Beekeeper House​

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A straightforward requirement for a fully fitted condo unit that will cater to international travelers via short term leasing platforms is what the Beekeeper House is all about. The apartment is located in the heart of Bonifacio Global City (BGC), a vibrant business, lifestyle, leisure, and high-end residential district in Metro Manila. The apartment sits close to one of the newest malls in the area and is within 5-7 minutes walking distances to fine dining restaurants, bars, five-star hotels, luxury car showrooms, fast food outlets, parks, cafés, entertainment centers, football fields, play courts, shopping malls, and other retail outlets. Making it one of the most desirable addresses in Metro Manila.

The property was acquired in 2013 as an off-plan investment by the owners who are both Dubai-based OFW’s. It was received as a bare 1BR unit in mid-2018 after years of delay in the developer’s delivery of the property. The owners, who are regular Airbnb users in their international travels noticed the limited choices of places to stay in BGC that are at par with western standards. This observation gave birth to the idea of throwing in a properly designed unit in the BGC rental pool market to see how it will be received. The brief that was put forward called for a design that is modern, practical, has clean lines, and will blend well with IKEA’s line of products. The owners have started acquiring lighting fixtures, artworks, linens, and furniture from IKEA’s store in Dubai in early 2015. They then shipped them to a temporary holding area in Metro Manila later that year. This move helped a lot in the design since details of the items are already identified, with its dimensions readily available on IKEA’s UAE website. It allowed the designers to come up with a layout that is efficient and precise. Thereby, maximizing the use of precious real estate in this part of BGC. Equipment and appliances were carefully selected based on power consumption, environmental impact, noise generation, ease of use, and efficiency criteria. The staging was completed in late November 2018 and the first guest was welcomed-in in early December of the same year.

Although small, the Studio takes much pride in this project from the design down to the sourcing furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E). The efforts that were put into it are validated time and time again from guests who have stayed in it. The efforts that were put into it are validated time and time again by guests who have stayed in it. This is evidenced in the 5-star reviews and the Airbnb Super Host status that was achieved by the owner in no time. The cost of the design and fit-out works were easily recouped by the owners in less than a year of operation. Proving that the decision to introduce a properly designed unit to the Bonifacio Global City B&B market was both a wise and rewarding approach.. Needless to say, the improvements made in the unit increased its value. Coupled with the yearly appreciation of the property, the apartment is now valued at 100% more than the owner’s original investment in 2013. It commands a 30% premium when compared to its non-fitted counterparts in the same building. As-built images can be viewed here.

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Project name: Beekeeper House
Location: Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig, Philippines
Architect: Michael Gracilla, UAP, LEED AP | ARKMIKEL Design Architects
Features: Residential, 1BR Condo Unit + 1 car parking slot
Architectural style: Contemporary
Scope of work: Design, Construction (Fit-out and FF&E)
Lot size: n/a
Total built-up area: 36.77 sq.m. (395.78 sq.ft.)
Project status: Completed, 2018

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