Natural Geometry: What is Lava Rock and how is its design inspired by Taal Volcano?

“We had all this space and love to have people over, this just seemed like the right idea,” says Calma. “The key was balancing public and private spaces.” In this light, the pool pavilion also houses a private dining area reserved just for the family. Glass sliding doors open up to the property and have a direct view of the lagoon, which is still underway.

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The architectural ethos is a playful take on light and perspective. Cantilevered roofs and awnings in angular forms and organic shapes frame sky, foliage, and perspective. Each corner offers unique views and thoughtful surprises, perfect for mindful moments. The predominant use of poured concrete in minimalist off-white is a bit of departure from Calma’s past creations. Known for more exuberant designs using glossy metallics, marble, and textures, Lava Rock is a representation of his current state of mind. 

“This space is an escape,” he explains. “A place of peace and contemplation. I wanted everything to be close to nature and to be organic. Touches of wood and natural stone add warmth but otherwise, there was no real need to add more. Let the environment speak for itself. As I get older, I practice a lot more restraint. Although my work continues to remain conceptual, I now know how to edit.” 

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A recent wake-up call has forced him to embrace health and wellness in his life and a slower, more intentional pace. “Thanks to high-speed internet, I can spend time here and just be. I just want to be surrounded by nature.” His bedroom is the epitome of zen: a desk, a chair and a bed that looks out onto the view. The sleek lines and geometric shapes are the highlight. The same minimalist theme is carried on to the bathroom, where Calma’s closet holds but a few articles of clothing. “My home in Manila is so cluttered,” he explains. “It’s full of artwork; things collected over time. This is where I go to disconnect. I like that I don’t have anything here.”

At the edge of the property sits a lush green forest, and Calma eagerly waits for the rest of the trees to be fully grown. In the meantime, he enjoys the company of the livestock. “My father wanted to have animals here. He thought it would be fun for my nephews to have animals. We started with a chicken coop and pigeons. Now we have goats!”

Inspired by a safari experience where he stayed in a tent surrounded by the wilderness, he wanted to recreate that sensation of living in the midst of fauna. “In the middle of the goat pen is an art studio but that has murphy beds, in case you want to just sleep with the goats,” Calma says with a chuckle.

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The architect makes considered use of the space and incorporates hidden murphy beds into the living area of the guest villas. He also thoughtfully designed all the furniture, each piece reflecting the signature triangular shape that is featured throughout the property; a visual representation of the volcano. “It’s my first time to really work with local materials like cane and solihiya; I’ve found this so amusing and would like to do more.”

The creativity doesn’t stop there, Calma handpicked all the artwork, some are his own while others are by local artists and his sister-in-law, Cianne Xavier Calma. Not content to simply ‘hang things up’, he’s crafted and designed unique frames and stands for all the pieces. 

See also: Have a look at Ciane Xavier’s one-of-a-kind exhibit at Vinyl on Vinyl

When asked what best describes him, he replies: “I’m always at the intersection of architecture, art and food, it’s all the things I love!” Lava Rock is the embodiment of all his passions and is a testament to the strength of family ties. A pop, graffiti-style portrait of his father, contractor Pabling Calma, stands proudly on the grounds. 

“I made this so he could see himself from outside his window. In the end, as much as I had free reign in the design, my father is basically my client. I want to make his farmhouse dream come true. It’s a labour of love. We are celebrating agricultural and rural life in the most extreme and beautiful way.”

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