Sunday, February 14, 2016

SLEEK-MEDITERRANEAN TWO-STOREY HOUSE (Merida Model)

14 February 2016//:

@Sixteen, Klein, here and now, signing on…


Design is not alone “what it looks like”. It is “Look at what’s within”. There’s a greater scheme, the substance.


            Here’s another Sleek Mediterranean-inspired prototype house for General Trias’ Wonder, the Maravilla Subdivision. Advancing possible doubts on the unique differences between the earlier posted, Seville model, aside from embracing a more intimate family group, as a whole, the same positive elements were incorporated in this model. Aristotle expressed it as,We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.” We are confident of our balanced equation of Practicality and Less Ornamentation: Modern style’s prime ingredients plus Comfort and Luxury: Spanish Mediterranean style’s key goals. That is why complete dis-attachment from such a viable design solution and then anew testing of waters would be jeopardy. We, in the design team, valued the consistency of the building’s silhouette and have just varied small details for yet easy distinction.

 



Reimagining Spain…


            Merida, being a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the western central region, is Spain’s high value.   And to express the identity of Merida would be effective through its vernacular tongue, Mediterranean style. Common exterior elements of this style typically include numerous huge windows, carved openings, balconies, high arches, columns, arcades and wrought iron works. Rendering these elements into a contemporary approach and in a given smaller mass and surface, the design has effectively worked out a solid design principle: “To give people a different way of looking at their surroundings? That's art to me (Maya Lin)”. The design complemented the existing and earlier presented House models, and at the same time has introduced yet a new significant component, sustainable living. And this is not simply to justify the color palette of the exterior which is literally green, but that the intention was not only on the regards of the built environment, but also, the natural environment. The landscapes, the sun, the wind, and all that surrounds… That is beyond how we would define Spain…

            Creativity is not confined with what is yet to invent. It could be what is yet to improve, to innovate, to re-identify. Creativity is more about unique perspectives, different arrangements, new combinations, trusting your instincts, being honest about it.  Now who says that Mediterranean style is only around the circles of warm colors? Please tell him, we have greens to offer… trees to shelter…


“One of the great beauties of architecture is that each time, it is like life starting all over again.”Renzo Piano





“Architecture, like dress, is an exercise in good manners, and good manners involve the habit of skillful insincerity – the habit of saying “good morning” to those whose mornings you would rather blight, and of passing the butter to those you would rather starve.” –Roger Scruton




















Disclaimer: Role/s on the project is/are part/s of the architect’s work assignment for N.S.Mangio & Associates – Architects. Collage and Presentation of the images are for the architect’s portfolio purposes only. Rights are still directly reserved for the architect-of-record, Nestor S. Mangio & Associates – Architects and/or the project owner/developer, San Miguel Properties Inc. Check their website for marketing and purchasing details: www.sanmiguelproperties.com.ph


Klein, here and now, signing off://



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Sunday, January 31, 2016

SLEEK-MEDITERRANEAN TWO-STOREY HOUSE (Seville Model)

31 January 2016//:

@Fifteen, Klein, here and now, signing on…

            John Lennon once said, “Life is what happens when you’re busy making plans”. Tonight, I will share to you the plans I have been involved with that made me busy for the past years. In the deeper sense, I will open my life…

“Architecture is not based on concrete and steel, and the elements of the soil. It's based on wonder.” –Daniel  Libeskind

            SEVILLE Model is one of San Miguel Properties Inc.’s 2014 products for the Maravilla Subdivision. A fifteen hectare development nestled in the heart of General Trias, Cavite, this subdivision rooted its inspiration and hence its name from Spain’s GREATNESS. MARVELS. WONDERS… “MARAVILLA”. Guided with such delightful leitmotif, Seville Model is coined from one of the Treasures of Spain. This premium place in Spain is aimed to be transported in the mid-range residential community of this fine model house.




            Enthused with Spanish Mediterranean concept, the model was customized to suit the cultural and local setting of the market by infusing modern design approaches. The goal in this project is practicality over strict upkeep of the style definites. The challenge for us in the design team started here, as to draw these styles into a singular bold and strong architectural output. The terracotta clay-tiles roof of an authentic Mediterranean house is simplified and presented through yet an equally efficient roof pattern and material. Warmth is embraced and adapted as the very color palette of the façade.  Other visible characteristics of such chosen styles were reflected in the design in flesh of: the arch on the Stairs’ full length window which breaks the stiff and edgy geometrics; the false balcony which also serves as a canopy for the entry porch; the trellis working as horizontal shade for the Living Area’s front window; and the pre-cast moulding which highlights the vastness of the transitory openings (doors & windows).

            The design challenge is intensified with the popular dilemma of a mass housing where the conservatives would void the idea with assertions that no two buildings should be alike. Recognizing the possible rebuff, we needed to ensure that we have to create a design that is yet tailor-made to every family we are to cater. Bruno Munari expressed it as, “An object should be judged by whether it has a form consistent with its use.”

            An open plan is introduced as to freely maximize spaces. In the same way, this flexible feature acknowledges further modification under diverse needs. The house model also has capitalized on sensual comfort, ensuring natural lighting and ventilation on prime habitable spaces with well-calculated dimensions of windows. In the same feature, the connection between the exterior and the interior was fully realized.

“Architecture is the thoughtful making of space.”Louis Kahn



“I think architecture, to be really intense and fulfilling, doesn't have to be large”. –Steven Holl

            Liveliness and ease have just the right balance with the Sleek Mediterranean appeal that shows off the modern classic vibe. We deliver a Spanish-inspired abode that pampers your sense with a fresh elegance that brings the luxury of a finest living into your home every day. And finally, let the words of Maya Lin wrap it, “Architecture is like a mythical fantastic. It has to be experienced. It can't be described. We can draw it up and we can make models of it, but it can only be experienced as a complete whole.” So take a bounteous experience of your Spanish aspirations with the collection of contemporary interiors that is very relative to every theme you could imagine…


“Good design is obvious. Great design is transparent.”Joe Sparano





















Disclaimer: Role/s on the project is/are part/s of the architect's work assignment for N. S. Mangio & Associates - Architects. Collage and Presentation of the images are for the architect's portfolio purposes only. Rights are still directly reserved for the architect-of-record, Nestor S. Mangio & Asssociates - Architects and/or the project owner/developer, San Miguel Properties Inc. Check their website for marketing and purchasing details: www.sanmiguelproperties.com.ph

Klein, here and now, signing off://

For architecture, design and build services:














#theeffessignature #design #construction #projects #sleek #spanishmediterraneanhouse #twostoreyhouse #house #architecture #nestorsmangioandassociates #sanmiguelpropertiesinc #franklinsarmiento #portfolio

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

CONTEMPORARY COUNTRY-STYLE RANCH HOME

14 October 2015//:

@Fourteen, Klein, here and now, signing on…




 “We do not create the work. I believe we, in fact, are discoverers.” –Glenn Murcutt


            Whenever I post a blog, I would often start it with “It’s been awhile since I last sat down and pour my heart into this mightier virtual pen”. I’d like to sound a different hymn now. Months took over after this project has been completed and I feel like posting this todate is just the best time. I have sourced out enough flowers to scent my lines, collaged enough images to document the works and stages the project has undergone, and acted comedian hanging onto the right timing to say his punch.

            Conceptual writing, or writing on its purest form, has been seen as my forte way back school days but narrating my very own story in the most genuine way (without expressing too much attachment and therefore without overly rating and then blocking what is real) is a test.

            Choosing images to feature is yet another. I was once reminded by my former boss that in preparing a presentation, we don’t have to be all-out. We need to brew curiosity and mystically draw interest. What you do not show, they do not know. You pay for what you say. You don’t record in your CV that you failed the first periodical Math exam in your fifth grade. Picking the best images when all are equally good is a challenge.

            Timing. Ripping season is now, and not during the turn-over and final acceptance period because first, my time was honestly very much occupied with more projects then. True enough, I felt like I need to pause for some moments and refresh. I don’t want to talk with too much excitement since it is yet on its momentum. I’d like to talk about what I actually remember now on this project after some time. For in the memories, lay the sincerest experiences and learning with greatest impact.


“Whatever good things we build, end up building us.” - Jim Rohn

            Enumerating architectural or construction knowledge and skill I have acquired in this project is like an oral recitation. But identifying who I have become after the project is like going on a retreat. Santiago Calatrava said, “You have to have endurance in this profession. You start a project as a young person and then at the end you are another person. You are ready to go for your passion.” To most candid way, I am now single after this project. I started this project being with someone. Hahaha! (Good thing, this is an architecture blog and I can spare myself from a lovey dovey tell-all. Anyway,) You see, this project has unleash the best and worst of me. I’ve discover what I can give and what I can give away just for such sake. Aaaaah! Introduction and expression of personal thoughts have consumed much of this article so let’s just move on the core and see for ourselves which values have I encamped on through this work.


“Architecture is an expression of values.” – Norman Foster



            In greens, our forefathers discover life, and in greens we shall find our architecture. Daniel Libeskind said, “To provide meaningful architecture is not to parody history but to articulate it.” In this century, what more is left to inventions. Surely, you have seen a house with the same silhouette. Ranch-type Country-style design isn’t new to your eyes. This project is not derived from a concept of an orange peel which I first saw while I was into the design study and then resemble the very form of the concept. “It’s very easy to be different, but very difficult to be better. (Jonathan Ive)” The challenge in this project is not to alienate the design to out-stand existing works but with all that is present, to arrive into an improved and satisfying home. “All architecture is shelter, all great architecture is the design of space that contains, cuddles, exalts, or stimulates the persons in that space. (Philip Johnson)”


            Venustas. Firmitas. Utilitas. We, architects, all know these. (We should. Lol!) A Swedish Proverb would describe it as “Beauty without virtue is like a rose without scent”. Holistic Design.


Building art is a synthesis of life in materialised form. We should try to bring in under the same hat not a splintered way of thinking, but all in harmony together.” –Alvar Aalto


            The project is guided by the idea of a contemporary ranch home and modern country-charmed farmhouse. (Yah, they are technically different which I, too, have not fully realized until I had to dig into their specifics for accurate descriptions here in my blog.) When the client told me of where the house will nestle, I knew right there and then, I needed to pull out my books of these styles in the library. Architecture is bound to situation, and I feel like the site is a metaphysical link, a poetic link, to what a building can be. (Steven Holl)” One time while I was invited in Holy Family Academy to give a PEP talk on taking up architecture and related courses to high school students. During the Q&A, a student who seems to have potential interest on the profession asked me if “Do designers have a reserve of ideas ready to be offer to clients?” I have discussed that architecture is not generic. We, architects, are translators of the client where we will concretize their aspirations and thoughts. We empathize and yet introduce something which we shall make them realize that is subconsciously essential to them. It is an artistic problem solving. We identify what they need, hypothesize answers, undergo processes to validate the approaches, and assure avowal and significance. Personally, I fall in-love easily with modern, edgy and carefree designs, but I can’t please every client to appreciate this kind of architecture style which I am a fan of. “You cannot simply put something new into a place. You have to absorb what you see around you, what exists on the land, and then use that knowledge along with contemporary thinking to interpret what you see. (Tadao Ando)” Upon collecting data, I am given with such cases: 1) it is intended as a retirement home (therefore, deciphering a call for a comfort and calmness); 2) the site is a city-escape and tree haven (therefore, conveying a direction to a nature-friendly design); 3) buildable floor area is orbiting in a specific range for budget boundaries (therefore, connecting to valuing spaces). And so I focused my attention to these major considerations since many others pointers will be tackled herein. “I think constraints are very important. They’re positive, because they allow you to work off something. (Charles Gwathmey)” I am fortunate that my client has given me a platter of guidelines so I have started on precise base marks, without having to test waters and fires over and over again.


“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” - Leonardo da Vinci


                On being unique without being strange. With the intimacy of spaces, the complexity in this project is to come up with a simple plan. This two-bedroom, two-T&B bungalow does not have the luxury of spaces to accommodate unnecessary areas such as hallways, consequently, I had to cling to the concept of fluidity approached through open planning. This idea is supported with consideration of the occupants who are at their senior years where more partitions would mean obstruction to their accessibility. Zoning wise, all public areas such as the living, dining and party hall area were all collected on the right side of the house facing a perceived road-right of way in the future; and so the bedrooms were spared from the assumed public activities, noise, etc. Elevation & façade design wise, with the irresistible fascination of the site, conceiving a perfect backdrop for a contemporary ranch home and modern country-charmed farmhouse, I would rest an indubitable case. C’mon, you won’t expect an Art Nouveau bungalow in the middle of the greens, neither a classical and monumental house in a one-storey scale nor a modern style pigeon cage-inspired house. The American farmhouse is a country home style that highlights the simplicity of rural living. Coming up the drive, you will notice a large veranda or wrap-around porch with the sliding door strategically located on the center, extending the living and dining area to the veranda. Beckoning relaxation, the spacious veranda acts as an outdoor living and dining room for residents and guests while enjoying overlooking the garden. The roof that flared out to cover the veranda was an important part of the home plan not only to provide a shady spot but also to help cool the interior of the home, as heat cannot directly penetrate with the veranda wrapping the big parcel of the house. The high pitched roof was intended to ensure a larger volume for warm temperature and for it not to escape the ceiling. Moreover, considering that the house is surrounded with a lot of trees, falling dry leaves won’t be a worry. Attic and dormer features on the roof cut the monotony of the hip roof. Large, symmetrical windows help to accentuate the exterior and bring the outside in (not to mention the natural lighting and ventilation is boosted).The goal of having logs and wood cladding on the façade was confronted with the alternative of grooves, making the equal impression.


            On the courage to label colors. “Ornamentation has been, is, and will be polychrome. Nature does not present us with an object in monochrome, totally uniform with respect to color – not in vegetation, not in geology, not in topography, not in the animal kingdom. Always the contrast of color is more or less lively, and for this reason we must color wholly or in part every architectural element. (Antoni Gaudí)” I cannot claim an identity for a house with a vague statement and is consistently safe or neutral. If Mario Botta said, “Architecture is the constant fight between man and nature, the fight to overwhelm nature, to possess it. The first act of architecture is to put a stone on the ground. That act transforms a condition of nature into a condition of culture; it’s a holy act.”, Then let my culture be the nature. Let the nature’s color be my palette. Bayville Green is my prime. And then the rest of the tones and shades are yet to accent the prime. Now, here’s the reveal. Upon reviewing my own Feng Shui, subconsciously, the colors presented in this project are, if not my lucky colors, at least not my unlucky colors.  I am born in a year of Metal Horse; Emerald is my stone; My KUA number is One.


            On flaunting textures and patterns. “What looks like wood should also be wood. (Gunter Behnisch)” The project’s design remains true to its creed. The exposure of the truss framework in the attic and the trellis in the veranda flourish the idea of exemplifying ornaments of significance. I did not conceal what is often the subject of concealment, instead we crafted them into the house’s asset. In this way, aesthetics was not fed with force. Also with cabinet carpentry works, I dared to brag what is wood, exhibiting the closest to the real grain and color. I did not go to the plain and basic. Also, the millworks such as the interior doors were naturally varnished to enhance their authentic splendour. The architecture of this contemporary country-style ranch home is minimally ornamental but very efficient.


            In the end, the real assessment on my part if the design is convincing, is when I highly covet it, having those thoughts that I should have just reserved this idea for my own contemporary country-style ranch home. Right now, I have already turned over my first design-build project. In the simplest way to close my lines: “It’s done”. However, Daniel Libeskind intrudes that:In a strange way, architecture is really an unfinished thing, because even though the building is finished, it takes on a new life. It becomes part of a new dynamic: how people will occupy it, use it, think about it.” I am excited to cut my baby’s umbilical cord on the ribbon cutting. J





































           “I often present in vignettes because what they need to see is not the dress that will wrap the work, but the vitality & precision of the idea encompassing the nude body, the substance & air of the plan it breathes in, and the very soul it channels.” See and watch the detailed design to construction development in this youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEXH9Kzhy40





            Mentioning above, I blog this now as I travel back and recall those experiences while doing this complete thing. Taking this moment now, I have apprehended that what dominates my thoughts and feelings are simply bunches of hope, passion and love. And the fullest wishes to my clients who have abundantly trusted me, to the people whom I have worked with in this project, and to myself too: “May the road rise to meet us. May the wind be always at our back. May the warm rays of sun fall upon our home. And may the hands of our friends always be near. May green be the grass we walk on. May blue be the skies above us. May pure be the joys that surround us. May true be the hearts that love us.” J





Klein, here and now, signing off://


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