The Homes of Zee

Here’s an Insider Look at this Highly-Contemporary Glass House by Architect Dave Pastrano

Zee gives you an exclusive peek into this glass home designed by Architect Dave Pastrano.

This article is taken from our archives. Originally published in Inside Cebu.

The young couple had done their research before consulting Architect Dave Pastrano; they were able to give him a clear description of how they wanted the house to look. It was a plan that actually coincided with what the architect himself had imagined for the property in Maria Luisa Estate Park.

From the start of the project, Lesley and his wife Ivy Lim were receptive to the architect ’s suggestions. The whole design process took about three months, with the goal of producing a highly contemporary house in glass—one with a timeless appeal through the clever use of exposed I-beams, straight lines of wood and metal accenting the ceilings and hallways, and glass walls providing transparency and allowing in abundant natural light.

Complementing this design now are the homeowners’ stylish furnishings and lighting fixtures sourced from Hong Kong. However, the piece de resistance is an imposing, custom-made, and beaten-copper-and-steel chandelier by Davao artist Ann Pamintuan, and it hangs in the center of the house.

Entry to the two-story house is gained through a spectacular nine-foot door made of wood, glass, and metal added by the architect. But even before reaching the door, the visitor passes through Pastrano’s work that can only be described as an “art installation” of water features. With the additional elements of earth and wood, it is indeed a grand prelude to what lies inside the house.

The entrance leads to two stairways—one leads to the bedrooms upstairs and the other, to the service area below. The living room, the dining room, and the kitchen, all with extensive views of the city, are on the same level as the family room and the home-theater. The walls of the last are specially padded for great acoustics, to complete the advantage of a state-of-the-art entertainment system and leather lounge chairs.

DETAILS
With its wooden walls, neutral palette, custom-made floor-to-ceiling headboard, and private access to the infinity pool and the gardens, the guest room is unexpectedly simple. There is no need for further ornamentation; the interior is, in fact, constantly relating to the surrounding landscape as it opens to a water feature and a pocket garden teeming with bamboo. The traditional elements of earth, wood, and water and spectacular vistas create a harmonious atmosphere for a tranquil dwelling—all for the owners, their children, and their children’s children to enjoy for years to come. The house is an example of how a relationship between an architect and a client can work well to achieve the visions of both.

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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.