American Standard, one of the leading sanitary ware brands and part of LIXIL, celebrates the significant achievements of the Grand Prize winner and regional finalists of the American Standard Design Award (ASDA) 2024 at an awards ceremony and special exhibition held in Singapore.

The design competition garnered immense interest from nearly 5,000 applicants across 6 countries in the Asia-Pacific (APAC). The submitted works were judged and advanced to national and regional competitions by a panel of over 30 experts from the fields of architecture, design, and sanitary ware.

The theme of ASDA 2024 is “Home Away From Home”, challenging students in design to creatively apply their knowledge to design innovative solutions for hotel bathrooms that evoke a warm and friendly feeling akin to being at home, in line with American Standard's brand philosophy LIFE.LOVE.HOME. Ricardo Noel Bonalos, an undergraduate design student from the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines, won the ASDA APAC Grand Prize with his project titled SereniScape Retreat: Your Personal Urban Oasis. His winning design presents a harmonious blend of natural elements and creative, thoughtful design, transforming the bathroom into a sanctuary where guests can relax, reconnect with themselves, and experience the warmth of a home-like atmosphere and the refreshing tranquility of an oasis. The design includes adaptable storage solutions that allow guests to customize the space according to their needs, creating a sense of privacy while addressing the diverse preferences of guests without complicating matters for hotel owners.

Ricardo shared his personal experience, stating, “This project required meticulous attention to detail and careful consideration of materials, fixtures, and furniture. Although the process was time-consuming, it was immensely educational. Participating in ASDA taught me valuable lessons about the art of designing spaces that feel familiar and warm, even in a commercial context. It has boosted my confidence and prepared me to tackle real-world projects with a more refined thought process. Additionally, this platform provided us with the opportunity to receive valuable feedback from thought leaders and industry experts, as well as insights from fellow participants that significantly enhanced our knowledge.”

Antoine Besseyre Des Horts, LIXIL's Regional Design Leader for Asia, stated, “ASDA has been developed as a platform to nurture and celebrate emerging talents in this field. The quality of the submissions continues to impress the ASDA judging panel. It is gratifying to see ASDA grow, with over 1,000 entries from across the region under the theme “Home Away From Home”. What defines a true home is the delicate balance between design, space, and usability.”

“When we are away from home, we seek spaces that help us relax, inspire, and rejuvenate, whether through style, color, or decor. The key is the feeling of comfort that welcomes us every time we step into the room. The regional finalists from 6 countries were able to convey that feeling through their award-winning works, and they also had the opportunity to receive guidance from esteemed judges. We congratulate all the winners and finalists of ASDA 2024 and look forward to their continued success,” Antoine added.

The regional finalists and national winners of ASDA 2024 include:

1. Ricardo Noel Bonalos - APAC Grand Prize Winner and National Winner from the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas

2. Davy Sophonn - National Winner from Cambodia, Kirirom Institute of Technology

3. Luist Yansen - National Winner from Indonesia, Tarumanagara University

4. Posthorn Kiet - National Winner from Thailand, Khon Kaen University

5. Mai Hà Võ - National Winner from Vietnam, Danang Architecture University

6. Minh Chau Nguyen - National Winner from Australia and New Zealand, Deakin University

Each national winner received a cash prize of $2,000 and guidance from their respective national ASDA judging panel as they advance to the APAC regional finals. The APAC Grand Prize winner received a total cash prize of $5,000. Additionally, all regional finalists were invited to participate in an exclusive tour at the LIXIL Experience Centre in Singapore and attend a specially organized design workshop at the LIXIL Design Centre.

For more information about the ASDA competition and how to be part of this powerful movement that can make a difference in consumers' lives, visit the ASDA website.