Some 14 years ago I had the chance to buy a 550 square meter lot, in the Netherlands. Until then, I owned only a small house, and it was time to grow. And I started making up a plan. But during the next months, I lost the appetite, as I was confronted with all kind of barriers. The builder wanted to stick to his standard ways, and the so called Committee of esthetics gave me a hard time. At the end, the house became not what I intended. I promised myself never ever to build a house in the Netherlands again.

Now I live in the Philippines, so this is the start of a new adventure, new chances. And in a world with more freedom in personal choices and less limitations. Time for MY house!  

The time line is unclear, but there is no reason not to start sketching.

The picture above is an example of the Philippine style, based on Mediterranean architecture. You'll find mansions like these all over the country. It looks nice and charming, but its NOT what I intend to create.

Over the years I made a number of trips to Japan. The perfect balance in shape and colors has always impressed me.

Recently we were taken to a villa in a new project here in the Philippines. I was shocked in many ways: positively caused by the brilliant design in Japanese style, and the volume of it. The bad news: it would cost 35 million pesos (580.000,- euro). That's comparable to the booming prices in the Netherlands, before the crisis struck. Nevertheless, I took the inspiration with me, and made a calculation.

A few weeks later we had a look in another place, called Silang. At the information center we soon got in touch with a lady who's job appeared to be an advisor, for those who seek to buy a property. Ofcourse she was eager to show us around. After a few mishaps, (places where you definitely don't want to live) she took us to a compound called Metro Gate. We made a brief stop to see a lot next to a finished house.

We soon got in touch with the lady owner of the adjacent house, exchanged cell phone numbers, and 2 weeks later we had a fine meeting with her and her husband, inside their mansion. 

The owners told me us they just bought the lot, and got a builder to construct the house. Supervision was a must however, it seemed that average is good enough for the Filipino workers. But that was not good enough for them, so they kept a keen eye on the process. At the end, the house had cost them half of what it would cost "ready made". That was great news.
Tomorrow, saturday, we will visit the place again, we are invited to join the house blessing ceremony.