Overview
This third Sophia Home might just have the smartest kitchen tweak yet. With help from a German architect working overseas, we refined the layout to squeeze out every bit of space and function. The redesigned kitchen now feels more open and intuitive, and the sliding door adds a practical touch, giving the homeowner quick access to the lanai, perfect for relaxed breakfasts or winding-down dinners outdoors.
Beyond the kitchen upgrade, the rest of the home stays true to what makes the Sophia design so reliable. You still get 4 bedrooms, a comfortable living area, a dedicated dining area, a well-equipped kitchen with granite countertops and built-in cabinets, 3 toilets and baths, a balcony, a service area, and a paved carport. It’s the same solid blueprint, just made even better with thoughtful improvements.
Challenge
Just like our previous builds, this property sits on a generous 190 sqm lot, but the owner chose a mirrored floor plan to place the firewall on the right side. That small shift makes a big difference. With the home facing the ocean, reversing the layout allows better airflow throughout the day, keeping the house naturally cool whether it’s the wet season or the height of summer. Since the Sophia design only needs 95 sqm, the remaining space in front of the lanai became a lush, landscaped area, adding greenery and giving the home a more refreshing feel.
We also tackled the challenge of maximizing the second-floor balcony, so it extends to two sides, including the front façade, giving the homeowner more usable outdoor space. The theme, yellow with gray accents, adds warmth and character to the modern layout. This build was financed through progress billing, and the owner wanted to be settled in before Christmas Eve. Because they were working abroad and couldn’t visit the site, we made sure to send daily photo updates so they could follow every step of the construction from afar.
Here are clear, concise bullet points outlining the challenges faced while building this house:
- Mirroring the entire floor plan to place the firewall on the right side without affecting flow and functionality
- Ensuring optimal ventilation since the house faces the ocean, requiring thoughtful orientation and window placement
- Maximizing the unused half of the 190 sqm lot and integrating landscaping that enhances the lanai area
- Redesigning the second-floor balcony so it extends to two sides, including the front of the house
- Maintaining the desired yellow-and-gray theme while keeping the look modern and cohesive
- Meeting a tight deadline so the owner could move in before Christmas Eve
- Coordinating smoothly with an owner working abroad, requiring consistent daily photo updates and remote decision-making
Solution
To make sure the mirrored floor plan was executed perfectly, our IT expert used a mirroring app to flip the layout accurately before we began construction. For the expanded balcony, our licensed civil engineer handled the redesign and reinforced the front structure to safely support additional live load. When it came to the color scheme, we worked closely with our master painter to land on a fresh yellow shade that paired beautifully with the gray accents. We then applied those colors strategically around the home to highlight the architectural lines and bring out its best features. The owner also opted to add a fence and gate for extra security.
The entire build went smoothly, helped by how supportive and decisive the owner was. Funds for the next job phase were always ready even before we wrapped up the current one. Midway through construction, the owner also requested a tweak to the front façade by reducing the number of windows, giving the house a cleaner and more refined look.
Testimonial
“Recently our house was finished and we are very happy with it. Even we just could visit 2 times during construction as we live in Germany everything was made to our satisfaction. Special wishes was even better taken vare about than for our flat in Germany. Highly recommend the professional service of Jenny and her team.” — V. Kessler
