08 Jun Bespoke Luxury Residences by the Award-Winning CS Architecture
Sumptuous Beachfronts & Ultra-Modern Complexes
CS Architecture, an award-winning full-service architecture, interior design and consulting firm established in 1992 with international headquarters in Connecticut, USA and Manila, Philippines, is the visionary behind a wide-range of corporate, commercial, educational and residential projects spanning North America and Southeast Asia.
Powered by purpose and fueled by imagination, the works of CS Architecture are dedicated to contextualism in architectural design, creating harmony with the natural location through form and function. Constantly adapted to various settings and environments while staying true to its vision, CS Architecture adopts a uniquely bespoke design approach that has become its trademark, reflecting a distinctive signature style showcasing across its residential projects, from sumptuous beachfront homes overlooking the cascading South China Sea; to buzzing modern complexes in cosmopolitan North America and Asia.
37 East 12th Street (New York, USA)
37 East 12th Street (New York, USA)
Located in the Greenwich Village area of Manhattan in New York City, 37 East 12th Street is a significant condominium conversion project of CS Architecture. Originally built in the late 19th century as a manufacturing facility for a printing equipment company, CS Architecture preserved its stout scale and details of original use, with a façade comprised of stone, terra cotta and cast- iron elements which has been carefully refurbished to maintain its stylistic authenticity. The eight- story building has been transformed and sub-divided into a collection of stunning residences to create a duplex townhouse, a duplex penthouse and four flats. A new elevator was installed with direct access to the foyer of each loft apartment, ensuring easy and private access for all residents.
Drawing inspiration from the building’s 19th century heritage and combining it with modern luxury for a truly unique living experience, CS Architecture incorporates design elements evocative of the era’s luxury with European accents such as custom etched metal grillwork; steel interior windows and doors; antique flat rolled glass from Germany; Moroccan mosaic inlay floors, turned solid brass balusters; chevron design solid walnut wood flooring; and white oak millwork cabinets and doors. In addition to the luxurious finishes, CS Architecture has also incorporated wood- burning fireplaces and strategically located skylights to maximize natural light and create a warm and inviting atmosphere. A spotlight feature of the property, the roof terrace offers breathtaking views of the Empire State building and the surrounding skyline.
Hillside 1 (Cebu, The Philippines)
Hillside 1 (Cebu, The Philippines)
A 4,800-sqm family compound atop a prestigious residential area in the hills overlooking Cebu city in The Philippines, Hillside 1 is a masterpiece of modern residential architecture skillfully designed and constructed by CS Architecture. With a difference in elevation level between the property on a plateau and the existing main road, CS Architecture divides the house into a cluster of five pavilions set at different heights, connected with the others by bridges and stairs. A design approach that divides the living requirement into distinct structures while maintaining an intimate scale to the entire complex and forming a dynamic circulation network.
A modern commune integrated in nature with a resort-inspired design, the family compound embodies the epitome of luxury living where intimate scale is achieved through the pavilion clusters. The scaled-down rooms have multiple exposures allowing natural ventilation with cooling breezes and yet have total privacy. Approaching the house via a steep driveway and arriving at a vehicle court at the summit of the hill, a bamboo wall forms the entrance portico to the complex which is also a natural and organic integration setting the tone of the house and reflective of its owners’ love for natural elements. Interspersed with lush gardens and water features, the main living room, dining room and principal kitchen share the same level on the highest plateau where a bridge connects this public level with the 2-story bedroom wing situated to the East of the property whereas the service wing was located to the West.
Broad stairs lead to a lower plateau with more private living areas such as the family room and bedrooms, surrounding the main swimming pool and deck. The gardens meander in between the buildings and serve as a background to the owners’ collection of driftwood-made equestrian sculptures created by James Doran Webb, a Cebu-based UK artist. Secondary spaces such as guest rooms, office spaces and a gym are carved into the stone base at the lowest levels and accessible via an outdoor corridor.
Reinforcing the idea of mutual habitation with nature as one of CS Architecture’s vision, both Filipino indigenous materials and traditional architectural features are incorporated into the building. The perimeter of the house is clad with an adobe stone base reminiscent of the traditional Filipino ancestral house. natural abaca weaves and indigenous reed workmanship are ubiquitous elements, used to decorate interior surfaces such as ceilings, walls and cabinetry
Seaside 7 (Manila, The Philippines)
Seaside 7 (Manila, The Philippines)
Seaside 7 is a one-hectare property situated in a private seaside close to the South of Manila, designed by CS Architecture to seamlessly blend with its natural surroundings and take full advantage of the residence’s breathtaking ocean views. The secluded location provides the perfect escape for the owner from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Located midway along the slope, the residence is a stunning masterpiece of modern design and functionality. Comprising a flat roofed entrance and three pitched residential volumes, the property is purposely laid out parallel to the street frontage to offer ocean vantage points from all rooms and is complemented by a central garden with a luxurious sandstone-lined swimming pool, creating a sense of tranquility and relaxation.
With a vision that each body of work should fundamentally respect the setting while harmonizing the natural location with form and function, CS Architecture incorporates materials indigenous to the Philippines such as cream-colored coral stone Mactan and rattan in its design to connect to the local environment. From the main road, a winding gravel road leads to a drive court bounded on all sides by walls of Mactan where its smooth application contrasts with the series of rustic bamboo clad panels spanning the width of the entranceway. The main level is further defined by the extensive use of wood paneling as well as the indigenous rattan which is interspersed throughout the space with its use most compelling in the living room, lining the expansive surface of the ceiling. With Mactan stone generously integrated on the various façades, the residence appears as a visually lighter wood mass resting on a monumental stone base that is firmly grounded on the rocky slope.