Monday, October 26, 2008 Home by the sea By Arch’t. Karl A.E.F. Cabilao, UAP
LIVING in a beautiful archipelago, Filipinos are always fond of the sea. Ask anyone about where their dream houses will be, majority would prefer any place that is near the ocean.
Up north in Catarman, Liloan, people looking for a tranquil spot for their homes, with the calming view of the sea, will surely find a safe harbor in Amara.
Its name is derived from the Spanish word, a “mooring rope.” It has all the elements of a seaside concept refuge: the Mactan Channel, the Bagacay Lighthouse and a private location detached from the noise and clutter of urban living.
This master-planned residential enclave employs a modern Asian theme in its few existing structures like their site office and clubhouse. This universal and ageless design motif will be made consistent in the future buildings that would soon rise.
Modern Parthenon. As an exemple of the all-embracing design theme, the recently completed village clubhouse achieves clarity by the neatly arrayed bays defined by square columns. It was designed by national artist and architect Leandro Locsin in collaboration with local architects.
The tranquil visual rhythm goes well with the calmness of the channel waters in front of it. Viewed from the sea, the clubhouse is tantamount to the Parthenon, one of the most unforgettable products of Greek architecture, not because of its heavily classical columns but in terms of the dramatic repetition of architectural elements.
The clubhouse is separate but at a manageable distance from another building dedicated to sports and workout, which is still being constructed. This is to set a boundary between the passive recreations, like wedding functions, from the active, like basketball and badminton.
Pedestrian-friendly. Walkways are vital in encouraging people to explore the outdoors. Amara exploits the vast view of the sea afforded to them by incorporating a promenade for those who choose to put their feet into good use.
These are lined with beautifully landscaped areas that buffer the walker (or the early morning jogger) from road traffic while allowing the sea breeze a refreshing kiss on one’s skin.
Of course, these are just appetizers to numerous additions in the future as Amara continues to stretch its resort-living oasis.
With regular exposures to a toxic urban life, the magnetizing power of the sea is indeed hard to resist. Coupled with architecture and planning that is more suited to the tropical weather and actual site conditions and more importantly, extra sensitive to the needs of its future users, Amara is indeed a relaxing harbor for the weary soul.
