Rombohan in the Ilonggo dialect means “a place to gather, to bring family and friends together for a meal and celebration.
Coming from a large and very close-knit family, it was appropriate that Andy & Jannette Gonzaga decided to build this “Rombohan” to accommodate their growing family. This Rombohan was an addition that became an extension of their old houses and was connected by the surrounding gardens.
Being a typical large Filipino family who loves to gather around food, whether it is to eat, cook or entertain, the Gonzagas needed a place to make this all happen.
The Lighting Design for this gathering place was very straightforward – to put light where needed and highlight the essential architectural features of the space. We wanted the area to feel inclusive, homey, and cozy simultaneously. Adobe walls on both sides of the entrance are highlighted using medium beam spread inground uplights.
The main entrance wood door is highlighted with adjustable glare-less downlights in combination with the cove in the ceiling, giving the entrance a warm, welcoming feel.
Upon entry, the Rombohan has an extended kitchen that converts to a bar/buffet table and a long 20-seater dining table made of ironwood. In the center of this is the lounge area with 2 low coffee tables flanked on each side by 2 3-seater sofas.
As the ceiling was relatively high, we wanted to lower the light to the areas where it was needed, namely the wood kitchen counter, the coffee tables, and the dining tables.
Suspended track lights were placed directly above these areas with an Up/Down component. The downlights were fitted with honeycomb louvers to minimize the glare and were aimed at the kitchen counter and focused on the coffee table and the dining table.
All wood surfaces were highlighted with light. Uplights in the form of linear lighting fixtures attached to the tracks above produced the soft glow that featured the wooden ceiling above. Wooden panels at the back wall were also lit using the same inground uplights used at the entrance. Striplights were also used to highlight the base of the wood kitchen counter.
A simple dimming system was installed which provided for a variety of scenes for the different anticipated activities that may happen in the space.
Coming out of the pandemic, where traditional Christmas Celebrations were put on hold because of the need for social distancing and strict health protocols, the past Christmas and holiday season, this “Rombohan” or entertainment area was finally put to the test.
With all the festivities and highly anticipated family reunions the lighting of the, the Rombohan has greatly added to making the space a special place for gathering family and friends, making memories and new family traditions filled with warmth and love for years to come.
