Lakeshore’s houses are not of cookie cutter design. Hispanic touches are apparent in the houses’ use of roof and floor tiles as well as brick in the form of pavers. (Photo by PRANZ KAENO BILLONES)

Perhaps it is a testament to Lakeshore’s (Mexico, Pampanga) well-planned landscape that a feeling of spaciousness immediately envelops you as soon as you enter its manicured and lush grounds.  This, despite the fact that the community is actually just a stone’s throw away from the busy North Luzon Expressway (NLEX).

Considering all of these however, the area still retains that unmistakable air of stability that its houses exude.  They are not by any means cookie cutter structures reminiscent of the generic and bland developments that now litter the Philippine landscape though. 

Although they adhere to certain guidelines and standards, they nonetheless are individualistic and cater to the personal standards that a supposed occupant may desire.

In general, individual structures retain a slightly Hispanic look that Filipinos—perhaps because of our culture’s Iberian provenance—seem to prefer.  As such, tiles, bricks and eaves constructed at a slight angle on top of windows (to restrict sunshine from coming in during summer and to keep the rain from coming in during the rainy season) are very much apparent in the developer’s oeuvre.  Steel windows either in the form of the standard designs of most Filipino homes or in the form of “rejas” (decorative grills) is likewise apparent.  Also, the use of brick and tiles are also resorted to for the warmth and design opportunities that these materials can provide.

With regards to the interiors of most homes at Lakeshore, one can say that the spaciousness that the development seeks to provide in its outdoor environment is also replicated inside the houses.  This is very much apparent even from the outside, where a path leading to a porte cochere (at least in the bigger houses) is very much a part of the domestic design.  From the porte cochere, one enters a vestibule or entrance hall where at times the houses’ designers provide a surprising foretaste of the spaces to come.

From the vestibule, corridors lead to the public spaces of the house.  These corridors are unimpeded by doors and as such, provide not only a sense of space, but enables air circulation as well.  One of the most enticing and dramatic areas of any home at Lakeshore is no doubt the staircase.  Since ceiling height is a non-issue—with regards to the vestibule and the living room—there is enough space for a grand staircase in any home.  This no doubt serves a dual purpose as it doesn’t only provide a means by which one can get to the second floor of a home, but also serves as a tangible demarcation line between the house’s public and private areas (or bedrooms).

Not surprisingly, the kitchen and dining rooms are the most utilitarian areas and are usually located opposite the ground floor living room.  Again, the staircase separates the two spaces such that one cannot espy the living room area from the dining room/kitchen and vice versa.  This area, however, provides another delightful space, which sets Lakeshore’s houses apart—the covered lanai.  This area abuts the dining room and is accessible through sliding glass doors.  Perhaps, the architects and designers of the home, designed it as such, but the lanai of most houses provides a view of one of Pampanga’s landmarks—Mt. Arayat.