In a country regularly battered by typhoons and floods that leave thousands of families displaced each year, a young Filipino architecture student is pushing for housing solutions designed not only to survive disasters, but to help communities recover with dignity.
For 5th-year architecture student Athom Jhay De Guzman Sta. Maria of Bulacan State University, the recurring destruction of homes in vulnerable communities highlights the urgent need for resilient and adaptive housing systems in the Philippines.
“We continue to rebuild after every disaster, yet the cycle often repeats because many housing solutions remain vulnerable to these conditions,” he said.
Sta. Maria’s advocacy for resilient architecture recently gained international recognition through the TFT Global Student Competitions 2026 where he presented his project titled “Pawikanan: Calm Amidst the Storm, Warmth Within the Wall.”
The project proposes a low-cost, disaster-resilient amphibious housing system inspired by the sea turtle, or pawikan, known for its protective shell and adaptability against strong currents.
Rooted in biomimicry, the concept combines renewable energy systems, hydroponics, and upcycled materials to create a self-sustaining and adaptable housing model for communities vulnerable to floods and typhoons.
Beyond physical protection, the project aims to promote long-term resilience by helping families recover and rebuild their lives after calamities. The design also incorporates inspiration from the traditional Filipino vinta, symbolizing movement, resilience, and cultural identity amid turbulent conditions.
Sta. Maria said the project is deeply personal, shaped by years of witnessing Filipino families repeatedly lose homes and stability during disasters.
“I believe architecture should not only provide shelter, but also resilience, adaptability, and hope for the people who experience these challenges firsthand,” he added.
Winning in an international competition is more than personal recognition, for Sta Maria it is an opportunity to showcase Filipino creativity and resilience on a global stage.
“It reflects the realities that shaped how I design, and it motivates me to continue creating solutions rooted in real community needs,” he said.
Sta. Maria hopes to continue developing architectural solutions focused on resilience, not only for homes but also for commercial and institutional structures in disaster-prone areas.
He also hopes Filipino design thinking can contribute globally by offering practical and sustainable approaches to climate adaptation and resilient communities.
