They say art is a reflection of man’s soul, and this masterpiece of a property by the beach is a testament to its resident’s own.
Juan Antonio Mendoza y González’s home outside the city is a 700-square-metre canvas of his life and work. For the renowned architect and interior designer, building a home in Tali Beach in Nasugbu, Batangas was not a difficult decision to make. J Antonio Mendoza—as he is known amongst his peers in the industry—enjoyed many weekends on the beach with his family as a child. “Whenever possible, on Fridays, my parents would take us to Nasugbu right after coming home from school at the Ateneo de Manila,” he recounts of such trips that inspired his affinity for sand and sea. The four-bedroom split-level is Mendoza’s main residence, and not a weekend pied-àterre like most beachfront homes. “This is my private sanctuary,” he says. When work does not demand that he stays in the city, days are spent here with those closest to him. “My family, my cousins, they are my usual guests,” he adds.
Much like the idea behind his chosen location, the concept for the property itself was inspired by Mendoza’s passions and craft. “I envisioned it to be sharp, to be very simple but with sophistication and clarity of design,” he says of his initial plans for the house. Out of this vision came a modern masterpiece—straight lines and clean angles coming together to form a living space that complements the natural elements surrounding it, with expansive windows and openings that allow natural light and sea breeze to flow seamlessly through the space. The house itself, which covers 200 square metres of the property, is the quintessential reflection of Mendoza’s mastery of the art and technique of architecture.
Though Mendoza embraces lines and angles in architecture—noting the modernist architect Richard Neutra and German art school Bauhaus as influences—his style as a designer, in fact, is more eclectic. He describes it as “a flawless, seamless, clever mix of modernity and antiquity,” adding that it is “a very different side of me. It’s a side of me I’ve always liked.”
Letting his artistic passions take control, he draws inspiration from a mix of concepts and objects when designing a home—history, travel, even his own childhood. “I am easily inspired when I see beautiful homes, objets d’art, or even endearing personalities,” says Mendoza. An original painting by his friend Jaime Zóbel is proudly displayed in his home, also a personal gift from the celebrated industrialist and artist. “Yet I sometimes am inspired by the most mundane or simple things—like a well-designed paper clip. That’s the artist’s passion in me,” he adds.
Like a true artist, Mendoza designs homes by instinct. “I don’t find reasons to create. Otherwise, it ceases to become art,” he explains. Whilst he takes a very hands-on approach when it comes to selection of materials, and is particular about details such as textures and colours to use, he is not constrained by any rules in design. Rather, he taps into a wellspring of knowledge and years of experience to lead his work. It is precisely for this reason that he considers his property by Tali Beach as his best and favourite work. It is an impeccable display of J Antonio Mendoza’s expertise and mélange of influences. Like brush to canvas, he created his dream home from a palette of passion and skill.
Read the full article in the 10th Volume of Philippine Tatler Homes, now available in any leading newsstands and bookstores. Download it on your digital device via Magzter and Zinio. | Photos by Toto Labrador