Benoy, the global studio of Architects, Masterplanners, Interior and Graphic Designers, announces its expansion across the Philippines as the firm’s portfolio grows with new and built projects. Benoy is excited to confirm five new appointments as well as welcome the completion of two schemes in the island nation.

Benoy Director Stephen Chow commented on the firm’s expanding portfolio, “The Philippines is one of the strongest economies in Southeast Asia and it has been an incredibly dynamic market for Benoy. Working in the region for more than ten years, we have seen the opportunities increase as the country grows and competes on an international scale. Our experience within global markets balanced with our local understanding has therefore been an attractive offer.”

New Appointments

Benoy’s growing order book is mainly concentrated in the Metro Manila area, the country’s most populous region. Working with leading developers such as Ayala Land and Filinvest, the firm is involved in multiple sectors and across the full complement of its services, from Masterplanning and Architecture to Interiors and Graphic Design.

In the City of Taguig, Benoy has been appointed as the Podium Architect and Interior Designer on West Super Block, the latest edition of an integrated urban plan known as Bonifacio Global City.  The development will consist of a four-storey retail podium, an all-suite residential tower and a Grade A office block where the Philippines Stock Exchange will be located.

At the heart of Manila’s commercial and financial centre, Benoy is masterplanning and completing the architecture for the future ­­Makati Mixed-use Development. The scheme will include a commercial podium, 15-storey office tower and 39-storey residential tower which will be one of the tallest in the district.

In Balintawak, a major gateway from the north into Metro Manila, Benoy is delivering an 11ha mixed-use masterplan. Positioned at the intersection of two highways, the Balintawak Masterplan will include Retail, Residential, Commercial Offices, a Hospital and act as a regional transportation hub. Benoy is also the Architect for the regional mall situated on the site.

The full scope for One Binondo, a new mixed-use development in the heart of Manila’s Chinatown, has also been appointed to Benoy. The four-storey podium will feature, among many offers, ‘Micro Retailing’, a trading form famous within the district. A Grade A office tower and three residential towers with landscaped gardens, club house, pool and recreation facilities will be seamlessly integrated above the retail scheme.

To conclude Benoy’s new appointments, the firm is delivering a visionary redevelopment plan for Alabang Town Centre, one of the most successful retail destinations in southern Metro Manila. As part of this development, the firm will also complete the Architecture, Interior Design and Landscape Design of a new Lifestyle Centre sitting at the heart of the scheme.

“We are thrilled to be building such a diverse portfolio in the Philippines. It is very exciting to have the opportunity to help shape the future of the country and we look forward to delivering creative, intelligent and considerate design solutions to these projects,” said Stephen.

Completed Developments

The firm has also seen the completion of two recent projects in Quezon City, U.P. Town Center and Fairview Terraces, both developed by Ayala Land.

U.P. Town Center has opened at the University of the Philippines campus. The development is a lively combination of indoor and outdoor retail, dining and commercial uses integrated within a landscaped setting. The scheme covers a GFA of over 88,000m2 and 40% of the site area has been designated as open space. As Masterplanner and Architect, Benoy is overseeing the three phase project. The first two phases have opened and the final phase is due to complete in 2016.

Situated in the city’s north, Fairview Terraces is a 135,000m2 retail-led, mixed-use development. The mall is spread over five levels and features around 420 retailers and a ‘Boutique Super Market’. The focal point of the scheme is the generously landscaped central promenade which is surrounded by pocket gardens and al fresco dining. A natural gathering place for residents, shoppers and workers, the design has established this project a thriving community hub. Benoy completed the Architecture and Interior and Graphic Design.

During the construction phases of both schemes, careful attention was made to protect the existing trees on the sites; preserving the character of the areas. In the case of Fairview Terraces, a long-standing mango tree has now become the very heart of the design, sitting at the centre of the development.

With the completion of these two schemes, Benoy adds to its growing built portfolio in the Philippines which already includes the extensive renovation of Ayala Alabang Town Centre. With new appointments under construction, the firm looks forward to expanding its offer across the country and creating thriving future hubs for the Philippines community.