PHILIPPINE TALLEST BUILDINGS

1. The Philippine Bank of Communications (PBCom) Tower

Soaring high its “PBCom” signage, this skyscraper dominates to be the tallest completed building in the Republic. I say “completed” because as of now while I am working with this post, The Gramercy Residences along Kalayaan Avenue in Makati City is now the tallest building however, she is still under construction.

The PBCom tower for most of the skyscraper is I believe to be one of the most well-known landmark along the span of Ayala Avenue. Near this office building is the unloading zone of hundreds of people from buses that come from Quezon City, Mandaluyong City, Pasig City and other places from northern Metro Manila Area. This is one of the finest infrastructures of the Philippine economy in the 21st century. Days and nights this building never sleeps.

PBCom over Makati skylines

A notable identity of this skyscraper on the heights of Makati skylines is its radio antenna. Most part of the facade of the tower is made from glass steel windows. The ground floor where the main entrance

door can be found is well-lighted and wide with good reception area.I never had been inside the PBCom Tower but just at the foot of it. I guess being at the 30th floor or below of this building will not render you a good outside view. Other skyscrapers around the area might hide the horizon…so to speak, it is in the middle of the Makati Central Business District (Makati CDB).

Location: 6795 Ayala Avenue corner V.A. Rufino Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City, Philippines

Floor count: 52 aboveground, 7 belowground

Architects: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, LLP; GF & Partners Architects

Official Height: 259 m (849.7 ft)

PBCom Tower

General information

Status Complete

Type Office

Location 6795 Ayala Avenue corner V.A. Rufino Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City, Philippines

Coordinates 14°33 29.90″N′ 121°1 9.51″E′ Coordinates: 14°33 29.90″N′ 121°1 9.51″E′

Construction started

1998

Opening 2000

Cost US$74,000,000 [1]

Owner Philippine Bank of Communications

Height

Antenna spire 259 m (849.7 ft)

Roof 241 m (790.7 ft)

Technical details

Floor count 52 aboveground, 7 belowground

Floor area 119,905 m2 (1,291,000 sq ft)

Lifts/elevators 17

Design and construction

Architect Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, LLP; GF & Partners Architects[3]

Developer Philippine Bank of Communications & Filinvest Development Corporation

Structural engineer

Aromin & Sy + Associates, Inc.

Main contractor Samsung Construction Company Philippines, Inc.

2. The Gramercy Residences

The Gramercy Residences, also known as The Gramercy Residences at Century City, is a residential high-rise condominium in Makati City, Philippines. It is the first of several building projects to be built at the new Century City area along Kalayaan Avenue.

The building takes its name from Gramercy Park, a fenced-in private park in one of Manhattan, New York City's prestigious neighborhoods. Originally planned to be a 65-storey building, it was announced to have 73 floors above ground with a total height of 250 meters (820.2 feet) from ground to its architectural top. The height and number of floors are still subject to possible increase upon

announcement by its developer, Century City Development Corporation. As of January 11, 2011, the Gramercy Residences is topped out after having reached the 73rd floor.

Location

The Gramercy Residences is located within the former location of the 4.8-hectare International School of Manila, of which 3.4 hectares was sold to Century Properties Corporation (the remaining was sold to Picar Properties) in a bidding by the Philippine government in 2007. Situated along Kalayaan Avenue, it is just a block away from the busy entertainment area along Makati Avenue. It is also about a few blocks away from the Makati Central Business District, the capitals financial, cultural and entertainment hub.

Design and construction team

The Gramercy Residences was planned and designed by California-based architectural group Jerde Partnership International, in collaboration with Philippine architectural firm Roger Villarosa Architects & Associates. Structural design and engineering is provided by Hong Kong-based firm Ove Arup & Partners. Project and construction management is being handled by local firm Nova Construction + Development.

Feature

The main attraction of the building will be its Skypark. Located on the 36th floor, it will have three-story waterfalls, multi-level infinity edge pools, lagoon pools, a designer restaurant, health club, café, spa, a garden island within a reflecting pool, and a cantilevering walkway — a pathway suspended in mid-air with infinity pools on one side and a glass handrail on the outside. The Skypark will traverse the entire width of the building.

The tower's apex will be adorned with a glass beacon that will be visible from all angles of the metropolis.

The Gramercy Residences

General information

Status Complete

Type Residential

Location Kalayaan Avenue in Century City, BarangayPoblacion, Makati,Metro Manila,Philippines

Construction started

5 October 2007

Completed 2013

Opening March 4, 2013

Cost Php 5,500,000,000

Owner Century Properties Inc.

Management Century Property Management Corp.

Height

Roof 250 m (820.2 ft)

Technical details

Floor count 73

Floor area 118,000 m2(1,270,141.43 sq ft)

Lifts/elevators 8

Design and construction

Architect Jerde Partnership International, in collaboration with Roger Villarosa Architects & Associates

Developer Century City Development Corp.

Structural engineer

Ove Arup & Partners (Hong Kong)

3. Discovery Primea

Discovery Primea is a 68-storey residential tower and one of the tallest buildings in the Philippines located in Makati along Ayala Avenue. It stands on the former Gilarmi Apartments, one of the earliest urban residential condominiums built in the CBD of Makati. JTKC, Inc. is the developer of the residential condominium and one of earliest developer of residential condominium units in the Philippines. They also owns the Discovery Suites, a condotel in the Ortigas business district in Mandaluyong City.

History

The Gilarmi Apartments was the precursor of the Discovery Primea - built in the 1960s. In late 2004, the Gilarmi Apartments was demolished to give way to the construction of the Discovery Primea tower.

In 2013, construction of the top floor was topped out signaling the completion of the construction of Discovery Primea Tower, effectively making it one of the tallest buildings of the Philippines.

Owner Developer

JTKC Land is the owner developer of the 68-storey tower. The company is owned by John Tiu Ka Cho, a Filipino Chinese real estate developer with other investments in hotels and resorts such as Discovery Suites, real estate, manufacturing steel and financial services such as Sterling Bank of Asia and iRemit remittance service.

Facilities and amenetities

Discovery Primea features serviced apartments, signature residences, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, luxury spa, 24-hour concierge, in-house clinic, and executive valet to its residents and guests.

4. St. Francis Shangri-La Place Twin Towers

The twin towers are connected by a podium, topped with pools and other amenities. The buildings are designed with green glass steel windows letting natural light to pass through. St. Francis Shangri-La Place Twin Towers is located in the southern portion of Ortigas Center, the Philippine’s second most important financial ground. It is just some blocks away from SM Megamall, the Philippine Stock Exchange, San Miguel Complex and a couple of walk from Shaw Boulevard.

During my work in Ortigas, walking along Julia Vargas Avenue heading to the office tower, I never missed to look at these skyscrapers. They are proud over other buildings along Shaw Boulevard and ADB Avenue. I really don’t know which direction they are facing because of the design unlike that of the PBCom and G.T International Towers. I also noticed and wondered why each tower have a built crains at the top. Until i found out that the crains are for window cleaning purposes.

St. Francis Shangri-La Place is another icon of wealth extremes in the country.

Location: Shaw Blvd. cor. St. Francis St., Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, PhilippinesOfficial Height: 212.88 m (698.4 ft)Floor count: 60 aboveground, 5 belowgroundArchitects: Wong Tung International Ltd., in coorperation with Recio + Casas Architects

Architect (Consultant) : Palmer & Turner, Hong KongArchitect : Casas + ArchitectsRetail and Interior Design : BTR Workshop Limited, Hong KongLandscape Architect : LDI Design Limited, Hong KongSuperstructure : Sy^2 + AssociatesSubstructure : Aecom

MEPF : Meinhardt Phils. Inc.Lighting : WorktectSignage : Graphia

5. The Knightsbridge Residences

The Knightsbridge Residences, also known as The Knightsbridge Residences @ Century City, is a high-end residential skyscraper to be constructed in Makati City, Philippines. It will be the second of several building projects to be built in the new Century City area along Kalayaan Avenue. Upon completion, it will become one of the Philippines' tallest buildings. The Knightsbridge Residences at Century City takes its name after the most expensive neighborhood in London, Knightsbridge.

Planned to be more than 50 storeys high, the owner and developer Century City Development Corporation is now pre-selling units for a 60th floor, and is still subject to increases depending on demands for more units. Based on 60 storeys, the building will have a total height of 220 meters (721.8 feet) from ground to its architectural top.

Location

The Knightsbridge Residences is located within the former location of the 4.8-hectare International School of Manila, which 3.4 hectares was sold to Century Properties Corporation (the remaining was sold to Picar Properties) in a bidding by the Philippine Government in 2007. Situated along Kalayaan Avenue, it is just a block away from the busy entertainment area along Makati Avenue. It is also about a few blocks away from the Makati Central Business District, the capital’s financial, cultural and entertainment hub with first-class shopping malls, and about 30 minutes drive from the international airport.

Design and Construction Team

The Knightsbridge Residences was part of the masterplan made by California-based architectural group Jerde Partnership International, and was designed by Philippine architectural firm ASYA Design Partners. Structural design and engineering is provided by renowned Filipino structural engineering firm Aromin & Sy + Associates.

Project and construction management is being handled by local firm Nova Construction + Development.

The lobby and common areas of the building, particularly The Podium Level amenity floor will be designed by Hong Kong-based International Leisure Consultants (ILC).

The Building

The building introduces the Lantern concept, a unique architectural featuring stacked special residential unit with dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows that create iconic, sparkling glass boxes. This will be a distinguishing feature \which can easily be seen around the city, especially at night.

The building will have a maximum of 20 units per floor, each with a floor to ceiling clearance of 2.7 meters, and will have 300 parking slots available in 4 basement floors.

The Knightsbridge Residences

General information

Status Under construction

Type Residential

Location Century City, Kalayaan Avenue, Makati City,Philippines

Construction started 16 January 2009

Estimated completion

2013

Cost PHP 4,700,000,000

Owner Century Properties Inc.

Management Century Property Management Corp.

Height

Roof 220 m (721.8 ft)

Technical details

Floor count 60 aboveground, 4 belowground

Design and construction

Architect ASYA Design Partners

Developer Century City Development Corp.

Structural engineer Aromin & Sy + Associates

6. G.T. International Tower

G.T. International Tower is an office skyscraper located in Makati City, Philippines. The "G.T." in the name stands for George Ty, the building's owner and chairman of the Metrobank Group. Standing at 217 meters (712.93 feet), it is currently the 3rd-tallest building in the country and Metro Manila as well. The building has 47 floors above ground, and 5 basement levels for parking.

Design and Construction

The G.T. International Tower was developed by Federal Land, Inc., the real estate arm of the Metrobank Group. The building's design was made by local architectural firms GF & Partners Architects and Recio + Casas Architects, in cooperation with renowned international architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates as its design consultant. Structural design was provided by Aromin & Sy + Associates, while the general contractor for the project was C-E Construction.

The tower is crowned with a 10-storey vertical fin. This fin marks its presence in the Makati City skyline and provides a visual signature at the towers crown. Although the G.T. International Tower opened in 2001, it was not formally inaugurated until 2004.

It is considered as one of the most prestigious office address in the country.

Location

The building is located at the corner of Makati City's Ayala Avenue and H.V. dela Costa Street, and it's also near the headquarters of BDO a rival bank of Metrobank the main asset of the building's owner George Ty. It's situated near the entrance of the Makati Central Business District from Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue. It is a walk away from most of Makati's other major office and residential buildings, including the current tallest building in the country, the PBCom Tower, and is easily accessible by public transport along Ayala Avenue.

Status Complete

Type Office

Location 6813 Ayala Avenue corner H.V. dela Costa Street, Makati City, Philippines

Coordinates 14°33 35.62″N′ 121°1 0.79″E′ Coordinates : 14°33 35.62″N′ 121°1 0.79″E′

Construction started

1999

Opening 2001

Owner Philippine Securities Corporation

Management Jones Lang LaSalle Leechiu

Height

Antenna spire 217.3 m (712.93 ft)

Roof 181.1 m (594.16 ft)

Technical details

Floor count 47 above ground, 5 underground

Floor area 82,773 m2 (890,961.16 sq ft)

Lifts/elevators 15

Design and construction

Architect GF & Partners Architects, Recio + Casas Architects, Gozar Planners Phils. Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates(design consultant)

Developer Federal Land, Inc.

Structural engineer

Aromin & Sy + Associates, Inc.

Main contractor

C-E Construction Corporation

7. BSA Twin Towers

Ortigas Center is the second most important financial ground in the Philippines. The BSA Twin Towers are one of the pioneering skyscrapers that shape the skyline of this financial district. The towers are part of the complex St. Francis Square.

The construction of these towers started way back 1999 however, until now (January 2011), the polishing is not yet done.Before, as I can remember, 2010, the metal crowns of the twin towers seemed to be rusty. But now they look white. BSA Twin towers are mega condominiums…but not now. I don’t know when. I hope it will not take another years to be finished.Location: Ortigas Center

Floor count: 55 floors

Architects: R. Villarosa Architects

Official Height: 197 meters

BSA Twin Towers

There are three buildings situated within the complex, but the most notable are the iconic main two towers. Each stands 215 m (705 ft) high, occupying a land area of 3,037.32 square metres of the site's land. When completed in 2000, the two towers became the 4th and 5th-tallest buildings in the country. The two towers are supposedly to have a rooftop observation deck or a sky garden on its symbolic pyramid roof.

General information

Status Complete

Location Ortigas Center

Coordinates 14°35 9.76″N′ 121°3 29.66″E′ Coordinates : 14°35 9.76″N′ 121°3 29.66″E′

Construction started

1999

Estimated completion

2011

Cost ₱550,000,000

Management CE Construction

Height

Antenna spire 215 m (705 ft)

Roof 197.0 m (646.3 ft)

Top floor 196.80 m (645.7 ft)

Technical details

Floor count BSA Twin Towers: 55 floorsSt. Francis Square Mall: 4 floors

Floor area 78,600.93 m2 (846,053.4 sq ft)

Lifts/elevators 10

Design and construction

Architect R. Villarosa Architects

Developer St. Francis Square Group of Companies

Structural engineer

D.M. Consunji, Inc.

Main contractor D.M. Consunji, Inc.

8. St. Francis Towers

Standing at the height of more than 200 meters, this complex of twin towers becomes the most premier condominium and hotel building of Shangri-La (Kuok Group) in the country.

The twin towers are connected by a podium, topped with pools and other amenities. The buildings are designed with green glass steel windows letting natural light to pass through. St. Francis Shangri-La Place Twin Towers is located in the southern portion of Ortigas Center, the Philippine’s second most important financial ground. It is just some blocks away from SM Megamall, the Philippine Stock Exchange, San Miguel Complex and a couple of walk from Shaw Boulevard.

During my work in Ortigas, walking along Julia Vargas Avenue heading to the office tower, I never missed to look at these skyscrapers. They are proud over other buildings along Shaw Boulevard and ADB Avenue. I really don’t know which direction they are facing because of the design unlike that of the PBCom and G.T International Towers. I also noticed and wondered why each tower have a built crains at the top. Until i found out that the crains are for window cleaning purposes.

St. Francis Shangri-La Place is another icon of wealth extremes in the country.

Location: Shaw Blvd. cor. St. Francis St., Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, PhilippinesOfficial Height: 212.88 m (698.4 ft)Floor count: 60 aboveground, 5 belowgroundArchitects: Wong Tung International Ltd., in coorperation with Recio + Casas Architects

9. One Rockwell West Tower

One Rockwell West Tower is an condominium in Rockwell Center, Makati, Philippines. The building part is of the One Rockwell building complex. It is the tallest in the complex and it is one of the tallest skyscraper in the Philippines, rising 210 m (689 ft) from ground.

Design

The tower is elliptical in shape and is built using the usual steel and glaze. Balconies are built at the peak of the tower. The bulk of the tower is covered in a blue tinted glaze but clear glazing will be used to cover the roof.

The facade overrun allows the using of a rooftop pool and decking area to have a fantastic views of the city below without having to worry about falling over the edge. The top of the tower also features two levels not only making it magnificent but this gives space for relaxation in separated areas.

One Rockwell Towers

General information

Status Complete

Type Residence

Location Makati, Philippines

Completed 2010

Height

Roof 210 m (689 ft)

Technical details

Floor count 55

Design and construction

Architect Arquitectonica

Developer Rockwell Land Corporation (part of Lopez Group)

10. Petron Megaplaza

The Petron Megaplaza is an office skyscraper located in Makati City, Philippines. It previously held the title as the tallest building in the Philippines from 1998-2000, when the current tallest building, the PBCom Tower, was topped-off. It currently holds the title as the 5th tallest building in Makati City, and the 9th-tallest building in the country and Metro Manila as well. It has a total ground to architectural spire top height of 210 meters, soaring at 45 storeys high.

The Project Team

The developer and owner of Petron Megaplaza is Megaworld Corporation, one of the largest real estate companies in the Philippines. The word "Mega" in Megaplaza is in recognition of Megaworld Corporations' participation and ownership of the building.

The building was designed by world renowned architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, LLP, while the structural design works was made well known Philippine engineering firm Aromin + Sy & Associates, in cooperation with another internationally known engineering company Ove Arup & Partners (presently known as Arup). Construction works was undertaken by D.M. Consunji, Inc., one of the largest general contractors in the country.

Location

The Petron Megaplaza is located at Senator Gil Puyat Avenue (also known as Buendia Avenue) near the intersection with Makati Avenue, well within the Makati Central Business District. It is strategically positioned near other major establishments, including the Mandarin Oriental Manila, Citadel Inn and Makati Palace hotel, numerous office and residential buildings, and entertainment areas along Makati Avenue and Burgos Street.

The building's anchor tenant, in which the building was named, is Philippine petroleum giant Petron Corporation. It is also home to several large corporations and offices, including Cemex Philippines, Procter & Gamble Asia Pvt. Ltd. (P&G-GBS Manila Service Center) and Norway's embassy.

General information

Status Complete

Type Office

Location 358 Senator Gil Puyat Avenue,Makati City, Philippines

Coordinates 14°33 41.74″N′ 121°1 33.25″E′ Coordinates : 14°33 41.74″N′ 121°1 33.25″E′

Completed 1998

Opening 1998

Owner Megaworld Corporation

Height

Antenna spire 210 m (689.0 ft)

Technical details

Floor count 45 aboveground, 5 belowground

Lifts/elevators 18

Design and construction

Architect Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, LLP

Developer Megaworld Corporation

Structural engineer

Aromin & Sy + Associates, Inc. in cooperation with Ove Arup & Partners

Main contractor D.M. Consunji, Inc.

11. Union Bank Plaza

Union Bank Plaza is an office skyscraper located in Pasig City, Philippines. It rises 206 metres (676 feet) from ground level to roof, and is currently the tallest complete building in Pasig City, and the 10th-tallest building in the country and Metro Manila as well. The building has 49 levels above ground, and 6 basement levels.

True to its name, the bank serves as the headquarters for Union Bank of the Philippines, the seventh-largest bank in the Philippines in terms of assets. Other tenants of UnionBank Plaza include major business process outsourcing companies, like Sykes Enterprises, Branders.com, PCCW, among others. However, the building's main tenant, UnionBank, also maintains some executive offices at the SSS Building in Makati City.

Design and construction

Originally the building is owned and developed by Megaworld Corporation, and was known as the World Finance Plaza, but during construction the project was taken over by Union Properties, Inc., the real estate arm of Union Bank of the Philippines, and was renamed "UnionBank Plaza".

UnionBank Plaza was designed by renowned Filipino architectural firm Recio & Casas, with American architectural firm RTKL Associates as its design consultant. The structural design of the building was handled by British engineering group Ove Arup & Partners in cooperation with local engineering group G.E. Origenes & Associates. Project Management was handled by Union Properties, Inc. headed by Arch't. Cynthia V. Razon. Construction Management works were undertaken by Jose Aliling & Associates, a well known project management company in the Philippines.

The building has an 8-level concrete podium as its base, while its main body is fully clad with aluminium unitized curtain wall. It has a distinctive design of having multiple corners, making it easily recognizable among the buildings in Ortigas Center.

Location

The building is stands along Meralco Avenue, cornered by two smaller streets namely Onyx and Sapphire Streets in Pasig City, Philippines, and is within the Ortigas Center central business district. It is a few blocks away from other major office and residential buildings in the area, as well as large shopping malls like Robinsons Galleria and the high-end The Podium mall. It is also a few meters away from Metrowalk, a well known cluster of bars and restaurants.

Amenities

The building has a 6-level basement and 7-level aboveground level parking for its tenants and guests, and has a helipad in the rooftop. The building features an executive skylounge at the 47th floor. Other amenities of the building include function rooms, a health club, restaurants, and a spacious food court.

UnionBank Plaza

General information

Status Complete

Type Office

Location Meralco Avenue corner Onyx & Sapphire Streets, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Philippines

Coordinates 14°35 13.45″N′ 121°3 48.51″E′ Coordinates : 14°35 13.45″N′ 121°3 48.51″E′

Completed 2004

Opening 2004

Cost Php 1,900,000,000

Owner Union Bank of the Philippines

Height

Roof 206 m (675.85 ft)

Technical details

Floor count 49 aboveground, 6 belowground

Lifts/elevators 15

Design and construction

Architect Recio + Casas Architects, RTKL Associates (design consultant)

Developer Union Properties, Inc.

Structural engineer

Ove Arup & Partners, G.E. Origenes & Associates

12. Greenbelt Lorenzo Tower

The Residences at Greenbelt – San Lorenzo Tower is a residential condominium skyscraper in Makati City, Philippines. It is the second of three buildings being constructed as part of The Residences at Greenbelt (TRAG) complex, and is the highest of the three. It is the 11th-tallest building in the country and Metro Manila as well with a height of 204.5 metres from the ground to its architectural spire.

The building has 57 floors above ground, which includes a 4-level podium with commercial establishments, and 3 basement levels for parking. It is considered to be one of the most prestigious residential building in the Philippines.

The Residences at Greenbelt – San Lorenzo Tower is a residential condominium skyscraper in Makati City, Philippines. It is the second of three buildings being constructed as part of The Residences at Greenbelt (TRAG) complex, and is the highest of the three. It is the 11th-tallest building in the country and Metro Manila as well with a height of 204.5 metres from the ground to its architectural spire.

The building has 57 floors above ground, which includes a 4-level podium with commercial establishments, and 3 basement levels for parking. It is considered to be one of the most prestigious residential building in the Philippines.

Location

The Residences at Greenbelt complex is located along Antonio Arnaiz Avenue (formerly known as Pasay Road), and the entire complex block is bounded by Paseo de Roxas Avenue, Greenbelt Drive and Esperanza Street. The complex was formerly the site of the old Coronado Lanes bowling center and parking lot. Being inside the Makati Central Business District, it is strategically located near malls, hotels, offices, schools, and entertainment areas. As with its name, it is part of the Greenbelt Complex which includes the Greenbelt Mall. Just right across Greenbelt Drive is the Renaissance Makati City Hotel.

The Project Team

The Residences at Greenbelt – San Lorenzo Tower was masterplanned and designed by Architecture International, in cooperation with local architectural firm GF & Partners Architects, which also made the Space Planning consultancy services. Structural design for the building was provided by Aromin & Sy + Associates, and reviewed by international engineering firm Skilling Ward Magnusson Berkshire.

The buildings mechanical engineering works was designed by R.J. Calpo & Partners; electrical engineering works design & security consultancy was provided by R.A. Mojica & Partners. Sanitary / plumbing engineering design and fire protection design was provided by NBF Consulting Engineers.

Other members of the design team are E.A. Aurelio + ADI Ltd. Inc. (Landscape design); ALT Cladding & Design Philippines (Exterior Cladding); C.T. Onglao Architects (San Lorenzo Tower Interior Design for common areas); and Master Charlie Chao (Feng Shui Consultant).

The construction team is composed of Jose Aliling & Associates (Project / Construction Management); Rider Hunt Liacor Inc. (Quantity Surveying); and Makati Development Corporation (General Constractor).

Property management is provided by Ayala Property Management Corporation.

During the construction phase, it is also known as the TRAG-2 Project.

The Residences at Greenbelt - San Lorenzo Tower

General information

Status Complete

Type Residential

Location Antonio Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City, Philippines

Coordinates 14°33 3.93″N′ 121°1 12.18″E′ Coordinates : 14°33 3.93″N′ 121°1 12.18″E′

Construction started

2006

Completed 2009

Opening 2009

Cost PhP 2,800,000,000

Owner Ayala Land, Inc.

Management Ayala Property Management Corp.

Height

Antenna spire 204.5 m (670.9 ft)

Roof 196 m (643.0 ft)

Technical details

Floor count 57 aboveground, 3 belowground

Lifts/elevators 4

Design and construction

Architect Architecture International, in cooperation with GF & Partners Architects

Developer Ayala Land, Inc.

Structural engineer

Aromin & Sy + Associates, Inc., in cooperation with Skilling Ward Magnusson Barkshire

Main contractor Makati Development Corporation

13. Golden Empire Tower

1322 Golden Empire Tower (formerly known as 1322 Roxas Boulevard) is a 57-storey residential skyscraper in Manila, Philippines. It is owned by Moldex Land, Inc., part of the Moldex Group of Companies. Standing at 203 meters (666 feet), it is the tallest building in the City of Manila, and is the 12th-tallest building in the country and Metro Manila as well. The building has 55 floors above ground, and 2 basement levels for parking. It is considered as one of the most luxurious condominiums in Manila.

Project team

The 1322 Golden Empire Tower was designed by international architectural firm Architecture International, in cooperation with local architectural firm GF & Partners Architects. Structural design was provided by Aromin & Sy + Associates, and was reviewed by Arup.

Other members of the design team are R.J. Calpo & Partners (Mechanical Works); DCCD Engineering Corp. (Electrical Works); NBF Water & Wastewater Services (Now N.B. Franco Consulting Engineers - Sanitary and Plumbing Works); Radian Technology, Inc. (Fire Protection Works); and I.P. Santos & Associates (Landscaping).

Consultants for the project include J.A. Shillinglaw & Associates (Curtain Walls); Dr. Salvador F. Reyes (Foundation); Rolf Jensen & Associates (Fire Protection); Mel Consultants Pty. Ltd. and Rowan Williams Davis & Irwin (Wind Tunnel Testing); and Horton-Lees Lighting Design Inc. (Lighting).

Technical services were provided by Philippine Geoanalytics (Soil Investigation) and Watcon Inc. (Hydrogeological Studies).

Project construction team include TCGI Engineers (Project / Construction Management); Davis Langdon & Seah Philippines, Inc. (Quantity Surveying); and D.M. Consunji, Inc. (General Contractor).

Design

Its two-quad design ensures that each unit has an unobstructed view of the environ and the Manila Bay horizon. The bio-climatic nature of the tower is uniquely designed to take advantage of this specific site. The building's windows open to capture sea breezes and large window openings to maximize views, light, and air, with sunshades provided to minimize glare and heat. At night, the tower lighting is designed to be a quiet beacon to identify this important landmark on Manila Bay

Location

The building is located along historic Roxas Boulevard along the Manila Bay side. It is nestled in the historic strip of Manila known for its cultural and economic vigor. Right across Roxas Boulevard is the Embassy of the United States, and a few blocks away the Robinsons Place Manila mall, the historical Luneta Park and the walled city of Intramuros. Also just within its area is the Quirino Grandstand, the new Manila Ocean Park, and three luxury hotels namely the Manila Hotel, Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila at Pedro Gil Street, and Holiday Inn Manila Pavillon Hotel. The last two hotels have a casino complex operated by Casino Filipino. A few kilometers away are the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Star City theme park, and the Manila Yacht Club.

The building block is bounded by three streets in which it also has access points, namely, Roxas Boulevard, Padre Faura Street and Leon Ma. Guerrero Street.

Amenities

Among the building's amenities are a fully equipped fitness center; sauna and private massage room; greens and mini-gardens; a swimming pool with bar and poolside party area, and a children’s playroom

The building is equipped with high-speed elevators with control panels that prevent changes to floor destinations in mid-ascent or descent. It also has a CAT-5 UTP cables for voice, data and video communications that serve all information technology requirements; and lobby-to-unit video entry phone for guest identification.

For safety, the building has smoke evacuators in each floor designed to siphon smoke from the hallways in cases of fire, supported by automatic smoke/fire detection and alarm system with quick response sprinklers, and pressurized fire exits/stairwells.

The roof deck has a night-rated helipad, which can accommodate helicopter take-off and landing requirements in any time of the day.

The skyscraper is also equipped with a central Building Monitoring System (BMS) with technologically advanced equipment that supervise the entire property’s security features.

1322 Golden Empire Tower

General information

Status Complete

Type Residential

Location 1322 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila, Philippines

Coordinates 14°34 34″N′ 120°58 48″E′ Coordinates : 14°34 34″N′ 120°58 48″E′

Construction started

1996

Opening 2002

Owner Moldex Land, Inc.

Management CB Richard Ellis, Philippines

Height

Roof 203 m (666.01 ft)

Technical details

Floor count 55 above ground, 2 underground

Floor area 125,500 m2(1,350,870.76 sq ft)

Lifts/elevators 10

Design and construction

Architect Architecture International, in cooperation with GF & Partners Architects

Developer Moldex Land, Inc.

Structural engineer

Aromin & Sy + Associates

Main contractor D.M. Consunji, Inc.

14. One Corporate Centre

One Corporate Centre is an office skyscraper in Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines. It is the 13th-tallest building in the country and Metro Manila as well with a height of 202 metres (662.73 feet) from ground to tip of architectural antenna. The building has 45 floors above ground including 7 floors for commercial purposes, and 9 basement levels for parking.

One Corporate Centre was designed by Philip H. Recto Architects, and is developed and owned by Amberland Corporation.

Location

The building is located at the corner of Meralco Avenue and Julia Vargas Avenue in Pasig City, and is strategically positioned within the Ortigas Center, the second largest Central Business District (CBD) of the country. One Corporate Centre is located near the Philippine Stock Exchange at Tektite Towers, and a few blocks away from the headquarters of San Miguel Corporation. There are also a number of residential condominiums and high end villages like Valle Verde at the vicinity of the building's location, as well as a major shopping malls like the SM Megamall, Robinsons Galleria, and Shangri-la Plaza.

Features and amenities

The building will have a gross leasable office space of 62,670 m2 (674,574.27 sq ft).

Amenities inside the building include a Food Court, Executive Dining/Restaurants, Function Rooms with audio-visual facilities, Gallery overlooking Ground Floor lobby for art and other exhibits, Coffee shops, and a Fitness Center.

There will also be a 9 basement levels for parking with paging system, and a helipad at roofdeck.

14 high-speed elevators and 2 service elevators will service the entire building to the office floors and to the parking basements, respectively. There will also be 1 service elevator that will service all floors for other purposes.

One Corporate Centre

General information

Status Complete

Type Office

Location Meralco Avenue corner Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Philippines

Coordinates 14°35 1.54″N′ 121°3 48.13″E′ Coordinates : 14°35 1.54″N′ 121°3 48.13″E′

Construction started

2005

Opening 2009

Owner Amberland Corporation

Height

Antenna spire 201.5 m (661.09 ft)

Roof 185 m (606.96 ft)

Technical details

Floor count 45 aboveground, 9 belowground

Floor area 117,000 m2(1,259,377.52 sq ft)

Lifts/elevators 17

Design and construction

Architect Philip H. Recto Architects

Developer Amberland Corporation

15. Philamlife Tower

The Philamlife Tower is an office skyscraper located in Makati City, Philippines. It is owned and developed by Philam Properties Corporation, the real estate arm of the Philippine American Life and General Insurance Company (Philamlife). Standing at 200 metres (656 feet), it is currently the 7th-tallest building in Makati City, and is the 14th-tallest building in the country and Metro Manila as well. The building has 48 floors above ground, and 5 basement levels for parking.

Location

The building is located inside the Makati Central Business District along Paseo de Roxas Avenue in Makati City, just a few meters away from its intersection with Ayala Avenue. The site, directly across from the Ayala Triangle, offers a superb opportunity to take advantage of views of Metro Manila. It is a walk away from most of Makati's other major office buildings including the current tallest building in the country, the PBCom Tower, and entertainment centers like Glorietta, Greenbelt and Ayala Center.

Design

The Philamlife Tower was designed by local architecture firm W.V. Coscolluela & Associates, which have renowned international architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, LLP as its conceptual design consultant. Project and construction management works was provided by American firm Turner International and local company Jose Aliling & Associates, while construction of the building was made by the general contractor company EEI Corporation.

It was conceived and designed as a world-class intelligent office building, whose architectural elements were generated by the cultural and climatic context of The Philippines and Manila's position in a global economy

The 48-storey office building boasts of large column-free floor plates, and uses fully unitized curtainwall of glass, aluminium panel and granite. The tower proper is incorporated into the system horizontal sunscreens, vertical fins, light bullnoses, crown lighting and balcony trellises. Shallow and deep-set

cladding was used extensively on the building envelope. The entrance facades employed mirror stainless steel shopfronts, capped with functional sculpted canopies in hairline finish. This makes Philamlife Tower a benchmark in exterior wall design and function.

Amenities

Among its many features include: 100% raised flooring, a state-of-the-art feature that provides space beneath the floor for cabling and wiring, advanced structured cabling systems, automatic parking sensor system, double paned curtain wall, fully integrated building management and proximity card access system, provision for 24 -hour air conditioning, 16 high speed elevators, and a helipad. It also has eight corner offices per floor to a private club facility, as well as, a cafeteria for tenants.

The Philamlife building incorporates 60,000 m2 of prime leasable office space, an exclusive private club facility, two major banking halls and required support services.

It also has The Tower Club, a private business club for elite corporate executives at the 33rd and 34th floor. The Club has an executive boardroom, six function or private dining rooms, two world class restaurants and a bar of international standards, all of which are perfect for either business or relaxation. The Club also houses a fitness center and spa to allow members to enjoy a moment of tranquility amidst the stresses of the day.

Philamlife Tower

General information

Status Complete

Type Office

Location 8767 Paseo de Roxas Avenue,Makati City, Philippines

Coordinates 14°33 26.37″N′ 121°1 19.11″E′ Coordinates : 14°33 26.37″N′ 121°1 19.11″E′

Construction started

1996

Opening 2000

Owner Philippine American Life and General Insurance Company, Philam Properties Corporation, PERF Realty Corporation, and Social Security System

Management Philam Properties Corporation

Height

Roof 200 m (656.17 ft)

Technical details

Floor count 48 aboveground, 5 belowground

Floor area 900,000 sq ft (83,612.74 m2)

Lifts/elevators 21

Design and construction

Architect Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, LLP - New York, in cooperation with W.V. Coscolluela & Associates

Developer Philam Properties Corporation

Structural engineer

Aromin & Sy + Associates, Inc.

Main contractor

E.E. Black, Ltd. / EEI Corporation J.V.

REFERENCES:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tallest_buildings_in_the_Philippines http://lonjaurigue.wordpress.com

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