büro ole scheeren unveils abaca resort for cebu in the philippines

büro ole scheeren reveals plans for ‘the abaca resort’, a luxury hotel set amid the lush tropical landscape of cebu in the philippines. the resort encompasses a slightly concave tower and a layered topography of pools and waterfalls.

image © büro ole scheeren

the program comprises suites and sky villas as well as bars, lounges and two restaurants: one facing the ocean and one on the top floor. the abaca resort also includes a spa and wellness retreat for guests to relax in.

image © büro ole scheeren

the architectural design takes inspiration from the philippines’ natural environment and its traditional vernacular. ole scheeren explains the design concept, ‘this project is telling a story, a story of discovery and surprise, a story of wonder and curiosity, a story of the language of architecture and the power of tropical nature. it is a journey through the rainforest, the exploration of habitable structures, places of rest and repose… an intimate sensory experience.’

image © büro ole scheeren

this journey begins when guests arrive into an open-air lobby set within a rainforest clearing and sheltered by tree canopies. the palatial lobby then steps down toward the ocean with waterfalls, arched colonnades, pools, outdoor seating areas, and finger-like piers that stretch out to the water.

image © büro ole scheeren

the main tower volume is described as a ‘vertical village’ and it’s composed of a vertical lattice of arches that stack, recess, and protrude to form shaded balconies and floating pools in the sky. the slightly concave shape embraces panoramic sea views while pockets of greenery punctuate the tower, revealing glimpses of social habitation.

image © büro ole scheeren

‘the architecture echoes memories of past cultures, embeds them in a new setting: notions of local craftsmanship merge with modern technologies, the façade unfolds a playful three-dimensional grid of arched picture-frames, each containing a personal and intimate view of the ocean… with its vertical colonnades and hanging gardens, the building grows into the sky like a long-lost tropical village’, continues scheeren.

the subtle curves of the exterior continue inside the suites and sky villas, creating a welcoming feeling of enclosure. the guest accommodation is designed to make people feel like they’re in their own floating bungalow with generous outdoor terraces and private plunge pools.

for the construction and operation of the resort, büro ole scheeren looks to locally sourced materials and passive energy-saving strategies. open corridors punctured by green pocket gardens capitalize natural ventilation, allowing for full cross ventilation of all interior spaces. water conservation systems are customized for tropical climates and create biotopes throughout the waterscapes of the project. materials will be primarily locally sourced to support local economies and reduce the radius of transportation.

the abaca resort is set to break ground in september 2021 with completion planned for the end of 2024.