As the Republic of the Philippines’ historic capital, Manila has swelled to a population of more than 12 million. The city has changed from a flourishing center of Asia Pacific trade to an urban metropolis with a wealth of sightseeing and resort opportunities. Established in 2013, Solaire Resort and Casino in the Entertainment City was realized as an answer to the national tourism industry’s growing demand for a luxury experience. 



Phase 1 of the resort’s development saw the construction of the nearly 850,000-square-foot, 500-suite Bay tower, however Bloomberry, owner and operator of the waterfront resort, soon saw the need for expansion and tapped Los Angeles-based firm KNA Design to design Phase 1A—the Sky tower.



Approximately the same size as the first, the resort’s second tower includes 300 suites, all measuring more than 750 square feet; retail outlets; Waterside restaurant; a spa; a 5,000-seat theater; pre-function space; and various meeting rooms. “All of these new programmatic areas were seamlessly integrated into the existing resort,” says KNA principal Kirk Nix.

In reference to the Bay tower’s design and geographic location, the Sky tower features an earthy color palette with a predominate use of neutral brown and clay hues accented by subtle pops of plum, blue, and moss green throughout. KNA developed its own FF&E shop, the result of which is a mixed use of contemporary and classic decorative elements heavily rooted in the use of rich wood veneers for a natural yet refined backdrop that appears in virtually every space. “All elements of the tower’s interiors were custom created by KNA Design and evoke a bespoke environment that is truly unique to Solaire,” says Nix.

In the guest suites, the team took an East-meets-West approach. In bedrooms, Southeast Asian-inspired side tables paired with modern table lamps sit against oversized, studded-leather headboards backlit for a dramatic effect. Living spaces are highlighted with delicate orchids juxtaposed with modular furnishings and minimal decorative elements. Custom carpeting is striped in curved burgundy lines, mirroring an effect used throughout the resort, such as in the Oasis bar, which is semi-enclosed in a lattice dome composed of wavelike wooden pieces; and an art installation of abstract wood circles hanging over a grouping of seats in the pre-function space. 


“It was always our intent that the spaces move into one another with continuity,” explains Nix. “They were all part of one overarching thought. This thought is the golden thread that ties the design together.”

KNA worked with Singapore-based Project Lighting Design to devise unique fixtures that would complement rather than overwhelm the spaces. Perforated metal pendant lights hang in the pool bar, which includes sleek tables topped with understated and rippled glass candleholders. In the theater lobby, a heavy chandelier contrasts angles and circles over a geometric tile floor, while lit vintage-inspired popcorn machines in the theater lounge exude a sense of the traditional.


Waterside Restobar’s main dining area is one of the tower’s highlights. An exaggerated geometric ceiling pops in luminescent gold that plays on light emitted by trombone-like wall light fixtures. Oversized wall installations draw the eye and tie in the team’s use of modernist lines.

“We were required not to utilize any large vertical obstructions that would distract from the water views just beyond the pool outside,” explains Nix of the restaurant’s design. “We knew we had one opportunity in the ceiling to develop an element to give the room architectural definition and provide a catalyst for conversation. It was a challenge, but we have found that it often takes considerable effort to make things look that clean and straightforward.”