Faster, efficient way of building houses

Charles E. Buban
Philippine Daily Inquirer


IT’S INTERESTING TO NOTE THAT when Phinma Properties started using its fast and efficient building system called cast-in-place in 1988, it wasn’t for the reason of utilizing a more sustainable building method.

Rather, it’s for another equally commendable explanation: being nationalistic.

At the time the country was still emerging from decades of dictatorial rule as well as economic mismanagement. Then President Corazon Aquino asked Willie Uy, president and CEO of Phinma Properties, to go into mass housing as a lot of Filipinos are without homes.

But for a company known for developing high-end residential homes, the task could be enormous.

The cast-in-place method became their solution.

An American technology, the system involves setting up of removable forms where concrete is poured afterward. As a concrete frame progresses upward, workers on the completed floors below can proceed with interior partitions, exterior finishing, mechanical/electrical and plumbing systems.

Reduce construction time
“The method helped us reduce construction time and on-site labor costs, allowing Phinma Properties to build houses faster than any developer in the country,” added Grant Orbeta, AVP for marketing and design of Phinma Properties.

But more than efficient and less costly way of constructing building Uy said they were able to create beautifully designed structures that they were able to turn over to their buyers faster than anyone else could.

In 2006, the Phinma Properties was cited as a Superbrand, making the company part of a global list of those that have been identified to be performing above and beyond others within their respective market category.

Indeed, 21 years later, Phinma Properties is still using their system in both their medium- and high-rise condos including their latest, Fountain Breeze in Sucat, Parañaque City; Flora Vista on Commonwealth Avenue (Fairview); and Sofia Bellevue on Capitol Hills Drive—both in Quezon City—are also being finished in record time.

For affordable units
“These three developments are manifestations of Phinma Properties’ desire to allow more homeowners to acquire affordable and quality units within the periphery of the metropolitan area,” Uy said.

By practicing a unique construction method, Uy also believed they are also showing other developers how an energy- and resource-efficient building practice could help their business, their homebuyers and the environment.

“Smart construction make good economical sense, as every building decision has an energy and environmental impact,” he said.

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