Island living: inspirations for dev’t, goals for sustainability
With the country’s more than 7,000 islands, beaches like no other, a variety of waterfall experiences, lush landscapes in the provinces and a culture of service, it is not a surprise that hotels and resorts are sprouting (now more than ever) in many parts of the archipelago.
Taking inspiration from these natural backdrops, resort-inspired developments are at the forefront as well of the current property market.
Urban resorts
Because life in the Philippines’ major cities can be truly stressful, heading home to a decidedly tropical resort-inspired place refreshes immediately.
Driveways, entrances, a generously landscaped arrival, subtle but distributed lighting—all these convey a living experience that brings back a moment on the beach, a relaxing afternoon by the pool, the memory of sea breezes, lots of natural light. Thus, the bar is raised for the amenity floors as developers now are upgrading the lobbies, swimming pools, roof decks, gyms and function rooms. A brief escape from city stress is realized.
Tropical living
A development by the sea, by the mountains, or tucked in farms would allow for a lifestyle decked with the beauty of natural views and environs. With an architect’s imagination, raw land is transformed into extraordinary subdivisions and cut-up spaces. The percentage of open space is higher, the density is lower and building character is established to create that distinct island look.
Building by the water
Maybe the rice terraces in Banaue can beat it, but nowhere else can you get a greater view than being by the water. Whether it’s Manila Bay, Mactan Cove, or the beautiful river in Iloilo, water inspires and adds definition.
In many parts of the world, properties by the water account for the highest value. It is surprising then that our stretch along Roxas Blvd. took so long to rise and is only gaining prominence again of late. It is almost a resurgence of how it was in the ’60s and ’70s. I just wished that much of the heritage structures remained.
It is hoped then that more developers create pockets of great living along our shores. Responsible coastal management and guidelines for building by the water have to be emphasized. With these rules in place, living resort-style with a great water view is better than just having water features!
Slice of the tropics
Sometimes, a small segment of resort inspiration is enough should there be limits in size or scale. Whether in a 16-sqm apartment or simply a cluster of tasteful boutique developments, a slice of the tropics is still possible with splashed colors, murals on the walls and patterns that evoke palms, perhaps, and countryside scenes. One little touch, mostly in the interiors, will spell the magic.
For the environment
Landscape and waterscapes, the scent that greets you upon arrival, themes and colors, textures and illumination—several elements of design come into play as the senses are stirred into modes of relaxation.
But design concepts can only bring so much. What is essential lies underneath. The little details of water conservation, the seriousness of rainwater catchment, adherence to clean technologies and use of renewable energy not only enhance the user experience but also emphasize any development’s sense of responsibility for the environment.
Resort living must be designed along genuine sustainable principles. Developments must target goals and points for achieving green architecture not just for the present but for the future as well.
Arch. Cathy S. Saldaña
The author gained prominence in hotel and resort design, working on projects locally and internationally with a broad base of developers and hotel brands. Her thrust is environmental responsibility in creating design experiences, going beyond architecture to produce truly sustainable work
Arch. Cathy S. Saldaña
Managing Director, PDP Architects
