Rebuilding The Heart of
building is surrounded by an outer skin of
The Siargao Community
Our project "Rebuilding the Tabo" for the
Siargao community is a market-centred
building; a special intervention for the local
community of Siargao by a special design
collaboration from two regions of the world.
Our design team is formed from Europe and
West Africa, specifically students from a
British and Nigerian architecture school.
Overall, there were two guiding
considerations for our design, firstly the
environmental hazards that are experienced
in the region, most recently by typhoon
Odette, in addition to the local climate and
secondly serving the needs of Siargao
people. Drawing knowledge from our team’s
diverse background- residing in both tropical
Africa and the Northern Hemisphere, we
have applied our collective architectural
knowledge to a design for the new Tabo.
We have selected materials and a framed
structural system that can withstand the
adverse environmental conditions, yet
working within the budget constraint.
Materials are locally sourced such as
bamboo, concrete and wood. Our building
walls are formed of concrete masonry units
on the ground floor and bamboo on the first
floor. Doors and windows are slatted and
louvered for airflow and ventilation. A unique
feature of our design is that the entire
bamboo and wooden structure, to protect
from direct sunlight.
Accessibility is at the heart of our design;
access to the building is via the stepped
entrance or ramp. Circulation within the
market space is particularly important, we
have ensured multiple openings with visitors
able to continue gathering outside the space.
The market leads through to the community
eatery. Outside is a multi-functional shaded
space, spacious wooden deck, carefully
planned community garden, shady orchard
and composting area. We have ensured a
flexible, multi-functional and easily
adaptable design for possible change of use
in the future, in the case of emergency.
On the first floor, firstly there is an extra
eating area and a community space. This
characterful multi-functional space is
surrounded by easeful window seats and a
versatile teaching and gathering space. The
adjoining studio space has a balcony
overlooking the church.
The roof is constructed with wood, covered
with corrugated sheets. Roof gutters made
from aluminium are anchored to the base of
the roof and run around the building to drain
rain water. Water is collected and carried to
a water tank placed on the ground floor to
store. A 3-chamber septic tank ensures safe
disposal of waste water.
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