Cebu Landmasters Inc. commissioned Arienza Architects to design the House Models and Land Development of a subdivision located in the municipality of Minglanilla. The developer suggested a Japanese Zen- inspired theme for their first flagship high-end subdivision project and named it Midori Plains.
Midori is a Japanese word that expresses the color of shoots, young leaves, or whole plants. It also is used for representing forests, nature or the environment. The term connotes “greenness” or “greenery”, expressing the developer’s desire to incorporate green architecture and sustainability in their first major project.
Inspired by the client’s aspiration, the Architect embarked on the task of translating this vision into architectural reality by incorporating into the Project the Zenshūyō (禅宗様, “Zen style”) which is a Japanese Buddhist architectural style derived from Chinese Song Dynasty architecture, adapted to Japanese standards of streamlined, simplified, and austere forms.
The House Models reflect the Zen theme thru the use of Japanese design elements and layout. The Entrance Gate evokes the traditional Japanese gateways. The Clubhouse is inspired from a classic Japanese public hall or a typical meeting place. The entire development is interspersed with gazebos typical of Japanese gardens that envelope the entire community.
