VESTA ARCHITECTS
Residential
SOLMERA
Sol•Mera (Sun•Essence)
YEAR
2025
LOCATION
LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY
TYPE
RESIDENTIAL
AREA
2,814 Sq Ft
SERVICES
Design
Construction
Bespoke Furnishings
Solmera moves with the grace of nature. It is a beauty that captivates and a space that nurtures.
THE MAKING OF SOLMERA
CONCEPT: Tropical Minimalist
“Minimalism” is a leading trend in architecture today, favored by designers and clients alike. Solmera’s preliminary design began with the client: Ms. Barbie Imperial’s request for a clean and simple approach.
The challenge with minimalism lies in its restraint—without heavy detailing, the design must rely on strong composition and proportion to stand out. This led Ar. Patricia Marbella, the project’s lead architect, to ask: “How can we make it both minimal and iconic? What can we do to make it look unique?”
The solution lies in introducing curves—a design element that reinforces the tropical character of the concept while reflecting the client’s femininity. “–and it’s not traditional and rigid. That’s how we keep it simple but iconic.”
Ms. Barbie Imperial wanted the home to feel like a place of rest, away from the busy concrete jungle. To evoke a vacation-at-home feeling, the design incorporated forms reflecting the province where she grew up in. “We wanted her home to have an outstanding view.” This is why the Mayon Volcano, a well-known landmark of Albay, is framed beautifully by trees from her home.
