Saving the world, one condo unit at a time
In her award-winning entry for the art competition of Metrobank called “Sustainable Haybol,” Jasmine Oyek-Sy explores how the environment can be integrated in the execution of design. Taking the actual form of a model unit, it cleverly blends energy-saving techniques, space-saving methods and recycled materials for low-impact living. Felicisimo A. Tejuco, Jr. chats with the interior designer who has the heart for nature.
Self-sustaining and environmentfriendly condominium design is not only possible. It is also livable. In her winning entry, “Sustainable Haybol” for the Metrobank Art and Design Excellence (MADE) competition last year, interior designer Jasmine Oyek-Sy incorporates tropical and environment considerations to a two-bedroom 47-square meter unit, which is an actual model unit of Federal Land, Inc.’s Marquinton Residences. According to Jasmine, her design concept was focused on sustainable design. “It is the way we save the future for our family,” she said.
Working with nature
Set in a tropical country, good ventilation and maximizing the use of natural light were among her immediate considerations. “The condominium residents should not be too dependent on air-conditioning. They should be able to live comfortably even without it,” she noted..
Since warm air rises and cool air settles down, openings hang above sliding doors to promote air circulation. At the same time, sliding partitions were made of frosted glass, providing natural light and privacy as well. When doors are fully opened, there is also an illusion of openness. As additional treatment, insulation materials and solar panels were also used.
Thinking outside of the box
Effective design is also about working with available resources and space management. One of Jasmine’s challenges was making room for odd spaces.
For the bedroom, the floor was elevated to give way to storages for rarely used items. This worked well aesthetically, giving the room a Japanese theme. Part of the elevated floor also flips up serving as a seat with back rest.
The guest room is also a functional study room. Working with small spaces, the bed can be flipped up, allowing a study table to be flipped down. In sustainable design, Jasmine said that “no space should be wasted.” Related to that, her design patterns are also based on commercial sizes of construction materials, thus avoiding leftovers.
Jasmine also effectively found a way to incorporate a post to the design by camouflaging it together with the kitchen shelves and wall. Adding green to the space are edible plants which can be used in making tea or as spices.
Aside from being space-saving, Jasmine’s design is also promoting the recycling of items. One of the lamps in the room has its shade made up of empty mineral water bottles. Dangling around the lamp, several bottles were cut spirally from top to bottom. Likewise the sofa is a refurbished car seat ornamented by throw pillows made from strips of cloth.
Upon entry in the foyer, Jasmine added a fish aquarium in the design. Although it is a usual element in interior design, viewing the fishes also provide therapeutic and calming effect to its tenants. All in all, Jasmine said her design is focused on a wholistic approach. “Since you can use this space as both bedroom and office space, you don’t have to travel and waste time traveling. You don’t add to the pollution,” she said.
Aside from being hailed outstanding design by MADE, Jasmine was also awarded as most promising interior designer by Guhit Awards in 2000. Originally an Advertising Arts graduate of UST, Jasmine was influenced by her architect-brother, John David to be an interior designer. She took her second course in the Philippine School for Interior Design in 1997. That same year, she took the board exams and unsurprisingly placed second. With her design, Jasmine stresses that being environment-friendly should not deprive the occupants of being healthy and happy.
