Decked with Art Deco

Young executives and newly-married couples with upstart careers and dynamic lifestyles deserve the best in high-rise living, and at The Residences at Greenbelt, there are no inhibitions for showing off their success with a home that puts them in the center of their universe. They will live the cosmopolitan life at The Residences at Greenbelt, enjoying recreational pursuits at leisure while hobnobbing with neighbors who form an exclusive circle of those privileged to stay in such a prestigious address.

For the special one-bedroom unit at the newly-launched Manila Tower of The Residences at Greenbelt, one of the top developments of Ayala Land Premier, interior designer Ogie Periquet and architect Joel Songsong have come up with a design theme utilizing Art Deco merged with Filipino contemporary influences. The "cool sophistication" of Art Deco complements the lifestyle imbibed by young homeowners of this generation that’s exposed to tasteful forms of luxuries they have seen and enjoyed the world over.

Periquet and Songsong have years of experience designing various hotels and country clubs in Manila and Cebu, and for this model unit, they have come up with a design they call the "metro-suave."

"We want visitors to savor the metropolitan lifestyle and the suave sophistication and luxury that come with it. For this, we used Art Deco style with a disciplined balance of texture and colors and a sophisticated blend of opulence and classicism," Periquet explained.

The foyer welcomes visitors with the sight of a huge block of Filipino ebony wood or kamagong, flanked by two panels made entirely of mother-of-pearl — a wall treatment that sets the mood for excitement. On the opposite is a mirror framed in dark wood, its reflection giving a hint of the ostentatious setting further inside. Following the Art Deco theme, the foyer features striking colors, elegant lines and contrasting textures which will entice guests to go right in and explore more of this high-rise home.

The living space highlights the blend of furnishings specifically custom-made for the project: A feather-filled couch in neutral tones, armchairs of different upholstery, and a dining table flanked with unique, three-legged chairs of Periquet and Songsong’s own design. "We wanted the living space to be both simple and ostentatious and the effect we achieved was something else. We used different types of furniture which blended effortlessly, along with mostly Filipino materials for that familiar touch that’s also elegantly world-class," Periquet said.

Arch. Songsong added: "We were both excited to furnish this unit because we were given a chance to promote Philippine wood. It’s important for us to be able to promote materials native to the country and the use of these materials, like in the foyer and the coffee table which is also made of kamagong, adds class and sophistication."

The bedroom further exudes the lavish tastes of the homeowner, the king-size bed, dresser and sitting areas, along with the glass walls making a solid statement for modern Deco style. "We decided to incorporate glass into our design to give it a modern element and for the Filipino materials to stand out," Periquet related. "It’s an all-weather material that’s here to stay."

The duo certainly managed to elevate design into another level with the marriage of Art Deco and Filipino, infusing wood furniture with Amboyna burl, Philippine ebony, glass and white stone throughout the unit. Each corner bears a piece that reflects the lifestyle of the homeowner, including a marble miniature depicting the Ram, graphic Art Deco bowls; a handcrafted, Art Deco low cabinet that ingeniously hides a mini-bar, a unique trumpet-shaped lamp that hangs over the dining table, and a divider of various objets d’art that add personality and character.

The unit was designed based on the profile of a young, successful and newly-married couple. "They are well-traveled, like good food, and enjoy active lifestyles apart from their flourishing careers. That is why everything was carefully chosen to reflect their tastes, from the coffee-table books, framed pictures, to little bric-a-brac. We even allocated space for a racing bike which can be neatly parked by the foyer," said Arch. Songsong.

Thriving in the pleasures of their condo unit is just one of the privileges of being a unit owner at The Residences at Greenbelt. The strategic location in the middle of the country’s only lifestyle center and the Makati Central Business District, means they are minutes away from work and play, allowing them to avoid the brutally hectic pace of city living while enjoying its perks.

And at the Greenbelt lifestyle center, "perks" is a big word which could mean anything: A world of culture, cutting-edge fashion, gourmet food and everything else that speaks of high living. Landmark office buildings and exclusive schools are all within reach. Quiet moments can be spent at the nooks of Greenbelt’s greenery, parks and chapel.

For more information, call 728-7000, e-mail [email protected]or visit www.ayalalandpremier.com. New model units available for viewing at the 3rd level, Greenbelt 3.