Siargao Community Market

The design for the Siargao Community Market was a finalist in an international competition led by the NGO Lokal Lab to rebuild essential community infrastructure following Super Typhoon Odette in December 2021. The project is structured to support daily commerce while establishing long-term resilience for the island’s residents. Inspired by the traditional Filipino bahay na bato, the architecture combines a secure stone base with a lightweight timber upper floor. This dual-layered approach provides a safe refuge during extreme weather events while maintaining an open, accessible, and welcoming environment for daily use. 

The construction strategy prioritizes community involvement and operational simplicity. By utilizing familiar materials such as concrete blocks, coco timber, and galvanized steel sheets, the design employs a straightforward system of walls, beams, and posts. This technical clarity allows both skilled and unskilled local labor to participate in the building process. Community members are further integrated into the project through the design of specific architectural details, including shutters, doors, and integrated artwork, ensuring the market reflects local identity and craftsmanship. 

The site is planned as a multifunctional hub that balances vendor requirements with community amenities. A fruit orchard provides a year-round food source while strategically shading the southern façade to improve thermal comfort. Additional social infrastructure includes a community garden and food store dedicated to sustainable learning and food drying processes. Along the northern edge, small concrete benches and stalls are positioned to encourage gathering, provide views, and support the sale of local goods. This strategic organization of space ensures the market functions as a resilient asset that strengthens both the local economy and the social fabric of Siargao.