The project stems from the landscape, which is the most important and exciting socio-cultural and natural element that characterizes the Ifugao Community. The Banaue Rice Terraces are the main inspiration for designing a contemporary architectural lodge project, which should be integrated with the existing nature and vernacular activities of the community without being disruptive and alienating.

The terraces testify to a long synergy between the community and the steep slopes of the mountains, and they are generated thanks to a clever and respectful use of natural resources such as water and the earth. THE TERRACE Lodge is in continuity with this wise vernacular legacy, becoming part of the historical terraced landscape and, at the same time, propelling a brand-new contemporary connection experience between nature and people.

Inspired by the Bahay Kubo materiality, the project is made by three volumes with two floors hosting 7 apartments (6 single and 1 for family) which are connected by a main retaining wall in continuity with the wall of the terrace above. The existing path, which dissects the entire terraced hill, connects the project on the ground floor and the first floor, allowing the new project to integrate with the present paths and habits.

Water is one of the main elements considered for reconnecting with nature. The new terrace frames an internal courtyard, where water flows from the terrace above and continues to spill into the terrace below without altering the site’s existing ecosystem. The water court is a relaxing space for meditation and social interaction, filled with local plants and crops, reiterating the human-natural connection with the site. While preserving the inner courtyard for cultivating the regional Oryza Sativa Rice, we’re using the rest of the terrace for other local crops, such as: sweet potato, taro, corn and coffee; to enhance contextual sensitivity. The roof of the main building is filled with water as well, and it is integrated with the existing agricultural activities of the rice field above.

Finally, blending contemporary architecture with the vernacular-landscape elements will be a new challenge for our future practice. The SECOND TERRACE Lodge cleverly achieves a respectful avant-garde for a correct synergy with natural presences and local communities.

“The design is delightful with its creatively introducing of a water features, visioning a unified and welcoming landscape. The flowing water blurs the site boundary, symbolizes a continuous connection between visitors and the local community, and serves as a passive cooling strategy. The retaining walls are also worth mentioning; they gracefully vary the space, set a tone of subtlety, and ensure the design’s structural soundness. The construction sequence for the terraced lodge is very thoughtful, and unfolds like poetry. Very compelling storytelling and beautiful drawings.”

Our project “Inn the Kubo” aims to respectfully integrate into the natural context, preserving it while minimizing the impact on the landscape. The goal is to enhance the surrounding rice field and offer backpackers an immersive experience.

We have designed a complex consisting of four small, essential structures that can accommodate a total of eight backpackers. At the center of the area a larger structure is dedicated to conviviality and interaction with the local community, fostering cultural exchange. The buildings, connected by walkways, are elevated on stilts above the rice fields. This solution not only preserves local agriculture but also offers visitors the opportunity to fully dive into the  local traditions.

Studying local architectural tradition was essential to develop the entire project. We delved into the composition of the Bahay Kubo, a traditional Filipino house with a large sloping roof – under which common activities take place – and an elevated, more private space for the bedrooms. We reinterpreted this model to adapt it for hostel use, breaking it down into small units: three minimal bedrooms, a shared bathroom, and a large roof that serves as a common space.

A major part of our design considerations focused on enhancing the view on the rice fields and using natural light. Therefore, each room has three distinct openings: a reclining wall that transforms into a small terrace overlooking the valley, offering visitors an intimate space for contemplation; a window framing a defined view on the landscape; and a skylight that allows zenithal light to enter, making the inevitably compact and essential space brighter and airier.

The common area is spread over three levels: the first is a small lounge that functions as bar, reception and resting area. The second level, dedicated to moments of conviviality and interaction with the local community, is covered with a semi-transparent textile material that creates a cozy and intimate environment without obstructing the view of the surrounding landscape. Finally, the top level stands out over the rice fields and is designed for the contemplation of the panorama, offering a 360-degree view of this unique environment.

We chose sustainable and local materials to integrate respectfully into the context and involve the local community in the construction phases of the complex. The structure of the buildings is made of wood, while the shadings are made of bamboo. For the roofing, we selected a textile material that creates a comfortable and protected environment without visually weighing down the structures. This choice aims to recreate the atmosphere of a tent, the quintessential accommodation that backpackers and hikers choose for an experience deeply in contact with nature.

“Sophisticated integration into local architecture. Excellent thought of viewing experience, inviting the whole nature into the living space. 360-degree view from the bedroom, perfect for a backpacker’s dream.”

The hikers’ lodge in Batad village exemplifies sustainable design and integration with its natural and cultural surroundings. Inspired by traditional Ifugao huts, the pavilion is elevated on wooden columns to minimize ground contact and let the rice fields breathe with minimal disturbance. It consists of six flexible modules that can be assembled separately or together, depending on the combinations needed for accommodation, events, classrooms, and other uses by locals and tourists. Upon arrival, hikers receive an assembly guide and can assemble a module alone. The assembly process is made as easy as possible considering the energy expended during the hike, yet it is intended to spark conversations with locals who can be asked to assist. Constructed from locally sourced sustainable materials and recycled plastic, the pavilion promotes slow and sustainable tourism. It features essential amenities in compact storage compartments and a hygiene hub that recycles on-site water for hygiene functions and returns it filtered to the environment, maintaining the site’s ecological balance. Transported on-site, it significantly reduces CO2 emissions. The pavilion serves as a multifunctional hub, enriching the lives of both residents and visitors while honoring Batad’s heritage and landscape. Additionally, its strategic placement ensures that it does not obstruct views from existing buildings, preserving the village’s aesthetic and cultural integrity. The design also considers seasonal changes, ensuring year-round usability and comfort for all who use it. The pavilion is a testament to sustainable living, fostering a deeper connection between visitors and the natural beauty of Batad while supporting the local community.

“The proposal features a rectangular block designed to adapt to its environment by being divided into smaller volumes. The use of movable elements allows for the individualization of spaces. Additionally, incorporating a media facade on the roof for open-space movie streaming provides a contemporary public function for both locals and passersby.”

“The terraces are not just fields of rice; they are the legacy of our forefathers and the essence of our heritage.” -Stephen B, AUCP

Despite flourishing for decades, the Ifugao village has faced numerous challanges; a collective disintegration of economic welfare and climate change, posing a risk to the traditions that once shaped the land. The proposal aims to set a precedent for the future of the village, integrating tradition with modern sustainability while providing an outlook for new economic opportunities.

The proposal presents five individual self-sustaining cabins. Thoughtfully distributed along the site using a 5×10 grid, leveraging the panoramic views while weaving in cross circulation built using local basalt, allowing for multiple points of entry from the village and existing trails.

Built upon Ifugao construction principles, the cabins share the same foundations as the traditional Ifugao house or “Fale,” while acclimating to the more recent changes in the climate. The cabins utilize an elevated platform held together by post and beam joinery in addition to rice husk, an abundant agricultural byproduct, as an additional insulative layer. Moreover, the traditional roof structure is modified at an angle,

allowing it to extend over the platform, an integral piece of the rainwater harvesting system, also permits shading of the platforms as outdoor terraces.

Furthermore, the scheme includes a shared cabin centrally established amidst the individual cabins, providing essential facilities for the hikers while also serving as a multipurpose workshop and exhibition space for the Ifugaos’ prized woodcrafts, a tradition passed down through the ages bearing great cultural and religious significance.

The composition bears precedent from the more recent development by the Ifugao. An extended roof canopies the outdoor workshop, while a central skylight illuminates the exhibition space.

The structure incorporates mortise tenon trusses, tailoring a contemporary method to enhance the structural resilience of its more extensive footprint. The approach is similar to the structural beam “taknang” used in the traditional houses, superseding the more recent use of metal sheets through a foundation that better aligns with the Ifugao construction principles.

The joint composition aims to seamlessly integrate with the existing architectural landscape, setting a precedent for future adaptations of the village to the ever-changing conditions. In addition to creating an outlet for local artist to promote their crafts and share their knowledge with visitors, “Alintana,” a Tagalog word meaning – to notice and be aware of, reflects this doctrine as a monument to the village’s rich inheritance.

“The size and distribution of the lodges facilitate their integration into the urban context. At first glance, the cabins appear as if they have always been there. However, upon closer inspection, subtle details and well-integrated niches and infrastructure reveal the proposal’s contemporary design.”

Two thousand years of preservation and fostering of the Banaue rice terraces is a mankind’s achievement that should be celebrated every chance we get. As much as it is an astonishing feat especially when thought of during the modern day, it is deeply rooted to the core values of the Ifugao people, the people who built this wonder of the world by hand.

Land is sacred for the Ifugao people. They believe that if we treat nature right, nature will provide and nourish us. This can be seen from their rich cultural history, in which they utilize nature as treasure in need to be tended to. From food, clothing, dwellings and pretty much everything one would need.

Pair the way of living of the Ifugao people and the breathtaking beauty of the Banaue rice terraces, then it wouldn’t come as a surprise that people travel across the globe to immerse themselves in that environment for a period of time as a way to take everything slowly.

The design of Huk-Ot focuses on this idea in generating a new found creative problem solution that is directly derived from its predecessors, the culture and the environment. By culling key points from these sources, the design process is able to produce something entirely new and yet still very familiar.

The core idea is the deconstruction and reconfiguration of the traditional Ifugao house. By integrating modern technological advancements in building, the design is able to be multi-faceted. This means that the beneficiaries to the built environment are not limited to only its users, but the community and environment it imposes itself on.

The Ifugao people are proud and are known for their woodcarving, weaving, and other handicrafts while they are not busy planting indigenous ‘tinawon’ rice on the rice terraces on the mountains of Banaue town. The handicrafts augment their families’ income while they continue to plant rice at the terraces, which are part of their culture, and continue to awe thousands of tourists from across the globe all year round.

In line with this idea, this project realizes the opportunity for the whole community of Banaue Rice Terraces to take part in the intervention of the resthouse. The design systemology is derived from their areas of expertise that are ingrained into their culture and the traditional ifugao house. In this way, this design intervention could not only help support the Banauan community financially, but at the same time empower the culture and pride of the Ifugao.

The design’s vision is the injection of a regenerative cycle of beneficial growth. The design of the resthouse does not only prioritize the experience of the tourists and guests that visit the Banaue rice terraces, but the overall health of the community and its surrounding environment. We believe that in today’s time, the designer’s intervention must take into account a multi-faceted approach to maximize fostering built environments that not only help a certain set of people, but everyone that is involved and the nature it imposes on.

This project creatively reinterprets the traditional Ifugao house, achieving a harmonious blend with its environment. The design prioritizes the breathtaking surrounding views by strategically placing the functional spaces within the structure, allowing the communal areas to take center stage. The thoughtfully placed openings throughout the building promote natural ventilation while simultaneously creating tranquil havens for visitors.

Niched in the Cordillera Mountains, Batad village is home to the Ifugao people known for being the masters of terracing. The tradition architectural identity is slowly disappearing with the introduction of new and cheaper materials and with  the rise of tourism.

The temporalities of this project are twofold. Yesterday and tomorrow. How, in the present, can we preserve and educate the people about their past, their culture and their identity, and how can we preserve and prepare their heritage for the tribes and tribulations of tomorrow ?

Through the project of the Backpacker Lodge, the first challenge is to shed light on the skills and techniques of the Ifugao passed down from generation to generation for two millennia, by reinterpreting what exists to preserve, share and raise awareness of the importance of preserving an architectural heritage and identity.

The second is focused on the new challenges of the future: climate change and tourism. Taking into account the risks of forthcoming typhoons and heavy rainfalls that sweep through the region, as well create a small scale ecotourism model adapted to the village is of a paramount importance.

The Backpacker Lodge is designed around two drawings: the rice terraces and the village. First of all, the plot is the terraformed by extending the neighbouring terrace, reducing the height of the one behind and creating new views over the breathtaking landscape. The plot, previously full of water, is drained and the soil is consolidated with vertical bamboos placed under each support. Secondly, in order to blend in with the existing buildings, the overall proportions of each building are similar to ones that can be found in the village. This creates cohesion and coherence within the village.

The project is inspired by, and reinterprets the traditional Ifugao dwelling, the Bale, in terms of its shape, materials and function. Like the Bale, the project is divided into two parts: the sleeping parts are located above the communal parts. The sleeping lodges are located on the upper terrace and the communal building with the sanitary block on the lower terrace.

The lodges are on stilts with the sleeping area raised of the ground to be protected of rain, humidity and rodents. Each lodge can sleep up to 3 guests, with beds on a platform serving as storage for maitresses and backpacks. Depending on who and how many guests are spending the night, each lodge can be adapted.

The local aspect of each material is paramount. The structure is made out of local exotic wood that is adapted to the filipino mountain climate. The wood comes from sustainably managed forests, protecting the forests that are essential to the proper functioning and water supply of the rice terraces. Fibres are used throughout the project. Cogon grass is used for the roof for its hydrophobic properties and its durability, while rice straw is used for insulation and for the woven ceiling. Local stone for the river is used for building the retaining wall but also is used on the ground and for each post to protect the wood in case of heavy rain. 

Where rice is the predominant food resource in the village, the remaining space on the plot is dedicated to self-sustainable gardening. Complementary vegetables and crops can be grown such as potatoes, corn and bananas allowing the Backpacker Lodge to be self-sufficient in food. The communal building and the campfire are also a place where locals can come to share and prepare their culinary specialities with the guests.

Concept

Bonfire Vista Lodge is designed with the bonfire as its heart, reflecting the traditional lifestyle of the Ifugao people, where the bonfire is a physical symbol of community and togetherness. Traditional and social events revolve around the bonfire, making it the central element of the lodge, with all spaces arranged around it.

Design

The lodge’s shape is a soft triangle, fitting seamlessly into the site at the northeast corner, preserving space for rice cultivation and maintaining open views of the breathtaking rice terraces and mountains. The main entrance faces the village, encouraging travelers to experience the rich local culture as they walk through the village before arriving at the lodge. Perched at the top of the village, Bonfire Vista Lodge appears as a light structure, almost floating on the water’s surface. Surrounded by rice terraces, the view changes throughout the year—from the peaceful waterscape during the seedling season to the joyful golden green of the harvest stage.

Inspired by the Ifugao lifestyle, where most of the day is spent outside the room, the first floor is designed as a public space for dining, socializing, and utilities. Two sides of the lodge are open, centred around the bonfire place. As visitors ascend the stairs in the lodge’s rounded corners, they experience changing views—from the rice terraces to the iconic stone wall, then a clear view of the higher-level rice fields, and finally, a space surrounded by fabric materials that draw the eyes to the sky. The varying heights and open windows in different directions offer 360-degree views of the Banaue Rice Terraces.

Materials

The fabric material softens the lodge’s edges, blending it harmoniously into the landscape and reflecting the beauty of various weather conditions. The fabric facade diffuses sunlight during hot midday and acts as a splash protector during rainy days, ensuring the bonfire remains cozy and inviting at night.

Cultural Connection

Life in Ifugao is deeply connected to nature—food from the ground, water from the river. The nightly bonfire in the community celebrates not only the joy of being but also the splendid Ifugao culture. Bonfire Vista Lodge embodies this connection, offering a unique, immersive experience that honors the traditions and lifestyle of the Ifugao people.

Apparent opposites are united in this project, creating added value for the entire village, forming a place of tranquility and community, of tradition and the new, of visitors and locals: The project unites, building a bridge through architecture.

Ensemble

A building complex is being developed, creating a community yard that serves and connects everyone. The communal space at the center of the ensemble is directly aligned via an axis with the village square next to the church, forming a connecting link.

The focus of the project is not only on the visitors but also on the people who are already there:

The aim is to create added value for all.

Traditional & New

The buildings adhere to traditional simple construction methods while incorporating new, simplistic elements. The buildings‘ sizes are each designed as multiples of the simple Ifugao house and are constructed using a simple grid.

The buildings enable diverse interactions, serving various needs through different sizes.

Heritage

The heights adapt to and reflect the terrain of the rice terraces, while the ground floor serves as a communal and more public area where locals can show visitors their works and crafts.

The first floor acts as a place for the individual, serving as a chill out area providing hammocks and desks and a great view in all directions.

The ensemble is accessed and connected via a common walkway. This walkway represents connection and maintains a respectful distance from the old rice field heritage.

Linuhhung

The organic shape of the walkway is meant to

emphasize the interplay between built geometry and natural growth and to pay respect to “linuhhung”:

Backpackers and locals are offered a place of peace and tranquility within tradition, nature and agriculture.

Several intersecting circles, covered with the Ifugao’s woven fabric, offer privacy, but also the possibility of community protected by the fabric of the locals.

It is a place of vast cultural diversity, where spectacular natural beauty is revealed, with tropical vegetated mountains and vast terraces becoming the most prominent protagonists in the panorama. Characterized by a tropical monsoon climate and lush rainforest, it is filled with a wide variety of flora and fauna. Tarsier, Colugo, oriole, little lark, Manis culionensis, Palawan peacock Pheasant…

Overall, this project wants to reveal the hidden beauty of this island in the Philippines and make it a great blend of culture, progress and nature. The main purpose of the project is to change the status quo of the remote area. In order to achieve this transformation, all aspects of the lodge, including its function and content, have been carefully planned to increase participation and awareness of Luzon’s geography, history and the life and culture of the inhabitants of the Ifugao community. Our goal is to expose people to the richness and diversity of this place and to invigorate this unique place.

We use a two-story platform to connect the four cabins together . The platform on the second floor grows naturally from the surrounding green terraces, while the fields on the west side naturally transition to the elevation of the land. The four cabins contain three living units and a communal activity cabin. Each cabin has a flexible capacity – 3 to 9 people. Each cabin has a King-room and a Rest area that can be expanded into a single room. In the off-season of tourisim, the wide bed in the cabin brings the ultimate experience for single visitor, or a couple or 2 friends to stay together, and in the peak season, one cabin can provide accommodation conditions for three people.

We placed the transportation system and the MEP system in the middle of the whole cabin, which runs vertically through the upper and lower levels, separating the entrance area, the cleaning area and the bedroom lounge area. At the same time, energy sources such as water and electricity are concentrated in the central area of the entire cabin to facilitate the early assembly and laying of pipelines.

We used local wood as the main building material. It can be recycled after demolition,which is a sustainable building material, and the cut boards can be transported in batches, which is very important in this area that is not accessible by motor vehicles.We choose wood purlins and planks with rough surfaces, which made it easier for the birds to stay and roost. We made a protruding treatment at both ends of the beam, where we cut grooves to give the birds space to rest. In this way, our cabin is connected to nature in a deeper sense.

We fully consider the use of modular structure. This allows buildings to be quickly installed on site. Most wooden structures can also be manufactured modular.

Our cabin is not only a backpacker’s retreat, but also a refuge for other species.

Modernization has impacted traditional practices with many farmers abandoning rice terraces for city jobs. This has led to the misuse of heritage sites as owners run homestays and build large houses for tourists often lacking the traditional architectural language the region has, thus threatening the existence of vernacular houses, which are now mostly used as kitchens and storage units.

Our goal is to address these issues by integrating existing problems with vernacular architecture to create a design that can accommodate people beyond the purpose of shelter by immersing the space towards the ways of the Ifugao. This reintroduced square layout allows for connectivity and adaptability to the topography of the rice terraces. Even we can’t see the future of Batad village, but we find a reinforced solution that can make Batad village a better future.

“Coherence” is our guiding principle, signifying togetherness and blending cultural elements to create an architectural language that harmonizes with the environment, enhancing the identity and beauty of the site.

We envision a form that maintains the resilience of the village’s rice terraces by designing a unit that seemingly fits into the village’s corner through deep-rooted cultural means that promotes communal living and encourages users to learn and share the ways of the Ifugao.

Using locally sourced rocks, we can achieve a structural support on the stone foundations and use stone pavement polished with natural resin for waterproofing on the ground floor that has been dedicated to service areas and multi-purposed spaces including a kitchen, storage and bathroom. Water tanks of the West and North sides will store rainwater for basic usage. The ground floor is intended to visually and physically connect tourists and locals, serving as a venue for learning and take part in viewing Ifugao traditional performances. By planting the service rooms to the ground floor, the elevated terrace level at the back creates a private zone for sleeping areas and a large terrace for dining with the view of the eastern mountains.

From the exterior, the architecture blends itself with the rice terraces in a harmonious fashion. This design also saves the ground space for rice fields and does not obstruct water flow, showcasing the coherence of living with the region’s culture and identity.

(ᜃᜓᜋᜓᜈᜒᜇᜇ᜔ From Filipino “komunidad” or

a unified body of individuals bound together)

The Komun (commune) at the Banaue Rice Terraces is a traveler accommodation set in a 400-square-meter open community garden shared with the locals of Batad. Its ground cover offers a variety of edible plants which provides food security to the community, supplementing their harvest of staples sold for export, while offering a daily farm-to-table experience for travelers.

This concept of immersion tries to avoid the common pressures of hospitality of “catering to the comforts” of visitors, where local communities are forced to impress and adapt to the race of spectacles in tourism, but instead is the reverse; where travelers are invited to open themselves to the local culture and knowledge—to unfold during their visit a deep connection to nature, reconnect to the ancient wisdom of sustainable farming techniques, and understand the selfless Filipino value of “kapwa” or shared identity and spirit.

The accommodation is modular and can be carefully built in phases depending on the comfort and judgement of the local community to reduce or expand. The main structure of each individual accommodation is made with the sustainable adaptive re-use of the traditional “fale” or Ifugao house on stilts, that have been disassembled and stored by locals for the purpose of hopeful rebuilding. The wooden pieces are up to 100-years-old and boasts of a brilliant “no-nails, no glue technique”, able to withstand centuries of earthquakes. The shelter preserves and narrates the quintessential architectural history of its people while carrying new elements fit for hospitality. The design refits the traditional design of total interior darkness with the addition of openings for light, ventilation, and a breathtaking experience of the magnificent views. The under-side (traditionally a space for cooking and socializing) is transformed to a semi-private living area surrounded by raised landscaping which functions as a sound or social buffer. The bridge-ways between the accommodation structures serves as a dynamic view deck. It also allows flexibility for larger groups to combine or invites traveling individuals to interact with each other.

The Komun’s shared community space at the east corner named “Sunrise View” is the heart of the garden, serving multiple functions for hiking safety orientations, stargazing, farming lessons, seeding and harvest sorting, cooking, and sharing meals, and the invaluable exchange of ideas with the local families.

The design is a bright balance of embracing tradition and courage to step into the future with people beyond the land. It is a transformative and tactile spatial storytelling that hopes to send travelers home with a kinder, grounded perspective to spread back with the rest of the world.

Bahay Dap-ay is a harmonious fusion of traditional Ifugao architecture and modern sustainable practices nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Banaue. The name itself evokes the essence of the project, combining “Bahay”, meaning house in Filipino, with “Dap-ay”, the communal meeting place of the Ifugao leadership and people.

Inspired by the communal spirit of the Dap-ay, the lodge features a spacious gathering area encircling a central fireplace, serving as the heart of the lodge (1). Here, locals and tourists can come together to share stories, partake in rituals, and immerse themselves in the vibrant tapestry of Ifugao culture.

Drawing inspiration from the traditional Bale housing of the Ifugao, Bahay Dap-ay combines thatched roofs crafted in the vernacular style with roofs made from local stone slates, reminiscent of the indigenous use of stone, notably on the rice terraces. This distinctive architectural choice not only honors centuries-old building techniques and materials but also symbolizes the resilience and independence of the Ifugao people.

The existing village landscape adapts to the natural contours of the land and rice terraces, flowing organically and seamlessly along the mountain environment. The layout of the lodge follows suit, creating a microcosm of Banaue society within. This thoughtful integration ensures that Bahay Dap-ay stands as a model of respectful and sustainable development, harmonizing new structures with the historical and environmental context of Banaue (2).

Guided by the walls of the rice terrace, there are winding pathways with tile patterns inspired by traditional Cordillera weaving (3). Bahay Dap-ay invites visitors to connect with the land and its people on a deeper level. With each step, visitors are immersed in the world of the Ifugao, with the lodge offering areas for gathering and quiet contemplation (4).

The architectural footprint is intentionally limited to highlight the significance of rice cultivation in the untouched areas of the site. Rice is central to the flourishing of the Ifugao people, and Bahay Dap-ay underscores its importance by surrounding all the buildings and pathways with rice and its waters. As an ever-present symbol and motif, rice serves as the foundation of both the lodge and the community.

Bahay Dap-ay is more than just a lodging facility; it is a living tribute to the Ifugao’s rich traditions and innovative spirit. By engaging with both the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the region, Bahay Dap-ay provides an immersive experience that honors Ifugao heritage while promoting a sustainable future for the Banaue community.

This design aims to stray away from performative design and instead turn the structure that builds connection with the community and nature through the activities and experience present by introducing a mix of contemporary and traditional approach to achieve a sustainable and innovative design. In general, the design in not limited to a lodging unit and rather extends to different activities that fosters the culture and practice offered in different ways for visitors to have an authentic experience of Batad culture. Instead of trying to stand out completely, we opted to mimic the village itself to blend with it. By doing so, it would make the structures less imposing and more open to the locals as well.

The existing tribe at Batad are composed of the Ifugao tribe who make up about 1500 people living in the area. They practice a wide range of culture through sculpting, weaving, and performing art. The overall design took this aspect as bases for the activities that we plan out on to the design. In connection to the community, the proposal also utilizes local resources for the materiality of the building such as yakal wook, stones, and rice straws into the structures to emulate traditional practices while making contemporary strides of innovation.

The projects responds to preserving and showcase the cultural heritage of Batad, with sustainable design minimizing environmental impact and promoting traditional practices this notion with generally help the structures to embed itself into the existing community. Then going into the future, the construction of this project will significantly boost the cultural immersion of the visitors and will then add an impact through slow tourism that will remain respectful of the environment in Batad through generation.

As local traditions fade and the number of tourists increases, Banaue has entered a new phase. We aim to provide a sustainable space where newly arriving tourists can blend with the community by utilizing the existing village’s limited public spaces. Our proposal includes pathways and lodging areas that offer various experiences.

The given site lies at the boundary between residential areas and agricultural land. For tourists visiting Banaue to experience the terraced rice fields, the Banaue Ground offers both a place of rest and a new experience. To present the terraced rice fields in their natural state, the Banaue Ground is built without any land reclamation or excavation. This allows tourists to fully experience Banaue’s terraced rice fields while providing residents with a space that retains familiar forms and atmospheres.

Banaue Ground serves as a buffer space where residents and tourists experiencing different perspectives can come together. Through offering various programs, it aims to grow into a sustainable building that adapts to the changes of the times.

The land, sustained by the Ifugao people through rice paddy farming, is submerged in water for half of the year. Adapting to this land characteristic, we shaped water spaces on the site and elevated the first-floor level above these water spaces. Drawing inspiration from the spatial hierarchy of Ifugao’s traditional houses, we planned the first floor to serve as public space and the second floor as private accommodation in separate units. The Banaue Ground, comprising two floors, was designed in a terraced manner to harmonize with the surrounding terrain’s elevation differences.

The overall structure of Banaue Ground is constructed with a wooden framework, reminiscent of traditional houses, aiming to blend seamlessly with the surroundings. Tourists experience traditional house forms through the wooden structures inside the rooms. The room designs reinterpret the gabled’s shape of Ifugao’s traditional houses and integrate with the flow of Banaue’s landscape through segmented structures of similar scale to neighboring buildings.

The courtyard, formed in a circular shape at the center of the first floor, allows for a seamless 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape. Natural light can be enjoyed from any space, and the roof of the courtyard is intricately connected to the Banaue‘s sophisticated irrigation system, channeling water into the area. This water circulates, creating a unique and captivating scenery for visitors.

The courtyard is proposed as a space with various possibilities, where visitors can experience and exchange cultures with the Ifugao people.

The second floor accommodations consist of five private rooms and one family room, accommodating a minimum of seven guests. After checking in at the first-floor lobby, tourists ascend to the second-floor rooms, embarking on a journey that connects them with nature. The private lodgings offer a serene retreat for guests’ next travels, providing a relaxing space with individual bathrooms and showcasing the magnificent landscapes of Banaue.

Site:

Situated at 1,500 meters above sea level, the Batad Rice Terraces in Banaue are home to the Ifugao people, also known as the “People of the Hill.” This indigenous group has a rich cultural heritage that has been passed down through generations for over 2,000 years, particularly in their rice terrace farming. Their culture is deeply connected to their beliefs and relationship with the earth and nature. To the tribe, the terraces are not just agricultural practices but also sacred landscapes that symbolize their profound connection with nature.

Issue:

In the near future, nature and culture will become more valuable, reflecting their irreplaceable significance. Today, the Ifugao people are facing the challenges of cultural erosion. Due to the lack of income along with the advancement of technologies and the evolving world, tribal members are migrating for enhanced opportunities, leading to a gradual vanish in their rich culture and traditions. Additionally, their close bond with nature is affected by environmental degradation caused by tourism and development.

Proposal:

The proposed project aims to serve as a catalyst for promoting the preservation of Ifugao’s cultural heritage by nurturing the relationships between locals, visitors, and nature. It seeks to inspire visitors to appreciate, while empowering locals to celebrate and sustain, the vibrant culture.

Allowing the natural elements of the site to inform its design, the structure is harmoniously crafted onto the terrain, creating an engaging interaction between architecture and the earth. The use of local vernacular materials, along with a roof design that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding landscape, enhances its blend with the natural environment and empower the identity of the community through design.

The program prioritizes a communal space designed as the heart of the village, serving as a community center. It is a flexible space, accommodating a variety of activities that promote exchanges between locals and visitors, provide learning spaces to pass on traditions to younger generations, and facilitate the celebration of local rituals. The private spaces are designed to facilitate visitors’ personal connection with nature, beginning from their journey and leading them towards the climactic destination. The overall experience immerses users into the natural environment of the local sensation.