Words The Kanto Team
Images LIXIL Philippines (American Standard Design Award)
From one of the largest national submission turnouts, three young Pinoy designers rose above the rest to claim the top three spots of the Philippine leg of the American Standard Design Award 2024. The winners, hailing from three different institutions, a first in the ASDA Philippine leg, are:
1st Prize: Ricardo Noel Bonalos, University of Santo Tomas, Manila
2nd Prize: Angela Nicole Hernandez, De La Salle University – Dasmarinas, Cavite
3rd Prize: Manuel Cynric Yee, University of San Carlos, Cebu
Five Special Prize winners have also been announced: the People’s Choice Award, Best in Feasibility, Best in Aesthetics, Best in Purposeful Design, and Best in Water Technology.
People’s Choice: James Ampogan, University of Saint Anthony
Best in Feasibility: Deinell Khryzian Belen, University of Santo Tomas
Best in Aesthetic Design: Juan Paulo Aguilar, Technological Institute of the Philippines
Best in Purposeful Design: James Gabrielle Roco, Batangas State University
Best in Water Technology: Jio Aron Rosarda, University of the East
Answering the theme “Home Away from Home,” each of the winning concepts responded by reimagining hospitality bathrooms as havens of familiarity and comfort, fitted with American Standard’s award-winning range of products. The tough job of ascertaining this year’s winners fell on the shoulders of industry stalwarts: IDr. Cynthia Almario (Creative Director and Co-founder of Atelier Almario), Arch. Cathy Saldaña (CEO of PDP Architects), and Arch. Richard Garcia (United Architects of the Philippines National President, 2024).
Winners of the American Standard Design Award 2024 naturally won’t leave empty-handed; in addition to plaques, certificates, the respect of their peers, and media mileage, the 1st prize winner brings home USD 2,000, the 2nd prize USD 1,500, and the 3rd prize USD 1,000 at the national (per country) level. Special prize winners get to bring home PHP 15,000 each.
Each national winner will then vie for the title of APAC grand winner, winning USD 3,000 and presenting online to the ASDA grand jury. The jury, which includes key figures at LIXIL, namely Satoshi Konagai (Leader, LWT APAC), Antoine Besseyre des Horts (Leader, Global Design for Asia), and Jihae Kim (Leader, Category Management, LWT APAC), includes the respective panels from competing countries.
It’s time to get to know each of the winning entries! Congratulations again to this year’s American Standard Design Award national winners! Mabuhay kayo!
Winner: SereniScape Retreat: Your Personal Urban Oasis by Ricardo Noel Bonalos
The design concept draws inspiration from the need to rejuvenate the hotel experience, particularly in urban settings where relaxation within one’s room is often overlooked. Frustrated with the mundane designs prevalent in many contemporary hotels, the concept aims to inject fresh vitality into the bathroom environment, turning each hotel into a unique haven amidst the urban landscape. By defying convention and infusing each space with personality and tranquility, the design seeks to create a memorable experience for guests, prioritizing simplicity, functionality, and customization to meet their needs and preferences.
The intentional layout streamlines navigation and plumbing while resonating with familiarity, offering guests a space that feels like home while delivering a top-tier hotel experience. The choice of products, such as the Loven Collection and Aero-lite Wall-Hung Toilet, balances comfort and sophistication, creating a homely ambiance with luxurious touches that elevate the hotel bathroom experience to new heights of comfort and elegance.
2nd Place: Nurturing Nature, Harmony in our Common Home by Angela Hernandez
The design inspiration draws from personal encounters with hospitality bathrooms, aiming to remedy common discomforts often found in such spaces. By incorporating natural elements and a minimalistic approach, the design creates a universally appealing environment that prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity for individuals of all ages, genders, and abilities. Emphasizing safety, privacy, and long-term viability, the layout and customized fixtures ensure a nurturing experience while considering the needs of both guests and hospitality business owners.
In meeting the design challenge, the focus remains on nature and humanity, transforming the bathroom into a multifunctional space that encourages interaction and solace. Integrating science and fundamental design principles, the result is a timeless yet functional environment that serves as a safe haven—a home within a hospitality setting. With sustainability and maintenance at the forefront, the choice of American Standard products, including the EasySet Exposed Auto Temperature Mixer, aligns seamlessly with the nature-inspired concept, offering water-saving features and easy-to-clean surfaces that enhance guest comfort and overall satisfaction.
3rd Place: Yubi by Manuel Cynric Yee
Yubi draws inspiration from the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, embracing imperfection and authenticity through materials like textured plaster walls and natural ceramic tiles. These elements create a serene ambiance, promoting relaxation and tranquility for guests seeking rejuvenation. By integrating natural materials, such as wood, stone, and fibers, the design harmonizes with the environment, blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors.
In meeting user needs, Yubi prioritizes comfort and functionality by strategically placing fixtures for optimal circulation in a small space. This thoughtful approach transforms the bathroom into a tranquil sanctuary, satisfying practical needs while appealing aesthetically. The choice of American Standard products, like the Acacia SupaSleek collection with its innovative HygieneClean Technologies, ensures a sanitary environment with minimal maintenance, contributing to guest satisfaction and comfort. •
Visit the American Standard Design Award website for more information on the winners.
