A Thai resort-inspired enclave rises at South Forbes

MANILA, Philippines - Whenever a new model home is to rise in 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, it calls for the distinctive styling of Atelier Almario to transform an ordinary house into an extraordinary home.

Atelier Almario’s principal designers, sisters Ivy and Cynthia, have over the years created impressive home interiors in every South Forbes model unit through an ingenious fusion of traditional and modern elements that has become the design template of other residents’ homes and the hallmark of South Forbes’ vision of “the whole world in one city” — each one unique yet similar in elegance.

The Chakri model mansion in Phuket Mansions, South Forbes’ Thai resort-inspired enclave, takes its name after Thailand’s reigning monarchy. It boasts 233-sqm of indoor floor area including a spacious master suite and a large balcony adjoining the room. The home has a backyard pool where family and friends can cool themselves down during a hot and humid summer.

•Warm greetings.  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.

•Spitting image.  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. In fact, most of the very opulent and jewel-toned fabrics used were from Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company in Bangkok whose array of premium fabrics brings the relaxed elegance of fine hand-weaving to modern and contemporary interiors.

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.

The Almario sisters 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. Throughout the house, the woodcarvings used were sourced from the marketplaces of Thailand. Whether artfully framed or silver-leafed, they all contribute to making a stunning impact against the while walls of the house.

•Family first. 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.

• The art of living. The second level’s most striking space is the master suite. Beyond the door is an inviting lounge, which directs its occupants either to their comfortable bed on one end or to the refreshing master toilet and bath. The room is enveloped in warm wood paneling in a traditional Thai motif that can instantly lull one to sleep. A very deep and opulent chartreuse, that symbolizes all things natural, is highlighted on the beddings, ceramics, and other furniture, serving as a fresh counterpoint to the wood panels.

•Chic and charming. The children’s bedrooms have not been left out. 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 dominates the lamps and beddings in keeping with the theme.

The gentleman’s room is striking and masculine in a black and white combination as the Almario sisters wanted a modern Thai room. The bed’s headboard is adorned with a silver-leafed woodcarving against a black panel and flanked by two full-height mirrors.

 For inquiries, call 635-7777 or 631-8855 for a free city tour or visit www.southforbes.com.