This oasis of a home celebrates the stunning sea vista that surrounds it, so much so that the architect Carlo Calma elected to frame it via windows and open spaces
Perched atop a cliff that offers a stunning view of Fortune Island, this Punta Fuego home is a haven for the sea-loving couple who live in it. Three years in the making, design plans were revised twice by architect Carlo Calma, who was commissioned to work on the structure. Firm in the belief that each home is a constant dialogue between the architect and the owner, he says, “We as architects need to understand how they live and how they want to use these spaces. We are responsible for designing stylish, comfortable, and functional homes, but with a ‘wow’ factor—there is always a need to bring new ideas to the table.”
But on occasion, avant-garde ideas turn out to be non-compliant with building restrictions and regulations, and Calma sent himself back to the drawing board. He adds, “To be honest, I’m not fond of having to stick to themes, but I was committed to unifying my vision with that of the owners and making it work within the given parametres. Despite having to change the direction of the design, the end result ended up being a perfect fit for this unconventional terrain.”
Given the location of the lot, it was an utmost necessity to build using materials that could withstand both harsh weather and salt water. Concrete, due to its durability, was chosen as the main material. Calma also thought to use the existing flora as well as the rocks collected from the digging to supplement the landscape (“It’s a house that cooperates with nature.”).
To pay homage to the picture-perfect vistas that surround the lot, the priority was to construct the house in such a way that each area—by way of open spaces and windows—would be orientated towards the best possible view. This framing is carefully executed, each one highly intentional.