemporary Modernism The Ayala Museum designed by the firm of Leandro V. Locsin Partners (LVLP) sits at the corner of Makati Avenue and Dela Rosa Street in Legaspi Village, Makati. This is actually the second museum of the same name in the area. The original, which was designed by National artist for […]
The projects recognized by Architizer’s 14th Annual A+Awards span architectureArchitectureThe art and science of designing and constructing buildings, structures, and spaces that are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. It encompasses the planning, design, materials, and techniques used to createGo to Architecture Glossary, interiors, landscape, urban design, and sustainability. Organized by Architizer, one of the world’s […]
Overlooking Tayabas Bay, Agda Beach Villas occupies a one-hectare hilly property where the terrain descends toward the coast. Designed by VBo Architects + Engineers, the tropical retreat responds to the sloping terrain through villas and shared spaces oriented toward the surrounding landscape. Before construction began, Bocalid was drawn to the property’s steep terrain and secluded […]
Read the issues.
Collect the volumes.
Recommended Video
Tap to Unmute
Unmute
0:00
0:00