Jesy Cruz on Instagram, you’ll always end up wondering if his photos are digital perspectives or real spaces. However, despite this we can all agree that the spaces he designs always look amazing. He usually draws inspirations from the industrial period and post-modern era, Jesy’s signature style features sharp lines topped off with an enthralling print courtesy of an artwork, carpet, wallpaper, and so on. For this project, he worked with his sister, Architect Jaemi Cruz. While Jesy takes care of the interior design, his sister spearheads the construction and the feasibility of Jesy’s ideas. The duo’s client is a young and adventurous soul with a chill personality. The homeowner met the designers because the two are currently working on the client’s sister’s house.
Originally from the north, the client decided to get the space because of its accessibility to Manila’s hotspots. This is the owner’s second condo but this is the first one professionally designed. When asked why she contacted the Cruz siblings for the design the owner jokingly replies, “Pinilit niya [Jesy] ako eh… But really, magaling naman sila.”
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The high-ceiling unit was a playground for Jesy and Jaemi, the only client requirement was to make it look industrial. After one month of designing and construction, the unit is a looker from top to bottom. Soho and New York are two places that inspired the design. Cement and brick walls, statement furniture, and a blend of the right colors make this unit definitely one of our personal favorites. The contrast of textures and colors against the other elements in the unit makes it so perfectly executed we actually wish we were the ones living here.
The architect and the designer tried to maximize the height of the unit by adding a loft (the unit’s height is two times higher than regular condos), but they couldn’t due to the property’s rules. Instead, Jesy accentuates the high ceiling by adding his signature light lines.
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The open floor plan was kept as it serves the perfect room to host guests. The dining table delineates the kitchen from the other living spaces. The owner originally wanted to have a cement finish for the horizontal but Jesy was quick to note about the perils of using it for the home. “She asked for the cement finish flooring but we recommended otherwise because over time the floor cracks and it’s harder to repair,” shares Jesy. A compromise of sorts was created with the installation of gray matte tiles for the unit’s flooring.
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A lot of storage was placed in the unit, especially for the owner’s scuba and wakeboard gear. The bedroom is separated from the entertaining space but offers a tease with the window that gives guests a chance to peek inside. The owner can rest in her personal space in the unit with a great view of the city. In the veranda, the space is a refreshing sight.
The client shares that she is really happy with her well-designed condominium unit–it has an eclectic feel with a robust and industrial appeal, but it is never stiff. As good design is always a means to communicate with the space, this modest unit allows you to almost hear the design asking the guests to take a seat, relax, and feel at home.
This story is first published on CondoLiving magazine Volume 11 No. 7 2016. Edits were made for condoliving.onemega.com.
