Toy Land

A second-generation architect applies lessons from over two decades of design to build an evolving space that also displays his personal fascination for contemporary art toys.

- Marielle Antonio

Though the architect Gil Coscolluela purposely designed his two-storey house to take up a compact perimeter of 500 square metres, he also made sure to keep an incredible sense of flow throughout. Refreshing drafts are a highlight of his home in the south, and certainly something to look forward to after a long day of work in the central business district.

This space is the foremost display of what Coscolluela refers to as the starting point of any good design – something that is practical and complements a person’s way of life. For him, a well-designed home is organic, a shelter that may evolve into something else in the future. “I made sure to plan according to our family’s current lifestyle,” he says, “but I always kept in mind that the space had to be flexible enough to accommodate changes as the years went by.”

It’s a concerted effort that takes into account the shifting needs of a young family. The open layout encourages time together, but also incorporates intimate spaces where each one can have a private moment. “The house fuses these two ideas of openness and intimacy seamlessly,” says Coscolluela. “One space flows into another, while also reflecting our interests.”

For example, the upstairs office gives husband and wife room to take care of their professional endeavours while the playroom is a haven for their two boys, complete with a well-stocked costume cabinet.

The home also displays Coscolluela’s personal fascination for contemporary art as shown through an animation mural in the garage by the Filipino graffiti artist Egg Fiasco, which features iconic characters such as Iron Man and Astro Boy. Another standout piece is a life-size Hulk-like sculpture called Temper Tot by the American contemporary artist Ron English, known as the ‘Godfather’ of street art.