An opportunity arose for a leisure development on a disused site of a discontinued resort development on the north coast of Mindoro, Philippines. The proposal aims to remove the overgrown concrete skeletons of a project which was abandoned some time ago.  

 

Instead of imposing a typical bulk and density created by the exclusivity of hotel complexes along the coast, ROA proposes to be shaping a close-knit community of small scale huts and pods, each providing shelter and privacy for the leisure use, as well as the opportunity of the integration of local shops, workshops and community projects.  

 

Depending on their position within the site, they could provide privacy for a small group or couple enjoying the leisure complex, yet opening up to communal spaces, landscaping, beach, or flanking the decked areas and clearings within the planting with flexible usable spaces.  

 

The site opens up the dialogue between local tradesman and visitors without segregating. The methodology follows the density and patterns of a finely woven array of baskets. Re-instating a sustainable and useful from of nature within the built environment often seems to be little more than an empty gesture. Here, there is an opportunity for microfarming and making use of the available landscape with edible as well as visually pleasing planting.  

 

The core building on the site, with a beach bar, first floor restaurant and roof top sundeck follows a more traditional approach, but this is minimal in footprint in relation to the site and acts as a lighthouse or landmark and visual identification point.