Totally Zen in South Forbes
Even as many Japanese dwell in high rise buildings or apartments today, their way of living still remains greatly traditional. To explore the Japanese home is to educate one’s self on the Japanese lifestyle, where one will not only appreciate its irregularity, but also come to understand the culture in a deeper way.
Understated Beauty. To the Japanese, striving for quiet nobility and restrained elegance remain the highest goal of artistic achievement. The Meiji exterior extols the virtue and beauty of simplicity and austerity with its pristine-white walls and clean yet expressive lines from ground to roof, free from ostentatious ornamentation often used in classical Western design. The tranquil waters of the pools finished in black tiles create soft reflections symbolic of a calm and enlightened spirit.
Love of Nature. The Japanese philosophy of building with nature permeates through the whole Meiji mansion. From the exterior alone, the use of natural wood clad the round columns, eaves, and exposed rafters supporting the large, gently-sloped black tile roof which in turn protects the house from the scorching sun and allows the rain to fall easily to the ground. The roof profile creates the illusion of ocean tides that ride along the summer wind.
The indoor-outdoor permeability of the poetic Meiji mansion, the manner in which it combines interior design and exterior views of controlled landscaping, is owed to a wall of full-height glass panels that envelop practically the whole house. Basic bamboo landscaping becomes a simple yet profound way to nurture a stress-free mind and a peaceful sense of well-being. Bamboo shadows cast by the afternoon sun along with the gentle breeze make it appear to sweep the floors of the living room yet no dust is stirred.
Flexibility. The open plan of the ground level allows it to become the main room of the whole house. The interior space can be divided by sliding screen dividers hidden within the walls that mimic the traditional shoji. Smaller, intimate spaces are created, thus transforming them into tokonoma — recessed alcoves where works of art are found. The Meiji, in fact, is enhanced by a collection of the best of Filipino craftsmanship: a Milo Naval sofa set, an assortment of Kenneth Cobonpue furniture, a Louie Arrozal dining table, and An Pamintuan’s Crescenti Chair and various objet d’art.
Cultural Expressions. The best time to view the Meiji mansion is from dusk to evening when it transforms to a traditional chouchin, or Japanese lantern, that illuminates the night sky as originally conceived by the architect.
The master suite remains traditional with the ingenious use of sisal matting that resemble the time-honored tatami. The bed rests against a glass headboard depicting flowers in bloom, similar to sumi paintings that has adorned the Japanese home for centuries.
The Japanese bath is more than just a place to get clean; it is a cultural tradition. Inspired by the Japanese ofuro, the master toilet and bath boasts of a full-glass shower enclosure, a corner bathtub, and his-and-hers lavatories. The closets are wood-framed glass panels.
The traditional Japanese home has undergone much change over the years but, even with the dawn of the modern era when cultures have surrendered their identities to technology, the Japanese home has remained resolutely Japanese.
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