Evolution can sometimes be more interesting than revolution. The project site was once a thriving hotel in Dumaguete, but unfortunately fell into neglect. Through the reuse of it’s previous buildings and addition of new ones, it has been infused with new life and is revived to once again become Dumaguete’s premiere location.
The design’s creative direction was lead by Eric Paras of A-11. They were the same team that helped transform a defunct residential compound in Manila into a chic boutique hotel, furniture store, and gallery.
We took elements from the old structures such as its materials and proportions, then used those to guide our design for the buildings assigned to us. For example, some of the new buildings needed to blend in like the pool lounge, and some like the entrance portal could take on a bolder stance and deviate.
For a hotel, two things are essential: the guest experience and the operations. Being the designer for The Henry is like assisting a magician. Keeping the guests delighted while making sure we can optimize the channels for their team to work behind the scenes. Then there’s collaborating with Interior Design team of A-11, to make sure the experience as you enter the gates to lounging around within the spaces is completely seamless.
It takes a certain type of visionary to commission a project like this, when most developments in the Philippines would rather tear down and start from scratch. A clean slate is understandably the easy way to go. But in doing so, deprive a place and people of their history.
As an architect, reusing old structures are difficult but help preserve the delicate sense of place. And then it’s a matter of allowing that sense to guide the design whether to add or to improve. The process, tedious as it is, creates architecture relevant to the place, the time, and the people.
Learn more about The Henry Dumaguete:
https://dumaguete.thehenryhotel.com/
Solution: Architectural Design
Program: Resort with gallery, restaurants, pool lounge, and commercial areas, branded with The Henry style of service.
Location: Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Philippines
Year Completed: 2021
Size: –
Client: The Henry Hotels and Resorts
Design Team: Tim Wong, Marianne Wong, Ivy San Andres, Rae Flores
Partners: Eric Paras and A-11, A3 Premium Builders
Photo: The Henry Resort Dumaguete