JAAL Builders plays with bright colors and design elements in Tinker House
Hinged to the client’s advocacy, the Tinker House was designed to effectively promote the arts and sciences through readily accessible “fun, play-based, hands-on” activities that spark curiosity and creativity among children. Being the first in-line shop of the brand, the architectural design intended to accomplish continuity from the iconic “house” forms of the currently implemented Tinker House kiosks.
The design concept of Tinker House was translated according to what is visually appealing and captivating to children. A balanced amount of transparency in front of the shop, framed by the iconic “house” form and against a classic brickwork of veneered travertine stones allows an instant visual connection to the new Tinker House’s robust interiors. The splash of colors effectively draws interest among mallgoers who pass by the space.
The “tree,” as a central element and point of aesthetic interest, is very much visible from the mall corridor. This central aspect adds a certain appeal to the shop’s overall statement. It stands at a distinct scale to the surrounding houses that frame a vibrant, socio-petal central main activity area. This design flow allows the children to design, build, and discover, in fulfillment of Tinker House’s key thrust.
Pinewood was used as the primary material for framing, wall panels, and accents to support the intended design continuity from the built kiosks. Despite its limited structural value, pinewood’s architectural applications are vast due to its “homey” light-toned and yellowish appearance, contrasted by its naturally rugged wood grains. In addition to its sustainable characteristic, pinewood’s natural tone compliments the subtle and subdued color seen throughout the space. The color selection enables a visual environment that is neither glaring nor detrimental to a child’s creative potentials.
The classroom, a multi-functional space located further inside the shop, introduces house-shaped niches that support small group or individual-based activities such as reading and writing. With the lightweight and leatherette-clad cushions, this area offers flexibility for other functions.
Varied elements are present throughout the design–finishes, textures, and lighting types that stylistically emulate different environmental settings and define spaces and activities. Seating options were designed to cater to varied learning intents, children’s physiological requirements, and personal preferences. Another “tree” is tucked in a corner, acting as a shade for a quiet book-reading. Faux grass floor finishes mark zones that can potentially represent a delineation of children’s activities and offer a simulated outdoor experience. A combination of wall-mounted, pendant, and recessed lights of varying color temperatures also help to define spaces.
In the end, we built a “house” that is not merely a pretty house for the little tinkers. The Tinker House is a safe, versatile, dynamic, and fully-functional series of spaces for art, science, and creative learning.
Project Information
Project Name: Tinker House, SM City Fairview
Completion Year: 2019
Lot Area: 64.04 square meters
Gross Built Area: 64.04 square meters
Project Location: Unit 226, UGF, SM City Fairview, Regalado Avenue, Quezon City
Approximate Project Cost: PHP 2,650,000.00
Project Credits
Architecture Firm: J A A L Builders
Firm Address: Block 7 Lot 11 Aventine Hills St., BF Resort Village, Barangay Talon Dos, Las Piñas City
Contact email: [email protected]
Lead Architect: Jessa Lyn V, Salvatus / Paolo Leandro R. Gallegos
Design Team: Jessa Lyn V. Salvatus / Paolo Leandro R. Gallegos / Dana Liane V. Garcia
Client: Tinker House
Engineering: JSR Piping Services
Contractor: J A A L Builders
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