A Filipino Interpretation of Modernist Architecture Unlike the rest of Makati today, the northern end of Paseo de Roxas in Makati is anchored by a low complex rather than a tall skyscraper. This is the elegant Asian Institute of Management, designed by architect Gabriel Formoso and completed in 1971. In my opinion, the building is […]
Lee Residence: Elevated Perspectives by Ed Calma
Unlike many projects where clients have firm directives, the Lee Residence was a rare case where the homeowner entrusted architect Ed Calma, Design Principal of Lor Calma and Partners, with the entire design process. Given this level of free rein, the celebrated architect approached its design with his signature use of spatial efficiency, environmental sensitivity, and material restraint. “He was very open and left me to decide what was best for the house and their needs,” Calma recalls.
Set on a corner lot, this plush four-level residence (including the underground carport) is a study in quiet luxury. Rather than imposing a rigid structure, Calma crafted a dynamic interplay of volumes, light, and circulation. Every space unfolds with intention, balancing openness and privacy, grandeur with restraint.
The home’s façade functions beyond mere aesthetics by responding to environmental factors. It is designed to minimize heat gain by strategically shielding interior spaces from direct sunlight to mitigate Manila’s heat. This approach ensures energy efficiency and thermal comfort without compromising architectural integrity. “It’s an interplay of planar surfaces with volumes,” Calma explains.
A Light-Filled Core
Inside, the home exudes the design philosophy of quiet luxury. While some homes rely on statement materials to convey opulence, the Lee Residence takes an opposite approach. “[The] material palette is restrained to wood paneling and tile surfaces in walnut and grays with dark bronze and brass accents, all in a brushed finish,” Calma remarks. “We didn’t need an accent material because I wanted to focus on the kind of space that the two grand living areas make when they overlap. ArchitectureArchitectureThe art and science of designing and constructing buildings, structures, and spaces that are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. It encompasses the planning, design, materials, and techniques used to createGo to Architecture Glossary is all about space. Material is secondary on this project.”
At the heart of Lee Residence is the dramatic formal living room enclosed in glass, with a soaring double-height ceiling. The color palette is a sophisticated mix of earth tones, complemented by warm wood accents on the mezzanine level and staircase.
A Delicate Balance
The Lee Residence, conceived from a place of deep trust and realized with unwavering attention to detail, exemplifies Ed Calma’s architectural vision. Here, spaciousness, thoughtful material choices, and ecological awareness merge to create an environment that elevates everyday living.
Beyond a mere structure, this home becomes a profound experience, where the interplay of light, texture, and volume enhances the lives within. Ultimately, reflecting Calma’s own realization, “character is everything,” and this residence embodies that principle, mirroring both the architect’s creative spirit and the client’s confidence in a cohesive, lasting design.
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Photographed by Ed Simon.
Read more: Tauhai Villa: Tranquil and Green
Frequently Asked Questions
The Lee Residence is a study in “quiet luxury,” prioritizing spatial efficiency, environmental sensitivity, and material restraint over outward opulence. Architect Ed Calma used his creative freedom to focus on the quality of space, emphasizing that architecture is primarily about the volumes created rather than the materials used to cover them. This approach results in a home that feels sophisticated and grand through its proportions and the intentional interplay of light and air.
The facade of the Lee Residence is designed to be a functional shield that minimizes heat gain by protecting the interior from direct sunlight. By using a series of planar surfaces and volumes, the architecture mitigates intense heat while maintaining thermal comfort for the inhabitants. This ecological awareness ensures energy efficiency without sacrificing the aesthetic integrity of the sleek, modern structure.
The interior features a highly restrained palette consisting of walnut wood paneling, gray tile surfaces, and dark bronze or brass accents with a brushed finish. Calma avoided “statement” or accent materials to ensure the focus remained on the dramatic double-height living areas and the way different volumes overlap. The use of earth tones and warm wood accents creates a cohesive, lasting design that elevates everyday living through texture and light.
The residence is organized across four levels, including an underground carport, to maximize the utility of its corner lot. At the heart of the home is a formal living room enclosed in glass with a soaring ceiling that connects the different floors visually and socially. Calma choreographed the circulation to balance openness with privacy, ensuring that the movement through the house feels like a deliberate and grand experience rather than a series of compartmentalized rooms.
The Lee Residence was a unique project where the homeowner provided the architect with complete “free rein” over the design and decision-making process. This deep level of trust allowed Ed Calma to implement a holistic vision that mirrored his creative spirit while addressing the specific lifestyle needs of the family. The result is a residence where “character is everything,” serving as a testament to the successful partnership between a confident client and an uncompromising architect.
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