Photographed by OLA Interior Photography
Henry’s Cabine is a homage to Modern Rustic Interior and a nod to luxurious textures. By removing frills and incorporating captivating materials and textures, this 100 sqm high-end condominium space in San Juan remains minimalist while also becoming a work of art by itself.
This space is all about looking beyond its dimensional forms and focusing on spatial experiences. Space Project took the challenge of how to experience space closer to the experience of wearing clothing.
Experiences have the potential to be designed
The use of specific materials to create vivid experiences isn’t entirely new in interior design. However, this type of approach is commonly looked upon in architecture due to the nature of architecture’s larger demand from a user’s presence.
Space becomes “wearable” when the body is at the center of spatial design -Sasha Zwiebel
Though the details are also designed through a mélange of lines, shapes, materials, and textures same as architecture, interior design as a discipline itself can create a much more immersive capsule of experience that sensorially transports its wearers.
Materials in sight and in mind
Some materials appear to have designated embodied meanings due to our sensory stimulation. For this project, warm maple wood colors are used to complement the Venetian Plaster wall’s multi-toned, three-dimensional effect of natural stone. Its thin translucent layers create an iridescent finish, giving the appearance of depth and movement.
The feeling of lightness and stillness of the Venetian Plaster walls balances the high contrast drama of the dark maple wood accent wall creating a distinction between the space despite having an open plan layout which is very common in every condominium set up.
Living area
You can access the living area coming from the dining area which is separated by a functional table that can be also used as a mini workstation. Organic curves and bold proportions are the core of the living area.
The furniture placements are streamlined to offset the impression of crowding as guest chairs are placed in the window area, taking advantage of the additional illumination from the skyline view of Metro Manila.
Taking notes from Zwiebel’s Sensual Spaces, light itself is an architecture and as such has the ability not only to be a space but also to make us be in space.
Dining area
A large and seemingly simple kitchen sits ready to host. The centerpiece of the room is its medium-sized table with four correlating chairs. While the table is a bit similar to maple wood, the medium shine finish pairs nicely with the extended cabinetry in the living area.
Neutral darker tones are used within the area providing additional shadows of warmth and comfort in a place that is meant for socializing and doing everyday basic necessities.
The peninsula kitchen
The kitchen island of this project goes with the utmost freedom of expression thru minimalist volumes and linear configurations. All components of the kitchen are inspired and rigor and simplicity.
With the use of the stucco effect on the walls paired with the counter’s cream-colored state, the area became a perfect canvas to display the best of your appliances or your fleurs.
Communal spaces such as the kitchen area and main dining area towards the living area are located starting in the main entrance area not only for easier daily logistics but also to provide great and modest-sized spaces to receive guests and visitors.
Between spaces
The use of in-between spaces that transition from a uniform white kitchen toward a much more intimate dining area section may also be attributed to our actions and relationships played in our day-to-day activities.
Imagine having a robust entertaining schedule. The pendant light fixtures display a more pivot approach while entertaining as it lets you focus on your guest’s necessary needs from the outside. What does your guest first look like upon entering your place?
These in-between spaces or transitional spaces are commonly overlooked and yet they play an important role in the spatial experience of the design and also greatly enhance the experiences of the user’s day-to-day activities.
Sleeping quarters
What’s a better way to end your day rather in an oceanic feel of calmness?
There is a haptic rule of thumb: when we touch something or someone, we are, inevitably, touched in return.
Mixed with generous doses of white and silhouette curtains and an oaked flooring, the depth of the place flattens, producing a sense of distance to the resting area from the other features of the bedroom such as the walk-in closet and the home office.
Comfortably stationed just nearing the bed area, a workstation looking like a little shaft to give the user more time to concentrate and recreate.
Work is a positive part of one’s life as it is one exercise of collaboration, creativity or just to keep us busy. All these considered, it is safe to say that we have already realized we can all live further and further away from the usual places our workplaces have led us to.
Master Bedroom Ensuite Toilet & Bath
Another feature of this project is where the fun starts. Despite the luxurious feel to it, a little bit of fun has been added to the overall project by this entertainment room.
Keeping the decor minimum, the minimalist approach of the entertainment room is to provide relaxation and rejuvenation. As one of the modern design philosophy go by, “less is more”, and with that, distinctive areas such as the computer, sofa area, and entertainment are placed strategically within the room.
When we think of rustic design, our minds wander into a place of solace within the woods, natural warmth from the earth. Henry’s Cabine was made carefully to become a place of retreat within the city.
Common Toilet & Bath
Currently, when immersive and design are combined, the use of technology is always the center. However, the approach for this project is how can immerse ourselves into the space’s design that is centered on the user’s experience specifically focused on our health and wellbeing.
Thanks to the user experience approach, Henry’s Cabine tells a story. The perception of each room is created carefully based on the usability as well as their aesthetic features.
Currently, Henry’s Cabine is being used as a work-from-home setup place but will, later on, be a place of retirement for the parents.
Space Project under the management of FEROLINO ALEJO CORPORATION is a design and construction company focusing on creating engaging, comfortable, and deeply personal spaces. Inspired by the philosophy of “designing solutions,” Space Project is situated at So-oc, Mandurriao, Iloilo City with a satellite headquarters in Wagner, Ideal Subdivision, Commonwealth, Quezon City, Metro Manila, 1121.
For interior design inquiries, please email us at design@spaceprojectph.com. Visit our website at https://www.spaceprojectph.com/.