Elements of tiles
Renowned Cebu-based architect Buck Sia loves trends with an eclectic flair. His fashion ensemble—Harry Potter eyeglasses, peek-a-boo pink socks, grey shoes with green lining—reflects in the design of his recently opened Architectural & Interior Source (AIS) bathroom ware showroom in Bonifacio Global City: textured and full of character.
Sia himself carefully chose the wide array of tiles in porcelain and ceramic. “They are from Spain. Now, why Spain? Because it is always first in creating global trends and it produces the best ceramic style and quality. As a designer and architect, I can relate to the needs of the field. Each of these items is personally chosen by me, based on trends and forward thinking.”
Hence, the palpable influence of Español aesthetics in the tiles, which either transports you to Spain or reminds you of our local architectural buildings like the defunct Metropolitan Theater in Lawton, Manila. Some tiles are gradient and textured, with swirls and curls. Some, patterned; think chessboard and Chevron. Others are embossed, glittered even. The “pixtile” mosaic, of patterns like hexagon and lines, are easy on the eyes. The “pixtile” is a new concept that allows endless customization of mosaics with any image, pattern, or artwork. Every tile is anything but austere. There are even wooden tiles… or not?
“Tiles nowadays are good in mimicking textures like wood, stone, and even wallpapers,” says Sia, the principal architect of Zubu Associations Design Services, who is also named as one of the 20 outstanding young designers under 40 years old last 2013 by BluPrint magazine.
The brands in the showroom like Saloni, Ape, La Platera, Vidrepur, and Saniflo represent different market lifestyles, especially the middle and upper classes. The Saloni collection, for instance, combines elegance and practicality. Sia called it “boring and bleak,” only to correct it and say it is classic and architectural. The Ape collection on the other hand, offers ceramic tiles for walls and floors that are bolder and tasteful in design. Emerging brands such as La Platera and Vidrepur, meanwhile are unique “pixtile” mosaic, which is a great alternative to glass mosaic. Place them in your bathroom, bedroom, or even ceiling and voila! An instant house makeover! Aside from tiles, AIS also carries sanitary ware, bathroom fittings, and accessories.
AIS showroom is located at the second floor of Forum South Global, 7th Ave.cor. Federacion Drive, Bonifacio Global City.
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