

2016
Islas Secas, Chiriquí Province, Panama
Terraza
Islas Secas, Panama
In collaboration with Simon Vélez and Hart Howerton, our team designed the Terraza and Marina as integral nodes in Islas Secas — a 14-island archipelago visioned as a regenerative sanctuary. Anchored by a commitment to conservation, the project leaves over 75% of the land undeveloped, runs entirely on solar power, recycles 100% of wastewater, composts food waste, and uses certified sustainable materials — all with the goal of proving that architecture and hospitality can enhance, rather than exploit, the natural world.
Materials & Construction
The Terraza and marina at Islas Secas were conceived as an expression of tropical craft and low-impact construction. Built primarily from bamboo, reclaimed hardwood, and natural stone, the structures embrace local materials and building traditions while minimizing embodied energy. The bamboo framework is assembled through a system of bolted steel joints and mortise connections, combining strength, flexibility, and ease of repair. Lightweight, naturally ventilated roofs reduce the need for mechanical cooling, and all finishes are breathable and uncoated, allowing the architecture to weather beautifully in the marine environment. The result is a construction approach that merges engineering precision with vernacular intelligence — architecture that feels grown, not built.
INFO.
DESIGN TEAM.
Stefana Simic, Simon Velez, Hart Howerton
LOCATION.
Islas Secas, Chiriquí Province, Panama
PROGRAM.
Hospitality
CLIENT.