The design for the Siargao Community Market was a finalist in an international competition led by the NGO Lokal Lab to rebuild essential infrastructure following Super Typhoon Odette in December 2021. The project serves as a strategic response to the destruction of the original community center, providing a resilient platform for local artisans, producers, and residents. The design balances the immediate need for a functional marketplace with the long-term requirement for a storm-resistant community hub.

Structural resilience through traditional typologies
Inspired by the Filipino bahay na bato, the architecture utilizes a dual-layered structural strategy to mitigate climate risk. A secure stone and concrete base provides a heavy, protective foundation, while a lightweight timber upper floor allows for openness and natural ventilation. This configuration ensures the building functions as a safe refuge during extreme weather events while remaining an accessible and integrated part of the urban fabric during daily operations.

Community-led construction and technical clarity
To address the slow pace of regional rehabilitation, the project prioritizes a straightforward construction system that utilizes local labor and familiar materials. The structural framework of concrete blocks, coco timber, and galvanized steel sheets is designed for assembly by both skilled and unskilled workers. Community members are integrated into the delivery process through the design and fabrication of architectural details, including shutters, doors, and integrated artwork. This collaborative approach ensures the structure is technically maintainable and culturally relevant to the population it serves.

Productive landscapes and social infrastructure
The site is organized as a multifunctional hub that supports local food security and economic growth. A fruit orchard on the southern boundary provides a year-round food source while strategically shading the façade to improve thermal comfort. Additional infrastructure includes a community garden and food store dedicated to sustainable agricultural learning and food drying processes. Along the northern edge, concrete benches and stalls are positioned to support gathering and the sale of local goods, establishing a resilient social anchor that strengthens the island’s long-term recovery.