Siargao has always been defined by its natural beauty and tight‑knit communities. In 2021 Typhoon Odette swept across the island destroying homes, markets, and public buildings. In response the community and architects came together to rebuild with a stronger, smarter vision for housing and heritage preservation.
At the core of these efforts is the Siargao Resettlement Project by WTA Architecture & Design Studio. The goal was to build around 1,000 homes for families displaced by the typhoon. These homes were clustered into small neighbor groups with shared gardens, walkways and gathering spaces. Materials like amakan sheet, bamboo flooring, marine plywood and GI roofing are used to ensure the designs are easy to build and climate resilient. Each home has rainwater catchment and space for backyard farming to encourage food security and community bonding. By using local building methods, the project aimed to make reconstruction fast while empowering residents in a sustainable way.
Another visible sign of transformation is the rebuilding of community hubs like the Siargao Community Market in Burgos. Designed by Lokal Lab in partnership with a Filipino architectural team it was inspired by the traditional bahay na bato style layered with modern durability. The market features concrete for strength at the base and lightweight timber above for wind flow and ventilation. Local people helped build it and contributed to design details such as shutters, doors and artwork. The building also includes fruit trees, a community garden and fish drying racks to support food resilience and local livelihoods.
Among tourism‑linked architecture Maison Bukana and the bamboo‑roofed resort Maison Bukana stand out. Maison Bukana is built entirely with innovative eco‑cast blocks that recycle plastic waste and resist fire and earthquakes. Its large bamboo roof captures rainwater to serve all guest water needs and the open layout allows natural ventilation and daylight. This approach shows how design can blend luxury with environmental responsibility.
Meanwhile Maison Bukana emerged as a showcase project led by Christophe Bariou combining steel framing, recycled materials, green roofing and solar design. It uses recycled ecocasts for walls and bamboo shingles for roofing, capturing rainwater for storage and embracing local craft techniques. The building is engineered to resist coastal winds and erosion while feeling harmonious with its surroundings.
On the community craft side there is Siargao Green Artisans. These local makers turn wood off‑cuts and waste glass into furniture and dĂ©cor pieces. They salvage construction scraps and broken bottles to fabricate tables, chairs and artworks using terrazzo mixed with crushed glass. This supports local employment and reduces waste at the same time.
At the same time the cultural fabric of Siargao continues to be celebrated. Festivals, traditional foods, dance and music are woven into daily life. Organizations like SEA Movement and Lokal Siargao promote cultural preservation and environmental education. The annual Siargao Futures Summit and IslandXchange Creative Congress bring together local and global voices to imagine inclusive, sustainable futures rooted in native wisdom and resilience.
Here is what this mix of new housing and heritage preservation means for Siargao today.
The positive side is that rebuilt homes and community facilities are much stronger and safer. They blend traditional forms with modern building science, making them more resilient to storms and natural threats. Because local residents are involved in design or construction there is a sense of ownership and pride. Craftspeople like those at Siargao Green Artisans receive opportunities to earn income while upcycling waste through creative design. The result is an island that is rebuilding stronger physically and culturally at the same time.
At the same time there are challenges to consider. New designs cost more and building at this scale takes time. Some families may struggle to afford homes even if materials are low cost. Resources are limited on the island so maintenance can be difficult. There is also a risk that as tourism grows more luxury development could outpace heritage‑centered rebuilding. Balancing tradition and modernity without losing local identity remains an ongoing effort.
There are opportunities too. Events like the Surf & Sustain Expo in July 2025 bring together surfers, designers and conservation groups to explore reef‑safe products, marine protection and sustainable tourism ideas. The Green Economy Project led by Action Against Hunger works across municipalities on solid waste management, recycling, community gardens and climate adaptation. It seeks to build a circular economy where environmental health and economic stability reinforce one another.
Siargao’s story is one of resilience and creativity. After a devastating storm the island is rebuilding homes, public spaces and even local culture with strength, sustainability and community at the center. It is an example of how rebuilding can be more than just restoring what was lost. It can be an opportunity to reimagine how an island lives, breathes and thrives with respect for its past and hope for its future.
If you care about culture, climate and strong communities, Siargao’s journey offers lessons in how places can rebuild back better and preserve what matters most.
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