Mission (style) accomplished
MANILA, Philippines - The southwest part of the United States and the Philippines were both colonized by the Spaniards for several centuries. Although both countries are oceans away, the architecture of their homes and buildings is similar since both have a warm climate.
Unique to California and other southwestern states, the California Mission or Mission Revival has emerged. The earliest style homes were built in California, USA, during the early 20th century. The style, taking its character from the Spanish Franciscan mission churches, spread eastward, but most Spanish Mission homes are located in the southwestern states.
Celebrating the architecture of the Hispanic settlers, the Mission Revival style makes its way into the internationally themed Residential Cluster of South Forbes Golf City, the country’s largest, fully-integrated and all-themed golf resort city at the forefront of the Metro Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay corridor.
South Forbes Golf City is a recipient of the Best Golf Community Development by the 2007 CNBC International Property Awards, the world’s most prestigious property awards program, and recently the Highly Commended Award for Best Development by the 2010 Bloomberg Asia-Pacific Residential Awards, through San Diego Homes.
Named after Solana Beach in San Diego County, Solana is perfect for starting families. “What we liked about the California Mission style is how it promotes green building principles through its deeply shaded porches and dark interiors that are perfect for warm weather like the Philippines,” said Cathay Land president Jeffrey Ng. “And through San Diego Homes, like our other themed enclaves, as well as the New Urbanist master planning, South Forbes continues to uphold the international standards for which it was recognized.”
Successful passive solar design in the Philippines means being able to naturally cool a building without dependence on a mechanical system. Aside from the orientation and shape of a building on the site, location and size of windows, and the insulation of the building envelope are critical to successful solar design.
“Incorporating locally produced materials also helps support the local economy and reduces the amount of energy required to transport materials to a building site,” added Ng. “The materials used to achieve the Mission Revival style are locally produced and sourced, hence, contributing to sustainable development.”
The entrance is a quaint guardhouse with wrought-iron gate, complemented with just the right touch of landscaping that reveals the look of a gated community. San Diego Homes unveils three different model homes suited for every need and every dream.
Solana, the first of three, is named after Solana Beach, a small, tranquil beach community in San Diego County. This two-bedroom house is perfect for a starting family.
Newport Beach, being one of the wealthiest communities in California and the United States, is the namesake of the second biggest model unit in San Diego Homes, Newport. It features a big master’s bedroom with its own balcony.
La Jolla, the jewel, is the biggest model home among the three and is named after a wealthy and hilly seaside resort community within the northern city limits of San Diego, California.
San Diego Homes boasts a main park leading to the village clubhouse that can accommodate even a wedding reception. Its adjacent swimming pool and basketball court can easily turn a slow day into an exhilarating one, especially when used with family or friends.
Like every other residential development within South Forbes, its residents are entitled to free membership to the world-class 18-hole Golf and Leisure Club at no activation cost. Privileged access to 42 other golf and sports clubs and special discounts are even given to members through the affiliation shared with the IMG Sports club.
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Call 635-7777 or 631-8855 for a free city tour or visit www.southforbes.com for information.
