Cover Architect Liza Morales of Ecotecture Design Studio proves with Elaia by Cyma that great design and sustainability can go hand in hand (Photo: Lexus Philippines)
Architect Liza Morales of Ecotecture Design Studio proves with Elaia by Cyma that great design and sustainability can go hand in hand (Photo: Lexus Philippines)
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Lexus takes us to Elaia by Cyma in Tagaytay, a new restaurant designed by Architect Liza Morales of Ecotecture Design Studio
When things are built with purpose, they are built with the future in mind. Through careful planning, Liza Morales of Ecotecture Design Studio has long created spaces that are familiar, genuine and respectful of both people and the planet. She recently partnered with Lexus to take friends and guests to Elaia by Cyma in Tagaytay, which embodies the very essence of her design philosophy: authentic, sustainable and timeless.
Riding in Lexus hybrid vehicles—including the Lexus RX, the Lexus RZ and the Lexus LX—we made our way to Elaia in Tagaytay, which was renovated from an old, abandoned rest stop. The exterior features wooden slats that allow air to flow into the restaurant, while a pergola adds a touch of shade and garden tones. Eschewing the popular blue and white palette reminiscent of Greek coastal towns and cities, Morales has chosen a more understated approach to the establishment’s interiors, with an emphasis on solihiya patterns and wooden accents. The foundation and roof were largely retained from the original structure.
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Fresh Greek
Above Elaia by Cyma in Tagaytay
Elaia by Cyma in Tagaytay
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Above Blue tones amidst wooden accents
Above The exterior seating and lounge area of Elaia
Blue tones amidst wooden accents
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Above The basket-inspired headlamps are intentionally positioned to facilitate excellent lighting for photographs, Morales explains
The basket-inspired headlamps are intentionally positioned to facilitate excellent lighting for photographs, Morales explains
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“If you go outside of Athens, in places with basket weaving, it’s actually quite similar to what we have here,” Morales explains. “It puts a Filipino spin to it, but it has that provincial Greek vibe.” However, that recognisable shade of blue still remains in the seating and cushions as a complementary aspect, not the centrepiece. The result is a warm, pleasing atmosphere that feels familiar and lived-in.
Above Lexus Drive to Elaia was a celebration of sustainability and craftsmanship
Lexus Drive to Elaia was a celebration of sustainability and craftsmanship
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Elaia, which means ‘olive’ in Greek, has its story told through symbols illuminated on the wall. Morales explains, “They tell how you extract the oil, so if you follow it all the way to the outside, there’s a story [to be told].” Down a short flight of stairs is the exterior seating area, where one can fully enjoy the fresh air of Tagaytay.
“We embraced what was already there. The goal was to open it up to light, greenery, and texture and to let it breathe again,” Morales says. As a longtime Lexus driver herself, she is proud of her association with the brand, whose values echo her own. “Like Lexus, we believe in quiet craftsmanship, innovation and making sustainability feel natural,” she adds. “It’s about respect for people, for resources, and for the experience.” Her architectural style has always shown her preference for passive cooling, natural ventilation and locally sourced materials.
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Made sustainable
Above Chef Robby Goco shares how Elaia's menu is made with fresh, local produce
Chef Robby Goco shares how Elaia's menu is made with fresh, local produce
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Elaia’s chef Robby Goco prepared a menu consisting of authentic Greek fare. “Sustainability goes beyond sourcing,” Goco declares. “It’s also about responsibility. We run Elaia without throwing anything away. We try to use everything…we use the whole animal from nose to tail. We’re into composting.” He adds, “All the vegetables we have are sourced within a five-kilometre radius.”
This trifold approach—supporting local farmers, minimising waste and sustainable practices—further reinforces what Morales set out to create: a restaurant where such environmentally conscious choices are not treated as a hurdle, but as an authentic part of the establishment itself.
Morales’s architectural style has given new life to this corner of Tagaytay, reflecting her affinity with Lexus. Elaia stands as a reminder that the future begins with sowing seeds in the present, and it encourages everyone to make their own mark.
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Credits
Photography: Lexus Philippines
About
Tobias wants to write things that make people think, laugh, and reflect. He’s especially proud when he can sneak in a cheeky pop-culture reference or a pun in his titles and articles.
He possesses a deep love of history, resulting from years of books, games, and museum visits. It was this fascination with the human endeavour that fostered his love of writing, spanning genres, tones, and moods. He one day hopes to write a novel—he just hasn't decided on a genre yet. A certified homebody, you'll often find him on the computer he built himself, binge-watching Seinfeld or House, playing his favourite gacha game, or reading a book.
Work
Tobias is a features writer that specialises in branded content. Reach out to him at tobias.tomas@tatlerasia.com.
