The Asian tropical garden designed by Sanders also features a swimming pool and jacuzzi designed by Cancio. (Photo by PRANZ KAENO BILLONES)

When it was time for Marilen and Ciros Tomacruz to build their dream home in the plush neighborhood of La Vista in Quezon City, they used the services of the best contractors they could find. The architect they chose was none other than the much-admired Luis Cancio. To design the gardens, they went for the prolific Shirley Sanders. However, when it came to design the interiors, Marilen Tomacruz relied on her own instincts and gut feel.

It can be said that both Cancio and Sanders provided the setting for her to make the house perfect. “I already had the ideas in my head,” she says. “I’ve always wanted to have a modern house. But I didn’t want it to look too modern. Most modern houses don’t feel homey and many of them lack a sense of character.”

She added that the house had to look sleek yet it also had to have grace and elegance. Tomacruz was familiar with Luis Cancio’s reputation as an architect and she liked the designs he did. She didn’t know him personally but she did some research and got to contact him. “This was when we were still looking for a property to build the house on,” she says. “When I finally spoke with him, he scheduled a meeting with me in a house in Ayala Heights. It wasn’t his house but he designed it. I fell in love with the place. It was everything I wanted in a house. I just knew right then that he just had to build our house!”

It would take a year or so before Cancio and the couple would discuss the plans for the house. After looking at various properties in Loyola Grand Villas and Ayala Heights, they settled on a lot in La Vista. Ciros Tomacruz, a businessman, says he’s glad the property was available at that time. “It would have been hard to shop for a lot in La Vista. It’s comparatively a small neighborhood and most of the lots are already occupied,” he says.

“And what’s great about the place is it hasn’t changed at all. It’s still very quiet, very private and remains unaffected by all the new development projects going on in the outlying areas, particularly Katipunan Avenue. La Vista remains to be very accessible and the charm and peace in the neighborhood remains.”

Once the La Vista property was theirs, the couple embarked on the project of a lifetime. Shirley Sanders came into the picture when Marilen Tomacruz saw her on television. Sanders was a guest on a talk show. “I’ve also read about her work, but when I saw her on TV, I really got interested in her designs. She is a no-nonsense person and she’s very approachable.”

Both architect and client agreed to build an Asian house. It would be a two-storey affair, with lots of interior space and an abundance of open space. The resulting house looks stately but not too formal. And yes, it’s a modern take on the graceful, simple Asian look.  White is the dominant color of the exterior and interiors, which are accented by hardwoods and capped with a traditional Japanese-style roof. The house looks clean but not stark, and elegant but not ostentatious.

Apparently, Cancio also followed traditional Japanese architecture when it came to designing the layout. The simple color scheme is followed for the interiors. Huge windows, high ceilings and easy access from one room to another make the place pleasant and stress-free. The large windows provide enough natural light and air to enter the rooms. The result is a home that offers so much harmony for its residents.

The concept is also followed in the spacious lawns of the property. Shirley Sanders has long been the champion of the Asian tropical garden and her signature style is apparent in the Tomacruz residence. “There was a bit of a struggle when the concept of the garden was being finalized,” laughs Marilen.  “Mr. Cancio favored the Asian garden, but Ms. Sanders was all for the Asian tropical theme. They eventually reached a compromise and what they came up with is just beautiful.”

The lady of the house notes she did not interfere with the work of the two great designers.”Mr. Cancio and I shared the same interest in terms of design. As for the garden, I just sat back and let Ms. Sanders work her magic!”

While the construction was still ongoing, Tomacruz started shopping for furniture and accessories. It was decided that nothing from the previous home would be used for the new house. She shopped at popular department stores in New York for most of the furniture. Other pieces were custom-made by a furniture exporter based in Pampanga. The furniture and accents she chose blend beautifully with the design approach of Cancio and Sander. She also toured artists like Juvenal Sanso and Carlo Magno around the house so that they could come up with paintings that would blend perfectly with the interiors.

Obviously, the interiors follow the minimalist style. Yet, the personal touch of Marilen Tomacruz gives the home its heart and character. The sweeping curtains, the classic forms found in the furniture and accents, and even the black baby grand piano, provide a sense of glamour to all this modernity. The house, especially the façade, ultimately attracts attention not because it screams for it. It catches the eye because it is refreshingly alluring.