Carlo Calma's Infinity House is a private residence in the Philippines. It was designed as a living kinetic sculpture and homage to his father, Pabling Calma. The house represents a bold architectural statement, fusing surrealist, sculptural, and organic forms with cutting-edge construction methods. It embodies Calma's "architecture of exuberance" concept—a design philosophy that prioritizes fluidity, surrealism, and the merging of art and functional space.
General Layout
The layout of Infinity House reflects Calma's commitment to creating dynamic, ever-evolving spaces. It is designed as an immersive experience, where traditional spatial boundaries are blurred. Rooms flow organically into one another, often without clear separations, fostering an uninterrupted sense of movement. The central feature is a grand, spiral staircase, made from weathered steel, which is inspired by eyes—a sculptural element that reinforces the home's fantastical aesthetic. Every level of the home is interconnected, allowing for a seamless journey between indoor and outdoor spaces. This unique design promises an intriguing living environment that is sure to captivate architecture enthusiasts.
Façade & Materials
The house's exterior is defined by fluid, sculptural forms made from raw concrete, weathered steel, volcanic stone, and glass. These materials create a tactile, sensory experience that changes throughout the day as light interacts with the various textures. The extensive use of glass enhances the illusion of space, reflecting the surrounding environment and blurring the line between the built structure and the landscape.
Internally, the house continues the motif of organic forms. Calma uses bespoke furniture and sculptural installations that mimic the curves of the architecture, making the interior an extension of the exterior. Details such as the half-moon ceiling lights and reflective surfaces evoke images of nature, like birds in flight, further reinforcing the house's thematic link to natural and surreal elements.
Sustainability & Innovation
While the design of Infinity House leans heavily into art and surrealism, sustainability is a key aspect. The house incorporates locally sourced volcanic stone for insulation, reducing energy consumption. It also maximizes natural ventilation through its open layout and orientation, allowing the home to stay cool in the tropical climate without relying heavily on air conditioning. The use of reflective pools and outdoor water features adds to the house's serene atmosphere and aids in passive cooling.
Conclusion
The design merges art, nature, and design in a seamless narrative. It serves as both a personal tribute and an avant-garde exploration of spatial possibilities. The house challenges traditional Filipino architectural norms and offers a transformative, immersive living experience that is both functional and sculptural.
Facts & photos from bluprint-oneomega.com, and tatlerasia.com
