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jj acuna’s restaurant in manila nods to new york corner shops and mexico’s vibrant streets

jj acuna / bespoke studio completes la chinesca

 

In the heart of Bonifacio Global City in Manila, the Philippines, La Chinesca’s newest outpost boldly redefines what a contemporary Mexican dining experience can be. Designed by JJ Acuna / Bespoke Studio for Chef Bruce Ricketts and restauranteur Jae Ricketts, the space reflects an urban, multicultural edge with deliberate nods to various visual culture elements.

 

The concept pays homage to corner shop culture and deli architecture, inspired by institutions like New York City’s Katz’s Delicatessen. This reference is layered with eclectic influences: taco truck culture, cha chaan teng diners of Hong Kong, industrial metal accordion gates, and expressive street signage reflecting the vibrant attitude of Mexican graffiti, all coalescing into a space that feels both rooted and forward-looking.

all images courtesy of JJ Acuna / Bespoke Studio

 

 

reimagining the modern mexican restaurant in manila

 

La Chinesca BGC officially opened in 2025. The 92-square-meter footprint — comprising 40 square meters of front-of-house dining, a 22 square meter open kitchen, and a 30 square meter alfresco area — accommodates 55 seats, including 24 outdoors. While compact in scale, the space is dense with meaning, detail, and material richness.

 

JJ Acuna / Bespoke Studio defines the interiors by rich textures and unexpected juxtapositions. Walls and facades are finished with resin-infused stone aggregate from Japan, corrugated stainless steel panels, while the interior floor is made of bespoke Obrastone in the brand’s graphic print. A micro-cement window ledge adds a tactile contrast to surrounding elements. The custom furniture is locally fabricated and experimental in nature: dining tables composed of corn husk, resin, and concrete; stools and counters topped with resin forms; and bespoke stainless steel wall sconces and pendant lights that balance rawness with polish.

JJ Acuna / Bespoke Studio designs La Chinesca’s newest outpost

 

 

the space reflects an urban, multicultural edge

 

In partnership with design studio Inksurge, the branding is integrated into the architecture with bold, urban gestures. A street-facing acrylic logo signage ensures visibility from passing cars, while a floating acrylic pickup window detail invites playful interaction. A custom acrylic box marked ‘Essentials’ crowns a retail corner shop-inspired wall, which houses curated merchandise — ranging from glassware and fashion to magazines and kitchen objects — extending the La Chinesca brand into lifestyle and culture.

 

The layout also encourages a dynamic and open flow between kitchen, service, and guest zones. Seamless indoor-outdoor transitions connect the alfresco area with the lively street corner, ensuring the space feels porous, animated, and always in motion — mirroring the culinary ethos of Chef Bruce Ricketts, whose menu channels both personal heritage and global influence.

located in the heart of Bonifacio Global City in Manila

the space reflects an urban, multicultural edge with deliberate nods to various visual culture elements

the concept pays homage to corner shop culture and deli architecture, inspired by institutions in NYC

the layout encourages a dynamic and open flow

the custom furniture is locally fabricated and experimental in nature

layered with eclectic influences such as taco truck culture and cha chaan teng diners of Hong Kong

JJ Acuna / Bespoke Studio defines the interiors by rich textures and unexpected juxtapositions

while compact in scale, the space is dense with meaning, detail, and material richness

 

project info:

 

name: La Chinesca
architecture: JJ Acuna / Bespoke Studio | @jjabespoke

location: Manila, the Philippines

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

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studio saxe screens its casa solai through bamboo brise soleil in costa rica

A Composition of Land and Light in costa rica

 

Casa Solai is a new private residence designed by Studio Saxe, located in the coastal hills of Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. Positioned above the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by dense jungle, the project balances openness and privacy through a pair of timber-clad volumes connected by a central vestibule.

 

Set within the contours of the terrain, the home unfolds between two distinct pavilions. One is embedded into the hillside, and the other floats above it. Each volume is strategically oriented to capture views of the ocean while remaining immersed in the landscape. The transition between these structures occurs in an open-air space that acts as both threshold and gathering area, shaping the experience of movement through the home.

 

The upper pavilion is enclosed in a rhythmic brise soleil screen of bamboo louvers, which filters sunlight and encourages cross-ventilation. From a distance, this layered envelope gives the volume a sense of weightlessness. At ground level, dense vegetation and local stone finishes reinforce the home’s material connection to its site.

images © Alvaro Fonseca – Depth Lens

 

 

casa solai hides within a lush garden

 

Approached by a stepped stone path that winds through native planting, Studio Saxe’s Casa Solai reveals itself in sequences — first through the vegetation, then through the interstitial void that separates and links the two boxes. The journey culminates in a framed view of the horizon, just beyond a pool that seems to extend into the sky.

 

Throughout the project, the architects pay attention to material transitions and structural resolution. A steel framework supports the timber-clad volumes, allowing for large spans and minimal site disruption. Glass panels with slender framing preserve panoramic views without compromising thermal performance. Inside, the joinery and detailing echo the precision of the architectural form, reinforcing a sense of quiet coherence.

two timber pavilions are linked by an open vestibule that shapes circulation and view

 

 

Interior Architecture by studio saxe

 

Studio Saxe designs the interior architecture and furnishings in tandem with the building, establishing a cohesive spatial vocabulary from the project’s inception. Reforested teak ceilings and textured stone walls create a subdued palette that mirrors the surrounding landscape. Built-in planters, integrated lighting, and sculptural fixtures are positioned with intention, merging environmental sensitivity with functional elegance.

 

Furniture pieces, such as the long dining table, are custom designed by Studio Saxe to reflect the project’s structural geometry. The interiors express restraint and warmth, with select decorative elements and materials sourced from local artisans and craftspeople. The result is a living environment that feels grounded in its place and time, while maintaining a sense of clarity and lightness.

Casa Solai is located on a hilltop in Santa Teresa overlooking the Pacific Ocean

 

 

Casa Solai is designed with sustainability at its core, incorporating passive cooling, solar energy, and water harvesting systems. The bamboo louvers, made from rapidly renewable mosso bamboo, support the home’s energy efficiency by reducing heat gain and facilitating natural airflow. Operable glass elements further enhance ventilation and minimize reliance on mechanical systems.

 

Materials were selected for durability and regional appropriateness, including locally harvested teak and volcanic stone. These choices contribute to a resilient construction that requires minimal maintenance while aging naturally with the environment.

Studio Saxe designed the architecture, interiors, and furniture as one unified system

 

 

The building sits atop a reinforced concrete plinth that stabilizes it against seismic forces while visually grounding the lower volume. Above this base, the prefabricated steel frame was assembled with care to avoid unnecessary disturbance to the site. The lightweight structure allowed for a phased construction process and enabled high levels of craftsmanship in finishing.

 

the most technically complex feature is the suspended louver system, which required close collaboration between architects, engineers, and builders to achieve its floating appearance. As a whole, the home presents a considered architectural response to both its setting and its program.

a bamboo brise soleil filters light and air while giving the upper volume a floating quality

the house is approached through dense vegetation along a gently stepping stone path

material detailing is precise with glass, teak, and stone joining in clean transitions

passive cooling and solar systems support a self-sufficient lifestyle off the grid

 

project info:

 

name: Casa Solai

architect, interior design: Studio Saxe | @studiosaxe

location: Santa Teresa, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
completion: 2024

photography: © Alvaro Fonseca – Depth Lens | @depth.lens

 

design director: Benjamin G Saxe
project team: Fernanda Valverde, Sebastián Pasapera, Mónica Hernández
builder: Construcoast
landscape: Vida Design Studio
structural engineer: Guidi ingeniería

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bofill taller carves elongated arches around deep green auditorium in morocco

A new gem for a university Campus in rabat, morocco

 

The new Centre de Congrès, designed by Bofill Taller de Arquitectura, has been completed on the Rabat campus of Université Mohammed VI Polytechnique in Morocco. Opened in autumn 2024, the building marks the first phase of the campus master plan and establishes a civic presence for the university, while supporting a range of academic, cultural, and public programming.

 

Located between two distinct zones of the campus, the building occupies a transitional site and functions as a spatial connector. A sequence of tiled porticos marks the approach from both directions, drawing the same material language of the exterior paving into the lobby and gathering areas. This continuity between inside and out is key to the architectural logic, reinforcing the idea of permeability through a deliberate treatment of surface and threshold.

image © Gregori Civera

 

 

porous geometries by bofill taller de arquitectura

 

With the Centre de Congrès in Rabat, Morocco, the team at Bofill Taller de Arquitectura creates a hinge between the university’s main axis and a denser cluster of academic buildings. By resolving this moment of connection, the project plays an infrastructural and symbolic role. On the urban level, it serves as a passageway. On the architectural level, it articulates a calm interplay between form, volume, and use.

 

The architects approach the program with a clear geometric strategy, arranging the plan around a square and a circle. At the center, a cubic auditorium defines the main performance space. Encircling it, a sweeping curved wall houses smaller conference rooms, lounges, and auxiliary facilities. These are interwoven with shaded walkways, open patios, and areas for informal gathering.

 

The building’s outer ring is defined by arches that rise from the ground at the four corners and lift away elsewhere, creating shaded porticoes while maintaining openness across the facades. This strategy provides both scale and porosity, offering a sense of arrival without enclosing the building entirely. Meanwhile, it allows for cross-ventilation and varying light conditions throughout the day.

the Centre de Congrès is located at a key junction between two areas of the Rabat campus

 

 

carved arches enclose new Centre de Congrès

 

Materials within the Centre de Congrès in Morocco were selected by Bofill Taller de Arquitectura for consistency and clarity. Bright ceramic tiles along the walls, floors, and street-level paving reflect the light and establish a visual rhythm across the site. In contrast, interior finishes rely on a warm, restrained palette, with custom furniture and lighting supporting the broader design intention.

 

The interior of the main auditorium at the Centre de Congrès is defined by a sense of controlled monumentality. Seating is arranged in a precise fan formation around a central stage, beneath a vast circular oculus that casts an even, diffuse glow across the space. This luminous ceiling element flattens the visual field, drawing the eye upward while distributing light evenly across the stepped seating. Walls are rendered in a deep green tone, matched by the upholstered chairs, creating a hushed and immersive environment.

Bofill Taller de Arquitectura organizes the building around a circular wall enclosing a square auditorium

porticos and tiled surfaces create visual and physical continuity across indoor and outdoor areas

grand arches touch the ground at the corners and lift away elsewhere for a porous facade

the project supports events from academic lectures to public performances and exhibitions

the design emphasizes clarity of circulation and flexibility of use

the Centre de Congrès contributes to the identity and connectivity of the university master plan

 

project info:

 

name: Centre de Congrès Rabat

architect: Bofill Taller de Arquitectura | @bofillarquitectura

location: Université Mohammed VI Polytechnique, Rabat, Morocco

photography: © Gregori Civera@gregori_civera

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4 Edward Hopper’s Drawings That Will Blow Your Mind

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Watch Edward Hopper in Rare Studio Footage

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Edward Hopper in 10 Paintings

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Masterpiece Story: Nighthawks by Edward Hopper

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FlipGo Horizon Turns Any Laptop Into a Portable Triple-Screen Studio

The struggle of working on a single laptop screen while traveling is something every designer knows all too well. You’re cramped into a coffee shop corner, trying to juggle Photoshop, reference images, and client feedback all on one 13-inch display, constantly alt-tabbing like you’re playing some twisted productivity whack-a-mole. It’s the kind of digital claustrophobia that makes you wonder why we’re still stuck with the same rectangular prison that laptops have trapped us in for decades.

Enter the JSAUX FlipGo Horizon, a sleek contraption that promises to liberate your laptop from its single-screen shackles without turning your backpack into a mobile electronics store. This isn’t just another gadget trying to solve a problem that doesn’t exist; it’s a thoughtfully engineered system that actually addresses the real headaches of mobile creative work. The FlipGo Horizon snaps onto your laptop magnetically, sprouting two additional displays that can be twisted and positioned however your chaotic workflow demands.

Designer: JSAUX

Click Here to Buy Now: $399 $499 ($100 off). Hurry, only 110/500 left! Raised over $288,000.

What makes the FlipGo Horizon particularly clever is its flexibility in screen orientation, something that sounds boring until you realize how liberating it actually is. Unlike those rigid portable monitors that lock you into one configuration like a digital straightjacket, these displays can be rotated between portrait and landscape modes independently. Imagine you’re working on a website mockup with your main design sprawled across the laptop screen, reference materials stacked vertically on the left like a digital filing cabinet, and your layer panels stretched tall on the right. It’s productivity heaven, whether at home or on the go.

The engineering behind the magnetic attachment system deserves special mention because it’s genuinely clever rather than just marketing fluff. The patented Snap-Lock mechanism creates a secure connection that doesn’t put stress on your laptop’s hinges, avoiding the common failure point that makes clamp-style monitor attachments feel like they’re slowly torturing your poor laptop to death. Setup couldn’t be more straightforward, which is crucial when you’re constantly moving between locations and don’t want to become a traveling IT department.

The stand options reveal where JSAUX really thought about user needs rather than just checking boxes on a feature list. The standard Snap Stand provides basic functionality with a simple folding design that supports the dual screens without hogging precious desk real estate. However, the Snap Stand Pro transforms into a comprehensive docking solution with USB expansion ports, reverse power supply capabilities, and even Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, turning your mobile setup into something resembling an actual workstation.

The standard FlipGo Horizon delivers solid performance with 15.6-inch screens running at 1920×1080 resolution and 60Hz refresh rate, which might sound pedestrian but works perfectly fine for most creative tasks. Each display offers 100% sRGB color coverage and 300 nits brightness, ensuring your color work doesn’t look like it was filtered through a kaleidoscope when you move to different devices. The 170-degree viewing angle means you can position the screens at comfortable angles without worrying about everything turning into a washed-out mess.

JSAUX actually offers three different configurations to match different needs and budgets. The Horizon Standard pairs the standard monitors with the basic Snap Stand, while the Horizon Pro keeps the same displays but upgrades to the Snap Stand Pro with its docking features. For those who need more horsepower, there’s the Horizon Pro 144Hz that steps up the game with beefier monitor specifications, delivering higher refresh rates that make scrolling through design files feel less like trudging through digital molasses.

The real magic happens when you start using the FlipGo Horizon in different creative scenarios, and it actually delivers on its productivity promises. Video editors can spread their timeline across multiple screens while keeping their preview window centered, finally escaping the constant window-shuffling dance. Graphic designers can dedicate one screen to their canvas, another to their tool palettes, and use the laptop screen for communication apps without feeling like they’re working through a keyhole.

For creative professionals who’ve grown tired of squinting at cramped laptop screens or hauling bulky external monitors that make you look like you’re relocating an entire office, the JSAUX FlipGo Horizon represents a genuine step forward in portable productivity. It’s not trying to replace your desktop setup entirely, but rather bridge the gap between mobile convenience and workspace functionality without requiring a dedicated sherpa to carry your gear.

Click Here to Buy Now: $399 $499 ($100 off). Hurry, only 110/500 left! Raised over $288,000.

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Modern Design, Smart Living & Affordable Comfort: Inside A $110k Fully Furnished Tiny Home

The Sonoma tiny home, designed by Spindrift Homes, serves as a sophisticated and lovely reimagining of compact living. Conceived as a towable residence for two, this 26-foot-long tiny house exudes a generosity of space not often found in its category. Priced at a compelling $110,000 and delivered fully furnished, the Sonoma blends affordability with a high standard of comfort and design. Its double-axle trailer base ensures mobility, while the exterior’s rich wood finish, metal roof, and expansive glazing offer both durability and warmth.

A pair of wide, double glass doors welcomes you inside, blurring the boundary between indoors and out, and ushering in abundant natural light. Inside, the living area immediately impresses with its sense of openness. High ceilings amplify the volume of the room, while a large L-shaped sofa bed provides flexibility for lounging or accommodating guests. Skylights and generous windows flood the space with daylight, creating a bright, inviting atmosphere. Modern amenities are seamlessly integrated, including a mini-split air conditioning system and a surround-sound hi-fi setup, providing comfort and entertainment without compromise.

Designer: Spindrift Homes

The kitchen, directly adjoining the living area, is designed for both efficiency and pleasure. It boasts a three-burner propane cooktop, an oven, a retro-inspired fridge/freezer, and a generous sink, all set within a framework of substantial cabinetry and a pantry. A compact, collapsible dining table offers a dedicated spot for meals, then tucks away to free up floor space. Spindrift Homes has even managed to fit a washer/dryer into the mix, further enhancing the tiny home’s suitability for full-time living.

Moving toward the rear of the Sonoma, the bathroom is surprisingly well-appointed. It includes a composting toilet, a sleek sink, and a shower, all complemented by extra storage options that help keep things organized and clutter-free. The sleeping quarters are accessed by a storage-integrated staircase, maximizing utility with every step. The loft bedroom, while featuring a characteristically low ceiling, is thoughtfully designed for coziness and comfort, housing a double bed and enjoying the light from a skylight overhead.

Every detail of the Sonoma is engineered to elevate daily life, from the sweeping natural light to the smart storage solutions and the inviting, furnished interiors. It’s a home that embraces minimalism without ever feeling sparse, proving that even modest square footage can deliver a living experience that’s both refined and deeply satisfying. It is a shining example of how clever design, quality materials, and attention to detail can transform a tiny house into a truly livable sanctuary.

FAQs

1. What makes the Sonoma tiny home different from other tiny houses?

The Sonoma tiny home offers an excellent blend of spaciousness and smart design, which is uncommon in most compact dwellings. Unlike many tiny houses that feel cramped or utilitarian, the Sonoma offers a genuinely open living area with high ceilings and abundant natural light, thanks to its large windows and skylights. Its layout is carefully planned to maximize comfort, featuring a full-size kitchen equipped with modern appliances, a dedicated dining area, and a living room that can easily accommodate guests. The home comes fully furnished, with each piece selected to enhance both style and functionality.

2. How much does the Sonoma tiny home cost, and what’s included in the price?

The Sonoma tiny home is priced at $110,000, which positions it as an accessible option in the modern tiny house market. This price includes a fully furnished interior, so buyers receive not just the structure itself but also all major furniture, built-in storage, and essential appliances. The package covers the living room’s L-shaped sofa bed, a complete kitchen setup with oven, cooktop, refrigerator, and even a washer/dryer, as well as a finished bathroom and a loft bedroom with a double bed. Essentially, the Sonoma is delivered move-in ready, allowing new owners to settle in immediately without the need for additional purchases or upgrades.

3. Can you customize the Sonoma tiny home’s interior or layout?

Yes, the Sonoma tiny home offers a degree of customization to suit individual preferences and needs. Buyers can typically select from a range of finishes, materials, and color palettes to personalize the interior aesthetic. There may also be options to adjust certain features, such as cabinetry, fixtures, or storage solutions, depending on the manufacturer’s offerings. While the core layout is designed for optimal space and flow, Spindrift Homes aim to accommodate requests that help make each Sonoma feel unique and tailored to its owner’s lifestyle.

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LEGO Meets Italian Muscle: This Stunning Alfa Romeo Montreal build pays tribute to Marcello Gandini’s masterpiece

When Alfa Romeo got the call to create a showstopper for Expo 67, they didn’t panic at the nine-month deadline – they just dialed up Marcello Gandini and told him to work his magic. The resulting Montreal concept became the stuff of legend: those seductive louvered headlight covers, the sci-fi C-pillar vents, and a silhouette that made other sports cars look instantly outdated. When it finally hit production in 1970, Alfa added a race-derived 2.6L V8 that transformed this beauty queen into a legitimate performer.

This LEGO Ideas submission nails what makes the Montreal special. The builder clearly gets it – capturing those impossible proportions and distinctive details that separate this car from the usual suspects in the classic sports car world. The yellow brick work is particularly inspired, channeling that perfect 70s Italian optimism that makes you want to throw on some aviators and blast through the Alps.

Designer: Musstrafaccatrator

The color choice is a true chef’s kiss, channeling the fun, energetic vibe that Gandini brought to the Miura too. That vibrant yellow captures the Montreal’s space-age personality perfectly, making it pop in a way that the more common darker colors never could. Even the license plate feels period-correct, like something you’d spot on a preserved example at Villa d’Este. I count roughly 1,400 pieces based on the complexity, putting it right in that sweet spot between casual weekend build and serious collector’s piece.

The way this is built is quite different from how LEGO usually builds out its cars. Most cars fall under LEGO’s Technic line, which involves a lot of bespoke parts that impart a distinct Technic ‘vibe’ to the build. Designer Musstrafaccatrator goes down a different route, only using existing pieces. Is it ideal? Not to LEGO, but it’s definitely creative, showing how the designer works around constraints to maintain a distinct aesthetic. Rather than fighting against the brick system, they’ve embraced it, using the medium’s geometric nature to enhance the Montreal’s sharp lines and distinctive profile.

From the side, this build truly captures the Montreal’s distinctive silhouette – that perfect balance between aggression and elegance that defined Gandini’s best work. The long hood flows into a rakish windshield, while the rear quarter features those signature C-pillar vents that give the car its unmistakable profile. Notice how the builder has managed to recreate the Montreal’s subtle haunches over the rear wheels using clever brick placement. Even the slight upward kick of the rear deck is faithfully reproduced, creating that tension in the design that makes the original car so visually dynamic.

Look at those opening doors! The functional hood! That surprisingly accurate interior! This MOC has all the features you’d expect from a premium LEGO Icons set. Pop open the hood and you’ll see a V8 underneath. The designer even built a working steering to give the MOC a little more fun than your average static model. The boot opens too, revealing spacious storage for your luggage as you cruise down the streets of Milan.

“I think this car would be a great addition to the Lego Icons car series,” LEGO builder Musstrafaccatrator says. The MOC (My Own Creation) currently has over 1,000 votes on the LEGO Ideas forum, but it has ways to go if it has to hit the 10k vote mark in order to be considered by LEGO to be turned into a box set. If you’re a car-lover, a Gandini fanboy, or just another LEGO enthusiast who loves a good build, go ahead and cast your vote for the Alfa Romeo Montreal on the LEGO Ideas website!

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