10 Things To Love In This Tropical-Asian Dream Home
Architect Jerry Isles worked with wood, glass, and other unique elements to create a home that stands out

Perhaps one of the challenges of choosing to build a home in an exclusive subdivision involves following a certain theme in finalizing the look of your property while making sure it stands out. There are developers who require an American-inspired aesthetic and others who prefer the beauty of a tropical-inspired structure.
In designing this family home, architect Jerry Isles had to consider the tropical Asian theme of the subdivision. Aside from adhering to certain requirements, he also wanted to maximize the space and fulfill the wishes of the owners. To accomplish these, he opted for an open layout for the ground floor, tall windows to let in plenty of natural light, and he seamlessly combined the beauty of wood, concrete, and glass to create a house that blends in while still catching the attention of passersby. Let’s take a peek inside this marvel of a home and discover what makes it a must-see:
1. The spacious foyer
We’ve seen quite a number of foyers—from tiny corners spruced up beautifully to captivating ones highlighting works of art. In this home, you’ll be given a feel of how open and inviting it is the moment you step inside.
The owners opted for a wooden swing door accentuated by a limestone frame. Just a few steps from the main door is a table with slim legs where oriental décor pieces are on display. The two huge ceramic jars add to the Asian feel of the space as well.
Find similar pieces at Our Home.
2. The airy and spacious living area
Who wouldn’t be enticed to nap or read in a bright and relaxing living area like this? Furnished with a wood furniture set from Philux, the space is simple yet ideal for lounging and welcoming guests. With natural light streaming in, the owners can breeze through the day without turning on most of the lights.
In sprucing up the sofa, they chose vibrant pops of colors that are easy on the eyes. Shades of yellow, orange, and taupe go well with the neutral-colored piece.
Find a similar piece at Philux.
3. It highlights a combination of different materials to create a sturdy home that can withstand the test of time.
For the window frames, architect Isles chose to work with aluminum with PVC coating and tempered glass, making the home not only soundproof, but weatherproof as well. To keep the home safe, insect screen doors from Forlin Q were also installed.
4. The high ceiling that complements the staircase
The high ceiling was one of the owners’ requests. Aside from highlighting the expansive space, it also allows air to circulate, keeping the overall vibe relaxing. A grand staircase made of irownwood complements the high ceiling and the chosen furniture pieces.
READ: Fantastic Staircases for Home Inspiration
5. A Zen corner under the stairs
To make the space even more calming, a Zen spot was added under the stairs. An indoor fountain and a bed of smooth pebbles complete the serene vibe. Aside from turning the dead spot under the stairs into a storage nook, you can also look into the idea of having an indoor garden or a fountain, too. This addition can soften a modern space and make it more welcoming.
READ: 5 Indoor Plants For Your Home
6. The sunny kitchen
You can’t miss the kitchen in this home. With yellow as the accent color, it lures you in for a quick snack and hours of experimenting with your favorite recipes. The touches of yellow not only complement the airiness and open layout of the ground floor, it also defines the cooking area. To maximize the space, the kitchen island doubles as a breakfast nook, the family’s favorite spot in the house.
Find similar stools at Decor Manila.
7. The open lanai
An outdoor dining set featuring a round table with four matching chairs can be seen in the lanai. Choosing not to furnish it with tons of seating pieces keeps it flexible enough for various uses. It can be turned into an extension of the living and dining areas during get-togethers. Meanwhile, having ceiling fans is a plus, especially during days when it’s hot outside.
Find similar pieces at Wilcon Depot.
8. The plants in ornate jars found in the different areas
To keep within the tropical theme of the home, plants were placed in ornate jars and planters. These are then displayed in the living area, entertainment area, and even in the lanai. Plants not only add a touch of color to your space, there are some that can help purify the air as well.
9. The pocket garden near the lanai
To personalize the outdoor area, the owners chose to work on the landscaping on their own. The mini pocket of peace where the owners can take a breather features an outdoor seating piece, various plants, trees, and a pathway defined by Piedra Pinoy stones, white garden pebbles, and gray pebbles.
READ: How To Build A Pocket Garden For P5,000 Or Less
10. The stunning facade
The home’s façade may look familiar—especially if you’ve seen a number of modern homes before. It’s the details and materials chosen by architect Isles that set it apart. Travertine, a form of limestone, was used in creating the vertical cladding that makes the house look taller. The travertine works well with the wooden details to create a balanced look.
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