Cover The living room reflects the Chua family’s emphasis on connection and conversation (Photo: courtesy of Rockwell)
The living room reflects the Chua family’s emphasis on connection and conversation (Photo: courtesy of Rockwell)
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Rockwell
Building a home that reflects family, freedom and life at Rockwell South at Carmelray
Donna and Reynard Chua, together with their daughter Dane, have resided within the vibrant Rockwell Center Makati for years, living amid all the city’s energy, bustle and excitement. But they sought a home that reflected their changing needs: leisurely mornings, family time and a deeper connection to nature. The choice was clear: Rockwell South at Carmelray, an enclave that offers effortless access to urban centres while preserving the quiet, composed rhythm and Rockwell lifestyle. All this, in a house designed by the architect Royal Pineda, where Donna, Reynard, Dane and Michael feel truly at home.
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Above The house, designed by Royal Pineda, is a reflection of the homeowner’s passions and personalities, with furniture by Roche Bobois, Kenneth Cobonpue and Restoration (Photo: courtesy of Rockwell)
The house, designed by Royal Pineda, is a reflection of the homeowner’s passions and personalities, with furniture by Roche Bobois, Kenneth Cobonpue and Restoration (Photo: courtesy of Rockwell)
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Located in Canlubang, Laguna, Rockwell South at Carmelray supports the balanced lifestyle the Chuas had been imagining. The family enjoys its thoughtfully planned amenities including an exclusive clubhouse, multiple recreational parks, a swimming pool and a multipurpose covered court.
“Community management, security, and clear estate guidelines provided peace of mind throughout the building process,” Reynard reflects. But what truly ties these altogether is the community, from like-minded individuals to the shared events and experiences that await.
“Moving south was something we had been considering for a while”, Donna explains, “but it truly felt like the right moment when our family’s needs began to evolve. We were ready for a slower pace, more space and a home that could support the way we live today.”
Above The Chua family inside their home (Photo: courtesy of Rockwell)
Above The Chua family enjoy each other’s company amidst the sun and greenery (Photo: courtesy of Rockwell)
The Chua family inside their home (Photo: courtesy of Rockwell)
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Above The kitchen is spacious yet intimate (Photo: courtesy of Rockwell)
The kitchen is spacious yet intimate (Photo: courtesy of Rockwell)
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Pineda thoughtfully designed their home, taking into consideration their personalities and changing needs, while also honouring the lifestyle they had cultivated in Makati. He describes the residence as a ‘couture’ home—tailored specifically to the family’s character and aspirations. “I planned the layout to feel familiar, practical and easy to maintain, while still offering the advantages of a detached home,” he elaborates.
There is ample room, but not to the point of intimidation. Things are still kept close together within the kitchen, living and dining areas, maintaining these points of connection that the Chua family values so deeply, especially with their fondness for cooking and hosting. Subtle nods to the homeowners, such as the steel-laden façade and creative design elements are present throughout; a reflection of Reynard’s work in steel and Donna’s artistic sensibilities. The home’s design also reflects Dane and Michael, creating spaces for shared meals conversations and everyday moments.
Above The Chua family home is built around a preexisting tree (Photo: courtesy of Rockwell)
The Chua family home is built around a preexisting tree (Photo: courtesy of Rockwell)
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Above The nearby dog park keeps every member of the Chua family active (Photo: courtesy of Rockwell)
The nearby dog park keeps every member of the Chua family active (Photo: courtesy of Rockwell)
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“Rather than compartmentalised rooms, the house borrows space from gardens, lanais and adjacent areas, creating a sense of continuity and ease,” Pineda enthuses. The layered outdoor areas and vertical garden concept extend daily living outward, blurring boundaries between indoors and nature. “The finished home truly reflects the lifestyle we envisioned,” Donna smiles. “It’s functional, elegant and deeply personal. My advice to others: build with intention—think about how you want to live, not just how the house should look.”
Enveloped by serenity, greenery and a growing sense of community, the Chua family has found something meaningful at Rockwell South at Carmelray: a place where building a home is an expression of life and individuality—set within a neighborhood that continues to thrive around them.
Discover how life unfolds at Rockwell South at Carmelray and experience the balance of community, design and nature at e-rockwell.com/rockwell-south-at-carmelray
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About
Tobias wants to write things that make people think, laugh, and reflect. He’s especially proud when he can sneak in a cheeky pop-culture reference or a pun in his titles and articles.
He possesses a deep love of history, resulting from years of books, games, and museum visits. It was this fascination with the human endeavour that fostered his love of writing, spanning genres, tones, and moods. He one day hopes to write a novel—he just hasn't decided on a genre yet. A certified homebody, you'll often find him on the computer he built himself, binge-watching Seinfeld or House, playing his favourite gacha game, or reading a book.
Work
Tobias is a features writer that specialises in branded content. Reach out to him at tobias.tomas@tatlerasia.com.
