The Banaue Lodge competition aimed to support slow and sustainable tourism that respects local traditions while caring for the environment. Participants were tasked with designing lodgings that could seamlessly blend into the stunning Banaue Rice Terraces in the Philippines. These accommodations needed to offer hikers unique, functional spaces that harmonize with the natural beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

The winning designs were both creative and thoughtful, skillfully integrating with the landscape by incorporating natural elements such as the rice terraces and water features.

Here are the winners! Check out here for more information and to see the golden and honorable mentions.

Toffu congratulates all participants for their outstanding submissions! 🌟

1st Prize

The Second Terrace Lodge [Reconnecting with Nature and Vernacular]

Leonardo Zuccaro Marchi, Sara Sabry, Shubham Majumder

Jury Comment

“The design is delightful with its creatively introducing of a water features, visioning a unified and welcoming landscape. The flowing water blurs the site boundary, symbolizes a continuous connection between visitors and the local community, and serves as a passive cooling strategy. The retaining walls are also worth mentioning; they gracefully vary the space, set a tone of subtlety, and ensure the design’s structural soundness. The construction sequence for the terraced lodge is very thoughtful, and unfolds like poetry. Very compelling storytelling and beautiful drawings.”

2nd Prize

Inn the Kubo

Beatrice Maggi, Matteo Miranda

Jury Comment

“Sophisticated integration into local architecture. Excellent thought of viewing experience, inviting the whole nature into the living space. 360-degree view from the bedroom, perfect for a backpacker’s dream.”

3rd Prize

Assemble Your Banaue Lodge

Varuzhan Kochkoyan

Jury Comment

“The proposal features a rectangular block designed to adapt to its environment by being divided into smaller volumes. The use of movable elements allows for the individualization of spaces. Additionally, incorporating a media facade on the roof for open-space movie streaming provides a contemporary public function for both locals and passersby.”