Crossing Cultures

This 700-square-metre Manila penthouse designed by sisters Cynthia and Ivy Almario perfectly balances and marries the warmth of contemporary Philippine design with the controlled silence of Japanese aesthetics.
Realised by Alfred Lam of Studio1618, contemporary Japanese restaurant Kanizen is a minimalist, tranquil space where a series of spaces are designed to connect diners with nature. We spoke with Lam about the process of layering contemporary touches and custom-designed pieces over classic Japanese references