HANLUX Lifestyle Resort - Case Study by Atkins Landscape Asia-Pacific

HANLUX

Lifestyle Resort Case Study

Introduction Atkins was privileged to be invited in August 2018 among two other renowned international consultants to join a prestigious 722ha master planning competition for the exclusive new resort destination in Luzon, Philippines. A landscape driven planning approach that utilizes and protects the existing qualities of the project site was prioritized and created abundant opportunities for a responsible golf course development within a new benchmark resort destination. The sensitive developed competition scheme by the Atkins Landscape team was awarded the first price in November 2018. Following the winning entry, Atkins was appointed to further develop and refine the master plan thereafter. To meet the new brief requirements and development objectives, a site area of 450ha was been carefully selected out of the 722ha of land made available for the initial master planning stage. Advanced and innovative Landscape Planning tools were utilized to identify the most suitable sustainable areas of development considering existing natural assets, feasibility and cost efficiency. At the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) AsiaPacific Awards 2019, the Hanlux Lifestyle Resort Master plan won “Award of Excellence” under the Analysis and Master Planning Category. Prior to the IFLA award, the Hanlux Lifestyle Resort Master Plan also won the Honour Award of Landscape Analysis and Study Award in the Professional Category at the Malaysia Landscape Architecture Awards (ILAM MLAA) 2019.

ILAM MLAA Honour Award 2018

IFLA Award of Excellence 2019

HANLUX Lifestyle Resort Master Plan A catalyst to preserve native habitats and natural water systems There are seven golf courses located within the vicinity of Clark International Airport and more are planned the be opened in the following years. Golf is becoming an appreciable portion of land use in the area. The impact of the intensively groomed golf courses on the surrounding ecology can’t be underestimated. Could golf courses boost conservation? As the human impact on lands surrounding golf courses intensifies, golf courses have the potential to become safe havens for wildlife and islands of biodiversity interlinked with the regional context. The Hanlux Lifestyle Resort master plan includes three 18 holes Golf courses occupying about 60% of the developments land use. The Golf course design and its management is an asset for the project wide preservation of habitats and biodiversity. Development opportunities were developed by the team of Landscape architects following a profound site analysis. The identification of the key components of the ecosystem were retained throughout the design process. Existing waterways and their associated ecosystems are fully integrated throughout the development as they support the project wide stormwater management and contribute to a diverse range of natural recreation amenities. The interface of the golf courses with the existing waterways and adjacent land uses serves as a model for ecological awareness and sustainability. The objectives of the Hanlux Lifestyle Resort master plan is not only to safeguard existing habitats and mitigate impact from surrounding developments but in addition to provide a sustainable development as a whole through a sensitive golf course design where various components of the master plan complement each other.

8 9

6 1 18

4 18

2 13 12

15 19

Valley Course

Mountain Course

20 19

Competition Entry Animation

Developed Master Plan Animation

1 Main Entrance

6 Bundok Residence

2 Maintenance entrance

7 River course residence 12 Senses Garden

17 Driving range

3 Entertainment building

8 Ilog plaza

13 Angsana Resort

18 Natural creek

4 Valley course residence 9 Bundok Park

14 Westin hotel

19 Maintenance Area

5 Future River Course

15 Luxury Collection Resort 20 Irrigation Lake

10Bukiran Restaurant

11 Banyan Tree Resort

16 Club house

Master Plan The 450ha large Hanlux Lifestyle Resort Master Plan adopted a very sensitive design approach aiming to preserve and celebrate the site’s natural assets while integrating a diverse range of accommodations and leisure activities in a responsible and sustainable way. The vision of the master plan is to develop an exclusive golf destination for the region, compromising a 54holes golf course, clubhouse, driving range, hotel and villa facilities, natural themed waterpark and trails. A close coordination took place with the two hotel operators Accor and Marriott to accommodate 4 hotels and branded villas within the development This includes Luxury Collection (50keys), Westin (300keys), Banyan Tree (50keys) and Angsana Resort (150keys). Private landscape areas are integrated in each of the hotel plots and include various outdoor hotel amenities such as pools, themed gardens, pavilions or lawn areas that can cater for weddings or golf associated events. Sensitive edge treatments and interfaces are considered through level changes or vegetated buffers between each of the plots ensuring privacy is guaranteed while selected views are provided to the benefit of the hotel experience.

The design guidelines provided together with the master plan will ensure that each of the hotel landscapes will be further developed in line with the overall objectives and design principles of the Master Plan. The location of each of the hotel developments and their access are considered to initiate an exclusive experience upon entering the overall development. The meandering entrance road will provide different views across the valley landscape and allow for occasional glimpses towards the golf course without causing disruption.

The non-conventional Golf course design is driven by the Landscape planning guidelines set forward by the team of Atkins Landscape architects. It results in an approach where man made landscape features are limited and native landscape elements are fully integrated as part of a system that contributes to the project’s integrated eco system and water management. The clubhouse is strategically located to ensure 2wo 18holes courses depart and arrive within its proximity, while the remote third course can be easily accessed with a 5minute buggy ride.

A profound study of the existing site condition has facilitated the main objectives of reinforcing the environmental qualities offered by the innate qualities of the site while establishing a sense of overall identity of the place through the development of an integrated landscape framework.

The Hanlux Lifestyle Resort development is an ambitious project that addresses the current trend of leisure and recreation development in the Philippines where a sense of resort community is integrated with the natural environment.

Key significance to the master plan framework includes the integration of existing waterways that combines the various hillsides and embraces its native vegetation. This framework allows a more distinctive landscape setting that ultimately creates the landscape characters associated with each of the various development components.

The design team believes the success of this project rely on its commitment and persistence to hold up the strong ecological value and landscape framework that the site provides- natural assets that in time, creates a long term benefit that is utmost important in particular as the various phases will be realized and more visitation will take place as the destination becomes more well known.

Golfcourse Design to embrace existing Green and Blue Systems The Conventional golf course consists out of a large fairway with greens and bunkers. usually enclosed with rows of vegetation, coming along with intensive maintenance requirements. The objectives set forward by the Atkins team of Landscape Architects was to “break” these barriers by embracing the existing natural vegetation which can function as natural hazards within the game thus reducing the maintenance cost. Fairways are kept limited in length and do not always commence from the tee-off areas. Instead we let prosper the natural terrain and vegetation wherever we can and ensure they are part of an interlinked chain of native landscape to strengthen the ecological quality. This includes large ‘out of bounds’ areas that are strategically demarcated along waterways to become habitats for variety of species. The implementation of an Integrated storm water management system benefits the golf course terrain and its associated infrastructure. This blue system consists a network of swales, vegetated open ditches, riparian areas, sedimentation or retention ponds. Water runoff from the clubhouse parking areas, roofscape or driving range will be directed towards the blue system of the golf course where it infiltrates or be used for irrigation after a simple purification of sediments. The existing blue system and their associated native vegetation (green system) are labelled as “eco-corridors” and protected through the integration of setback areas where only native terrain and species flourish.

Sustainable golfcourse

Conventional golfcourse Green

Bunker

Fairway

Rough

Water Adjacent Residential Development

3D Printing as a landscape study tool The site is located along the extended foothills of the mountain ridge that holds Mount Pinatubo. The largest level changes within the site boundary range from 400 to 150meters and can be found at the South Eastern part of the site. A physical study model was printed in the studio to further clarify the details of the site and to facilitate the design process as the project comes to fruition. The study model adopts 5m contours and was prepared at a scale of 1:6000. By seeing the spaces in true three-dimensions, issues with elevations, focal points, movement, scale and proportion become far more apparent than on a flat screen or printed page. This detailed topographic analysis reveals upland pockets of developable land for an efficient golf course design and plateaus within an intricate network of ridges. The physical model complimented the detailed digital model and became a useful tool during the various workshops taking place among client, Atkins and other consultants involved.

Layered Landscape Analysis Translating the obtained site information into a rationalised master plan framework was the key objective of the study. Information such as existing waterways, slope contours, erosion sensitive slopes or vegetation have been individually mapped and overlaid in order to understand their interaction and impact. The findings collected during a visual appraisal on site was translated into a ‘landscape value map’ and complimented with the site’s data. Environmental considerations such as water setback areas or habitat conservation zones around the most sensitive parts of the site were overlaid in addition to identify the most sensitive zones of the development. Constraints for development were highlighted while opportunities to preserve existing natural assets were identified as a result. The main challenge throughout the study was to understand the site’s topography and Identifying buildable sites for the clubhouse, hotels and residential components in relationship with their natural context and accessibility.

Hydrological Analysis

Steep slopes and areas of flooding were identified as no buildable, while existing waterways were integrated together with their associated vegetation without challenging their natural alignment. The golf course layout remains the core component of the whole development and was therefore developed first to ensure its practicality. Two of the three 18holes courses depart and arrive within the close proximity of the anticipated position of the clubhouse, while existing waterways and other natural assets became integrally part of the golf course. Besides the physical model that provided a clear understanding of the site’s dramatic level changes, the team adopted a mapping technique throughout the entire design process to ensure that multi -layered solutions where considered and continuously evaluated as the master plan matures. This sensitive layered approach resulted into the most feasible or valuable outcome where sustainable and cost-efficient options of development are optimized.

Flooding Risk Analysis

Landslide Risk Analysis

Topographical Analysis

Concept Statement The three golf courses within the resort development are the center piece of the entire master plan and occupying 53% of the total site area. Whereas the conventional golf course is characterized by a man made landscape that compliments the game, the Hanlux resort Golf course integrates within the existing landscape at sensitively chosen areas while adopting a set of environmental design considerations. The courses serve as a catalyst where existing waterbodies, roughs and ‘out of bound’ areas are not only adopted as natural hazards of the game, but also function as a safe haven for a wide range of species. The design team deepened itself in the experience and rules of the golf game in order to give a fundamental function to each of the natural elements of the course. As a result, the courses contribute to the project wide water management and ecological value of the development while recreational opportunities are simultaneously generated and linked with the interfacing landuses.

Embracing native vegetation and integrating it within the course will not only create unique character to the golf course but it will also reduce maintenance cost and result in a more resilience landscape that is able to cope with the various natural dynamics. The implementation of an Integrated storm water management system benefits the golf course terrain and its associated infrastructure. Such blue system consists a network of swales, vegetated open ditches, riparian areas, sedimentation or retention ponds. The extend of the fairways is limited where possible while existing vegetation prospers and becomes part of the project wide Green system. This includes the ‘rough’ areas and ‘out of bounds’ areas which are integrally part of the course. Existing trees or native shrubland are considered as natural hazards of the game. Landscape areas that are difficult to access due the dense vegetation, steep terrain or swampy condition, have become the so called ‘out of bounds areas’ of the golf course.

Storm water catchment, water falling on roofs from adjacent development are to be redirected into the project wide water system and reused.

The integrated bio swales system function as a large water basin and be used for irrigation purposes. Their native edge condition enables its adaptability to dry and wet seasons.

“A golf ball is out of bounds when all of it lies beyond the inside line of objects such as white stakes, that marks the boundary of the course. It’s a stroke-and-distance penalty for hitting the ball out of bounds.” As per the golf rules, these areas shouldn’t ‘or can’t’ be accessed and may therefore be considered by the landscape architect as natural reserves. The areas are typically marked by white stakes so that golfers can identify them. These ‘out of bounds ‘areas are interconnected to obtain corridors with higher ecological value rather than patches of segmented islands. They become breeding places for birds, or habitat for native fauna and flora. Stormwater runoff from roofs and paved areas is redirected into the project wide water system through a network of meandering swales and settlement ponds where it ultimately reused for irrigation.

Water from the integrated bio swales system to be reused to irrigate the green and fairways of the golf course. Native plants to be retained and habitats to be restored to reduce the need for irrigation.

The clubhouse is interconnected with the integrated bio swales. Water will be reused for flushing toilets and recharging the existing natural systems.

“A golf ball is out of bounds when all of it lies beyond the inside line of objects such as white stakes, that marks the boundary of the course. It’s a stroke-and-distance penalty for hitting the ball out of bounds” (Source: Rules of Golf - Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, Scotland) Where possible, the extend of the fairways was limited while existing vegetation is adopted in the project’s Green system and function as’ rough’. Existing trees or native shrubland is considered as natural hazards of the game. The Atkins team of Landscape architects defined the overall boundaries of the golf course and liaised closely with the Golf Course architect to ensure that the eco-corridors are fully integrated, and their interfaces are considered following the landscape design parameters that were set forward. Landscape areas that are difficult accessible due the dense vegetation, steep terrain or swampy condition have been made part of the ‘out of bounds areas. These areas are typically located between fairways and at the periphery of the course. They are part of the overall Green system. As per the golf rules, these areas can’t be accessed and may therefore be considered by the landscape architect as natural reserves. The areas provide opportunities for habitats of all kind and breeding places for birds. The sensitive course design was driven by the team’s site understanding and considers the interlinkages of the natural reserves (out of bounds areas) in order to encourage the migration of species.

3D Mapping as a landscape design tool The golf course routing aims for the preservation of the existing linear eco-corridors that are carving through the valley landscapes. The eco-corridors accommodate a wide diversity of species and enable movement of species due its linear nature. Therefore, the linear ecosystem (identified as the native ‘ecocorridor’) has a larger ecological value compared to patches of green isolated within. Run off from fairways and greens is carefully planned to avoid any excessive or immediate discharge of pesticides and fertilizers into the eco- corridors. The 25m setbacks along the eco- corridors which we have considered in the master plan will not only create or protect habitats but also have the capability to purify runoff water till a certain level. At the few occasions where greens are edging the eco-corridors did we consider creative drainage systems of subsoil drains, directing the run-ff towards a bio filter or vegetated swales before discharging immediately to the eco- corridor. A visual interaction towards the native landscapes of the ecocorridor is encouraged but carefully considered. Selective viewpoints and framed views were tailored within the interfaces of the golf course and eco-corridors, rather than providing a continuous visual linkage. Key viewpoints towards the native valley landscape are considered at tee-off areas and along greens. Such natural diversity along the edges does not only increase the visual experience but also benefits the ecological value due a wider diversity of plant species being used.

Inspired by the Natural Qualities

The golf course routing aims for the preservation of the existing linear eco-corridors that are carving through the valley landscapes. The eco-corridor accommodate a wide diversity of species and enable movement of species due its linear nature. Therefore the linear ecosystem (identified as the native ‘eco-corridor’) has a larger ecological value compared to patches of green isolated within.

Run off from fairways and greens is carefully planned to avoid any excessive or immediate discharge of pesticides and fertilizers into the eco-corridors. The 25m setbacks along the eco-corridors which we have considered in the master plan will not only create or protect habitats but also have the capability to purify runoff water till a certain level. At the few occasions where greens are edging the eco-corridors did we consider creative drainage systems of subsoil drains, directing the run-ff towards a bio filter or vegetated swales before discharging immediately to the eco- corridor.

A visual interaction towards the native landscapes of the eco-corridor is encouraged but carefully considered. Selective view points and framed views were tailored within the interfaces of the golf course and eco-corridors, rather than providing a continuous visual linkage. Key viewpoints towards the native valley landscape are considered at tee-off areas and along greens. Such diverse edge treatment does not only increase the visual experience but also benefits the ecological value due a wider diversity of plant species being used.

Green Strategy Main Green Connectors Secondary Green Connectors Intensive Golf Landscape Non-Intensive Golf Landscape

Eco- corridors Semi Native Landscape Cultural/Tropical Landscape

Virtual Reality to experience golf course design Virtual Reality (VR) was adopted during the design process to visualize the constraints of the existing site condition and to evaluate the proposed design options. Using a virtual environment, the team could not only render the viewpoints in 3D but also experience them as they would in the real world. This facilitated the landscape design process as eyesores could be mitigated or beautiful sceneries be framed. The technology enabled the design team to assess the impact of the clubhouse and other development components within their current context. Open views from the clubhouse terrace towards the 18th hole was secured in order to witness the approach of the arriving players. Views towards valleys or mountain backdrops are captured throughout the project whenever appropriate. The visual experience from tee-off areas or greens were also studied and opportunities to create framed views towards Mount Pinatubo or Mount Arayat were integrated. Idyllic views towards the eco- corridors and their native waterways where also considered from the ‘greens’ to add value to the visual and overall experience of the game.

Accor - Banyan Tree Resort and Branded Residence – Visual Stu

Virtual Reality to explore view points towards neighbouring mountains Working closely with the resort operator ‘Banyan Tree’, the 49 villa’s were carefully integrated into the mountainous landscape, overlooking the pristine valley while maintaining a strong visual connection with the surrounding mountains.

The site’s 3d model has been carefully analyzed to ensure that each of the resort villa’s capture the best views towards Mount Arayat or Mount Pinatubo. VR studies were shared with the developer and the operator in the course of the design process and therefore used as a design tool.

VIEW 15 VIEW 2 VIEW 3 VIEW 4

VIEW 7 VIEW 9 VIEW 10

Mt. Arayat View Valley View

Accor - Banyan Tree Resort and Branded Residence – Visual Study

River Golf Course View Mt. Arayat

Mt. Arayat

Mt. Arayat

Mt. Arayat

The Banyan Tree Resort villas are situated on the mountain ridge in a private setting. Each of the villas have a private pool overlooking the valley with Mount Arayat in the background.

Hiking and Mountain bike Trails

The Luxury Collection Resort

• 45 Standard Rooms • 6 Luxury Villas

Banyan Tree Resort

• 44 1-Bedroom Villas • 5 2-Bedroom Villas

Westin Hotel

• 160 Standard Rooms • 30 Executive Guest Rooms • 11 Family Suits

Angsana Resort

• 100 Standard Rooms • 20 Family Rooms • 10 1-Bedroom Villas • 10 2-Bedroom Villas

The resort villa’s are carefully integrated into the mountainous landscape, overlooking the pristine valley and having a strong visual connection with the surrounding mountains including Mount Arayat and Mount Pinatubo.

Mount Arayat

Eco- corridor

Green Valley Course

Clubhouse

18th Hole Mountain Course

Green Mountain Course

18th Hole Valley Course

Eco- corridor

Clubhouse Design Principles The natural topography of the site inspired the selection and orientation of the exact clubhouse’s location. The position of the clubhouse is centralized within the development and becomes an eye-catching contemporary building once approaching the overall development through the main access road. A smooth operation of the clubhouse is ensured by considering a sensitive planning and internal layout which will also result in a user friendly experience. The clubhouse and it’s various amenity buildings consider the sequence of activities such as ‘bagdrop’, access to driving range or efficient access towards the clubhouse terraces.

Orientation of the outdoor terrace spaces are focused towards the surrounding golf course landscape with views capturing the final 18th Hole of both Valley and Mountain golf courses. The clubhouse is not only an iconic focal point upon entering the development but is also a landmark for the golfers who have a visual connection with the clubhouse once playing the returning 9 holes.

Mountain Course Satellite Maintenance Area

Banyan Tree Resort

River Course Maintenance Area

Luxury Collection

Residential Area

Angsana Resort

Valley Course

Residential Area

Westin Clubhouse

Entertainment area

Public Park Valley Coiurse Residence

The Game Experience Following the extensive site analysis did our team of Landscape architects identify zones suitable for the golf course. Sensitive zones were identified that should be retained and protected while design parameters were developed to ensure responsible interfaces strategies are adopted. The engagement with the professional golf course architects took place from then on in order to further develop the layout the game and identify the exact location of fairways, greens and tee-off points, while ensuring that manmade landscape interventions or elements are kept to a minimum.

The initial golf course design options at competition stage were developed in coordinated with “Nelson & Haworth”. At the following stage of master plan refinements did the design team collaborate with “Nicklaus Design” to finalize the course design within the overall master plan. The continuous mapping of golf course design sketches throughout the design phases enabled the design team to adopt a sensitive and holistic design approach where eco- corridors are preserved and groundworks are limited. Views towards mountain tops and valley areas were celebrated to optimize the golfers experience and promote their connection with the unique native landscape.

Green Labeling of Golf Course Green labeling by the Audubon International certification has been considered for the Hanlux Lifestyle Resort golfcourses. The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf is an award-winning education and certification program that helps golf courses to protect native environments and preserve the natural heritage of the game of golf. By helping people enhance the valuable natural areas and wildlife habitats that golf courses provide, improve efficiency, and minimize potentially harmful impacts of golf course operations, the program serves an important environmental role worldwide. The master plan has considered various design principles required to obtain this label. The Certification can provide abundant benefits to the overall development and these have been listed below; Environmental Planning Evaluation and planning helps course managers to balance the demands of golf with their responsibility to the natural environment. An initial site assessment and environmental plan, followed by yearly review and goal setting, helps golf course superintendents and others to responsibly care for the land, water, wildlife, and natural resources upon which the course is sustained. Wild life and Habitat management Implementing environmental management practices enhances existing natural habitats and landscaping on the golf course to promote wildlife and biodiversity conservation. The great variation in golf course location, size, and layout, as well as special wildlife species and habitat considerations, must be accounted for when planning and implementing appropriate practices. Water Conservation Water conservation on the golf course involves maintaining irrigation equipment to maximize efficiency and minimize waste, as well as employing water conserving irrigation practices.

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