When designing your home, you want something unique that reflects your personality. Whether it’s an elegant chandelier, a colorful vase, or a piece of art from a renowned artist, homeowners often seek standout focal points. For some, a terrarium is that piece—one that not only enhances the beauty of a space but also transforms it into a refreshing retreat, bringing calm and focus to the room.
If you're drawn to the art of creating these miniature glass biomes or curious about how they come to life, meet Terrafinity. This Philippine-based terrarium maker specializes in designs inspired by the beauty of nature, from mountains and miniature trees to celestial bodies.
Raphy Manes, owner and founder of Terrafinity, shared with Manila Bulletin Property Living how these terrariums bring peace and beauty into a home. “My mission is to create products that not only enhance a room’s ambiance but also offer relaxation and mindfulness to our clients. In fact, some clients tell us our products bring a sense of peace and help them feel more productive in their surroundings.”
The art of crafting terrariums
Manes explains the process behind creating terrariums: “We have a dedicated team for each category of our terrariums, organized by theme rather than just freestyling them. For example, our Mountainscape collection is inspired by iconic Philippine mountains like Mount Batulao and Mount Pinatubo, while our Bonsai series draws from Japanese bonsai traditions.”
The creation process starts with sketching the concept and gathering materials like soil, stones, plants, and sand. A basic terrarium takes about three to five hours to make, allowing time for the glue to cure before adding plants and soil. The versatility of these terrariums enables them to fit in any area, including offices, providing a calming touch amidst work-related stress.
Customers can also personalize their terrariums, choosing styles that match their preferences—whether that’s a minimalist design with simple elements or a vibrant display featuring colorful plants—complementing their unique style and bringing a piece of nature into their homes. Manes recalls a notable project—a custom terrarium for a Gundam collector—that took two weeks to ensure perfection. Terrafinity has also recently crafted designs featuring Pop Mart collectibles, giving each piece its own unique space.
With proper care, terrariums can last a long time and flourish, and Terrafinity offers two options for its plants: first, living plants that require adequate water and light; and second, preserved plants that last three to five years. Preserved plants are perfect for busy individuals who appreciate nature but lack the time for upkeep, allowing them to enjoy nature's beauty without the hassle of maintenance. The best placement for these glass gardens is in indirect sunlight, as direct sunlight can heat the enclosure and harm the plants inside.
Manes emphasizes its commitment to sustainability by sourcing plants and materials locally, using paper for packaging instead of plastic, and ensuring that its beautifully crafted terrariums have minimal environmental impact. They also hold workshops every Saturday and Sunday at 276 El Grande, BF Homes, Parañaque, Philippines, teaching guests how to create and care for a terrarium while guiding them to embrace a greener lifestyle.
"The goal of the terrarium workshop is not only for participants to enjoy themselves but also to serve as an eye-opener, encouraging them to protect our environment through similar activities. When you start planting, it fosters a greater appreciation for our surroundings, helping us reduce the distracting materials we consume in an effort to safeguard the environment,” shared Manes.