PURR
The Chiongson Adobe
The Chiongson Homestead
The house isn't at all ordinary. The Chiongson homestead located in Fundidor, Molo seemed to have popped out of a modern architectural and interior designing magazine.
I was in awe of the way architect and artist Dante Aguirre transformed the place into a modern abode that's a fusion of the old and the new.
Aguirre said that he wanted a simple looking house that has a spacious look and minimal walls. Noticeable is the different treatment of stonewalls.
The Dining Room
There are two houses within the compound. One is for Helen Chiongson and the other is shared by her three brothers, Erwin, Paul and Nolan.
The interior of the brothers' house was divided into three sections and designed to suit the personalities and likes of its residents. Paul's section is very European; Erwin's is modern eclectic and Nolan's is a small living space that exudes a townhouse look – simple and practical.
There's an outdoor dining space at the second floor.
The house for Helen will have a very modern interior. "The combination is modern and Asian. Most furnishings are of the latter," Aguirre said. Work on the structure is still being done.
The Receiving Area
"We used the old furniture from their old house and mixed them with the new. For example, some of the slabs used to be a landing on a staircase in the old house. The dining table was part of a platform in their mother's bedroom. The benches are made from Meralco posts. The bench legs are held by barbells .. that's very Erwin. We were able to save a lot from this. Then, there's the industrialized touch like exposing the trusses," Aguirre said.
Another structure will rise and this will house the Winners Gym. A gate will separate the gym from the residential areas.
Erwin Chiongson's Room
The landscaping is being done by artist Momo Dalisay. He has grouped the whole property into several theme gardens. There's going to be a flower garden across the living room space, a rock garden at the plaza between the two houses, a bamboo garden, and some grasses on one side.
"What I like most about the house is Erwin's area. It's a showcase of Iloilo artistry because it houses the works of Ilonggo artists, including mine," Aguirre said.
Indeed, the Chiongson homestead is a dream house.