THE American Standard Design Award has named two interior design students from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) in Manila and an architecture student from the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) in Vigan as the winners in its Philippine division for their proposed designs of safe and ergonomic multigenerational residential bathrooms.

DLSU-CSB’s Aevan Georgeline de Jesus won first prize for her design called “THE GRID,” which she said was inspired by the warmth of close family ties typically found in Asian homes.

In de Jesus’ design, the foursided bathroom is at the center of the house, which encourages family interactions without disrupting functionality. Each area is separated in a way that allows household members to multitask while using the shower, sink, toilet, vanity or laundry. The design also features a reminder board to facilitate activities in and out of the house.

“Designing for families required more than just patterning their needs and making spaces functional. The initiated interaction, opportunity for personalization and warmth made “The Grid” an ideal space where the bathroom is reinvented without stripping away” the residents’ chance to grow as a family, de Jesus said.

Margaret Therese Hagad, another of DLSU-CSB’s own, bagged third prize for her design called “Weathering Walls,” which explores the idea of aging to address issues of individuality and difference, as well as the changing needs of a multigenerational family.

Its dual-purpose layout functions as a flexible module with doors that move to separate and join. It also showcases durable, reliable and practical materials that promote longevity and sustainability, as well as promises to age beautifully.

“For children, safety and interdependence were prioritized. For parents, ritual and refuge was sought. For the elderly, freedom and support [were] obtained,” Hagad said.

UNP’s Apryl Precious Gem Estavillo completes the list of winners with her second prizewinning design called “BeYou. nd,” which aims to go beyond the boundaries of time and space.

“BeYou.nd” features a minimalist design that evokes purity, simplicity and cleanliness. Focusing on convenience and ambiance, the design has smooth edges, as well as handrails, grab bars, step stools, and large openings for easy access and support.

“Bathrooms are not just a room — it’s a space where we start and end the day. It’s part of our life where we can be free and be our greatest hiding spot to escape,” Estavillo said.

De Jesus, Estavillo and Hagad were chosen by a jury composed of architect Cathy Saldaña, chief executive officer of PDP Architects; interior designer Cynthia Almario, co-founder and creative director of Atelier Almario; and architects William Ti and Arvin Pangilinan, principal architect and associate

director, respectively, of the WTA Architecture and Design Studio.

The national-level contest is part of a wider Asia-Pacific competition initiated by water and housing products firm Lixil. The competition, which has “A home to love, a space for everyone” as its theme, challenged budding architects and designers in the Philippines and the region to transform a six-to-seven-square-meter toilet and bath into one for multigenerational families to recharge and rejuvenate. Entries were evaluated based on these criteria: purposeful design, inviting style, originality and feasibility.