Raymond Christian Geronimo used to do some serious jet-setting, that is, until the pandemic hit. “Meron akong mga travel nung time na ‘yon like sa Europe and Asia and sa domestic meron din, cancelled siya lahat dahil po sa pandemic,” the 37-year-old tells the OG team. Having lived inside a tiny house during a past trip, Christian thought of recreating the experience by building his own tiny home with his travel refunds.
Today, he’s the proud owner of a sleek, modern, and minimalist tiny house which he calls his “black pad” because of its black exterior. “Yung savings ko do’n, dito ko po na napagawa sa black pad,” he notes. “Parang staycation ko na rin since hindi ako nakakaaalis nung time ng pandemic.”
A container-inspired home
“Nung last time na nag-Europe ako, nag-stay ako sa tiny house then ang nagustuhan ko cozy siya kahit maliit and functional siya,” he recalls. “Then do’n ko naisipan na rin na magpagawa pero actually, itong style na ‘to—yung tinuluyan ko sa Europe—ganitong-ganito yung style niya, in a way, na customized siya para sa akin, yung comfortability niya is designed para sa akin so relaxing siya para sa ‘kin.”
Outside, Christian’s black pad looks every inch a container home, but it’s actually a container-inspired home that made use of different materials such as long-span roofs. A mini-terrace serves as a chill spot for him and his friends. “May insulation siya sa loob para hindi mainit or naa-absorb niya yung init,” he describes. “Tapos double-walling siya.”
Cozy yet functional
Stepping inside, one is greeted by the living room or entertainment area, which houses Christian’s TV and sound system. A portrait of some of Christian at his favorite travel destinations such as Paris, Rome, and London hangs above a sofa. A seasoned traveler, Christian also has on display a souvenir from one of his favorite destinations, Czech Republic, a Sto. Niño.
The dining area, meanwhile, uses a bar-type table which lends to the home’s contemporary look and saves space, too. Similarly, the kitchen uses a dominant black color with typical kitchen appliances and a pantry. An extension area of the kitchen, meanwhile, serves as the storage area for other kitchen tools, plates, glasses, and a mini-fridge.
To further save on space, a sliding door opens into the nearby bathroom. A fan of tidy places, Christian’s bedroom is simple, stocked with a bed, table, chair, and a night light.
Thorough research is key
All in all, Christian spent around P800,000 to P1 million, excluding the labor costs. The tiny home totals 45 square meters, with the interior of the home at 37 square meters.
To those planning on building their own house or container home, he cautions them to do proper planning.“Mag-thorough research kayo about budget,” he advises. “Pag-isipan niyong mabuti kung anong gusto niyo para hindi niyo pagsisihan pagkatapos po ng bahay para talagang kung anong gusto niyo is nagagawa po ninyo sa loob.”
Watch the full OG Channel video here:
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