Ceiling, the 5th wall...

It is common practice for pretty much everyone to pay too much attention on decorating the four walls of their space but more often than not they neglect the ceiling. I consider the ceiling, the 5th wall of a room.  Ceiling design is vital to my creations. A well designed ceiling is not only for aesthetics but it can also balance the proportions of your space.

People always ask what is my signature style?  I actually do not have one since I am a conceptual designer.  I like to work on different design styles and ideas, mixing them to come up with new ones. But one common denominator for all my design is a well executed and unique ceiling treatment.

Here are some examples of my work showcasing different ceiling treatments and how they drastically changed the feel of spaces.


PROJECT SITE: The Grand Midori, Makati City

When I first saw the unit, the high ceilings were not doing the unit any favors! 

By lowering the ceiling over the living area and creating a signature ceiling look, the proportions of the space are balanced.  This is a variation of your typical cove lighting.  The client wanted something different and truly his.

PROJECT SITE: Greenbelt Excelsior, Makati City 

Ceiling design can also be used to define spaces without separating the areas.  Here you can see the dining and living area distinctly defined by two different ceiling designs.  This is a rental space and I normally suggest to have a unique design element for rentals so there is a recall for the client's unit.

The opus of this room is the raised ceiling in copper finish over the living area, that is then highlighted by a custom built uplight track that seems to emanate from the floor up and folding around the room.  This dynamic design gives this space its unique look and serves a practical purpose, the false columns demarcates the public from the private spaces (sleeping area) without closing off the room entirely. 

  

The false columns folds into the ceiling track hiding the lights.

PROJECT SITE: Gilmore Garden Square, San Juan

The ceiling being, if not, the biggest side in a room is the perfect position to do something unique and creative.  Here, the ceiling design is like a sculpture placed on top of the room.  Varying round shapes are cut into the ceiling then uplighted to create a warm fiery glow when the lights are turned on.

The orange color gives it a youthful and vibrant look.  The almost abstract and amorphous feel of the ceiling makes for the perfect conversation piece.

What the space lacks in size, it makes up for its impact!  A signature look for a small space, you do not need a lot of decor if you have on big art installation in your ceiling!

PROJECT SITE: Gramercy Residences, Makati City

Rooms with high ceilings are the perfect canvass for good and eye popping ceiling design.  Here a typical condominium unit transforms into a true work of art for a discerning international client.

The double height living area is highlighted even more with a ceiling cove folding onto the walls.  This linear and dynamic treatment draws your eye up.  There is no need for a chandelier as the lighting layout and design becomes the feature of the space.

The faux floating staircase gives the other side of the room an even more sculptural feel and the mirrored wall doubles the impact and drama of the space!

The ugly structural beam running in the middle of the room is now disguised and becomes another design highlight!  Use everything to your advantage,  even structural eyesores can become your signature design elements.

Here the floating stair effect is more evident, the mirrored wall doubles the room visually as well as the design elements.  No detail is overlooked, the lighted recessed handrail is another element that shouldn't be missed.  No need to turn on the lights of the entire space in the middle of the night.  Warning, you can't be drunk in this space or else you'll end up dead.... falling from the stairs =P

PROJECT SITE: Edades Tower, Rockwell, Makati City

If your room is blessed with perfect views and space isn't a problem then let your views be the highlight of your space.

Two sets of 6 foot drop, 48 piece bocci light chandeliers are installed in this dining space.  A simple yet elegant addition to an already breathtaking area filled with the client's collection of art and antiques.  The 12 seater one piece solid dining table wood top had to be brought up by 18 men on 2 shifts, up 19 floors taking 17 hours total.  What a feat!

The effect of the chandeliers is like dining under the stars at night.  

The twin chandeliers can be seen from the big walk in closet.  City and river views surround this unit running one side of the building offering panoramic vistas on three sides.

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Ceiling design be it simple or over the top should compliment not overwhelm a space.  Know the needs of the users as well as the function and from there you can come up with different design solutions.  Be bold, be daring, your space is your own!!!  Think outside the box or sometimes be the box!!!  Just don't forget one thing... the ceiling is the 5th wall and it must not be overlooked.