Banaue Bungalow — Ulan-Field

Ulan-Field reimagines the Banaue rice terraces by fusing indigenous design with bold, sustainable practices, promoting slow tourism and creating a dynamic, resilient community hub.

The Banaue rice terraces, renowned for their picturesque beauty, suffer from soil erosion and drying watersheds, limiting irrigation. These terraces, once extending northeast to Cagayan and as far south as Quezon, are deteriorating due to farmer abandonment, a severe 1990 earthquake, and droughts triggered by El Niño. Additionally, the local rice variety has a low yield and long maturation period, prompting some Ifugao families to seek more fertile land.

Proposing a bold intervention, the project includes large, sculptural tanks for rainwater harvesting. Houses will feature inward-inclined butterfly roofs to optimize rainwater collection, directing it to central storage tanks. Emphasizing both functionality and aesthetics, the design incorporates strikingly integrated pipes as a visual and practical element. This design not only enhances water collection but also frames views for visitors. Embracing traditional Ifugao architecture, houses are elevated on stilts, constructed with local wood, and utilize a modular approach for ultimate adaptability. The fragmented volumes create a dynamic, porous homestead, fostering engaging spaces where users can interact with locals.

A fusion of wood and metal sheeting ensures harmony with the existing village, while thatch introduces a textured, mineral contrast. To enhance the concept of privacy, louvres are strategically placed to filter light and promote optimal natural ventilation.