The Homes of Zee

Cabin Fever

Destiny, or so it seemed, is how this massive wooden house on a hill came together. Almost by pure chance—according to the homeowners—the buying, the water sourcing, even getting their architect, all felt like a series of fortunate events. Though their original house in the city had so many advantages, there is nothing like realizing a dream home, and to this day, the homeowners and their children have no regret of moving up to the heights of Busay hills.

A good forty-five meters of ragged terrain were sliced off the hilltop to provide a flat area where this 1,000 square meter, six bedroom, six bathroom house now stands on its promontory, 300 meters above sea level. The homeowners’ love for natural materials triggered the use of wood all throughout construction. Narra, magkuno, tugas, and pine were brought in from Dipolog, Surigao, Cagayan de Oro, and even as far as Papua New Guinea.

On a fateful social event, Architect Tessie Javier also offered her services, feeling challenged by the unique idea of having this log cabin aesthetic in Cebu, and wanted to help them maximize the potential of their design. By fusing nature with technology in a simple tasteful style, the architect extended the rooms from their original sizes; framed the breath-taking surrounding scenery with nearly foot-to-ceiling corner windows; and took full advantage of the already existing spaces by installing gigantic all-natural two-storey magkuno wood pillars all around the house. This is also the architect’s favourite feature, “the first and probably the last I would do in Cebu. It is very unique in Cebu home design,” she says. “Every time I visit I am still awed by these columns.” The architect and homeowners also rave about the towering solid narra main door, made from one huge piece of plank wood almost five centimeters thick, opening into a huge open encompassing the living room and the dining area flooded with natural light from the expansive glass windows specially cut by Kenneth and Mock’s plant in Manila.

The whole family was heavily involved from the concept to the completion of this dream home. The four children designed their rooms together with the architect. The result are expansive walk-in closets with gigantic mirrors, narra “floating” beds, space saving German-technology sliding screen doors also by Kenneth and Mock, accented by furniture pieces from Kenneth Cobonpue and Vito Selma. In a separate section, the two boys share a huge room with a bath room that open with glass doors on three sides, and a rain shower that falls on river stones.

To make part of the exterior walls they simply veneered the on-site rock that was excavated, and integrated several pre-war wood planks for the dining area ceiling. Designed and made by the man of the house himself were several outdoor seating sets, and his favorite is a huge magkuno tree root that he turned into an outdoor table. The house is very far from the city, but it is closest to nature with its countless organic and natural facets. This is also generally one home without much fuss. The utilities closets were integrated into the walls through secret push-open closets. Most of the furniture is also new, including architect’s picks of a shell Carlos Lanuza bedroom lamp, Vito Selma dining chairs set against a family-designed lazy-susan from a sawn-off magkuno tree trunk, and the woman of the house’s favorite item, a Maitland-Smith sitting frog tissue dispenser.

Architect Tessie Javier is happy with the outcome of this home, and she hopes that this will become a benchmark for unique residential design in Cebu. Surely wood is difficult to manipulate, the hilly terrain a real challenge to develop, and even sourcing the water at such a raised area presented many hurdles, but these were collective struggles that produced a sweeter, dearer yield. “I feel good that the home owners are happy with my participation,” added Architect Javier. “The house gives me the same pride it gives the owners.” And the family also admitted that the completion of this home has made them feel closer as they all want to spend more time at home. Their lifestyle is more relaxed as the elevated property also promises security and privacy. “Thinking about it makes me feel really blessed,” exclaimed the gracious woman of the house—it’s like just as they say, the higher the “hill” the closer to God.

by IAN E. BAOL photographer GENESIS RANA

The Homes of Zee

The Homes of Zee–Holiday Edition: Christmas House No. 12

Christmas House No. 12 – Heart-felt Holidays at the Hofers’

Check out why this holiday home is on our list of 12 Cebu homes this season. Zee.ph offers a glimpse of Cebu’s holiday homes from far and wide. Please follow our series as we bring you a different home in the next few days!

Nestled in Banilad, Cebu City, the George Hofer residence stands as testament to enduring elegance. Constructed in the late sixties to early seventies, the mansion exudes timeless charm with warm brown molave wood panels and pristine white marble floors.

Stepping into this grand abode during the Christmas season unveils a journey into a beautifully storied past. This season, Molave wooden entance, intricately carved with the Hofer couple’s monogram, are adorned with opulent yuletide garlands. White velvet poinsettias and persimmon peonies alongside mother of pearl camellias are interspersed with pearlescent berries. Archangel Michael showers the guests with blessings from above, while a macassar ebony wooden effigy of Saint George (slaying the dragon) pays homage to the house owner’s namesake.

Adjacent to a private elevator, a grandiose Christmas tree stands tall, welcoming guests into a sprawling waiting hall. Here, an angel in teal and gold lamé cloth grouped together with exotic blooms gracefully plays the lyre; seemingly entertaining those who await entry.

Further down the hall is an ecru grand piano, where the lady of the house, a skilled pianist, performs Monti’s Czardas, Schubert’s Ständchen, and other rhapsodies on special occasions. A commissioned portrait of George and Dulce hangs on a wall above a console table that separates the hall from the formal dining area.

The Hofer home exudes old-world elegance that is seldom found today, yet its true charm lies in the joyous laughter and warm greetings of the Hofers, who gather annually to share Christmas cheer and delightful yuletide stories in this vibrant space.

The Homes of Zee

The Homes of Zee–Holiday Edition: Christmas House No. 11

Christmas House No. 11 – Christine Pelaez

Designed by the noted Cebu architect Teng Jacinto, this expansive residence stands as a testament to the artful curation of Jun Pelaez. Over the years, he has meticulously assembled a collection of artworks, transforming the home into a gallery that reflects his discerning taste and appreciation for the aesthetic.

As the holiday season graces the air, the residence undergoes a festive tone under the artful touch of Jun’s wife, Christine. Embracing tradition, she bathes the home in the classic Christmas palette of reds and greens, infusing each corner with warmth and seasonal charm. The interior becomes a canvas for the holiday spirit, adorned with wreaths, ornaments, and the timeless glow of twinkling lights.

However, the true heart of this home lies in its welcoming spirit. There are two dining rooms, with chairs adorned with red bows and festive centerpieces, where family and friends converge for an equally sumptuous meal.

The Homes of Zee

The Homes of Zee–Holiday Edition: Christmas House No. 10

Christmas House No. 10 – The Hudsons’ Christmas Chronicles

The Hudson’s household buzzes with enthusiasm each time the holiday season unfolds. The heart of their Tokyo home, the Hudson Christmas tree, stands tall and proud, adorned with tinsel and cherished trimmings that span the years of their family’s growth. Each ornament tells a story, marking the arrival of a new family member with the annual addition of baubles bearing their names: Mary, George, Victoria and Charles.

Charles, the youngest Hudson at twelve, beams with joy as he proudly places the Christmas star atop the tree. No longer reliant on his father’s shoulders, Charles revels in his newfound height and the welcomed responsibility that comes with it.

In addition to the twinkling blue lights, the festive icons and the white-and-silvery ornaments, another cherished tradition had been completed at the beginning of the joyful season. The Hudson’s much-anticipated Christmas cards, an exciting accountof the family’s adventures, had been creatively crafted by Rose and Karl. The lively narrative chronicles the milestones and quests of each family member, with Karl’s animated storytelling and Rose’s artistic touch bringing the tales to life.

Rose shares, “by mid-November we print two hundred post cards of the Hudson family chronicles. The entire family, from the oldest to the youngest, gathers around to sign each card. Envelopes are lovingly addressed, and the kids lend a hand in labeling.”

In a heartwarming shift of roles, the Hudson parents, Karl and Rose, prepare to pass the baton. The careful planning and distribution of the Christmas cards are soon to become the responsibility of the eager younger generation.

With laughter, love, and a touch of adventure, the Hudson family embraces the season, creating and sharing memories that they and their friends treasure for life.