Treading lightly as guests of nature

Like a sanctuary of tranquility and beauty, the property is located on the northwestern tip of Palawan, immersed in a landscape of breathtaking natural richness. It feels as if you are suspended between sky, sea, rock, and tropical vegetation, in a state of harmony that is increasingly rare. The project is intimately tied to its natural context. Here, designing a private island retreat is both a profound privilege and a great responsibility, given the fragility of this precious ecosystem. This is precisely why the designers aimed to preserve the setting by introducing a gentle, contemporary language capable of engaging not only with the natural landscape but also with the local culture.

«Our revitalization of Lagen Island Resort was guided by the island’s extraordinary natural setting and the rich local craftsmanship and history. Our team developed a cohesive design narrative that both preserves and advances – preserving existing structures, enhancing the design with local materials and craft traditions, while advancing towards a more regenerative vision of hospitality.» The project embraces the principles of sustainability. For example, nearly all the structures of the former resort were preserved, reducing environmental impact and eliminating the need for demolition and reconstruction. Wherever possible, materials from the previous structure were reused. A testament to this is the existing wood flooring, which has been given new life as wall paneling.

The design also establishes a subtle, measured blend with the local vernacular heritage, reinterpreted in a contemporary way. The lobby, for instance, alludes to Paraw boats, integrating details that recall the geometric patterns of Sawali panels. In the rooms, textiles and woodwork celebrate local tradition, while references to the *bahay kubo* residential typology are reinterpreted through wall coverings. With a total of 42 overwater villas and forest-immersed suites, the design is fundamentally about creating opportunities to listen to the silence and the voice of nature. The open-air common spaces – the restaurant, clubhouse, and bar – and the Spa, with its elevated walkways that preserve the undergrowth and allow it to thrive, all contribute to forging an even more intimate and profound connection between guests and the natural world.