The Homes of Zee

We bet you haven’t seen this floral paradise in Cebu yet

Landscape architect Jaime Chua’s residence is in full bloom with its open layout, quirky furniture pieces and an abundance of flora.

Landscape architect Jaime Chua’s residence is in full bloom with its open layout, quirky furniture pieces and an abundance of flora.

Sitting on top of the flourishing slopes of Busay is one of the most beautifully decorated homes in Cebu. Surrounded by a lush garden, fresh mountain air and a pond filled with water lilies, the house is almost synonymous with the word relaxation as it takes us home to nature.

The house owned by landscape architect Jaime Chua sits on a 1.7-hectare land, and has also been home to his plant nursery for over a decade. It was only in 2010 that he decided to take residence in his vast garden in the mountains. His architect-cousin Alex Medalla designed the structure, while Jaime took care of the interiors himself.

An oasis from the concrete jungle that is Cebu (Photography by Robo Formacion/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2015)

Wooden furniture to keep up with the home’s earthy theme. (Photography by Robo Formacion/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2015)

He describes the house design as Asian fusion—a portmanteau of different Asian designs, from Filipino, Balinese and Thai. From this incorporation, he created a beautiful mix that’s an oasis from the concrete jungle.

A grouping of granite boulders provides a welcoming accent and functions as a decorative sitting area before entering the house. As the solid wooden doors open, the fragrant smell of orchids fills the air. The house is T-shaped, with only the kitchen and bedroom enclosed in four walls.

From the door, a path of granite slabs leads to the living area, an oversized gazebo that faces the pond, the vegetation and the landscape of Busay on three sides. Fenced in with wooden railings that work as both seating and planters, it is an ideal space for gatherings where guests can relax and feel one with nature. Fresh butterfly orchids are laid out on a 20-foot long hardwood table top positioned on gigantic boulders in the middle of the area. On the left side hanging from the trellis is a breathtaking display of dendrobiums, rustling in the cool breeze and filling the room with its sweet scent. Throughout the space is foliage of various kinds, placed in a variety of pots and planters.

Flowers go all the way into the house. (Photography by Robo Formacion/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2015)

The architect’s airy bedroom (Photography by Robo Formacion/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2015)

Antique furniture and customized pieces tastefully decorate the house. Some are Chinese heirlooms, like the red drawers with intricate gilded details. Jaime fills the house with an assortment of flowers and plants all year round, depending on what’s in season. White butterfly orchids, dendrobiums and a variety of vandas are in bloom in April and May.

Jaime’s garden home is a refreshing place to unwind and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city with its simple home design and mishmash of furniture pieces becoming a subtle backdrop to the profusion of flora on display. One can’t help but sit back, relax and revel in the beauty of nature’s finest.

photography Robo Formacion
Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2015.
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Related Topics:home Jaime Chua Robo Formacion

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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.