Louie & Ana Barabat's Residence, Started March 2014

" In God's Perfect Time "

My client Louie & Ana Barabat has always dreamed of having a beautiful home. For the longest time, they have saved, hoped and prayed... Finally, they have decided to take the next step; to reconstruct their home.

My challenge as a designer is to give them the space that they need (having 4 kids, 3 dogs) that is both conducive and comfortable for the whole family. Also, to combine both the modern and masculine taste of sir Louie and the (motherly) feminine side of ma'am Ana. With a very tight budget and a full consideration on everything that they have required, a beautiful and functional design was done and implemented.

This is the story of their fabulous new home

THE NEW FACADE OF THEIR NEW MODERN HOME 

The Master Plan

To demolish the front and side area and the whole roofing of the house. In addition, to create an L-shaped second floor terrace and a 3rd floor roof deck; add up an open ground floor plan with high ceilings. 

Also, to have a full foyer, living, and dining area and a full-main kitchen with a breakfast nook and to extend the whole master's bedroom and create a full laundry area and maid's room; to renovate the powder room, common 2nd floor bathroom and the master's T&B with walk-in and a small ante-room. In continuation, to extend the second floor to make way for two guest rooms, boy's room, girl's room and theater room.

In addition to this, to have a pathway adjoining the old area to the new area; creating a hallway going to all the second floor rooms and terrace. Lastly, to have new furniture pieces and furnishings/lightings and a garage fit for three cars; with full tiling/painting on both interior and exterior.

A massive project for the whole team. Although it was tough, it had been a heart warming 3-month construction and finishing for all of us.

Before photos

The facade of their home 

  

First Photo: Main Entrance      

Second Photo: Full Frontage of the House

First Photo: Where the planned front extension would be constructed.

Second Photo: Is the right side area of the property.

First Photo: Existing laundry area and dirty kitchen at the far back side.

Second Photo: Existing garage where the planned right area extension be constructed.

THE BARABAT'S NEW HOME

Front and Side Extension 

With an L-shaped terrace and a roof deck 

The New Facade of Their Home

With full fencing and gate

Exterior Details 1

The night view of their home

Exterior Details 2

Foyer Area

A slat partition was designed to welcome the family and guests which will lead you to the living and dining area of their home. An open area at the back would lead you to the main kitchen.

As You Enter; Left Side Area

Entry point to the Living Room

Living Room (Nighttime)

All custom-built furniture pieces

Living Room (Daytime)

As You Enter; Right Side Area

Entry point to the Dining Room

Dining Room (Nighttime)

Dining Room (Daytime)

Area View Behind The Foyer

High Ceiling View

Right area extension on the second floor, covering the garage and terrace area entry for main kitchen.

Main Kitchen

With middle island

Main Kitchen Pantry and Entertainment Area

Slatted partition entry (white door) to Master's Bedroom

Master's Bedroom

All custom-built furniture pieces

Master's Bedroom Details 1

Bed/recliner/furnishing/lighting

Master's Bedroom Detail 2

Left area entry to walk-in/Ante Room/Master's T&B

Existing Stairs Refinished With New Railings

White sliding door entry to powder room

First room upon second floor landing (left side area are the 2 new guest rooms)

Boy's Room

With a floating bed and sports theme

Boy's Room Detail 1

Boy's Room Detail 2

By seeing these kids enjoy their room, it gives me a sense of happiness on all the efforts and sacrifices done.

Girl's Room

Square, purple walls with semi-single beds (part of the extension done).

The 3 occupants of the room. Such pretty girls!

The Construction Process

I have included the process on how this home was constructed because, I would always want to remember the process, the hard work, and the happiness that my team offered for this project.

Demolition and Reconstruction of the Facade & Extension

Steel Deck

Preparation for the "buhos"

"Buhos" Day

Rocel, cooking for the team on nonstop 8 hours work

Rocel with Assistant "Chef-ay" Basil

"Buhos" photo all team working tirelessly

Site Foreman preparing the scaffold and braces for the roof deck "buhos"

Me and Foreman brainstorming. Second floor steel deck done

Preparing the roof deck

The team -- after the long hours of work, would find time to play basketball

Foreman Arnel & Site Foreman Jayson -- resting after a hard day work, they are still discussing what to do and what has to be done

This site has given us an opportunity to be patient with one another. Through sir Louie's wisdom and ma'am Ana's kindness, we  finished the site with joy in our hearts. Yes, there are no perfect construction nor perfect workers; I am not perfect... But with the blessing of peace and understanding and in God's perfect time, we achieved what we needed to give back, regardless of our budget and time.

We thank the Barabat family for trusting us more than 100% and for believing in all our imperfections.

I also would want to thank my whole team:

Project Manager Rocel: For all the understanding and sisterly love to everybody.

Foreman Arnel: For all the patience, wisdom and courage.

Site Foreman Jayson: For all the support and encouragement.

To the Tatays: Jim, Edgar, Rey, Abe, Lino, Oca and Larry

To the Master Electrician: Bobby

To the Welder and Assistant: Egan and Tony

To the Anghel nang Manibela: Bunso

To the Finishers and Helpers: kuya Jojo, Tata, Henry, Basil, Sossimo, Merwin, Junjun, Jr, Noel and tay Larry's kids.

Thank you.

This last photo was taken at the site when everybody was tired, angry, frustrated and feeling down; aurora borealis, a true testimony that God smiles upon people who trusts in his goodness.

Love,

Gara