• LOCATION: El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
• STATUS: Masterplan Phase completed

• PROJECT TEAM: Carlos Arnaiz, Alex Tseng, Jessy Yang

Lio Beach is situated between the El Nido Bay and the tropical forests on the island of Palawan. The Masterplan for the Beach deconstructs and reassembles elements of traditional Filipino architecture, stitching the built environment into a woven landscape to create a unique resort destination. The site is designed as a sustainable and car-free neighborhood, and employs a holistic approach to sustainable development. The architecture responds to the wind and solar patterns on the site minimizing energy use and maximizing comfort. Lio Beach Masterplan is not only defined by the past, but goes one step beyond to define a new architectural vernacular. By looking at traditional folk architecture in the Philippines as a point of departure, the project aims to create a sense of identity for the local community through architecture. Lio Beach Masterplan will be recognized worldwide as a distinctly Filipino tourist destination, and sets a precedent for a contemporary architecture tradition along the island’s coastline.