Situated on a prominent 2,412-square-meter corner lot in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Loop Top Commercial Mall initiates a thoughtful architectural exploration into how urban commercial forms can transcend prevailing conventions. The design orchestrates a synthesis between built structures, cultivated landscape, and curated pedestrian experience, composing a continuous architectural language that engages both spatial function and environmental responsiveness.
At its core, Loop Top applies the principle of a unified built envelope organized around a rectangular loop that creates both clarity and flow. The circulation strategy avoids rigid compartmentalization by establishing fluid transitions between interior retail spaces, the central courtyard, and the external environment. In doing so, it fosters an immersive commercial experience that allows visual, spatial, and climatic interactivity throughout the site.
The expansive courtyard functions as the organizational nucleus of the mall, orchestrating the interplay of light, air, and circulation throughout the surrounding spaces. Its open-air configuration introduces vertical permeability, allowing daylight to penetrate deep into the interior zones while promoting natural ventilation across multiple levels. This spatial openness enhances both the aesthetic and environmental performance of the architecture, creating an inviting atmosphere where interior spaces remain visually connected to the landscaped elements and the sky above.
Project Name: Loop Top Location: Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Philippines Site Area: 2,412 sqm Project Area: 6,270 sqm Type: Commercial
The central courtyard serves as a central organizing void that simultaneously fulfills programmatic and environmental purposes. It invites daylight deep into the plan, facilitates passive ventilation, and offers an open-air spatial anchor that enhances both wayfinding and gathering. The configuration of shops, cafés, restaurants, and service functions wraps around this courtyard, maximizing visibility and access for each commercial tenant while preserving a sense of openness throughout the building.
The primary feature of the design is its living roof system. The green roof extends across the entire upper plane, forming a continuous sloping landscape that functions not merely as a visual garnish but as a performative architectural element. The planted roof surface enhances thermal regulation, manages rainwater through passive collection strategies, and serves as a multi-functional outdoor amenity for visitors and building occupants. This elevated green space reclaims the open area displaced by the building footprint, allowing for recreational and social activities while restoring ecological continuity.
Expansive views of the living roof create a seamless connection between the interior and natural landscape, enhancing the architectural harmony of the space. These elevated vistas enrich the spatial experience by integrating greenery into the occupant’s visual field, while also reinforcing the sustainability objectives embedded within the design. The carefully angled roof surfaces work in concert with natural light and vegetation to soften the built environment, blurring the boundary between architecture and its ecological context.
Programmatically, the three-level structure accommodates a mix of commercial tenants tailored for flexible occupancy. Banking institutions, lifestyle brands, specialty cafés, and restaurants form the primary retail anchors, responding to both local and transient consumer behaviors. The spatial composition accommodates future adaptability, allowing for the reconfiguration of spaces to suit evolving tenant demands while preserving the integrity of the circulation network.
The expansive green roof of the Loop Top serves as a dynamic living system, enhancing the mall’s aesthetic appeal while also contributing to urban biodiversity. The gently sloping green plane integrates native vegetation and adaptive plant species, creating a sustainable microhabitat within the urban context. This elevated garden promotes ecological continuity while enhancing thermal insulation, reducing the building’s heat load, and offering communal outdoor spaces for leisure and passive recreation. The fusion of functional performance and visual serenity defines the green roof as both an environmental asset and a social amenity.
At the pedestrian interface, the design manipulates the ground plane through deliberate layering of the landscape. Hardscapes, plant beds, and pathways establish visual continuity that naturally draws movement upwards to the canopy edge. The canopy, in turn, serves as both a shelter and an architectural threshold, mediating between interior spaces and exterior plazas. The sweeping green canopy emerges as the culminating architectural gesture, transforming the roof into a spatial experience rather than a concealed mechanical zone.
The envelope features slanted walls and integrated wind-scooping canopies to harness prevailing breezes, acknowledging the tropical climatic context. The configuration reduces solar heat gain while allowing consistent cross ventilation throughout public zones. Transparent facade treatments composed of full-height glass reinforce interior-exterior porosity, enhancing daylighting while enabling passive environmental control.
Unlike monolithic box-like commercial developments, Loop Top asserts an architectural stance that positions the retail environment as an extension of the urban landscape. The deliberate blending of open space, green architecture, and adaptive commercial programming creates a spatial ecology that remains responsive to both environmental performance and urban liveliness. The resulting form does not simply contain retail functions but choreographs movement, light, vegetation, and community engagement into a cohesive commercial structure.
This captivating volume serves as a masterclass in the concept of “art as architecture”, illustrating the intricate process of crafting an environment that is simultaneously transparent and private with a modern, parametric aesthetic. It explores the fusion of artistic expression and architectural form by translating it into a real-world experiment – a uniquely designed one-story parametric residence in the heart of Quezon City, Philippines. Here, the potential of shaping such an innovative concept within a distinctly Filipino landscape was brought to life. In this striking model, the modern sculpture becomes a home, exhibited by the expansive, tessellated arrangement of composite panels contrasting sharply against a sleek glass volume. It’s not just a home. It’s a testament to the transformative power of art as architecture.
Project Name: The Swan House Location: Quezon City Client: Mr. & Mrs. Cua Site Area: 1,200.00 sqm Project Area: 809.00 sqm Type: Residential
Welcome to the Swan House, a distinctive single-story residence that masterfully exhibits the interplay between modern sculpture and functional design. Located in the heart of Quezon City, this ultra-modern bungalow encompasses an open floor plan layout meticulously designed to craft an ideal blend of privacy and expansiveness.
Designed with a warm Corten-steel-like finish, this house concept beautifully blends form and function. It features a sculptural shell that not only protects the interior but also enhances the aesthetic of the living spaces. This thoughtful design creates a harmonious environment where every element serves a purpose while contributing to the overall visual appeal.
The house’s core harbors a generous courtyard, an artistic centerpiece that’s not merely a visual treat but a functional marvel. This open courtyard allows for optimum natural light and ventilation harnessing, providing an energizing environment and reducing reliance on artificial lighting and cooling.
Careful planning aligns seamlessly with the subdivision’s layout, ensuring that each element complements the overall design. The house design maximizes solar path analysis and incorporates passive ventilation strategies, effectively blending architectural excellence with sustainable living practices. This thoughtful approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the home but also promotes energy efficiency and comfort for its inhabitants.
This residence is a home and a visual poem composed of aluminum composite panels and full-height glass panels. These components, juxtaposed to create a tessellated façade, face the captivating northern panorama where the best views of the site lie. This façade, while providing privacy, uniquely integrates the home with its surroundings and provides an immersive experience of the external landscape from every direction.
Specialized wall blocks beautifully break sunlight into captivating patterns of shadow, creating an enchanting visual effect. At the same time, they allow cool breezes to flow through intelligently designed gaps, ensuring a comfortable and naturally cooled interior throughout the year. This innovative design maintains a pleasant atmosphere, even during the peak of summer, promoting a refreshing and inviting living space.
Behind this compelling façade, the cornered walkway guides residents and visitors toward the entrance, teasing the luxury and artistic brilliance within. The interior design is a testament to contemporary minimalism, focusing on sleek lines and high-quality materials. The smart home technology, seamlessly incorporated, ensures maximum comfort and convenience, making everyday living an absolute pleasure.
The open floor plan ensures fluid movement across generously-sized rooms. The bedrooms are more than just places to sleep – they’re personal retreats, each boasting plenty of space, plush furnishings, and luxurious en-suite bathrooms. The southern-to-eastern axis of the house shelters these private spaces, maintaining a sense of tranquility without compromising the picturesque views.
The geometric complexity of the sculpture offers a profound exploration of spatial arrangements within interior layouts. It serves as a compelling reminder of how art and architecture can harmoniously intertwine, culminating in an awe-inspiring masterpiece that is not only visually striking but also functional and livable. This seamless integration invites us to reconsider the boundaries between artistic expression and architectural design, emphasizing that the spaces we inhabit can reflect both beauty and practicality.
Social and living spaces align along the northern and western sides, offering plenty of room for relaxation and entertaining. Their modern aesthetic is a careful balance of comfort and sophistication, enhanced by abundant natural light streaming through expansive windows.
The central courtyard is a natural divider, beautifully framing the relationship between social and intimate spaces. Doubling as a garden conservatory, it can be accessed via the northern living area and the southern gym through grand triple-pivoted doorways. A large skylight embellishes this space, diffusing natural light and ventilation without disrupting the serene atmosphere.
With an open floor plan that effortlessly merges with an intimate interior courtyard and abundant natural light streaming through glass transoms, the industrial-themed interiors mirror the artful composition of the house, creating a harmonious aesthetic unity.
Access to the gym and its private bedrooms is diluted by a linear southern hallway that governs the area’s spatial alignment. While discreetly secluded, these spaces privilege a generous view of the landscape in space and comfort.
Step into the expansive master bedroom, where luxury and artistry harmoniously intertwine. This thoughtfully designed space embodies a modern aesthetic that resonates with the distinctive architectural form of the house. The emphasis on raw material finishes not only celebrates the beauty of natural textures but also creates an authentic, artistic ambiance. Every element in the room has been meticulously curated to evoke a sense of sophistication while fostering a connection to the surrounding environment. The result is a tranquil retreat that elevates both comfort and style, making it a true sanctuary within the home.
Adding to the allure of the Swan House is its seamless integration with the surrounding landscape. The house stands as a modern masterpiece amidst meticulously curated landscape gardens that wrap the entire compound, enhancing the tranquility and visual appeal of the property.
The Swan House is a unique fusion of art and architecture. Its distinct design, open floor plan, luxurious amenities, and tranquil setting make it an idyllic retreat that harmonizes modern living with natural beauty.
The Fortress in Angeles City is a 15-story hotel situated in the heart of the bustling central business district. This premier development uniquely combines medieval and modern themes, creating a distinctive atmosphere for guests. Spanning a total area of 2,392. The hotel also features two levels of basement parking, ensuring convenience and accessibility for visitors.
Project Name: The Fortress Hotel Location: Angeles City, Pampanga Client: New Nordic Group Site Area: 2,392.38 sqm Project Area: 23,660.96 sqm Type: Mixed Use, Hospitality
A luxurious monolithic structure with an integration of the medieval fortress and the modern buildings rises above the bustling commercial and residential neighborhood in Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines. The Fortress Hotel in Angeles City is the New Nordic Group’s first attempt at delivering fairytale-like hospitality fantasy in the Philippines.
The bedrooms combine modern and medieval themes, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere. Each room features beautifully designed built-in sunken baths, offering a luxurious touch to the space. The blend of contemporary elements with medieval aesthetics creates a harmonious environment where comfort meets elegance. With carefully chosen decor and fixtures, these bedrooms provide a relaxing retreat that invites guests to unwind and enjoy a soothing bath experience.
Towering 60 meters high, this five-star hotel sits alongside two access roads. The building is divided into 14 floors at ground level and two basement levels below it.
The design intent is to celebrate the richness of the 15th century while still catering to the aesthetics and modernities of the 21st century. This fusion of old and new is the main attraction of the project. The architectural response was to combine commercial, residential, and recreational spaces surrounded by sophisticated medieval skin and interiors.
With a deep gray natural stone finish, this free-standing hotel in Angeles City is oriented in a way that appears as two towers on approach and is adorned with a battlement crown. Windows and concealed balconies are recessed to showcase a spectacle of light and shadows as the thickness of its walls protects the intricacies of its form.
The drop-off has a drawbridge entry floating above a moat with water features of fountains and falls. A protruding façade of battlements highlights the main entrance of varying natural textures ranging from stone, wood, and wrought metals. The planning configuration of its interiors is classified into zoning levels with connecting openings and corridors.
The wellness and hydrotherapy spa offers a comprehensive range of treatments designed to promote anti-aging and detoxification. With a serene and relaxing environment, the amenity provides therapies that harness the healing properties of water to rejuvenate the body and mind. Skilled practitioners utilize various techniques to help visitors achieve overall wellness, eliminate toxins, and enhance their natural beauty.
A discreet metaphor for medieval craftsmanship, the diversity in materiality exhibited by each interior treatment collectively recalls the history of medieval aristocrats. Upon entry, the Fortress Hotel in Angeles City unveils its royal lobby with lounges, bars, and reception counters. The lobby links to the restaurant on its northwest, retail shops on the southwest, and the function hall with an outdoor bar and gardens on its right.
Twin panoramic elevators offer a majestic view of the atrium’s secret water gardens while transporting guests to their rooms. The grand staircase is decorated with archways spiraling upward that also act as an emergency exit staircase. The hotel’s lodging units at each level are classified into four typologies inspired by the medieval social classes of knight, noble, great, and lord. Adding a luxurious touch to the premium rooms is the inclusion of oxygenated dipping tubs and wet balconies with technologies for anti-aging and detoxifying benefits.
The Fortress Hotel in Angeles City features a unique serpent-themed bar and restaurant that offers an intriguing dining experience. With its captivating decor inspired by serpent motifs, the establishment creates an inviting and adventurous atmosphere for guests. Patrons can enjoy a diverse menu of delectable dishes and expertly crafted cocktails while surrounded by the distinctive ambiance that sets this venue apart.
Large window panes are fitted flush to naturally illuminate the interiors while welcoming guests with a cinematic view of the western open atrium. The Fortress Hotel in Angeles City is a place to escape while still longing for modern luxuries.
This fantasy hotel in Angeles City is both romantic and mysterious. There is a mezzanine that can be accessed by a slightly concealed staircase that leads to an intimate, vaulted wine cellar and connected to the function halls. Adjacent to this cellar is a wellness and health gym with a hydrotherapy spa center. A serpent-inspired bar and restaurant can be found directly below the wine cellar. The restaurant is a 95-pax dining and drinking haven inspired by a distinctive sinuous waffle ceiling snaking through its frame.
The new rooftop party deck at the uniquely designed modern and medieval hotel in Angeles City offers a breathtaking blend of contemporary elegance and historic charm. This expansive outdoor space features meticulous landscaping, complete with lush greenery and vibrant flowers, creating an inviting atmosphere. The deck is adorned with stylish furniture, inviting guests to relax and socialize while taking in panoramic views of the city and its surrounding landscapes. Architectural elements inspired by medieval design, such as arched canopies and decorative stonework, harmoniously contrast with sleek, modern fixtures, providing a captivating backdrop for gatherings. Ambient lighting enhances the inviting atmosphere as the sun sets, making it an ideal location for vibrant parties, intimate celebrations, or simply unwinding under the stars.
Crowning the hotel’s medieval body is a party roof deck. The open-to-sky entertainment area unites the wet activity areas, cabanas, private booths, lounges, pool bar, and music booth into a perfect avenue for high-class leisure and fun.
The hotel’s apex is identified by a series of massively high battlements concluding this medieval-meets-modern hotel in a celebratory salute. A combination of the past and the present, the old and the new, the analog and the digital. This unique hotel in Angeles City is culminating in architectural aspirations and experiential references to offer a first and one-of-a-kind experience fusing two vastly different centuries together. An immortalized past in a mythic attire, The Fortress Hotel in Angeles City is a true visual storyteller for the eyes, the happy heart, and the wandering soul.
The tessellated surface of this modern office building design cleverly harnesses the movement of air to create refreshing breezes within the interior spaces. In addition to enhancing occupant comfort, this innovative feature also effectively filters out dust particles from the air, promoting a cleaner and healthier indoor environment. This design not only prioritizes aesthetics but also emphasizes sustainability and well-being.
Location: Bonifacio Global City, Taguig Site Area: 22,769.85 sqm Project Area: 58,760.00 sqm Type: Offices, Commercial
Symbolic and equally sustainable, the design for this eight-story tropical office building in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Philippines, is grounded in two key concepts: sustainability and the importance of Filipino culture.
The concept of utilizing the “banig” weaving method in this modern office building design is a profound reflection of Filipino culture and ingenuity, transforming traditional craftsmanship into a contemporary architectural statement. Banig, a traditional mat made from woven grasses or reeds, has been a significant part of Filipino heritage, symbolizing comfort, home, and community.
The ICDC Modern Office Building is situated on a 12,000-square-meter plot, surrounded by bustling urban plazas and high-density urban areas. The project’s vision presents a unique design challenge due to its irregular lot shape and location. One of which is minimizing both vehicular and pedestrian pollutants that the building will encounter on a regular basis.
Hence, an equally unique architectural proposition is to wrap the entire building in an exterior skin of a parametric-inspired ventilation grate system. Inspired by the Philippines’ traditional method of weaving used in “banig”-making, it features a futuristic adaptation of local indigenous patterns to keep the project culturally connected as well as allow for natural ventilation and for battling pollutants.
In an effort to create a more culturally immersive project, both the interior and structural designs incorporate locally sourced materials. The ventilation grate panels are porous and angled, allowing them to effectively scrape, filter, and distribute incoming and outgoing breezes throughout the building.
Programmable lighting technologies and actuators are seamlessly integrated into the design of the ventilation grate panels. This innovative combination not only enhances the functionality of the panels but also improves the overall aesthetic of the space. By allowing for customizable lighting options, users can create the desired ambiance while ensuring proper ventilation. This integration promotes energy efficiency and modernizes the environment, making it both practical and visually appealing.
Aside from passive cooling, it also functions as a sun-shading device, minimizing excessive solar glare by breaking up sunlight into smaller and softer reflections. The programmable and color-changing lights and actuators integrated with this architectural skin can transform the building into an eye-catching and festive spectacle of light shows.
The slightly fragmented and rotated structural volume is a welcoming sight from the approach at its street-facing façade. Aside from minimizing harmful exposures and heat gain, the architecture also ensures that the spaces are well-utilized. The building accommodates a diverse range of uses, including offices, retail, and entertainment spaces for various events.
The modern eight-story office building has been thoughtfully designed to thrive in tropical conditions. Built with an emphasis on functionality and comfort, it incorporates features that promote natural ventilation and maximize daylight, creating a productive working environment. The architecture reflects a blend of contemporary design and practical elements, ensuring that the building is not only aesthetically pleasing but also well-equipped to handle the challenges of a warm and humid climate. This office space is ideal for businesses seeking to create an innovative and comfortable work environment.
Inside the ICDC Modern Office Building, one notices a well-divided layout of public and private zones. Each zone is carefully planned to allocate different areas for assembly, business and retail, institutional, parking, recreational, social, and utility spaces. All of its eight floors are specially designed to fit a productive and dynamic work and office culture, with semi-private spaces such as auditoriums, libraries, and training halls surrounded by 360-degree panoramic views of the bustling urban scenes of the Bonifacio Global City. Dynamic and encouraging, these spaces allow continuous collaboration, learning, and training among their occupants.
Following the same sustainable route, the ICDC Modern Office Building utilizes a double roofing technology that harnesses continuous airflow at different temperatures induced between level gaps. To harvest and divert stormwater run-off, its primary roofing is used as a rainwater collecting system, whereas the secondary roofing is responsible for minimizing aircraft noise and excessive heat gain.
The park features a rainwater harvesting system that not only promotes sustainability but also enhances the beauty of the communal space. This system collects and utilizes rainwater for irrigation, helping to maintain the lush landscaping. Vibrant flowers, trees, and shrubs create a serene environment where community members can relax and enjoy nature. Together, the rainwater harvesting system and the thoughtfully designed landscaping contribute to an eco-friendly oasis in the heart of the community.
As users leave the building, they are greeted by thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces that emphasize sustainability. These areas feature bioswales that help manage stormwater runoff, porous pavers that allow for natural water absorption, and a rainwater catchment system that not only collects rainwater but also serves as an interactive water feature. This system invites engagement and playfulness, enhancing the overall experience of the space. Together, these elements create a harmonious environment that softens the sharp contrasts of the building’s intricate architectural form, highlighting the importance of ecological design in urban settings.
A proposed hotel-casino complex is being developed in Batangas, Philippines, featuring a striking architectural design with geometric shapes and folded surfaces. The complex will feature extensive gaming facilities, a variety of restaurants and bars, and a stylish sky lounge offering panoramic views. Guests can enjoy well-appointed hotel rooms and luxurious suites, along with a refreshing swimming pool. This destination aims to blend entertainment, leisure, and hospitality in a captivating environment.
Location: Trapiche, Tanauan City, Batangas Site Area: 7,476.00 sqm Project Area: 10,505.10 sqm Type: Hospitality, Gaming
Between nature and thoroughfares, between the vertical and horizontal, between monotony and activity: the birth of a new hospitality and leisure hub in Tanauan City, Philippines.
The proposed Anthurium Hotel and Resort is a five-story hotel-casino-resort complex situated on a 7,476.07-sqm lot. Its unique location between the STAR Tollway Exit and a 20-meter provincial road called for a defining design approach that minimizes inbound traffic noise while maximizing its horizontal spatial leeway.
A comprehensive study for the hotel-casino project located on a triangular lot includes an analysis of the site’s unique characteristics, zoning regulations, and architectural considerations related to the triangular shape. It should also address potential impact on the surrounding area, traffic patterns, and accessibility for guests. The aim is to create a design that efficiently utilizes the lot while ensuring a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment for visitors and staff alike. Additionally, consider incorporating sustainable practices and amenities to enhance the guest experience.
The hotel casino project’s response to its main design challenge resulted in an urban design approach that introduces multi-level blocks at varying levels. It combines a panoply of geometric panels adding tactile interest to the overall form. The triangular layout resulted in two distinct points of view, one that is ideal for horizontal visibility, and another enabling a low insertion point as a platform for the entire site.
Thanks to its unique angular layout, wayfinding inside the building simply follows its natural shape.
The open circular courtyard at the heart of the hotel casino serves as a dynamic focal point, intricately woven into the fabric of the complex’s design. This thoughtfully conceived space not only enhances the visual appeal of the hotel but also plays a critical role in promoting both functionality and comfort. Illuminated by natural light, the courtyard’s spacious design fosters a welcoming atmosphere, enabling guests to feel a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors.
An access platform at a ground level designed for both vehicular and pedestrian use welcomes guests into the secure compound. The triangular building mass is punctured by an inner circular courtyard to enhance that sense of arrival. The open-to-sky roundabout here allows as much natural lighting into the centermost part of the building and the tropical ventilation of the area. Furthermore, it becomes an experiential anchor seamlessly connecting to and from the Al Fresco, 216-sqm ballroom, 319-electronic game machines, casino grounds, lounges, lobbies, parking spaces, and the 63-seater restaurant. Punctuating the project’s transparent façade of fragmented, spatial continuity are decorative columns adding a dramatic streak to the platform.
The casino features an inviting bar area where guests can relax and enjoy refreshments while taking in the exciting atmosphere. It showcases a variety of gaming tables for traditional table games, as well as a range of electronic gaming machines, providing ample opportunities for entertainment and winning. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just looking to have some fun, the casino offers an enjoyable experience for everyone.
Publicly accessible amenities of Anthurium Hotel Casino Resort are on the second floor. The level is divided into a spa and wellness center, an elegant infinity swimming pool with a view of Mount Makiling, a privately secluded VIP casino area, and an in-house buffet restaurant. A two-way escalator help make conveying guests to their designated hotel rooms. The hotel rooms are planned to start with a light density of suites on the second floor to the more robust units from the third to the fifth. The inventory occupied by the 3rd to 5th floors makes up 63 hotel rooms. Other amenities are spread to each level like communal viewing areas, a massive garden roof, a Sky Lounge with 186-seater dining space, mini-bar lounges, and a presidential penthouse. Guests will enjoy utmost discretion to the Sky Lounge from a separate lobby with its own passenger lift located in the building’s northeastern wing.
The proposed interior design theme for the hotel suites is elegantly inspired by the breathtaking mountain views. Each suite will be designed to create a cozy yet luxurious atmosphere, incorporating natural elements that reflect the surrounding landscape. Warm color palettes and comfortable furnishings will ensure guests feel at home, while large windows will maximize the stunning views, allowing the beauty of the mountains to become a focal point of the experience. This thoughtful combination of design and nature aims to provide a serene retreat for all who visit.
The generous void created by the circular courtyard echoes upward. Corridors and hotel rooms on the upper floors are also well oriented to conveniently light up with sunlight during daytime as well as continuously induce the flow of breeze inside the building.
In terms of visual identity, the hotel casino project sets itself apart from its surrounding context through a series of geometric panoplies. This unique form adds a tactile flair amid neutral-colored planes of textured cladding, golden accents, and polished natural stones. A series of sharp, protruding balconies extending outward from the face further echoes the resort’s geometrically-dynamic form.
The deck boasts an inviting infinity pool, perfect for taking a refreshing dip while enjoying breathtaking views. Adjacent to the pool, a well-equipped wet bar offers a variety of drinks, making it easy to unwind and relax. Comfortable lounges are strategically placed in this more intimate section of the deck, providing an ideal spot for guests to soak up the sun or enjoy a quiet moment. This thoughtfully designed space creates a serene atmosphere for relaxation and leisure.
With fine attention to detail, interior design played an integral role in establishing the visual identity of Anthurium Hotel and Casino. Various modern patterns and wall decors help express an elegant and exciting atmosphere from common areas to each and every room. From the origami-inspired ceiling patterns to the larger spans of warm cove illuminations of the gaming grounds unifies the entire interior style of the hotel.
The hotel and casino resort has an almost fragmented architectural design form that translates into a dramatic yet luxurious icon visible from the expressways. The creative interplay of textures and folded exterior interventions delivers a singularity of spatial and visual continuity for the brand of this hotel.
The Fortress Subic stands as a striking 12-story luxury hotel, its design embodying a harmonious blend of modern and medieval aesthetics that draws inspiration from its counterpart in Angeles. This architectural marvel is conceptualized as a fortified stronghold, where visitors are welcomed into a breathtaking vintage medieval town square that serves as the heart of the hotel. This interior space is meticulously designed to transport guests to a bygone era, complete with cobblestone pathways, charming facades, and intricate details that evoke a sense of history and enchantment. The structure extends vertically, seamlessly connecting the dynamic energy of the lobby to the serene atmosphere of a sky tavern perched at the pinnacle of the building, offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.
Project Name: New Nordic Subic The Fortress Hotel Location: Brgy. Barretto, Olongapo City, Zambales Site Area: 992 sqm Type: Hospitality, Tourism, Wellness
The essence of luxury continually adapts to each successive cultural epoch. As such, bridging the modern edge of the 21st century and the allure of the Middle Ages into a hotel design may be challenging. However, when executed well, it will present a promising potential, both visually and functionally.
The entrance canopy of the hotel is designed to create a grand and inviting atmosphere. It features elegant fountains that enhance the overall aesthetic and provide a soothing sound of flowing water. Surrounding the entrance is a decorative moat, adding an element of whimsy and charm, reminiscent of a castle setting. Completing this enchanting entrance is a drawbridge, which adds a unique architectural touch and invites guests to cross over as they enter the hotel. Together, these elements combine to create a captivating first impression for visitors.
Towering over the city of Olongapo in the province of Zambales are the towers and battlements of its first-ever medieval-inspired hotel and residential condominium. New Nordic Group’s The Fortress Subic is thoroughly a 21st-century hotel design to represent a 5th-century medieval fortress. The visual strategies seamlessly combine the look, feel, and ambiance of two generations together.
The lot itself is a workable shape that offers a lot of façade and exposure. The principal views lie northwestern, relative to its area. The greater visual volume is gathered in the northwestern and southeastern faces where concentrations of balconies and full-height windows are introduced. Whereas, its northeastern and southwestern faces offer a more private setting.
The hotel boasts a stunning open atrium that features a unique vertical medieval town square, drawing visitors and guests alike. This charming and picturesque attraction showcases elements of medieval architecture, creating an immersive atmosphere reminiscent of a different time. With its quaint shops, intricate decorations, and vibrant marketplace reminiscent of a bygone era, the town square serves as a central gathering place, providing an enjoyable experience for those who explore it. Whether guests want to relax with a drink, browse the interesting shops, or simply take in the ambiance, the vertical medieval town square offers a delightful escape within the hotel.
Bridging two distant cultural periods together became an integral part of the hotel design execution. Connections from its surroundings to the building itself, connections from the building to its interiors, and ultimately, its interiors to the guests, bring a continuous conversation between its outer and inner contexts.
Inviting guests closer to its entrance are small active fountains along the pseudo-moat and a drawbridge at drop-off. Salutations from the two knight statues flanking the 15th-century mood welcome guests to the splendor of medieval-meets-modern glamour.
At ground level has a grand vista of twin staircases snuggling around a centrally placed panoramic elevator. A glass dragon statue is positioned at the core of this open atrium to add a mystic touch to the receiving areas.
A replica of a medieval town square unfolds from the hotel’s lobby to its interior corridors leading up to the building’s crown. The theme rises throughout the entire hotel’s indoor open atrium. The rare scene of a unique and modern medieval town square is appreciated looking upwards from the lobby grounds. Thick fortifications of alternating stone and brick-laden walls encapsulate the entire town with hints of old shops and markets. They are composed of protruding Georgian windows with narrow balconies secured by balusters. Multiple colorful banners draped over doorways and storefronts and black ironwork add to the exciting atmosphere.
Circulation follows a simple gridiron layout which makes wayfinding straightforward and convenient. Rooms form rectilinear cuboids on each floor to accommodate larger balconies to frame its serene cityscape.
The proposed interior design for the two-bedroom suite is inspired by the House of Aqua theme. This design concept incorporates aquatic elements and a calming color palette reminiscent of water, creating a tranquil and refreshing atmosphere for guests. The suite will feature flowing lines, soft textures, and a blend of blues and greens to evoke a sense of serenity. Furniture will be chosen for both style and comfort, ensuring that the space is not only visually appealing but also inviting and functional.
The upper floors offer both condominium units and hotel rooms. Comprising 84 suites divided into five typologies, each hotel room owns a unique concept inspired by the earth’s elements. A hotel room can fall under the house of Terra (earth), Aqua (water), Ventus (air), Ignis (fire), and Arbor (forest). Each room promises a unique experience reflected in each orchestrated palette of colors, textures, and unexpected elemental accents of the house they belong in.
All rooms are equipped with large-facing windows and an open terrace. Higher-end rooms are integrated with dipping pools and water jet tubs. The hotel design is oriented in a way that rooms could take advantage of the varying views of the mountains, sea, or lush greeneries. The openness of these rooms equally allows the passage of daylighting and ventilation to each floor.
The Sky Tavern boasts a vibrant game room alongside a lively entertainment bar. The game room offers a variety of games, providing an engaging space for guests to enjoy friendly competitions. Meanwhile, the entertainment bar serves a selection of beverages and light snacks, creating a perfect atmosphere for socializing and relaxation. Whether you’re looking to challenge friends to a game or unwind with a drink, the Sky Tavern has something for everyone.
A floating sky tavern is nestled on its top floor. The sky tavern is a whole floor of entertainment bars with a variety of recreational spaces. Activities with various medieval-themed installations include barrel-shaped tables, pool tables, lounges, and a mechanical bull as the main sport. The hotel is also opening opportunities for a unique dining experience with its premium steak and barbeque restaurant on this floor.
The hotel’s crown hides a private roof deck with majestic views of the present Olongapo skyline as well as culminating in the romantic ambiance established throughout the building’s interior core.
The hotel’s design features an elegant wet bar and a stunning rooftop swimming pool. This exclusive area is designed to provide guests with a luxurious, relaxing atmosphere where they can enjoy breathtaking views while sipping their favorite cocktails and taking a refreshing dip in the pool. The rooftop deck will serve as a perfect social space for guests to unwind and make the most of their stay.
A sequence of the crenulated battlement parapets and a crowning apex protect the roof deck amenities. The open roof deck is divided into two zones, on one side the Skydeck dining and lounging beds while the other is a sunken wet bar built into an infinity pool. An elevated music booth straddles these zones and transforms the hotel roof deck into a party place for both entertainment and chill back relaxation.
The Fortress Subic offers a unique experience with its open rooftop amenities, where guests can relax in comfortable cabanas and enjoy the enchanting dragon-themed décor. This space is perfect for unwinding, socializing, or simply taking in the beautiful views. Whether you’re looking to spend a leisurely afternoon or host an event, the rooftop area provides a stunning backdrop for a memorable experience.
Conceived as the modern-day update of fortress architecture, The Fortress Subic is a standout hotel design capturing the dynamism of medieval, modern, and mystic design elements. This hospitality hotspot definitely unifies two centuries together in a well-planned architectural statement.
This innovative museum design serves as a heartfelt tribute to a beloved Filipino komik graphic novelist, celebrating their significant contribution to the world of graphic storytelling. The architecture draws inspiration from the unique properties of paper, reflecting its flexibility and adaptability. The gallery cores are characterized by dynamic geometric forms that not only create an engaging visual experience but also seamlessly blend with the undulating landscape of Tagaytay. This thoughtful integration enhances the surroundings, allowing the museum to sit naturally within the rolling terrain while inviting visitors to explore the vibrant world of Filipino illustration and writing in a setting that is both inspiring and reflective of the local culture.
Project Name: Mars Ravelo Museum Location: Brgy. Neogan, Tagaytay City Site Area: 21,000 sqm Type: Museum, Institutional
For decades, komiks and animations have been considered an integral part of everyone’s childhood, and our studio has developed these into a memorable, sophisticated architectural form.
The design of the comic museum is a heartfelt tribute to Mars Ravelo, who is celebrated as the first Filipino graphic novelist. This museum aims to honor his significant contributions to the world of comics and storytelling in the Philippines. Through its innovative architecture and carefully curated exhibits, the museum will showcase Ravelo’s iconic works and highlight the impact he has had on Filipino culture and the comic book industry. By recognizing his legacy, the museum aims to inspire a new generation of artists and writers, ensuring that his influence endures for years to come.
The initiative for the Mars Ravelo Museum, a tribute to a well-loved Filipino komiks graphic novelist, creates a platform that unites the worlds of art and entertainment into a single architectural space. By utilizing one of the comic’s most essential materials, paper, as the conceptual force behind the museum design, it serves as the physical channel to embody fantasy, animation, and our childhood.
Paired with the undulating terrains of Tagaytay City, this is where 2D animations scribbled on paper come alive. Carefully crafted to evoke a childlike experience, the site allows visitors to hop gleefully from indoor to outdoor, then back to the museum’s indoor curiosities. The property is divided into two main zones, the main building and the museum premises, connected by a 445-sqm pedestrian paved area.
The minimal footprint of the buildings is designed to fit the site topography, while also allowing for more outdoor green spaces. Upon arrival, visitors pass through a conditional corridor that transitions from reality into a thrilling quest of folklore, superheroes, and villains fueled by the endless imagination and creative expression of our own.
The architectural design of the museum showcases forms that are inspired by the flexibility and versatility of paper. This unique approach reflects the transformative qualities of paper, allowing the structures to embody fluidity and creativity. By integrating these elements into the museum’s design, we create an inviting space that encourages exploration and interaction, making the visitor experience both engaging and memorable.
The museum façade is adorned with a subdued relief of white insulated panels and vertically louvered walls, perfectly capturing its main design imagery of crisp paper pages. Its monochromatic white facade piques the curiosity of its visitors before eventually welcoming them into a world of fantasy. Galleries commemorating each renowned hero and villain are distributed in the museum’s three main cores. Each of the cores’ irregular shapes allows for unique and versatile exhibitions. The “Hall of Heroes” is presented in a chronological line that starts with the lobby, the multimedia room, and the “Tunnel of Villains.”
The two remaining cores unfold into a spacious gallery with a covered lanai partitioned by curtain glass. Unifying the three museum cores is a circular courtyard surrounding a stage, a monument, and an amphitheater.
Visitors are taken on a journey to a fantasy world through the specially designed conditioning corridor. This corridor serves as a transformative pathway, immersing guests in a captivating experience that prepares them for the adventures that lie ahead. As they progress through the corridor, they will encounter enchanting visuals and sounds, designed to heighten their senses and spark their imagination, ultimately ushering them into a magical realm filled with wonder and excitement.
Subtle personal accents, such as typewriter-inspired seats and talk bubbles as signage, create a more intimate connection with the museum’s gardens and outdoor spaces. Among the key attractions of the museum’s landscape are various folklore-inspired areas that celebrate the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage and mysticism. These include the “Bamboo Gardens,” a small pocket garden with two passageways of bent bamboo – a commemoration of the country’s most elastic superhero.
Deeply inspired by the promising yet straightforward properties of paper, this Komik Museum design is a creative endeavor that challenges the power of human imagination and artistry. A paradox of reality and fantasy, showing how architecture can immortalize the impact of Filipino komiks into physical space, one paper at a time.
Rocca Estates Residences is a gated community in Cavite, Philippines, featuring 14 modern townhouses on a 3,538 sqm property. Each townhouse showcases contemporary design with clean lines and open spaces that enhance natural light and functionality. The development prioritizes sustainability with eco-friendly amenities, such as green spaces and energy-efficient systems, promoting a healthy lifestyle and environmental responsibility. The development strives to create a secure and welcoming environment that fosters a sense of community while maintaining a connection to nature, making it an ideal residence for those seeking comfort and safety.
Project Name: Roccan Estates Residences Location: Imus, Cavite Site Area: 3,538 sqm Type: Townhouse and Subdivision Development
With a lifestyle that prioritizes both enjoyment and privacy, this 14-door townhouse design and subdivision development in Imus, Cavite, embodies the design values of both characters, embracing a sense of glamour both inside and out. Roccan Estates Residences is situated in a quiet, exclusive area adjacent to Ayala Land’s active village development. Located a few minutes away from De La Salle Santiago Zobel Vermosa Campus, it serves as an ideal investment for growing families. The land area comprises 14 two-story residential units, classified into typical, corner, deluxe, and premier units.
The security gateway for the proposed modern townhouse design at Roccan Estates serves as the main entrance point, ensuring safety and accessibility for residents and visitors. This strategically designed gateway will feature contemporary architecture that complements the overall aesthetic of the townhouse community while incorporating advanced security measures. These features may include surveillance cameras, controlled access systems, and well-lit pathways to enhance visibility and safety. The goal is to create a welcoming yet secure environment that upholds the quality and integrity of Roccan Estates.
The design aims to translate the values of Roccan Estates Residences into a pragmatic yet highly luxurious subdivision development. Set to be a competitive choice for property development, feelings of relaxation, cultivation, and safety are also expected to enhance its overall image. The entire development branches into two strips of residential clusters, spatially separated by a 10-meter-wide road that runs through the property from entry to gardens at the end.
Individually, residential units have been designed as straightforward and efficient units with linear approaches. From the exterior to the interior, our monochromatic palette of white, brown, gray, and black brings warmth and sophistication to each unit. The design uses elements of engineered wood surfaces, natural stones, and double-glazed glass panels to create a comfortable yet distinctly stylish atmosphere. The combination of these makes an interesting experience of light and shadow at certain times of the day. All units feature the basic components of a house, except for the premier unit – the largest of the four residential typologies with additional provisions for more expansive balconies, household help quarters, and extended space for a study area or office den.
Each unit features spacious gardens and generous setbacks. The premier unit is highlighted with a private pool, outdoor study area, and wooden lanai deck.
Residents are expected to receive ample natural light, thanks to the enormous windows and glass balconies on the upper floors, which allow light to spread throughout the space. The art here is to extend the canopies outward just enough for proper cooling shade and letting through a few sun rays to naturally illuminate the interiors.
Tucked away at the farthest point of the development are its communal spaces, divided into indoor, outdoor, and garden seating areas. These spaces showcase all the key drivers for social activity with split-level gardens. Outdoor cabanas and green walls.
Topping the entire development is a roofline that follows a straight path, with each frontage featuring multiple canopies of varying heights. To offset the stark features present in its architecture, abundant landscaping and planters create an overall softer ambiance. Serving as a symphony of contrast both architecturally and functionally, Roccan Estates Residences is a truly dynamic design for an equally robust lifestyle.
