The Second Terrace Lodge. Reconnecting with Nature and Vernacular.

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.