MANILA, Philippines - The key to the lasting appeal of homes is avoiding the ostentatious and sticking to style, simplicity, and quality.
One development that incorporates timeless and elegant interior designs is South Forbes Golf City, the country’s largest golf resort city at the heart of the Metro Sta. Rosa–Tagaytay corridor, and recipient of the coveted title of Best Golf Community Development by the CNBC International Property Awards, the world’s most prestigious property awards program.
The Chakri model mansion in Phuket Mansions is South Forbes’ Thai resort-inspired enclave, taking its name after Thailand’s reigning monarchy. It boasts 233-sq.m. of indoor floor area, including a spacious master suite, a large balcony adjoining the room, an indoor atrium, even a backyard pool. And the design team tasked to create the right ambience for a home of this magnitude is Atelier Almario, led by its principals Ivy and Cynthia Almario.
“In every home that we do, especially South Forbes model homes, we take the very essence of the featured traditional culture and bring it out in the colors, fabrics, furniture and accessories — simplified and modernized to suit a more contemporary taste and lifestyle,” said the Almario sisters.
Sawasdee. Upon entering the house, one is greeted by a focal table at the foot of the atrium, with its pyramidal form echoing the turrets of a Thai temple. The flower arrangement of white calla lilies that sits on top was inspired by the centerpiece installation of Sakul Intakul at the lobby of the Sukhothai Hotel in Bangkok.
This double volume space mimics the grandeur of a royal palace, which gives one a sweeping view of every space at the ground level and the pool at the rear, as well as a glimpse of the second level.
Perfect Pair. From the atrium, one can clearly see the living and dining areas, both sharing the same royal color scheme of teal and orange, purposefully chosen to allude to the rich jewel-toned silk fabrics that Thailand is famous for.
“We purchased most of the very opulent and jewel-toned fabrics from Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company in Bangkok whose array of premium fabrics bring the relaxed elegance of fine hand-weaving to our modern and contemporary interiors,” Ivy shares.
The living room coffee table used has a traditional Thai detail on the leg made modern by making it very linear in shape as opposed to the usual rounded detail. Even the lounge chair and sofa have hints of Thai tradition even in its modern appeal.
“We wanted to introduce a different kind of seating group highlighting the traditional Thai prism pillows through the circular table and concentric seats, which also echo the wood carving pattern on the wall,” Ivy adds.
Throughout the house, woodcarvings used were sourced from the market places of Thailand. Whether artfully framed or silver-leafed, they all contribute to making a stunning impact against the while walls of the house.
The Thais that bind. A happy family exudes happiness and warmth much like what the canary yellow and turquoise silk fabrics do for the family den, making the whole room very bright and cheerful. The Almarios designed shelves to display Thai artifacts and accessories utilizing the canary yellow scheme used for the sofa.
Prized piece. The second level’s most striking space is the master suite. Beyond the door is an inviting lounge from which directs its occupants either to their comfortable bed on one end or to the refreshing master toilet and bath. The whole room is enveloped in warm wood paneling in a traditional Thai motif that can instantly lull one to sleep. A deep, opulent chartreuse, symbolizing all things natural, is highlighted on the beddings, ceramics, and other furniture, serving as a fresh counterpoint to the wood panels.
Sibling revelry. The children are in no way outdone with their equally chic and charming bedrooms, yet each distinct in character. The young lady deserves a very hip room, upholstered in fabric, which sports a very contemporary elliptical pattern. The patterned fabric extends to the roman shades, which create the illusion of a seamless room. The beige and brown palette dominate the lamps and beddings in keeping with the theme.
The young man’s room is a strikingly modern and masculine black and white combination. The bed’s headboard is adorned above with a silver-leafed woodcarving against a black panel and flanked by two-full-height mirrors.
For inquiries, visit www.southforbes.com or call 635-7777 or 631-8855 for a free city tour.