Sustainability and innovation in architecture are intertwined and increasingly integral to responsible design, proving that they are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary aspects.
Panglao Shores in Bohol, designed by XCO2, showcases the integration of sustainability and innovation in architecture. The project takes a proactive stance by prioritizing the reduction of energy, water and waste demands as core elements of its development approach.
Despite pandemic-related challenges and supply chain disruptions, the design team for Panglao Shores showed exceptional resilience compared to other regional developers. Their self-sufficiency-oriented approach, utilizing local materials, aimed to achieve the highest standards of sustainable design.
Through innovative yet straightforward design techniques, they effectively reduced energy demand, minimizing the reliance on advanced technology and lowering carbon dioxide emissions.
“The design team had to look for innovative ways to do so without compromising guest comfort and experience,” XCO2 executive John Farrell told the Daily Tribune, adding that they were able to predict the energy-saving benefits of a variety of design techniques at once by using dynamic simulation tools.
“Looking at ways to provide shading and reduce the ingress of unwanted solar heat into guestrooms and occupied spaces lead to a significant reduction in the cooling demand and therefore a reduction in the size of plant for cooling while also saving money on running costs,” Farrell added.
XCO2 also emphasized the value of investing time in early-stage design to implement optimum strategies, eliminating unnecessary engineering.
“By combining sustainable practices with innovative design thinking, architects can create buildings and spaces that are environmentally responsible, resource-efficient, aesthetically pleasing and supportive of the well-being of occupants and the surrounding community,” Farrell said. “We are likely to see a rise in the priority of designing buildings to promote better health and well-being for its users.”
Panglao Shores, a masterplan development located on the picturesque Panglao Island in Bohol, offers stunning views of the Mindanao Sea and encompasses a wide range of amenities, such as retail and commercial areas, residential villages, hotels, international resorts and a beach club.
This expansion project aims to enhance the existing South Palms Resort and bolster the tourism infrastructure of the Central Visayas region, recognizing the island’s significance as the 10th largest in the Philippines.
Covering more than 57 hectares, the development prioritizes sustainability and adheres to international environmental standards, ensuring a competitive advantage in the industry.