INTRODUCTION

Hot spring is one of scarce natural, ecological and economical resources, but can be found in
Sta. Lucia. Hot spring resort is an important vector of the reasonable use of hot springs, extending
human activity space, enriching human recreation lives and inheriting local characteristics of history and
culture, one of the spatial elements of realizing the sustainable development between natural resources
and natural environment.

The landscape design of hot spring resort should realize the conservation, protection and recycle
use of water resources, control the damage level of Spa resort itself and surrounding environment to
improve the economic benefits and other goals by scientific design. Healthful and energetic hot spring
resort, landscape ensures the symphonic sustainable development among landscape, human and
natural environment. Therefore, the landscape design of hot spring resort uses many scientific, multiple
target and comprehensive design methods on the basis of scientific classification. The classification and
design method is profound significant to the natural ecologic and economic benefits of modern spa
resort.

The aim is through interdisciplinary comprehensive analysis; explore the relationship between
landscape design elements and landscape design. Under the condition of the natural priority, protect
hot spring natural resources, ascending hot spring resort’s aesthetic quality and economic benefit.

TOURISM

For the past decade, Philippines and other South East Asians have experienced a tremendous
building boom related to leisure and hospitality sector. The development of many resorts and hotels
especially along the coastal regions shows the country potential as an attractive tourist destination from
around the world. Many factors contribute to these phenomena, such as the abundance of naturally
beautiful sceneries, the vernacular houses, the rivers and mountains, the tropical rainforests and
mangroves, the natural lakes, the sandy beautiful beaches, the crystal clear sea and coral reefs coupled
with the diverse historical and cultural heritage (AM, 1999).

Tourism is important to most developing countries development programmer and particularly to

those that have good climate, scenic beauty and strong cultural heritage. In most cases, it has brought
about a favorable foreign exchange.

With respect to resort building, there is a growing tendency for the resort developer to propose
the use of local traditional design features as the design theme or concept. This is natural, because of its
appeal and attracts the attention of most tourists to the place. Through this approach, architect and
designer have the opportunity to reveal some beautiful and practical local design form, materials,
construction techniques and crafts, and to construct a both modern and efficient building design (Ku
Hassan, 2003).
ECO-TOURISM

As defined by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), eco-tourism is “responsible travel to

natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of the local people”. Tourism
is an extremely important industry in the country and is the number one foreign exchange earner. TIES
further expounds upon the key aspects of eco-tourism, the principles of which are to (TIES, 2011):

1. Minimize impact.

2. Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect.

3. Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts.

4. Provide direct financial benefits for conservation.

5. Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people.

6. Raise sensitivity to host countries' political, environmental, and social climate.

All businesses involved in the eco-tourism business, including hotels, restaurants, tour providers,
tourist suppliers, etc., should make these principles a key component of good business practices.

SUSTAINABILITY

In 1983 the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED), convened by the
United Nations (UN), published Our Common Future. This report was also commonly known as “The
Brundtland Report”, named after the Chair and former Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem
Brundtland. The WCED was created to address the growing global concern over the accelerating
deterioration of natural resources and the human environment. In the report, sustainability is defined
as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs” (WCED, 1987). This report placed environmental issues firmly on
the UN’s political agenda.

The report concluded that long-term economic growth could only be achieved with the
sustainable use of environmental resources; hence, the term “sustainable development” was coined
(WCED, 1987). The report offers five basic principles of sustainability according to (Bramwell & Lane,
1993):

1. Holistic planning and strategy making.

2. Preservation of essential ecological processes.

3. Protection of human heritage and biodiversity.

4. Development that fosters long-term productivity sustainable for future generations.

 5. The goal of achieving a better balance of equity among nations.

Ecotourism is a niche form of tourism that follows sustainable development principles. This
means that ecotourism is a type of tourism and sustainability is the approach that drives this form of
tourism. All true forms of ecotourism are sustainable but not all forms of tourism that follow sustainable
practices are considered ecotourism. Ecotourism is the exemplary niche of tourism that follows the
practices of sustainability.

ECO-RESORT

The “eco-resort” means a friendly environment development of the area and has assumed the
figure of a concept of resorts whose localizations and destinations offer a set of products, services and
animation related to the environmental questions. Referred by Baud-Bovy (1998) a resort is essentially a
place developed for the sojourn of tourists, providing multiple facilities for their accommodation,
recreation, entertainment, rest and other needs. Through the concentration of facilities the resort
acquires an identity and character: it becomes a specific place to go to and to enjoy in its own right, in
addition to serving as a gateway to other resources in the area. Tourist resorts enable the best use to be
made of infrastructure and land and operational services.

The spa and health tourism sector is undoubtedly one of the fast-growing areas in contemporary
tourism (Hall, 2003). In the foreseeable future, countries whether well or poorly endowed with relevant
mineral springs natural resources, will devote themselves to developing their own spa tourism sector
and to launching aggressive promotional campaigns designed to increase visitation. With increasing
competition between spa destinations, competitiveness will be determined and enhanced by the ability
of a destination to design, produce, market, and deliver quality spa experiences that outperform other
destinations across the range of dimensions from a supply-side perspective.

HOT SPRINGS TOURISM

A study published by the International Union of Travel Organizations (lUOTO) characterizes

health tourism as being reliant upon "natural resources", especially "mineral water and climate" (cited in
Hall, 1992, p. 151). This definition is somewhat restrictive, but is useful for considering the taking of
waters at mineral springs as one manifestation of health tourism. Goeldner (1989, p. 7), quoting Van
Sliepen, refers to five dimensions of health tourism: sun and fun activities, activities where health is
either a principal or secondary purpose, stays at spa resorts, and medical treatment. Since the primary
motive for such travel is a desire to improve one's health, visiting spas is considered to be an important
market segment under the broad heading of health tourism. As described by Hall (2003), spa tourism is
a component of health tourism and relates to the provision of mineral waters. It may also refer to
tourist resorts that integrate health facilities and accommodation. The word 'spa' may originate from
the acronym of the Latin phrase 'solus per aqua' (health through water). There is also a Belgian town
named Spa, where a curative, thermal spring was discovered in the fourteenth century.

Natural mineral springs have long been established as the primary focus for spa and health
tourism, and are considered as offering effective treatment for various ailments. Many mineral springs
are thermal in nature (hot springs), but many others are cold. Hot springs are suitable for both drinking
and bathing, whereas cold springs are used for drinking cures only. Taiwan harbours a great variety of
natural hot springs, each notable for its own specific curative properties, and undoubtedly has great
potential for the development of spa and health tourism. In terms of travel motivation, the
phenomenon of hot springs bathing in Taiwan has a close correspondence with the long tradition of
visiting spas, as evidenced by Fang's study (2002). The results of this study summarize four distinct areas
offering potential for spa and health tourism businesses. These are respectively relaxation and pleasure
seeking, social interaction motives, perceived health benefits, and the opportunity to harmonize
thoughts. For the purposes of the present study and under the broader heading of health tourism, hot
springs tourism is considered to be synonymous with traditional spa tourism. These terms are used
more or less interchangeably throughout this study.
 MATERIAL CONCEPT

The greenest methods and materials do not necessarily have to come from foreign influence or
futuristic advancements. Sometimes, the greenest methods come from local ingenuity, history, and
natural resources.

The Bahay Kubo (nipa hut) and the Bahay na Bato (house of stone) were the subjects of study
regarding traditional design for passive cooling. Coco-timber, rice-hull ash (RHA), ordinary portland
cement (OPC) and bamboo were the indigenous materials chosen owing to their excellent thermal
qualities. The combination of traditional design and indigenous materials resulted in houses with an
acceptable internal bioclimatic environment, which are economically affordable and are appealing for
low-income families in the tropical urban areas. Maximum benefits from natural ventilation and sun-
shading were achieved by collating wind direction and speed data, solar charts and elements of the
traditional Filipino house. The use of building materials that is low-cost, but are thermally congruent for
passive cooling in urban areas, enhanced affordability for mass housing. Indigenous materials,
considered culturally unacceptable for urban mass housing, are innovatively used to make them
aesthetically acceptable in urban areas. The result is the plan and construction of model houses as a
showcase for the design and technology and viability of affordable houses for the general public in a
tropical environment.

MATERIALS

STONE

In producing an area that does not conflict with nature, you must consider using natural
materials to ornament your building. Through these materials the ornamentation will be subtle. The first
material that can be used is stone. Its abundance and its virtually unlimited texture, both natural and
machined, can make for a naturally beautiful envelope for any building. Like texture, stones' shape can
be just as unlimited both in nature as in man-made. And these shapes can be arranged in a variety of
patterns. Its natural strength allows it to be used as a structural element also, as a foundation system,
footing system or load bearing walls. Its natural properties give it good insulation possibilities as well as
thermal mass heat transfer potential.

Stone will be the major material for this project. It will be used mostly on the exterior and
sparingly on the interior. The stone can· be used structurally and non-structurally. Because its pattern
can be controlled, it will allow for the opportunity to apply a subtle ornamentation to the building.

WOOD

The second material that can be used is wood. Its texture and warm natural color help in making
it a naturally beautiful decorative material. Its natural properties give it insulation possibilities, and its
strength is adequate to use it as a structural element. Wood in its natural state, or finish, is best when
attempting to keep a natural look to a building.

Frank L. Wright advised, "Bring out the nature of the material. Strip the wood of varnish, reveal
the nature of the wood, brick and stone in your design. They are by nature beautiful. "

In this project, wood will be used for the roof and to frame openings on the exterior. For the
interior wood will be used more extensively on floors, walls and ceiling.

Narra
A finely crafted piece of furniture can make all the difference in a fine home. With the country's
wide abundance on a lot of types of wood, one specific wooden material that is best used as
furniture for homes is Narra. Non-locals may not know this, but Narra is hailed as the country's
national tree.

Used as furniture, Narra can be featured through lovely cabinetwork, sturdy headboards and
beds, and even crafted into intricate details.

Rattan
Rattan is made up of thin pliable stems of a palm that originated in Southeast Asia. Rattan is a
very good material, mainly because it is lightweight, durable, suitable for outdoor use, and, to a
certain extent, flexible. It is a well-loved favorite of homeowners who enjoy furniture pieces and
decor that bring a touch of indigenous and natural appeal to their interiors.

Palm
Highlighting the concept of a ’banig, which is a handwoven mat usually used in East Asia and the
Philippines for sleeping and sitting, this furniture set features palm or buri’ as seat coverings for
the sofas. Usually mistaken as a textile, this kind of material is actually made of from dried
leaves that are sometimes dyed before being cut into strips and woven into a mat.

Abaca
Abaca, a plant closely related to the banana, has unique fibrous leaf stalks originally used in
making rope. With its versatility and wide availability in the market, Filipino interior
designers have found a deep admiration with Abaca. It can be used in both furniture pieces and
interior decoration.

Coconut shells
Husked, split, scraped, and extracted from the fruit of the coconut palm, coconut shells are now
introducing a fresh amazing trend in Philippine architecture, interior design and decoration.
Coconut shells are usually used as decor. It can be cut into pieces and glued altogether to form a
lovely work of art, or left alone in it rounded shape. In this living room, coconut shells are
featured in the wall decor. Small pieces are incorporated to create that round, rustic artwork.
GLASS

Another material that can be used to achieve closeness to nature is glass. Glass, man-made
rather than naturally, allows for an interaction between the outdoor and indoor. Glass walls help one
space extend into the other.

And when the glass wall is opened the two spaces become one. Glass allows for a good insulator
through the double-glaze system. It also allows for solar heating, natural day lighting, and vista views.

Glass can be used on part of a wall in a small scale private area. It can take up a whole wall in a
more large scale public area to provide plenty of lighting and a plentiful view.

It can be used on corners to give the illusion of a light structure. And glass can be curved to be
used on curved walls for a panoramic view.

BAMBOO

Probably one of the most commonly used indigenous materials in Filipino architecture, bamboo
comprises about 80 to 90 percent of a typical bahay kubo. The material is versatile, so it can be used as
strips, split, or whole timber varieties. It may be given the moniker “poor man’s lumber” and is usually
used for furniture, bags, and wall décor, but it managed to experience a renaissance as building
material—thanks to increased interest in going green.

Technology has allowed bamboo to be cured, where it is soaked in special solutions that
eliminate the starches that make it susceptible to fire and termite infestation. It also preserves the
material, allowing it to last for as long as 30 years.

 fully grows in just 3-4 years (standard construction lumber like narra takes as much as 20 years)

 has high carbon sequestration capacities

 possesses ultimate tensile strength of 350 to 500. Comparatively, cast iron is at 200, concrete 20
to 45, and pine 40.
Rice Hull Ash Cement (RHAC)

It is no longer practical to build a full-on bahay kubo these days, especially in the metro due to
the risk of fire safety and durability. Concrete is essential in modern homes, but the cement standard
has a variety of ingredients, especially of volcanic origin, so it can be costly.

Ash from rice hulls or husks is an affordable and effective substitute. When burned under 700 to
750 degrees Celsius, the ash offers binding properties that make it a suitable additive to cement
solutions. Rice is also common in the country, making it very sustainable in the long run.

 Approximately 14 metric tons of palay is milled in the country each year, resulting in roughly 3
million metric tons of rice hull.

 As much as 40% of the composition of cement can be rice hull ash without compromising its
quality.

 RHA is also used in the production of hollow blocks.

COCONUT LUMBER

Palm trees grow in different parts of the Philippines, but coconuts were planted primarily for
harvesting purposes and its parts weren’t originally something that can be considered indigenous
materials in Filipino architecture. Once the trees stop bearing fruit, farmers leave them to fall so that
they can make way for new trees.

However, due to the increase in prices for more commonly used lumber variants, people have
seen the exploration of palm trees as an alternative source. The once low-valued coconut trees have
since then been promoted as a source of income for the lumber industry, with the material now being
used as a source of veneer and other building products.

Coconut lumber is classified via 3 densities. All of which can be sourced from a single tree:

 High – best for structural components like pillars, window and door frames, floors, decking and
floor joists.

 Medium – ideal for walls and ceilings.

 Low – best for application that do not bear weight like paneling and internal trim.

SANTOL WOOD

Quite common in the Philippines, santol is mostly known for its fruit that is popularly consumed
and used as an ingredient in places all over the country. What most people don’t realize, however, is
that the santol fruit is ideal as a wood alternative. While the material is comparatively less dense than
other wood variants, it is one that is easy to work with and polish. This, of course, is if the lumber was
cured correctly. Probably the best feature of high quality wood from santol trees is that it is highly
resistant to wood borers, or bukbok. This makes it ideal for use as protective covering or skeletal
framework.

 Closed grained, santol wood is difficult for most types of insects to infest when properly cures.
Some companies even produce insecticides using the fruit’s seeds.

 Moderate in density, it is fairly easy to work with and polishes well.

 It thrives in tropical areas and is one of the easiest trees to grow in the Philippines.
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Republic Act No. 7160 - The Local Government Code of 1991 on the Devolution of DOT'S
Regulatory Function Over Tourist Establishments

SPA AND WELLNESS BY NOLA 7

The Study on Landscape Design of Hot Spring Resort – Wang Zhi Yong

Mass housing based on traditional design and indigenous materials for passive cooling in the tropical
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Ingenious & indigenous: innovative school design made of bamboo, other indigenous materials -
Architect Felino A. Palafox, Jr. (September 2014)

Buffalo Springs Resort - A Thesis in Architecture - Raul B. Rodriguez

Principles of Hotel Design, NA 7800. P7.

Hotels - An International Survey, H. Weisskamp, New York, 1968

Resort Hotels: Planning and Managing, E. Abraben, New York, 1965

Hotel Planning and Design, Rutes and Penner, New York, 1985

Resort Architecture: The Analysis of the Application of Traditional Form and Design for Resort Buildings
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Eco-Tourism Resorts: A Case Study of Best Practices at the Hamanasi Resort in Belize - Kate Early

Recreational Tourist Resort - Bishwodev Bhattarai (December, 2011)

An Investigation of Factors Determining the Competitiveness of Taiwan's Hot Springs Tourism Sector -
Cheng-Fei Lee (August 2006)

Guide to Hydrothermal Spa & Wellness Development Standards - Cassandra Cavanah (2016). Published
by Global Wellness Institute

ASEAN SPA SERVICES STANDARD

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