The site is located in the City of Calamba, a first-class component city in the Philippine province of Laguna.
Situated around 50 kilometers south of Manila, it is known as the Spring Resort Capital of the Philippines, due to its numerous hot spring resorts, spread out in the different districts of the city, the most prominent of which is Pansol, the location of our project.
Calamba is at the northern slopes of the dormant volcano Mount Makiling. An icon for the province of Laguna, the mountain is sacred to many pilgrims, and is widely believed to be the home of the local deity, Maria Makiling, the protector of the mountain. The mountain's curves are thought to resemble her in a lying position.
Pansol has been a tourist destination since the 1970’s. Currently, there are more than 700 villa resorts in the district, comprising of old houses roughly converted to function as villas, operating as “mom and pop” ventures - disregarding customer experience.
As a travel destination, the Philippines is not just about beautiful beaches and islands. It marries everything one is looking for: culture, history, natural landscape, and most importantly, the people.
From these conditions, CASA TROPICA was conceived.
We aspired to create an environment that will improve tourism in the community, by creating a suitable and accessible refuge for comfort and relaxation. As its name implies, to become a home away from home.
It was borne from an effort to create contextually-responsive architecture, which enriches one’s understanding of its location and culture, with climate-sensitive spaces, that are authentically Filipino.
Situated on a 1,000-sqm property, we made sure that we kept its natural setting untouched. It was blessed with a clear view of the mythical mountain.
We knew from the start that this should be acknowledged and celebrated.
The architecture was driven by contemporizing the local hot spring resort villa typology. We were inspired by the humble bahay kubo or the nipa hut - the most archaic type of shelter accounted for in the Philippines. Guided by the vernacular, we adapted the architecture to follow suit.
The resort is comprised of two villas, with a triangular plaza acting as a transition at the ground and a vast deck connecting the two at the top. The names of the villas, Diwata and Lambana, translate to “nature spirit” and “fairy” respectively - giving reference to the locals’ strong belief in deities. Offering a clear view of the famed mountain, the roof deck is aptly called the Makiling Deck.
Each villa is organized as a two-storey volume consisting of four suites laid out around a central space - looking out towards the pool area; thus achieving an inclusive environment. The deck acts as an additional activity space that can be booked separately from the villas or could be included in the villa stay.
For a typical Filipino family, who usually travels in big groups, this inclusivity and flexible use of the resort is a welcome affair.
Capping off the resort is the sculptural singular roof envelope.
Finished with wood, concrete, steel, and glass, the resort wears an aesthetic of simplicity and material honesty. Scale was greatly considered. We kept its scale close to the locality, to not be imposing, but stay visible enough to serve as a landmark for the community - signaling a shift on the vernacular.
Structural steel frames were deliberately exposed, with concrete as the predominant material and finish. Concrete was mixed with found local volcanic tuff, which achieves better compressive strength, while keeping costs down and ultimately giving it a sense of place. The final shade of the concrete was carefully chosen so that it blends with the color of the sky at daytime - maintaining focus on the captivating vistas beyond.
The raw materiality and simplicity of the design denote a break from the usual resort aesthetic. Its earthy palette and openness to the elements seamlessly binds it with its lush surroundings.
Guests are greeted by an open layout where interior and exterior boundaries are blurred. One can traverse the spaces unobstructed - generating a feeling of openness and continuity. In its entirety, the resort acts as a platform to appreciate its surroundings.
By allowing its natural context to shape and to mold its form and function, CASA TROPICA creates a venue for sensory immersion and contextual appreciation - achieving a sense of place through an architecture of sensitivity and honesty.
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Architecture and Interiors : HANDS
Video by: Mr. Ed Simon and team
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4 июл 2024
