BEST SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

MLR POLO PAVILION / SANGAY ARCHITECTS

Sangay Architects have long proven themselves as masters of bamboo, and the MLR Polo Pavilion is a compelling testatment to their peerless expertise. Given just four months to design the structure, harvest the bamboo, treat the materials, and train the team in time for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games Polo event in Calatagan, Batangas, the 375 square metre pavilion was no minor task. Yet, Sangay Architects elegantly demonstrate the merits of utilising the indigenous resource in contemporary applications.

The marriage of humble, sustainable elements like bamboo, thatch and stucco with the pavilion’s grand structure further emphasises the potential of these undervalued materials. Though bamboo might be associated with temporary structures, Sangay Architects proves its longevity when handled skilfully. “Bamboo is a green gold,” declares principal architect Christian Salandanan.

The patterns that repeat throughout the frame serve both structural and aesthetic purposes. Sustainable, modern and proudly Filipino, the MLR Polo Pavilion is a spectacular portrayal of what’s to come with greater investment in greener practice. “It is a model of sustainable architecture because it uses bamboo, one of the most eco-friendly building materials on the planet,” says industrial designer and THDA panel member, Kenneth Cobonpue.

Cobonpue explains further that the commercial production of concrete directly triggers climate change and bamboo is a greener alternative because it is a renewable natural material that helps reduce the carbon content in our air. “The most amazing thing [in this project] would have to be the client’s confidence and courage to use bamboo as a primary building material in our sometimes harsh and unforgiving tropical climate,” he says.

“The most amazing thing [in this project] would have to be the client’s confidence and courage to use bamboo as a primary building material” Kenneth Cobonpue

Multi-awarded Furniture Designer