Townhouse by Buensalido Architects
Buensalido Architects have sent us images of a townhouse they’ve designed in Manila, Philippines.
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Description from the architects
Designed for a newly married couple, this townhouse is a tribute to the Filipino spirit. Buensalido Architects, a Manila-based archietctural design firm that pushes for contemporizing Filipino architecture, found the aesthetic expression of this design intent through triangles, an abstracted representation of banderitas (or flaglets) that one would commonly see in local fiestas and festivals. As a country, the Philippines has one almost every day.
It is a manifestation of the Filipino’s optimism and positive outlook in their lives, always knowing how to smile no matter how bad their situation is. This was captured with the different bursts of colors within the house, achieving a sense of vibrancy, festivity, and positivity.
These conceptual ideas were physically implemented in a contemporary and innovative way: the banderitas and triangles on the interior surfaces were achieved with a CNC milling machine, therefore attaining precision in its production and avoiding human error. Light fixtures were located above the cutouts, creating an ever-changing pattern of shadows, depending on how many lights are turned on. A certain kind of material honesty was aimed for, so for the concrete flooring for example, was kept as is, applying a special kind of lithium-based sealant to achieve a smooth, terrazzo-like effect.
Design: Buensalido Architects
Photography: Mitch Mauricio
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Pyotor on 17 Aug 2012 at 8:57 am #
Not liking the triangle cutouts on the ground floor at all. It’s an outdated, 80s design and a nightmare to clean. Talk about the soot and dust in the city, and cobwebs too. It’s almost a joke.
The ones on the mezzanine is nice though. They should have gone on this minimal direction.
Another thing i don’t like is the height of TV in the living room compared to the sofa. Not an ergonomic way to watch those melodramatic local soap operas
Popao on 19 Aug 2012 at 10:39 pm #
I guess the position of TV is designed for the person in the kitchen while cooking. The position of sofa looks just for the demonstration of interior in this model house. Those triangle cutouts would not make me feel comfortable, but there would be many who would like this feature. The ceiling of the second floor neither would comfort me. But if it were for young busy couple, everything would be just fine. The overall interior design is challenging for this type of house with constraint of budget, which makes this project look amazing.Great job!
matte on 20 Aug 2012 at 7:43 pm #
what a wonderful expression of culture! the process by which it was achieved was very progressive, making use of laser cutting machinery; yet still very reflective of the local vernacular!
the interiors are very relaxing for me, its like being under a canopy of trees in a forest, or under a constellation of stars in the night sky! i’d love to stay here!
kudos!!!
Ariana on 21 Aug 2012 at 1:25 pm #
I’d surely enjoy living here; it looks so fun. Some designs(unfortunately)come off as very stuffy or pretentious but this is the kind of house that lets its inhabitants live. And I’m in love with those walls and colors.