Global design company Benoy is expanding its portfolio in The Philippines, confirming five new commissions while completing two schemes.
A studio of architects, masterplanners, and interior and graphic designers, Benoy has been working in the region for more than a decade.
“The Philippines is one of the strongest economies in Southeast Asia, and it has been an incredibly dynamic market for Benoy,” says director Stephen Chow. “We have seen opportunities increase as the country grows and competes on an international scale.”
Benoy’s growing order book is mainly concentrated in the metro Manila area. Working with such developers as Ayala Land and Filinvest, the firm is involved in multiple sectors using the full complement of its services.
In the City of Taguig, Benoy has been appointed as podium architect and interior designer for West Super Block, the latest edition to the Bonifacio Global City integrated urban plan. The development will comprise a four-storey retail podium, an all-suite residential tower and a Grade A office block that will house The Philippines Stock Exchange.
Benoy is also doing the masterplan and architecture for a Makati mixed-use development in the heart of Manila’s commercial and financial centre. The scheme includes a commercial podium, 15-storey office tower and 39-storey residential tower – one of the tallest in the district.
In Balintawak, a gateway from the north into Manila, Benoy is delivering an 11ha mixed-use masterplan. At the intersection of two highways, the Balintawak Masterplan includes retail, residential, commercial offices and a hospital. It will also be a regional transportation hub. Benoy is also architect for the regional mall on the site.
A mixed-use development in Manila’s Chinatown has also been appointed to Benoy. One Binondo will feature a four-storey podium and include “micro retailing” (a trading form popular in the district), a Grade A office tower, three residential towers with landscaped gardens, a clubhouse, pool and recreational amenities.
Also, Benoy is working on a visionary redevelopment plan for Alabang Town Centre, a retail destination in southern Manila. As part of this development, the firm will also complete the architecture plus interior and landscape design of a Lifestyle Centre at the heart of the scheme.
“We are thrilled to have such a diverse portfolio in the Philippines,” says Chow. “It is very exciting to have the opportunity to help shape the future of the country.”
Meanwhile, Benoy has completed two projects in Quezon City, the U.P. Town Center and Fairview Terraces, both developed by Ayala Land.
U.P. Town Center, at the University of The Philippines campus, combines indoor and outdoor retail, dining and commercial uses within a landscaped setting. Forty per cent of the 88,000 sqm site has been designated as open space. As masterplanner and architect, Benoy is overseeing the three-phase project, with the final phase due for completing this year.
In the city’s north, Fairview Terraces is a 135,000 sqm mixed-use development led by retail. Over five levels, the mall has about 420 retailers and a “boutique” supermarket. The focal point is a landscaped central promenade surrounded by pocket gardens and al fresco dining. Benoy completed the architecture as well as interior and graphic design.
During construction for both schemes, trees on the site were protected. In the case of Fairview Terraces, a long-standing mango tree sits at the centre of the development.
Previously, Benoy has overseen an extensive renovation of Ayala Alabang Town Centre.