Words The Kanto Team
Images Lor Calma and Partners (OPAL 2024)
Lor Calma and Partners equals their OPAL 2022 triumph with double wins for OPAL 2024. The Pfleider Residence wins under the Single Residential, Architectural Design category, while UNIVERS NUSTAR, done in collaboration with Kenneth Cobonpue, secured a coveted Platinum honor in the Interior Design, Retail Space category. The Philippine studio once again stood out from a pool of hundreds, earning approval from the illustrious 2024 OPAL Award jury, which counts Kengo Kuma of KKAA, Ben van Berkel of UN Studio, and Michele Salvi of Zaha Hadid Architects amongst its ranks.
OPAL 2024 is organized annually by the Farmani Group, proponent of the International Design Awards (IDA), Architecture Masterprize, and the London International Creative Awards amongst many other award programs. Outstanding Property Award London lauds projects from around the world across three disciplines: architectural design, interior design, and property development, under which one project is awarded the coveted ‘-of the Year’ honor, along with multiple platinum awards and award winners.
Lor Calma and Partners are no strangers to OPAL. For Outstanding Property Award London 2022, the Makati-based practice led by Ed Calma garnered two nods under the Architectural Design, Educational/Institutional Category, for the sinuous Miriam College Alviera, and for the waling-waling inspired Davao Civic Center.
Get to know this year’s winning projects below, with entry descriptors and imagery from the awards website. Congratulations to the LCP team at mabuhay ang arkitektong Pilipino! •
Winner, Architectural Design: Single Residential
Pfleider Residence
Lead designer: Jose Eduardo Calma
Other team members: Kathlyn Buenafe
Photography: Ed Simon of arteshotph
This tropical house located in Cavite, Philippines features natural ventilation that enhances comfort in a warm climate. Breeze blocks are strategically used to block direct sunlight and ensure privacy for residents on the second level. With the garden view facing east, the design minimizes exposure to harsh morning sun creating an agreeable environment. To preserve site conditions, the ground level is built on the natural ground level of the lot, avoiding drastic cut and fill. This approach maintains the landscape’s integrity while optimizing the home’s functionality and aesthetics.
Platinum Winner, Interior Design: Small Retail Space
UNIVERS NUSTAR
Lead designer: Jose Eduardo Calma
Other team members: Kenneth Cobonpue and Dan Villanueva
Photography: Zeke Sullano of Bigseed
UNIVERS NUSTAR merges luxury fashion with local craftsmanship, featuring an undulating rattan installation on the walls and ceilings. This design softens modern architecture, blending contemporary and traditional elements. The rattan also acts as a space divider, providing intimacy without solid partitions. Transparent glass barriers highlight the rattan and contrast with the natural material. By combining local wicker with international brands, UNIVERS NUSTAR celebrates sustainability, craftsmanship, and cultural authenticity in a unique shopping experience.
About the Firm
Lor Calma and Partners (LCP) was established by renowned father and son architects Lor and Ed Calma as an architectural design, interior design, master planning, and furniture design firm. Spearheaded by Arch. Ed Calma as the Principal Designer of the company, LCP has the personal strength and experience of a fully competent staff to support all of its client’s projects. LCP has done various institutional buildings, commercial/retail, museums, exhibitions, development design, and more.
