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.
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. Architecture 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.
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.
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