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Wood louvers and a peep window into a courtyard help connect this new bathroom to the outdoors

view of the mirrored walls that increase the interior design, gray — view of the mirrored walls that increase the sense of space

view of the bathroom area showing timber flooring, bathroom, bathroom accessory, bathroom cabinet, floor, glass, interior design, plumbing fixture, product design, room, sink, tap, tile, wall, gray

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Even in a tropical climate, there's a call for architecture that blurs the line between inside and out. For the owners of this renovated house, the creation of airy, open spaces and lots of cross ventilation was a priority.

And it was a concept they also applied to the bathroom, say architects Diego Molina and Maria Arango from Ong & Ong Architects.

"The owners wanted a modern look, with clean lines not too conservative or classic," Molina says. "Other rooms in the house open out to a garden and reflective pool. They wanted to maintain this connection, to bring some of the external greenery into the bathroom."

In keeping with the clean, minimalist look, the bathroom features frosted windows and a frosted door that allow light into the room, while maintaining privacy. Clear glazing at ceiling level and a horizontal strip of clear glass in the frosted window provide a peep of the greenery in the courtyard. Similarly, the door physically links the two areas when opened.

A further connection between inside and out is provided by wood louvers at one end of the room, opposite a freestanding bathtub. The louvers allow cross ventilation, helping to keep the bathroom light and airy.

To enhance the spacious look, the vanity unit is cantilevered from a partitioning wall in the center of the room. Floor-to-ceiling mirrors increase this sense of space.

While many of the surfaces are white, the vanity features a light gray granite top and a gray-toned tiled backsplash behind the unit. Dark wood cabinetry helps to visually soften the overall effect. A shower, between the vanity and the tub, can be screened from both these areas by sliding glass doors.

Arango says the room incorporates plenty of storage space. The cabinetry also features a built-in dressing table, which is positioned to take advantage of the natural light.