Home Tours

This Modern Tropical House Is A Son’s Gift To His Parents

John Paolo Tolosa shares the heartwarming story behind his family's villa-inspired home.

A beautiful home is a beautiful home, but what makes it special is the story behind its design and inspiration.

32-year-old John Paolo Tolosa had been making a living as an architect and contractor, but it had not occurred to him to use his skills for his family until his mom told him one day, ‘‘Nak, ang gaganda ng mga bahay na dine-design at ginagawa mo. Sana one day ma-experience din namin ng daddy mo na tumira sa ganyang bahay.’”

That’s when he vowed to himself to build a home for his parents. “Do’n nag-start yung pangarap para sa kanila,” he tells the OG team. “Sabi ko sa sarili ko, ‘Dapat yung gagawin kong bahay sa kanila is a retirement house na mae-enjoy nila for the rest of their lives.”

Sadly, Paolo’s father would pass away due to heart attack just three months after their family moved into the home. 

 


ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

 

As a fan of tropical-style architecture, Paolo incorporated the same theme in his family’s house. A lanai sits in front of the home, with a calachuchi tree providing shade, while a mini pond adds to the relaxing atmosphere.  

A few steps away is the garage which can fit two vehicles, covered by polycarbonate roofing to let light peek through. Cladding-like stone tiles and steel slats, meanwhile, add to the home’s villa feels.

Stepping inside, sliding glass doors give dwellers a glimpse of the various tropical greens outside in the side garden

 

 

The Tolosa home’s high ceiling along with its open plan layout lends to the spaciousness of the area. 

“Gusto ko yung bahay na ‘to is somehow para siyang villa, para siyang resort, kung saan nasa city ka nga, pero yung feel ko para ka lang nasa probinsya kasi maraming halaman and at the same time promoting yung natural lighting and ventilation do’n sa bahay.”

CONTINUE READING BELOW
watch now

 

 

Showcased in the clean kitchen is the wine collection of Paolo’s dad, with the countertop being made of granite with porcelain tiles for the backsplash. Concealed behind a wooden cabinet is their water dispenser. An adjoining dirty kitchen serves as the prep area for heavy cooking, with similar tiles.

A washer-dryer sits in the laundry area, with polycarbonate roofing to allow drying of clothes. 


Watch the full video feature here: https://youtu.be/b59XwJOypbI

OG (Only Good) Channel is Summit Media's first-ever video brand with its own channel on Youtube. OG features content that gives ONLY GOOD vibes with entertaining and informational video series about Amazing Staycation Destinations, Unique Homes, OPM Music, Buhay Abroad, Popular Memes and Trends, and Real Stories about Real People. If you need a dose of good vibes today, visit and subscribe to OG Channel.

More on Realliving.com.ph

Shares

Read more stories about

Latest Stories

Love Black? Get Inspiration from This Bachelor Pad in Mandaluyong

Need ideas for your own small home? Take a look at this condo!

3 Ways to Cool Down Your Home, According to Architect Oliver Austria

Bring the heat down with these useful tips.

5 Budget-Friendly Makeover Tips To Revamp Your Tiny Home

Discover 5 budget-friendly tips from expert architects Richard Manlulu Garcia and Gianne Borlongan.

Wooden Finishes Transform This Condo Into the Ultimate Bachelor’s Pad

The owner requested for “a modern design with dark wood accents.”

10 Wallet-Friendly Smart Devices for Your Home

Let's make life easier when we can.

Mid-Century Meets Tropical in this Sprawling Resort-Like Home in Calamba

It is located at the foothills of Mt. Makiling and surrounded by lush greenery.

This 150sqm Family Home in Bacolod is the Perfect Blend of Luxurious and Homey

This hotel-like space has dark colors, ultra-modern elements, and more.

5 Container Home Building Essentials for First-Time Builders

Top 5 essentials for building a container home with expert architects Richard Manlulu Garcia and Gianne Borlongan.

Learn About Homebuilding From the Experts: Here Comes RealLiving Masterclass!

Get the best design advice from two of the country's top architects.

This 24 Sqm Condo Unit Was Transformed Into a Stylish Home for a Family of 5

Learn more about how an interior design studio utilized the space's small footprint with a P350,000 budget.
Load More Stories