The Partners
Palafox Associates was born in a period of change. Founded on the same year as the Web, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the fall of Communism in Western Europe and coup attempts in the Philippines, the firm had to be versatile to evolve through global changes. Since the company’s entry into the Philippine architectural, planning, design, and engineering scene was not exactly fortuitous, the firm saw an opportunity in the global market.
Through the years, Palafox Associates has been setting the benchmark in the Philippine planning, architecture and design scene. In less than 10 years, it has emerged as a top Filipino architectural firm recognized by the London-based World Architecture magazine. Before its 15th year, it has metamorphosed into a top Southeast Asian architecture, planning, engineering, environmental design and interior design firm backed by ISO certifications 9001 and 14001 of TUV of Germany.
Today, Palafox Associates envisions to influence the rest of the world with its site-respective stylistic reference approach to design, as it continuously comes up with visionary projects for the betterment of mankind.
- Business Parks
- Aluminum City
- Bertaphil Incorporated Business
- Dumaguete City Business Park
- First Philippine Industrial Park
- Iloilo Business Park
- Civic
- Nueva Ecija Provincial Capitol
- Philippine Chancery in Brunei
- Proposed Bureau of Immigration Headquarters
- Puerto Princesa Convention Center
- Quezon CIty Museum
- Supreme Court Centennial Building
- Education
- AMA University Town
- Lyceum of the Philippines, Laguna
- Malayan Colleges
- Proposed University Campus, Dubai
- Tzu Chi School
- University of San Carlos Talamban Campus
- UST Santa Rosa Campus
- Environmental Design
- Makati Streetscapes
- Ortigas Streetscape
- Pandacan Linear Park
- Puerto Princesa Streetscape
- Golf Course Development
- Proposed Headquarters of the Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam
- Manila Southwoods
- The Country Club, Cabuyao and Santa Rosa, Laguna
- Healthcare and Well-being
- Asian Eye Institute
- Ospital ng Muntinlupa
- Sharjah Healthcare City
- Special Needs Children's Center
- Hotels
- Al Ajban Resort
- Altavista de Boracay
- Bamboo Lagoon Isaland Eco-Resort
- Camp Netanya
- Filipiniana Hotel and Resort
- Proposed Riviera Hotel Redevelopment
- Proposed Six-Star Hotel
- Turkmenbashy Hotel
- Masterplanned residential communities
- Belle Reve, Promenade, La Residencia and Fontamara
- Dos Rios
- Grand Centennial Homes
- La Joya de Santa Rosa
- La Mesa Ecopark
- Pacific Heights
- Palmetto
- Playa Calatagan
- Southern Plains
- Tierra Maria
- Versailles
- Wedge Woods
- Mixed Use
- Al Khobar Complex Center
- Crown Equities Building
- Officetel
- Proposed Philippine National Bank Financial Center
- Proposed Vien Dong Meridian Tower
- Rockwell
- Summit Ridge
- Tourist City
- Office
- DBP Green Building
- Novartis Corporate Headquarters Redevelopment
- Proposed Headquarters for Dar al Yuam
- Public Safety Mutual Benefit Fund
- Residential
- Forbes Tower
- Las Casa de Cala Buena
- Laureano di Trevi Towers
- Little Europe
- Plaza Crest
- Project First Home
- Shopping
- Centro Plazuela
- Flamingo Mall
- Pacific Mall Naga and Pacific Mall Legazpi Expansion
- Pantranco Mall
- Robinsons Mall
- SM Malls
- Target Mall
- Sports
- Endurance Village
- Transport
- Dorali Freeport Zone Conceptual Master Plan
- Port Orion Cruise Terminal
- Taguig City Aerotropolis
- Urban Planning
- Alaminos CIty
- Navotas City Conceptual Development Plan
- Phu Quoc Island Masterplan
- Quezon Memorial Circle Redevelopment
- Waterfront Development
- Jeddah Waterfront Development
- Pasig River Rehabilitation Master Plan
- Sudan Bonyan City
- Tala Marina Club City
- The Lighthouse Marina Resort
- Worship
- Camp Praise Valley
- Parish of the Risen Christ
- Saint Arnold Janssen Church
- Shrine of Jesus, The Way, the Truth, the Life
- Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid
| Aluminum City | |
| Bahrain | |
| Site Development Planning |
This project is a multi-use and mixed-use development which combines administration, commercial and tenant spaces, places to live and work. It creates a compact self-sustaining community enveloped by the lushness of nature. It is localized at the center of the site with satellite aluminum factories surrounding it. Rows of commercial and building spaces are found at the perimeter of the site. These areas have direct access to the main road.
| Aluminum City / Bahrain |
| Site Development Planning |
This project is a multi-use and mixed-use development which combines administration, commercial and tenant spaces, places to live and work. It creates a compact self-sustaining community enveloped by the lushness of nature. It is localized at the center of the site with satellite aluminum factories surrounding it. Rows of commercial and building spaces are found at the perimeter of the site. These areas have direct access to the main road.
| Dumaguete City Business Park / Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental |
| 2005 |
| Tao Corporation |
| Site Development Planning Site Engineering |
| Proposed Headquarters of the Bank of Investment and Development for Vietnam / Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam |
| Bank of Investment and Development for Vietnam |
| Architectural and Engineering Design |
The color palette for the exteriors, silver for the aluminum clad walls and bluish green for the curtain walls, makes the BIDV Tower, a design competition entry, complement the ambiance of its the immediate urban community. The conservative approach to the tower's dynamic representation resulted in the creation of a corporate look for this structure.
The upward axes of the head geometrical form signifies the concept of upward growth. The spire that crowns the building adds a distinctive statement of the global in its design. The podium is provided with deck vegetation and covers, which significantly reduces the heat load of the buildings, filters air pollutants, and frames the metropolitan skyline. The V form at the base makes the building more identifiable to the corporate image of the bank.
| Iloilo Corporate Center / Benigno Aquino Highway, Brgy. Bolilao, Iloilo City, Philippines |
| 1996 |
| Iloilo Investors Foundation, Inc. |
| Conceptual Master Planning |
| Site Development Plan |
Megaworld is a pedestrian-filled mixed-use development covering a significant 10% of the city's property occupied by the 54 hectare old airport. The plan includes the conversion of old runways to plaza walkways and vehicular roads, a distinct fusion of the people and automobile space existing alongside Euro-American inspired Filipino architectural facades and arcades. The development will create a socially-stratified plaza in linking busy slow-moving roads. The proposal dramatizes the use of planting strips and water features to generate ambiance for al fresco dining and leisurely walking aimed at creating an intimate urban setting.
| Provincial Capitol of Nueva Ecija / Palayan City, Nueva Ecija, Philippines |
| 1999 |
Provincial Government of Nueva Ecija |
| Master Planning |
| Architectural Design of the Capitol |
The masterplan of Nueva Ecija Civic Center includes a provincial capitol, a coliseum, a track oval, and auxillary spaces. The focus of the masterplan is the development of the provincial capitol located at the heart of the site designed to create a strong sense of authority within the civic center. Combining modern Filipino and Neo-classical architecture, the Masterplan gives majesty to a capitol framed by the backdrop of a soft landscape
| Philippine Embassy and Chancery in Brunei / Diplomatic Enclave, Jalan Kebangsaan, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darrusalam |
| 2009 |
| Philippine Embassy for Brunei Darrusalam |
| Architectural Design |
The proposed development will have the essential qualities of being unique, memorable and identifiable. Hence, the facility, being a focal center for diplomatic activities, is conceptualized as a “piece of the Philippines,” or a “home away from home,” where Filipino nationals can enjoy the congenial and friendly atmosphere of their country. This concept, is most evident in a design which fuses vernacular and international styles. This achieved by the integration of the many facets of Asian architectural heritage. Malay, Indonesian, Hindu –Arabic and Chinese cultures will interplay with styles influencing Philippine architecture like Spanish and American. Thus, the project will display the rich culture of the Philippines characterizing Filipino Global Architecture in the context of diplomacy and international relations .
There are three courtyards in the development plan surrounded by the consular and embassy sections on the southeast and by the social hall and athletics court on the northwest. The location of these courtyards will enable the facilities adaptive to passive cooling. Sun buffers are provided in areas which receive intense sunlight.
The structures will be constructed along the east-west solar axis to minimize, if not avoid, undesirable direct sunlight. The buildings, designed to have multi-level floor elevations, will follow the site’s Rolling terrain in order to mitigate the cutting of the original topography.
| Bureau of Immigration / Airline Drive, Pasay City, Philippines |
| Bureau of Immigration |
| Architectural and Engineering Design |
| Puerto Princesa Convention Center / Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines |
| City Government of Puerto Princesa |
| Architectural Design |
The Puerto Princesa Convention Center is a two building complex featuring an Exhibit and a Convention Hall connected by an elevated walkway. The form of the building symbolizes a bird preparing to take off, in plan and in perspective. The design aims to encourage interaction and community gathering. This is an answer to the goal of Puerto Princesa City which is to become a center for tourism in the Southern region of the country.
| Quezon City Museum / Quezon City Memorial Circle, Quezon City |
| 2009 |
| City Government of Quezon |
| Architectural and Engineering Design |
| Interior Design |
The Quezon City Museum, the home of the city’s historical artifacts, is an epitome of sustainable design. To create a building with minimum impact in the natural environment, the design preserves most of the trees in the site. Also, lush greenery covers the site and helps provide shade in paved areas. The roof of the proposed museum is planted with grass to achieve insulation for the building and, consequently, bring down the temperature inside the shell. In doing so, minimal dependence on air-conditioning within the interior spaces will be achieved.
Interior courts will also be landscaped so the users of the museum will always experience nature, while the exterior is also treated with green walls to further cool the building.
The form of the building is organic as a move to integrate the structure with its surroundings.
| Supreme Court Centennial Building / Metro Manila, Philippines |
| 1998 |
| Supreme Court of the Philippines |
| Architectural and Engineering Design |
A design competition won by Palafox Associates, the Supreme Court Annex building addresses the challenge of integrating harmoniously a new structure with the existing building.
Located in Padre Faura, near the Philippine General Hospital, this building follows the design patterns of classical architecture and features three fenestrations defined by a group of three round arches reaching as high as five stories, dramatizing the beauty of the classic arcade found at the main entrance of the court. The projecting entrance features a recessed doorway flanked with stone columns.
AMA University town
Ara Vista is a mixed-use community composed of residential areas, shop houses, commercial areas, I.T. parks and institutional areas like a terminal center, open courts and the community church. It also houses the proposed AMA University Town which features a masterplanned development intended for mixed-use and multi-use spaces integrated within the institutional zone. As the premier computer school in the country, AMA has an opportunity to promote masterplanned developments patterned after university towns such as Boston and Cambridge, Massachusetts in the United States.
| Malayan Colleges / Cabuyao, Laguna, Philippines |
| 2006 |
| Landev Corporation |
| Conceptual Master Planning |
Architectural and Engineering Design |
Malayan Colleges Laguna, Inc. is the initial venture of the Mapua Institute of Technology outside of Metro Manila. It will house Engineering and Technology programs geared for global competitiveness as well as relevance to local needs.
It is visually arresting from the South Luzon Expressway, an energy-efficient and environment friendly development designed to accommodate 5,000 students per year. It integrate the human activities of learning, living, working, shopping and dining within a certain area thereby reducing the carbon footprints of the buildings, and Green Architecture which minimizes the impact of buildings on the environment.
It will serve as a gateway to residential communities by developing a vibrant campus-oriented, high-quality retail center and other service facilities that will blend with the surrounding communities.
Moreover, the design implemented adaptive reuse which appreciates the value and condition of existing structures and maximizes their potentials for more suitable use thus creating more sophisticated and high technology and optimally functional facilities.
Primarily composed of a cluster consisting of school buildings, a gymnasium, a football field and student accommodation, the Lyceum of the Philippines in Calamba is a virtual university town where commercial, mixed-use developments and a mass transit orientation are constructed alongside academic structures. It has an inter-building functional relationship which allows the students, faculty staff and guests to move around freely. Pocket parks located all throughout the site filter and clean the air from vehicles that ply the national highway. Building designs have references to Spanish colonial architecture.
| Malayan Colleges / Cabuyao, Laguna, Philippines | |
| 2006 | |
| Landev Corporation | |
| Conceptual Master Planning | |
| Site Development Planning | |
Architectural and Engineering Design |
Malayan Colleges Laguna, Inc. is the initial venture of the Mapua Institute of Technology outside of Metro Manila. It will house Engineering and Technology programs geared for global competitiveness as well as relevance to local needs.
It is visually arresting from the South Luzon Expressway, an energy-efficient and environment friendly development designed to accommodate 5,000 students per year. It integrate the human activities of learning, living, working, shopping and dining within a certain area thereby reducing the carbon footprints of the buildings, and Green Architecture which minimizes the impact of buildings on the environment.
It will serve as a gateway to residential communities by developing a vibrant campus-oriented, high-quality retail center and other service facilities that will blend with the surrounding communities.
Moreover, the design implemented adaptive reuse which appreciates the value and condition of existing structures and maximizes their potentials for more suitable use thus creating more sophisticated and high technology and optimally functional facilities.
Malayan collegesMalayan Colleges Laguna, Inc. is the initial venture of the Mapua Institute of Technology outside of Metro Manila. It has Engineering and Technology programs geared towards global competitiveness as well as relevance to local needs. It is a modern international park-like campus and an energy-efficient and environment-friendly development designed to accommodate 5,000 students per year. Committed to green architecture, the design aims to minimize the impact of buildings on the environment. It reduces the carbon footprint of the development by integrating the human activities of learning, living, working, shopping and dining within a walkable distance.
It will serve as a gateway to residential communities by developing a vibrant campus-oriented, high-quality retail center and other service facilities that will blend with the surrounding communities. The campus is planned in such a way that each phase looks complete while maintaining its affinity to the whole development. Moreover, the design implements adaptive reuse which appreciates the value and condition of existing structures and maximizes their potentials for more suitable use, thus creating more sophisticated, high technology and optimally-functional facilities.
2006
Type of Services
Master Planning, Site Development Planning,
Preliminary Site Engineering, Conceptual Architectural Design
The development will adopt the “Telepolis Concept” that will create a township that maximizes the translation of the Information Technology Age on built space rather than in cyberspace. The proposed international university will serve as another type of multi-use development – a primary institutional complex in a park-like setting. The concept for the university will be dictated by the open space amenity package.
| Tzu Chi Public Schools / Bam, Iran |
| 2004 |
| Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation |
| Architectural and Engineering Design |
Providing hope for an earthquake-prone community is Tzu Chi School's symbolic approach to its “active man concept.” Visual stimulus is achieved through the harmonic interplay of Persian, Assyrian-Christian and Ionic Greek styles. Its unique collaborative design manifests high regard for culture and traditions of the area, architectural aesthetics, and the site's historical importance. This authenticity is complemented by the use of locally available concrete, glass and bricks in all its three major structures which include the entrance feature, school buildings and the landscaped activity spaces. The school complex features wind towers that act as air catchments to cool the building in hot days and its walls are oriented towards the winter sun to provide warmth within the structure during colder months
| University of San Carlos Expansion Plan / Talamban Campus, Cebu City, Philippines |
| 2005 |
| University of San Carlos |
| Conceptual Master Planning |
The University of San Carlos is one of the first schools in the Philippines established in 1569. The principles of the university town and new urbanism were applied in the master plan developed for this institution. The buildings are located relatively close to each other thereby creating a walkable community.
Proposed building designs were presented along with the master plan as conceptual elements of the entire university town which aims to revitalize the old setting and create a substantial contrast to the present day configuration of structures within the Talamban Campus of USC.
| Makati Streetscapes / Makati City, Philippines |
| 2004 |
| City Government of Makati |
| Urban Planning |
| Urban Design |
From a backward marshland during the first half of the twentieth century to a landscape of skyscrapers in the second half, Makati continues to shape the urban landscape of the country with its tall office buildings, work- and productivity-oriented activities, and walkable spaces.
The goal of improving the streetscape of Makati is the transformation of the blighted areas particularly under the bridges of the city through the restoration and/or adaptive reuse of historic structures which are basic modes of urban renewal. The concept of keeping people’s eyes in the street will improve the security of the streets. Water and landscape features soften the urban setting and provide the pedestrian a resting space along busy streets.
| Ortigas Streetscapes / Mandaluyong, Pasig and Quezon City, Philippines |
| Ortigas Center Association Incorporated (verify) |
Ortigas Center is home to many office, retail and residential towers and medium-rise buildings. Its streets are lined up with multi-use and mixed-use developments that needed linking and labeling. Palafox Associates proposed a connection from MRT Ortigas to the malls and major buildings within the vicinity. The pedestrian flow was the priority in the development project, making sure that security and legibility of directions is maintained in the proposed routes.
Entry pylons constructed on strategic points of entry to the center were erected. The design symbolizes a sense of place-guarding which may be interpreted from the pylon's tall cylindrical structure. The three semi-circular tubular rings on top of the cylinder represents the three cities within Ortigas (Mandaluyong, Pasig and Quezon City). The modern design of the pylons provide a clear message of welcome to the passers-by.
| Pandacan Linear Park / Pandacan, Manila, Philippines |
| 2002 |
| Site Development Plan, ED |
As part of the Proposed Masterplan for the Community in Pandacan, Manila, the creation of a linear park as the softscape solution seeks to revitalize the area. It will serve as a visual buffer to the oil depots located within the vicinity, as well as a space for the regulation of industrial air and noise pollution. The well-lit avenue of the linear park will also help solve security issues which plague the residents
| Puerto Princesa Conceptual Development Plan and Urban Design / Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines |
| 1997 |
| City Government of Puerto Princesa |
| Urban Design, Urban Planning |
The revitalization of the streetscape of Puerto Princesa was a part of the city's Development Plan. The project mainly focused on the rehabilitation and enhancement of existing public spaces through the use of landscaping. The coliseum park was landscaped and provided with organic lamp posts that resemble a bud. The inclusion of water features, plants, brick bollards, and innovative layouts were included in the plans for redesigning Rizal Avenue. Parking slots and lay-by areas were added to facilitate the flow of traffic in this area and canopy walks were installed to protect the pedestrian. Finally, signs and entry markers were all coordinated to achieve a coherent theme.
| FIRST PHILIPPINE INDUSTRIAL PARK / FPIP, Sto. Tomas, Batangas, Philippines |
| 1996, 2006 |
| First Philippine Industrial Park, Inc. |
| Master Planning and Site Development Planning |
Architectural and Engineering Design |
| Interior Design |
Sprawling on 300 hectares of rolling terrain, the First Philippine Industrial Park is a development project encompassing all the elements essential for a well-planned industrial park.
The design for the complex involves an entry marker with a guard house, an administration building, a service support building, a clubhouse, a covered tennis court, a socio-civic center, a police detachment, a food service facility, and for-lease office spaces.
The FPIP entry marker with guard house sports horizontal steel fins that create an ambiance of stability and strength.
The two-storey Administration Building of the First Philippine Industrial Park uses glass on its partly undulating facade. It is replete with vertical fins and horizontal grooves consistent with the other buildings. The floors of this structure are covered with Italian tiles and the fixtures suspended from the ceilings give daylight illumination conducive to overtime work.
The maintenance, security, and fire protection units are located in the Service Support Building
This building features the crisscrossing of vertical and horizontal fins on its facade. Grooves are still a distinct decorative feature. The clubhouse has a multi-purpose hall, an office for the club administrators, a fitness gym, a game room, a convenience shop, kitchens, and ladies’ and men’s locker rooms. The second floor houses the library and function rooms.
Completing the amenities for the First Philippine Industrial Park is the food service facility, the FPIP Foodpark. Al fresco dining with a panoramic vista of the surroundings can be enjoyed by Foodpark clientele.
The First Philippine Industrial Park, aside from the aforementioned structures, has twelve for-lease buildings located within the four phases. These buildings were designed to house manufacturing entities light to heavy industries, factories, and warehouses.
| Manila Southwoods / Carmona, Cavite, Philippines |
| 2006 |
| Fil-Estate Properties, Inc |
| Conceptual Master Planning |
| Site Development Planning |
| Conceptual Architectural Design |
| Conceptual Landscape Architectural Design |
This prime community is often regarded as one of the first master-planned golf course communities in the country.
Manila Southwoods has a total area of 403 hectares subdivided into four development areas: golf course, residential, commercial, and open spaces and parks. Golf course occupies an area of 173 hectares with 36-hole championship courses, a practice range, and a clubhouse designed in collaboration with world renowned golf course designer Jack Nicklaus. This golf course maximizes the available land and provides fairway views for the surrounding residential lots. 1,800 families can be accommodated in the residential development area. Lots range from 400 square meters to over 1000 square meters.
| The Country Club / Island Park, Dasmariñas, Cavite, Philippines |
| Brittany Corporation |
1999 - Architectural and Engineering Design |
The Laguna Golf and Country Club is a golf residential/mixed-use community located at Cabuyao, Laguna. The site consists of 1,030 hectares of flat land near the shore of Laguna de Bay, approximately 40km south of Metro Manila.
The conceptual development plan aims at providing a high quality shopping and entertainment within the development area as its central focus and amenity core.
The Laguna Golf and Country Club Residential Community Development plan proposes the inclusion of a total of 6,950 residential lots, 2,445 apartments, 229 service apartments, and a 400 room hotel. Promoting Green Urbanism where everything is within walkable distance, the planned community will also include schools, churches, neighborhood shopping areas, and a wide range of recreational facilities.
| Asian Eye Institute / Rockwell Center, Makati City |
| 2000 |
| Architectural Design |
| Interior Design |
Asian Eye Institute, a specialty clinic located within the Phinma Plaza, provides eye care services and utilizes the latest opthalmological technology in treating its patients.
The use of wood and aluminum as wall panels displays the latest trends in interior design. Vinyl and first class tiles as floor covering add sophistication to the interiors of the establishment setting light moods with the choice of the right colors and the flooding of artificial lighting.
The examination and operating rooms are situated where the requirements of privacy are met
The waiting lounge is strategically located in a stunning view of the landscape of the Rockwell Center.
| Ospital ng Muntinlupa/ Muntinlupa City, Philippines |
| Muntinlupa City |
| Architecture |
To sustain its goal of providing the community of Muntinlupa quality healthcare, Ospital ng Muntinlupa has renovated its facilities. The façade of this 300-bed hospital symmetrically appears like a stack of four blocks sporting a glass curtain wall. Its massive overhang. emphasizes the horizontal character of the structure.
Ospital ng Muntinlupa, a renovation project undertaken by the City Government of Muntinlupa to address the health care problems of its constituents, includes the installation of state-of-the-art equipment. Space maximization is achieved through careful configuration of hallways and corridors.
| Sharjah Healthcare City / Sharjah, United Arab Emirates |
| 2007 |
| Ministry of Health / Sharjah Medical District |
| Conceptual Planning |
| Conceptual Architecture |
Write – up:
This masterplan showcases Palafox Associates’ expertise in the design of health and wellness facilities, a response to the evolving needs of medical service professions and adapting to the requirements of the unique culture context of the Islamic world.
To meet increasingly sophisticated and diversified requirements for medical practice, the Sharjah Health City will be the core of advancing professional medical services. The convergence of all components necessary to create an effectively functioning health city such as main hospital, medical mall, pharmacy, clinics, hotels and serviced apartments, residential areas, central open space, and general offices characterizes this development project.
The inspiration of the development plan is the crescent. This shape represents the moon which, like the different star patterns in Islamic art, symbolizes the Divine Light whose ends also symbolize the heavenly aspirations of man. The medical center and pharmacy on the north, the offices and clinics on the northeast, residential area on the west, the medical mall and hotels and apartments on the south embody this star symbol. The site is easily accessible from the Dhaid Road on the North, and, conveniently, from the two sides, the southeast and southwest.
| Project Name: | Special Needs Children Center |
| Madinat Yanbu Al-Sinaiyah (MYAS), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia | |
| 2008 | |
Radicon-Gulf Consult |
|
| Conceptual Master Planning | |
| Architectural and Engineering Design | |
| Interior Design | |
| Landscape Architectural Design |
The medical center is a sprawling development project focused on the inclusion of rectangular rooms. Special nodes like the reception areas, administration department and multi-purpose halls are located along curved spaces. The parking area is strategically located behind the administration building leaving an uncluttered facade. The interior courtyard inspires leisurely walking along tree-lined gazebos. The female medical department is separated from the male department and is linked together by laboratories and the administration building.
| Al Ajban Wildlife Resort / Al Ajban, United Arab Emirates |
| 2006 |
| Conin Incorporated Consultants |
| Architectural and Engineering Design |
Its Mediterranean-inspired interiors with touches of typical architecture found in Filipino homes maximize the comforts of living by the ocean: glass-panelled windows, large, comfortable sofas in crisp white cotton, wooden beams across the ceiling, textured walls in sponge paint finish, and a central carpet that draws its inspiration from sunset by the sea.
The Asian tropical-inspired living area is spacious and well-lighted with a view of the indoor garden surrounded by continuous mirrors set in panels of intricate Balinese wood carvings. The beamed ceiling using cove lighting illuminates the indoor tropical plants moving with the breeze and softens the formal arrangement of the furniture.
| Altavista de Boracay, Philippines |
| Master planning |
| Conceptual Architectural Design |
Altavista De Boracay, a multi-phase development, sprawl over an area dominated by lush greenery and bodies of water. At the center of a man-made lake is an island where the spa and wellness center of the resort are located. Micro clusters of several medium rise buildings are used for accommodations for guests of the resort. A garden for promenade and an area for horseback riding are among the amenities found in this resort. The architecture is Filipino tropical and draws inspiration from the ancient balanghays of Mindanao. The undulating roof structures create a unique multi-angular facade. The balusters of the balconies are earthen in color and the parallel overlays are made of natural stones. The sloping site was studied in great detail and minimal vegetation or land alteration was incorporated into the plan.
| Bamboo Lagoon Island Eco-Resort / El Nido, Palawan, Philippines |
| 2006 |
| Brandaid FZE |
| Conceptual Master Planning |
| Site Development Planning |
| Site Engineering |
| Architectural and Engineering Design |
| Interior Design |
| Landscape Architectural Design |
INTERIOR DESIGN RATIONALE
Guide the design proposals for the Bamboo Lagoon Island Eco Resort:
Environmental Beach Resort. The preferred scheme incorporates the use of native materials into the design to project a picture of calm and serenity through the use of open space planning, soothing monochromatic color schemes, natural materials like aged wood columns, sawali and wood wall paneling, hard wood flooring and, bamboo and driftwood accents. Most materials can be obtained locally.
| Camp Netanya / Anilao, Batangas, Philippines |
| 2003 |
| Eureka Dive, Inc. |
| Site Development Planning |
| Site Engineering |
| Architectural Design |
Thirty meters change in elevation from the road to the sea level, a Greek - Mediterranean inspired building shell, light colored walls, grand balconies and view decks, an infinity pool, and an unobstructed visual connection to Balayan Bay make up for the newest high end dive resort on the shores of Mabini, Batangas. The resort is activity-oriented as it opens to the sea. It is situated on a steep one-hectare lot which offers incomparable design possibilities. Communal spaces welcome visitors at the entrance lobbies. Grand staircases lead to the villas for more privacy. "Camp Netanya employs Greek simplicity in a tropical leisure space and diving resort; it is a stepped development that sprawls towards the shore, a fresh concept in resort-making and an original architectural landmark."
| Filipiniana Hotel and Resort |
This rehabilitation project gave the Filipiniana Hotel and Resort a new façade through the enhancement of its tropical style architecture. Pale yellow paint juxtaposed against the mahogany color of the roof and pre-cast windows, new landscaping, and the addition of stoneworks are the elements that constitute this revitalized façade. These nature-inspired elements complement the beauty of the surrounding environment, while contributing to the promotion of health and wellness.
| Proposed Rivera Hotel Redevelopment / Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| 2004 |
| S.K. Al Habtoor Real Estate Est. / Mohammed Khalifa AL Habtoor |
| Architecture |
The Riviera Hotel is a 30-level luxury hotel of one-or two-bedroom units and suites. Its site is located along Creek Road, occupying an approximate area of 1132 square meters.
It provides easy access to shopping areas, government offices, business and financial centers as well as places for culture and entertainment.
The hotel offers spectacular views of the famous Dubai Creek. From their suites, guests can watch sailboats with tourist passengers navigating toward exotic destinations.
| Proposed Six-Star Hotel / Nasugbu, Batangas, Philippines |
| 2007 |
| Arirang Holdings |
| Conceptual Master Planning |
| Conceptual Architectural Design |
| Turkmenbashy Hotel |
| Site Development Plan |
| Conceptual Architecture |
Envisioned as a prime tourist destination, this pioneering & innovative project integrates places to live, work, shop, entertain, and have fun.
An anchor development of this waterfront project is the 200-and 300-room premier hotels, providing a spectacular view of the Caspian Sea. Other prime developments include a therapeutic center, marina, and commercial boutiques. It also has provisions to develop water desalination stations and other service facilities like motor court and parking.
Moreover, as a waterfront development project, the complex has a wide range of on-land and water sports facilities.
| Belle Reve – Promenade – La Residencia - Fontamara / Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Philippines |
| 1995 |
| Brittany Corporation |
| Conceptual Master Planning |
Belle Reve is a 27-hectare master-planned residential community with lot sizes ranging from 500 to 1000 square meters. The 212 residential lots are arranged in clusters each provided with a pocket park serving as a private open space for the surrounding residences. It was designed to work around an existing mini forest which is the focus of the development project.
| Dos Rios / Cabuyao & Canlubang, Calamba, Laguna |
| Terelay Investment & Development Corporation |
| Master Planning |
Dos Rios, meaning between two rivers, is a master planned residential community which is a pioneering project in the New Urbanism concept in the roster of projects of Palafox Associates. The concept involves designing habitable space such that people live at upper floors of their houses & work downstairs. Essentially a mixed-use development which make use of arcaded walkways to keep the eyes of people on the streets for improved security.
The master plan is a collaborative effort with Duany, Plater-Zyberk Architects & Town Planners, exponents of the said movement. Residences were planned in such a way that the town square lies within a five-minute walk linked by a road network capable of supporting developments like universities & churches.
| Grand Centennial Homes / Grand Centennial Homes (Noveleta, Cavite), Philippines |
| Antel Land Holdings |
| Conceptual Master Planning |
With lots ranging from 80 to 240 square meters, Grand Centennial Homes is a 34-hectare residential community development project in Kawit, Cavite designed for middle-end and high-end income earners.
| LA JOYA / Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines |
| 1998 |
| Quadrillion Land, Inc. |
| Architectural and Engineering Design |
La Joya de Santa Rosa is a jewel in the heart of Sta. Rosa, Laguna. It is classic Spanish-Mediterranean-inspired residential development created into an eco-friendly community. The firm prepared three model units for this project: Azalea, Bougainvilla, and Dame de Noche. Lot sizes range from 60 to 180 square meters while floor areas scale from 56 to 102 square meters. The given number of space combined with its natural surroundings creates a harmonious balance between human resourcefulness and nature’s magnificence.
| La Mesa Watershed Resort and Ecopark / Quezon City, Philippines |
| 2000 |
| ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc. – Bantay Kalikasan |
| Conceptual Master Planning |
| Conceptual Architectural Design |
The vision of this project, focused on the only watershed in Metro Manila is to enhance natural spaces in order for the users to appreciate, love, and understand the importance of the environment and nature. To generate income for the development, several activity-related venues were opened within the park: the biking grounds with bicycles for rent and areas for yoga within sites for relaxation. These places feature landscape elements that mimic nature. Jogging paths lined with colored all-year round flowering plants complement a canopied snake road leading to the docking facility for boats.
The development of the Eco Park has sprawled the interest of the public – that it has invited people from all walks of life to enjoy the park, if not contribute to its natural beauty by planting more trees to the already luscious greenery.
Today it can boast of being the biggest watershed in Metro Manila that offers nature-oriented recreation activities in the middle of a highly urbanized area of Metro Manila.
| PacificHeights / Calaca, Batangas, Philippines |
| 2001 |
| Tagaytay Pacific Heights |
| Architectural and Engineering Design |
Nestled in the lush and foliage 103 hectare land, Pacific Heights consists of residential lots, village commercial spaces, open areas, and recreational amenities. Lot size ranges from 100 to 900 square meters.
The clunhouse facilities includes a multi-purpose pavilion, business and reception center, kids play station, dance hall and disco, mini theatre, chapel & viewing deck.
| PALMETTO / Palmetto Garden Apartments, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines |
| 2009 |
| St. Rafael Development Corporation |
| Architectural and Engineering Design |
| PCS Phils. (Electrical Engineering) |
| St. Rafael Development Corporation |
The garden apartments are composed of 12 differently designed buildings made of four, three, and two-level structures. The walk-up apartments have roof decks landscaped with plants and trellises. The use of natural stone cladding gives the building a firm and sturdy look softened by the trellises and ground foliage. The facade with its clean lines and rectangular shapes is modern which is the dominant layout feature of these homes.
| Playa Calatagan / Calatagan. Batangas, Philippines |
| Playa Calatagan (Phase 2B) (Calatagan, Batangas) |
| 2007 |
| Landco Pacific Corporation |
| Site Development Planning |
With the goal of reviving Boracay in Southern Luzon, Plaza Calatagan was created as a tourism destination with leisure, residential and commercial activities. 14 hectares of the self-sustained community is intended for leisure and similar uses 78 hectares are allocated for residential use while the remaining spaces include amenities: an amphitheater, bamboopark, a clubhouse with viewing deck, a water theme park with various aqua sports and several satellite pocket parks. View considers throughout the waterfront so the amenity of sea views are shared by the community.
| Southern Plains / Canlubang, Laguna, Philippines |
| 1994 |
| Carson Realty and Management Corporation |
| Architectural and Engineering Design |
Nestling on a flat site of a portion of a former sugarcane plantation in Canlubang, Laguna is Southern Plains. The design of the structures within the vast 103-hectare subdivision is uniquely hacienda-inspired with the prominent use of arches, porches, and high-pitched roofs. The average lot size is 240 square meters.
Southern Plains is a medium-density development with the scenic Laguna Lake and the lush slopes of Mt. Makiling in the background.
| Tierra Maria – Model Houses (Farm Lots) / Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines |
| 2005 |
| Mary’s Garden Development Corporation |
| Architectural and Engineering Design |
A Spanish-inspired development project, Tierra Maria is a master-planned residential community that covers 33 hectares of fertile land that nestles in the heart of Lipa City. It features farm lots, where residents can cultivate and propagate vegetables and flowering and fruit-bearing plants, a commercial strip, a theme garden, and a clubhouse.
Unique linear parks dispersed throughout the community to help maintain the rural setting of Tierra Maria. The parking is placed behind the clubhouse to encourage the residents to walk.
| Versailles / Las Piñas City, Philippines |
| 2007 |
| State Properties Corporation |
| Site Development Planning |
| Architectural and Engineering Design |
| Interior Design |
| PCS Philippines, Inc. (Electrical Engineer for Clubhouse) |
| Ibarra Almajose and Associates (Electrical Engineer for Townhouse and Model Units) |
| JRAMagcalas Design Initiative (Mechanical Engineer for Clubhouse) |
| State Properties Corporation |
Versailles is a master planned community with commercial mixed-use development at its frontage and five residential clusters. It is locaterd at the heart of the historical Las Pinas City; a residential community that will cater to newlyweds, young families and expats. Each residential cluster has its own theme visible in the landscape architectural design of the entry statement, open spaces and streetscapes. The themes of the five residential clusters are the following: Spanish, French, Italian, English and Greek. The gate, club house, and two model house units, namely Sophie and Amelie, were designed by Palafox Associates. Other amenities include a gymnasium with dedicated locker rooms, a spa and audio-visual room.
| Wedge Woods / Silang, Cavite, Philippines |
| 1999 |
| Excel United Land Resources Corporation |
| Review of Existing Master Plan |
| Preparation of Updated Conceptual Design Theme |
| Conceptual Architectural Design |
| Rendering Perspective |
| Site Development Planning |
Wedge Woods is a high-class residential community promoting wellness, fitness, and family recreation because of its readily available amenities which include a linear park, basketball and tennis courts, a club house with swimming pool and a jogging path along a creek. A transport terminal is provided for commuting residents.
| Al Khobar Complex Center: Ethereal Beauty of the Gulf / Al Khobar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia |
| 2004 |
| The Saudi Investment Group and Marketing Company Ltd. |
| Architectural Design |
| Interior Design |
Live. Work. Play.
Palafox Associates integrates these three functional uses in this winning design entry for the Al Khobar Complex Center. With two schemes, the designer has introduced building systems and maintenance.
Based on an L-shaped plan, each residential unit enjoys an unobstructed view of the Arabian Gulf. The brilliant use of glass material casts a certain aura of loftiness and opulence, making it a distinctive structure. Below, the lower floors offer shopping and dining experience, complemented by health and wellness centers.
| Crown Equities Building / Makati City, Philippines |
| 2008 |
| Crown Equities, Inc |
| Architectural and Engineering Design |
Situated in a modest lot, the sleek CEI Corporate Headquarters was designed to maximize the lot area without compromising the building’s breathability and visual impact. The shape of the building determined by its limited lot size is minimalist and modern- a complete opposite of the neighborhood’s dark portion in the past.
The challenge to Palafox Associates was how to maximize the allowable floor area given the perimeter setbacks and height restrictions. At present, the building is operational although landscape elements still need to be completed. The building’s interior features an open plan office layout for space readability and legibility. It is also flexible enough to be converted into a high rise structure should the need arises.
| Officetel Building / Pampanga, Philippines |
| 2009 |
| Donggwang Clark Corporation |
| Architectural and Engineering Design |
Expected to be an architectural first not only in Pampanga, the proposed officetel project will be an interplay of shapes and spaces to resemble the urban growth and development in the Clark area. Several schemes were presented, all of which were showcases of a play for geometry displayed in the finishing phases. Spaces-for-lease were maximized giving priority to privacy, lighting, and passive cooling. An environmentally sound building, the modern design is backed up by high tech equipment and WiFi access.
| Proposed Philippine National Bank Financial Center / Pres.Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard, Pasay City, Philippines |
| 2004 |
| Philippine National Bank |
| Conceptual Master Planning |
| Conceptual Architectural Design |
The PNB Financial Center is planned to become a prime destination for tourists, shoppers and businessmen. Designed for a 24-hour cycle of human activity, the Financial Center is a mixed-use development where the place to live is integrated with places to work, shop, dine, and experience entertainment. Located in the busy streets of Pasay, the design of the complex is futuristic to create a more active and vibrant space and lifestyle. The center's pedestrian-friendly layout contributes well to its accessibility and legibility.
| Proposed Vien Dong Meridian Tower / Danang, Vietnam |
| 2007 |
| Viendong Corporation |
| Architectural and Engineering Design |
Aside from being a national symbol, Vien Dong Meridian Tower is envisioned to be an architectural landmark in Vietnam.
The focal point of the complex is the hotel tower which takes the shape of two ‘V’s signifying the unification of North and South Vietnam. This creates four wings: the shorter set facing the plaza intersection invites guests to come over, and the longer set provides the panoramic view of the Eastern Sea.
Committed to the promotion of green architecture, this contemporary concept is an interplay of vertical landscaping and double-glazed windows. |
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| Rockwell Center / Makati City | |
| 1996 | |
| Rockwell Land Corporation | |
| Architecture, Master Planning, Site Development Planning | |
| Skidmore, Owings, Merrill (SOM) of Chicago, Illinois | |
| Miescor (Electrical Engineers) | |
| Total Consultancy Services, Inc. (Site Engineers) |
This urban regeneration project is located within a city where the highest levels and most progressive visions of urban life have been achieved. Rockwell Center redefines progressive design and development planning in the Philippine context by converting a brown field and a former power plant into a very active world-class waterfront development. This masterplan links residential, commercial, institutional, recreational, leisure, office and religious spaces without need for vehicular transportation.
Connectivity is established through safe and convenient pedestrian and vehicular circulation system. The family of buildings and the dialogue between them is felt at a distance or even from afar. Walkability is kept at a comfortable level through sidewalks lined with landscaping that decreases the temperature through shades and head buffers. Included in the master plan was the design for the first five residential towers in Rockwell Center. It features architecture with exciting building footprints and forms: double glazed windows for heat and noise insulation, identifiable spaces, increased street connectivity, and 49% open space making Rockwell a pace-setting environmentally-sensitive master planning project.
Buildings in Rockwell Center
Amorsolo Square
Amorsolo Square is a residential establishment which features a connected development through the bridging of its two towers through the three-level Rockwell Club. With its 280 units, Amorsolo Square responds to the need for a within-the-CBD residence. It brings families and individuals closer to their places of work.
Luna Gardens
Characterized by a deep blue color accented by horizontal white mosaic tiles running through its clean surface and discreet curves, Luna Gardens stands tall at thirty-nine storeys. This residential tower features underground levels for parking, loading, docking, and maintenance. The upper five floors provide an extended balcony for that unobstructed, picturesque panorama of the Makati skyline, while the lower floors have smaller balconies for a perfect view of the scenic lush landscape below. Luna Gardens features a structural system that allows wind channeling during the typhoon months and twisting due to seismic activity; making the building minimize the destructive effects of natural forces.
Hidalgo Place
Hidalgo Place boasts of a heavily-glazed elevated structure with surfaces dominantly clad with glass. Its symmetric footprint creates an impression of a structure asserting tradition and formality which is contrasted and softened by undulating canopies and balconies along graceful curves. With a total of only 91 units, Hidalgo Place encourages its residents, mostly composed of small families, to enliven this activity-filled 24 storey development project.
Rizal Tower
Dominating the Rockwell Center skyline is the 46-storey Rizal Tower. With a total of 157 residences apportioning almost 90% of the project to three-bedroom units, this oval-shaped skyscraper’s intended market of medium-sized high income families will surely appreciate its irregular-shaped rooms. Consistent with the contour, the oval design provides 180 degrees full view of the immediate vicinity. Smooth surfaces and highly reflective 360 degree glazing materials make Rizal Tower a one-of-a-kind landmark in a place of technically innovative landmark structures, the Rockwell Center.
| Summit Ridge / Tagaytay-Nasugbu Road, Tagaytay City, Philippines |
| 2007 |
| Robinsons Land Corporation |
| Architectural and Engineering Design |
| Interior Design |
| Landscape Architectural Design |
From a mountain resort, Summit Ridge transitions into an integrated hotel, commercial, entertainment and residential development that sports a traditional look with the convenience of modern technology. The beautiful synthesis of elements of rustic and contemporary architecture gives Summit Ridge a stunning visual effect. Its architecture carries distinctive marks such as tropical roofs, deep eaves, exposed rafters, large openings, trellis-covered walkways, single loaded corridor, al fresco dining areas, skylights and natural earth colors add to the environment-friendly features of the building.
The Modern Asian façade of the hotel is complemented by a tropical-themed roof with exposed rafters. Between the hotel wings are scenic elevators, which exposes a breath-taking view of Tagaytay City. Lastly, the angle of the building footprint is oriented towards the panoramic view of the Taal Lake and volcano.
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| Tourist City / Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates |
| 2008 |
| Architectural and Engineering Design |
The envisioned Tourist City will usher a new dawn of urbanism which incorporates aesthetics and function with ecological concepts in an urban setting which will develop environment-friendly and energy-efficient technologies to support the day-to-day activities within the city.
Along with this, the management and improvement of natural environment are ensured by creating well-designed and aesthetically-pleasing landscape designs. Green spaces such as parks and recreation areas enhance the quality of life in built environments, increase the value of properties, and make cities more livable and sustainable.
The new city will also showcase the rich and diverse culture, traditions and warm hospitality and generosity of the Arab people. The establishment of museums and cultural and exhibition areas will affirm the unique character and identity of its people and visually narrate the various developments in the city.
The mixture of uses in proposed developments creates exciting and extraordinary urban environments through the efficient use of resources, availability of transportation options, and full use of urban services and detailed human-scale designs.
| DBP Green Building / Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Philippines |
| 2010 |
| Architectural and Engineering Design |
| Geotechnical Study, Topographic Survey, Interior Design, Landscape Architectural Design, and Green Architecture) |
The completion of the DBP building will exhibit a green and iconic twisting tower with revolving reflections due to its dynamic form. The gyrating glass forms connote motion, movement and momentum, all of which are characteristics of finance, trade and commerce. It is bound to set the pace in the rapidly developing region of Fort Bonifacio Global City.
The principle of forceful energy conservation through design and systems is employed in this design. Green walls, solar panels and sloped ceilings are integrated in the design. Elevators stop at every three floors to save electricity and travel time. Skipped floors may be accessed through a dedicated staircase - acquainting the users of the locations of fire exits and promoting inter-floor interactions.
Visual clarity, space readability and a very symmetric design gives this mixed-use building a formal look. The interplay of horizontal and vertical lines contributes to the optimized plan of maximizing the view, light and air. Wind is allowed to pass through the passively cooled lobby and daylight is regulated by the extended overhangs that double as an arcade for pedestrian.
| Novartis Corporate Headquarters Redevelopment / Makati City, Philippines |
| 2008 |
| Novartis Healthcare Philippines, Inc. |
| Architectural and Engineering Design |
| Interior Design |
The redevelopment of the Novartis building is in alignment to the present day status of the organization. Being the number one pharmaceutical company in Europe, Novartis building’s design of the exterior and interior makes a strong statement of being contemporary, yet creating the ambiance of accessibility and inclusion.
Highlights of the design include transferring of the lobby to face the major roads create a sense of strong entrance. There is also a provision of three additional entrances and increased floor area for more open planning in the interiors.
Light colors with accent are used in the design to enhance ventilation aside from the provision of roof garden. Also, extensive cladding will bring in ample sunlight and will serve as windows for outdoor-indoor visual connection.
The biggest challenge for this project is to implement the renovation without having the tenants to move out.
| Proposed Headquarters for Dar Al Yaum / Kingdom of Saudi Arabia |
| 2008 |
| AFM Consultants |
| Architectural and Engineering Design |
This planning project is a pioneering and innovative future-oriented initiative in West Asian Architecture given the convergence of the ‘Green’ in all the aspects of its design.
The office tower is designed as the region's architectural icon by providing a unique, identifiable and memorable impact. The considerations for this project include economic, functional, aesthetic and environmental concerns. Higher efficiency and dimensions of cost-efficiency are evident through the use of natural light and having atria from top to bottom of the building
| Public Safety Mutual Benefit Fund / San Juan City, Philippines |
| 2003 |
| Public Safety Mutual Benefit Fund, Inc. |
| Architectural and Engineering Design |
| Interior Design |
The Public Safety Mutual Benefit Fund building, a design competition winner, houses security agencies, offices, and several establishments within the public safety industry. This modern five-storey building, considered the tallest in the Camp, features vertical shades where transparent and opaque surfaces mounted on steel members and glass frames cast reflections of light. An escalator and three elevators provide accessibility to other floors of the building which facilitate the fast delivery of services by the consortium member establishments. Clarity of space layout is provided by parallel double loaded corridors leading to fire exists. State-of-the-art public communal spaces are found within this building: a modern canteen, a lounge with a high ceiling with elegant chandeliers, and a spacious conference hall. This post modern contemporary design with some classic forms is considered flexible for it can be developed into high rise structure in the future.
| Forbes Tower / Salcedo Village, Makati City, Philippines |
| 1996 |
| UCPB Properties, Inc. / Design Coordinates, Inc. |
| Architectural Design |
Forbes Tower is a high-rise luxury residential condominium that caters to families with its extensive selection of room layouts from two-bedrooms to four-bedrooms. With 152 units divided into two towers, the 3,000 square meter condominium enjoys wide street frontage clad from top to bottom with glass offering a view of the immediate surroundings. The interplay of pastel colors and horizontal lines give the building a smooth pattern. A channel creates an interior-exterior link through landscaping which allows free flow of air and ventilates the core of the building.
| Las Casas de Cala Buena / Caylabne Bay Resort, Ternate, Cavite, Philippines |
| 1999 |
| Exchange Properties, Inc |
| Architectural Design |
This master-planned resort residential development is located within Caylabne Bay Resort. Tuscan-inspired with touches of Filipino architecture, the community is a showcase of elements like paved plazas, towers, porches, loggias, terraces, trellises, arches, and tiled roofs.
With 64 single-detached residential units and cluster condominiums, Las Casas de Cala Buena brings together elegant residential options and a myriad of lifestyle amenities and facilities for tourists and high-end users.
| Laureano di Trevy Towers / Pasong Tamo, Makati City, Philippines |
| 2007 |
| Camella Homes and Communities / Polar Mines Realty Corporation |
| Architectural and Engineering Design |
The proposed Laureano De Trevi is a mixed-use three-tower complex. The typical floor layouts feature residential units that vary in size. All rooms are ventilated and lighted by exterior windows. Located on the podium deck where all three towers converge is a swimming pool and, an activity area for leisure, relaxation, and sports. The basement is the main utility area with cisterns for fire protection. The ground floor is largely occupied by commercial spaces for lease while the second to fifth floor are primarily parking areas.
| Little Europe / Guangzhou, Guangdong, China |
| 2004 |
| Guangzhou Nine Dragon Lake Real Estate Development Company Ltd. |
| Interior Design |
| Review of Design |
Little Europe recreates a small European town in Guangzhou, China. The design includes retail shops and bars, function rooms, guest rooms, a multi-purpose hall and a hotel. The compact layout of Little Europe makes it pedestrian-friendly and more legible especially for tourists. A beautifully landscaped parking area buffers the noise from vehicles. The interiors are inspired by modern European style.
| Plaza Crest / Sucat, Parañaque City, Philippines |
| 2005 |
| D.O. Plaza Estates, Inc. |
| Master Planning |
| Architectural Design |
Plaza Crest is a high-end residential development with an area of only 1.5 hectares. Despite the constraints of having a small area of development, Plaza Crest has maximized the land by providing a different mix of housing units such as garden apartments, walk up apartments, and villas.
Plaza Crest advocates the development of a community that fosters an aura of good living, a warm sense of camaraderie among neighbors.
| Project First Home / Parkridge Estate, Antipolo City, Philippines |
| 2009 |
| Mr. John Aguilar |
| Architectural and Engineering Design |
| Interior Design |
The house consists of three levels featuring contemporary tropical design. A covered patio, a pantry, and the maid's room are located on the lower ground floor, the dining room, the kitchen, the terrace and a two-car garage on the ground floor and the bedrooms in the second floor. Its compactness structure makes the structure energy efficient. Large tinted glazing filters sunlight. Aluminum fins on these windows functions as the building’s sunshade and a means to allow flow of air to the interiors.
| Centro Plazuela / Mandurriao, Iloilo, Philippines |
| 2008 |
| Florete Land, Inc. |
| Architectural and Engineering Design |
| Landscape Architectural Design |
The development's architectural character is derived from turn-of-the-century Spanish-Iloilo-Philippine architectural design: long arcaded hallways adorn the façade, which gives people the freedom to walk and promenade. Envisioned as “flood free”, the whole development is elevated almost two meters from the national street level. The mixture of place to shop, dine, work, and entertain and BPO units within the development maintains 24/7 security and operations which ensure the constant flow of revenue. The verticality of the structures connects various building elements visually and provides an interesting skyline.
| Flamingo Mall / Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia |
| 2006 |
| Consultancy Group |
| Site Development Planning |
| Architectural Design |
Palafox Associates’ progressive and innovative contribution to the design and planning of conventional commercial structures is evident in the modern steel and glass structure allowing for advanced technology.
The mall has a futuristic layout brought about by the curvy façade, landscaping, and interiors, featuring sky domes and curvilinear shapes. The basement houses a skating rink surrounded by parking spaces. The hypermart, commercial spaces, anchor shops, and restaurants are found on the ground floor with a view of the skating rink below. The upper floor houses the food court, cinemas, other leasable spaces, and bowling and billiards facilities.
| Pacific Mall Naga and Pacific Mall Legaspi Expansion / Naga City, Camarines Sur, Philippines |
| 2005 |
| Pacific Mall Corporation |
| Architectural and Engineering Design |
The mall is a modern building characterized by space efficiency within its predominantly rectangular scheme. The second floor houses the food court and the appliance center while the cinemas, and the cluster-type stalls are located in the third floor .
The Legazpi mall is an expansion project which features the same distinctive look characterized by the beige and peach color scheme. Generally, the ground floors and the open views of the exterior landscape through large windows. Canopy walks were also provided for the convenience of shoppers.
| Proposed Pantranco Mall / Quezon City, Philippines |
| 2009 |
| Fishermall, Inc. |
| Architectural and Engineering Design |
The Pantranco Mall is a mixed-use activity center which stands on a former bus terminal, composed of seven levels with two levels intended for the parking area. Phase I will feature a low-rise structure and Phase II will include residential towers. Safety is a primary consideration in the design. A pedestrian-friendly driveway and drop-off will welcome visitors to the mall. A 16-meter cascading water feature and green features soften the façade and introduce nature and environment.
Corridors are curved and not the typical straight corridors. Vertical connection is established through open decks and balconies that originate from the lower floor. Service hallways are carefully planned providing tenants with easy access to their kitchens or service areas.
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| Robinson’s Starmills Pampanga / San Fernando City, Pampanga, Philippines |
| 1999 |
| Robinsons Land Corporation |
| Master Planning, Architectural and Engineering Design |
| Robinson’s Place Cainta / Brgy. Sto. Domingo, Ortigas Avenue Extension, Cainta, Rizal, Philippines |
| 2002 |
| Robinsons Land Corporation |
| Architectural and Engineering Design |
| Robinson’s Pioneer / EDSA corner Pioneer Street, Brgy. Barangka Ilaya, Mandaluyong City, Philippines |
| 2002 |
| Robinsons Land Corporation |
| Conceptual Master Planning |
| Site Engineering |
| Architectural and Engineering Design |
| Robinsons Mixed-use Tagaytay / Tagaytay-Nasugbu Road, Tagaytay City, Philippines |
| 2002 |
| Robinsons Land Corporation |
| Architectural and Engineering Design |
| Interior Design |
| Landscape Architecture Design |
Robinson’s Malls
Offering wide opportunities for regional & community shopping, Robinsons malls continue to reach places near and far business districts. Using the concept of festivity interpreted through a play of colors and shapes imitated from natural elements, the malls are given a distinctive look.
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| SM Southmall / Las Piñas City, Philippines |
| 1992 |
| SM Group of Companies |
| Architectural and Engineering (Sanitary, Structural) Design |
| SM City Fairview / Quezon City, Philippines |
| 1995 |
| SM Prime Holdings, Inc |
| Architectural and Engineering Design |
| SM City Pampanga / Pampanga, Philippines |
| 2001 |
| SM Prime Holdings, Inc. |
| Architectural Design |
| SM City Iloilo / Iloilo City, Philippines |
| 1995 |
| SM Prime Holdings, Inc. |
| Architectural and Engineering Design |
| SM China Mall / Hok Po, Jin Jang, Fujian Province, China |
| 1993 |
| Oriental Land Development Corporation |
| Architectural and Engineering (Sanitary) Design |
SM Malls
Palafox Associates has redefined the paradigms for the design and construction of commercial structures engaged in retail trade by introducing an out of the usual box mall design. SM Southmall being the first SM project of the office incorporated a welcoming façade adorned with curves. Visual connection between floors and shops is established through a dedicated atrium which also welcomes daylight in SM City Fairview’s undulating roof design give the mall a fresh perspective. The said mall also boasts of an intermodal transport terminal integrated in its plan.
Located across Paskuhan Village is SM City Pampanga. This is the first mall constructed north of Metro Manila. Palafox Associates design the main mall & Annex 1. It is host to the famous Giant Lantern Festival of Pampanga. SM City Iloilo on the other hand became a progress indicator for the people of the city through its directed urban growth and exemplary flooding solution. Found in the hometown of the shopping mogul Mr. Henry Sy. The unified approach in all of the company designed SM Malls reflect the corporate image of the Mall. The concept of the interiors is to resemble a “city within a city” in Jin Jang Fujian Province in mainland China is SM China Mall. The mall aims to introduce a revolutionary approach to mall experience under a foreign market.
To provide its customers the best shopping, dining & most entertaining services, SM Malls incorporate food courts, bowling plazas, movie houses, restaurants, boutiques, department stores & supermarkets in building complexes with probably the most legible & recognizable layouts and shopper-friendly parking and community services.
| Target Mall / Balibago Commercial Complex, Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines |
| 2002 |
| Southland Holdings, Inc |
| Architectural Design |
Focusing on the local consumer of Santa Rosa is the prime objective for the development of Target Mall. In this project, Palafox Associates places high value on the aesthetics of the refurbishment of the building façade and the upgrading of its functional aspects. The improved façade has to be more contemporary in appeal and shall employ bright colors. The renovation sustains the challenge posed by the discriminating taste of its prospective clientele and the increasing high-tech features and first class amenities of its competitors within the area. The interior floor pattern, for example, creates more lively / festive spaces.
| Endurance Village / Quezon City, Philippines |
| 2006 |
| Al Messila Contracting Est. |
| Conceptual Architecture |
| Site Development Plan |
Planning for the redevelopment of Quezon City Memorial Circle, a vast open space found at the heart of Quezon City, was inspired by the desire to maximize its use as a facility where nature converges with recreation, industry, education, and work within a single urban quadrant. This natural locus of transport links a network of open spaces that traverses the city: the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife, the University of the Philippines greenbelt, and the La Mesa Ecopark as well as its centers for governance, industry, retail and trade the network of open spaces has virtually become the lungs of the city, absorbing the stress within one of the most polluting areas of converging vehicular traffic, and rejuvenating the health and promoting wellness among urban residents.
The redeveloped masterplan identifies major activities in every node in the park. These nodes are interlinked and interconnected with each other, creating venues for dynamic activities throughout the park. The nodes are positioned to simulate a clock to facilitate legible wayfinding and environmental graphics. The 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock corridor is designed to leave a lasting impression among the visitors with a promenade that frames the Manuel L. Quezon Monument. This zone is designed to become the major entry point to the park from Commonwealth and Quezon Avenues. With interesting water features and vistas framed by majestic acacias, the promenade is the place where lively social interactions can happen.
| Dorali Freeport Zone Conceptual Master Plan / Djibouti |
| 2006 |
| Conceptual Master Plan |
The conceptual development plan for the Dorali Free Port Zone in the Djibouti combines offices, heavy, medium and light industrial areas, a business park, research and development and logistics clusters with residential, commercial and resort areas. The layout of the spaces follow a grid pattern for accessibility and the creation of walkable and legible spaces. The project design is inspired by the dynamism of the nomadic culture of Djibouti, showing movement as a major catalyst for development through the integration of residence, work, and recreation within a micro-community.
| Port of Orion Cruise Terminal / Municipality of Orion, Bataan, Philippines |
| 2005 |
| District II – Bataan |
| Architectural and Engineering Design |
The Port of Orion is one of the many entry points to the Province of Bataan. The administration office features a wide and long span overhang that seemingly mimics a large seashell. The simple white and blue hues of the walls and the roof make the building blend with the color of the ocean. Lush landscaping maintains the coolness of its paved surroundings.
| Taguig City Aerotropolis / Taguig City, Philippines |
| 2007 |
| City Government of Taguig and Laguna Lake Development Authority |
| Urban Planning |
Designing an airport city is becoming a major trend in using essetial logistics, mixed-use and multi-purpose development with the potential for them applicastion of inclusionary zoning which might attract prospective clientele rom all social classes. Taguig City Aerotropolis is a land recovery project that will initiate the development of the surrounding municipalities in the vicinity of Laguna Lake. It will become Fort Bonifacio Global City's complement as two highly urbanized centers rise within the area along the proposed C-6 road.
| Alaminos Conceptual Development Plan / Alaminos City, Pangasinan, Philippines |
| City Government of Alaminos |
| Development Planning, Tourism Planning and Investment Guide |
The City of Alaminos has grown to be a market of agricultural and marine products, home of natural and built heritage structures, and gateway to the Ilocos Region and Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR).
A balance of mixed and multi-use developments will create more public and open spaces for the enhancement of civic life and citizen empowerment and the transformation and strengthening of the human fabric of the community. Moreover, the implementation of pedestrianization and the adaptive reuse of heritage houses, by converting their ground floors to shops, al fresco dining or art galleries will help in the process of bonding and developing community spirit among the citizens.
The Masterplan has also identified five tourism clusters – the Hundred Islands National Park, the Heritage Walk Zone, the Hillside National Park, Country-Side Farming Zone, and the Business Park Zones.
| Navotas City Development Plan and Conceptual Development Plan of the Bayfront Business Park, Philippines |
| 2008 |
| City Government of Navotas |
| Conceptual Development Plan with Tourism Plan |
| Conceptual Urban Design with Conceptual Landscape |
| Architectural Design |
The City of Navotas is popularly known as the Fishing Capital of the Philippines.
Its Conceptual Development Masterplan identifies the waterfront, development corridors, and growth of nodes as drivers of urban development.
In promoting Waterfront Development, the Master Plan focuses on the coastline and the Bay area as the entry points for transformation and development. Relocating the informal settlers not only leaves more space for development, it is a means for Urban Renewal giving new life to both residents and the environment. The zoning of communities adheres to the concept of inclusionary zoning wherein people from different income levels are served. Furthermore, encouraging the adoption of mixed-use development will create more open spaces and pedestrian-friendly walkways and bike lanes thus realizing the concept of livable community.
| Phu Quoc Island Masterplan / Vietnam |
| 2004 |
| Phu Quoc Investment and Development Corporation |
| Conceptual Master Planning |
Pho Quoc Island is one of Vietnam's emerging countryside tourist attractions. The Master plan maximizes the natural features of the island. The rural landscape is enhanced in certain distinct areas to show their natural beauty. The design program focuses on the preservation of historical and environmentally critical areas integrating these with low impact development to improve the commercial value of the land. The elements of the master plan include the creation of leisure farms, golf courses, residences, a retirement village, farms and beach fronts.
| Quezon City Memorial Circle Redevelopment / Quezon City, Philippines |
| 2008 |
| City Government of Quezon |
| Conceptual Master Planning |
| Site Development Planning |
| Site Engineering |
| Landscape Architectural Design |
Planning for the redevelopment of Quezon City Memorial Circle, a vast open space found at the heart of Quezon City, was inspired by the desire to maximize its use as a facility where nature converges with recreation, industry, education, and work within a single urban quadrant. This natural locus of transport links a network of open spaces that traverses the city: the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife, the University of the Philippines greenbelt, and the La Mesa Ecopark as well as its centers for governance, industry, retail and trade the network of open spaces has virtually become the lungs of the city, absorbing the stress within one of the most polluting areas of converging vehicular traffic, and rejuvenating the health and promoting wellness among urban residents.
The redeveloped masterplan identifies major activities in every node in the park. These nodes are interlinked and interconnected with each other, creating venues for dynamic activities throughout the park. The nodes are positioned to simulate a clock to facilitate legible wayfinding and environmental graphics. The 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock corridor is designed to leave a lasting impression among the visitors with a promenade that frames the Manuel L. Quezon Monument. This zone is designed to become the major entry point to the park from Commonwealth and Quezon Avenues. With interesting water features and vistas framed by majestic acacias, the promenade is the place where lively social interactions can happen.
| Jeddah Waterfront Development / Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia |
| 2005 |
The focus of this development project is the open central park surrounded by commercial mixed-use towers consisting of offices, apartments, retail shops and restaurants. This integrating element provides the public a sense of ownership for the development undertaking. People are drawn into the central park by interconnected pedestrian overpasses and wide sidewalks creating a walkable community within a secure lush greenery. The major spaces utilized in the development plan include the shopping mall, the hotel and the mosque with provisions for both health, relaxation and premier education facilities.
| Sudan Bonyan City / Khartoum, Sudan |
| 2006 |
| Bonyan International Investment Group L.L.C |
| Conceptual Master Planning |
Sudan Bonyan City is located where the Blue Nile and White Nile meet. It is a promising showcase of what might be achieved through meticulous planning. Designed as a world-class city, planned structures, facilities, and leisure and cultural areas within the new township will include business districts, landmark towers, state-of-the-art convention centers and sports stadium, shopping centers, golf-course communities, parks and gardens, educational and cultural centers, mosques, and villas and apartments. The CBD covers an estimated area of 300 hectares
| Tala Marina Club City / Al Khobar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia |
| 2004 |
| Tradco Global Engineering and Construction Consortium (TGEC) |
| Conceptual Master Planning |
Tala Marina Club City is a project which transforms a two-kilometer coastline into a 38-kilometer waterfront development initiative through land reclamation and dredging. Residential villas are designed using varied architectural themes including: Asian, Mediterranean, Florida, Spanish, Mexican, Islamic and Moroccan.
Being a self-contained city, the development will integrate places of worship, civic, heritage and cultural centers, health, relaxation, sports and fitness centers. Educational facilities will include primary schools and day care centers. Spatial cultural influences to the plan are reflected in the community activity areas that are segregated according to gender.
| Lighthouse Hotel and Restaurant / Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales, Philippines |
| 2005 |
| Maxus Subic Property Development, Inc. |
| Masterplanning, Architectural and Engineering Design |
The Lighthouse Hotel and Restaurant is located within the eight-hectare Moonbay Marina.
This development integrates shopping, dining, and entertainment, a residential and retirement community, resort and time-share vacation club, hotel and casino, public entertainment, an amusement area with a cockpit arena, a theme park, and a transport terminal.
The lighthouse lodge offers hotel units, music bars, and restaurants all with scenic views of the Moonbay Marina Development. The hotel of Contemporary Italian design functions as a view deck of the entire landscape, seascape, and the commercial spaces below. At night, the development displays an interplay of harbor lights, stars above the bay, city lights, and park lights. It captures the scenic view of the lush mountains and crystal clear waters of Subic Bay.
| Camp Praise Valley / Bulacan, Philippines |
| 2004 |
| Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide |
| Conceptual Architectural Design |
| Landscape Architectural Design |
| 3D Animation |
Sprawling on a 15-hectare site in Norzagaray, Bulacan, Camp Praise Valley is envisioned to become the first masterplanned community in the country ideal for reflection, meditation, and conversations with God and with one’s self. It will be a showcase of a walkable masterplanned community where lush greenery abounds. The master plan will be pedestrian-friendly and public transport-oriented.
The principle of Green Architecture and Sustainable Development was used in addressing the needs, requirements and aspiration of Jesus Is Lord.
Buildings are designed to adapt to tropical climate. To achieve a breezy atmosphere in the interiors, high ceilings were designed. Wood will be sparingly employed and large windows will allow natural ventilation and lighting to flood the interiors.
| Parish of the Risen Christ / Smokey Mountain, Manila, Philippines |
| 2005 |
| Archdiocese of Manila |
| Architectural and Engineering Design |
This structure of worship epitomizes the seemingly-endless and difficult struggle in the urban rehabilitation and transformation of Smokey Mountain, urban garbage heap into a livable, walkable, and productive community.
The church is one of its kind: environmentally-friendly, energy saving and sustainable. Recycled materials are used for construction. The church uses power generated by solar photovoltaic panels. The wind towers let the air in which provides natural cooling ventilation. Other features such as rainwater catchments, waterless toilets and coco diesel that powers air-conditioned parish offices substantially contributing to energy conservation.
Another part of the church premises houses preschool classrooms and its own playground, multipurpose hall and cooperative shops. The surroundings of the church are well landscaped and foliage and greenery are found inside the church.
| Saint Arnold Janssen Church / Province of Rizal |
| 2004 |
| Society of the Divine Word |
| Architectural and Engineering Design |
The St. Arnold Janssen Church is a modern–contemporary architecture inclusive in a neighborhood. It is a well oriented structure and allows passive cooling which gives a sense of openness and a welcoming atmosphere. The Parish, apart from the church, has an adoration chapel and service room for marriage counseling and personal consultations. It also houses the SVD Mission Center, the SVD Mission Museum, and a mini theater. The Center is also utilized as a training facility for Filipino lay missionaries, a site for an informal education program for out-of-school youth and a class of Computer Science as a part of the mission in helping the poor. This building is connected to the church by an eight-meter wide green belt, which can be used for para-liturgical activities.
| Shrine of Jesus: The Way, the Truth and the Life / Central Business Park, Pasay City, Philippines |
| 1998 |
| SM Group of Companies, Inc. |
| Architectural Design |
The Shrine of Jesus is a part of the Masterplanned Community of the Central Business Park. This structure represents the culmination of an urban planning initiative to integrate residence, work, recreation, and worship within a single walkable community. The structure is well-oriented to the wind path, allowing a cross ventilation inside. Romanesque-inspired, the Shrine of Jesus stands as a dramatic structure on a seaside area in Pasay City. It achieves perfect symmetry with a floor area of about 1,400 square meters the shrine stands on a 2,900-square meter lot of the reclaimed part of Manila Bay with a seating capacity of 580 persons. An embodiment and celebration of Filipino religiosity, Shrine of Jesus is a donation of Shoemart Investment to the Catholic Church
| Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid / Cotabato City, Province of Maguindanao, Philippines |
| 2008 |
| New Kanlaon Construction, Inc. |
| Architectural and Engineering Design |
| Interior Design |
| Landscape Architectural Design |
Rising on a five-hectare prime land in Cotabato City, this place of worship will host an Islamic Center for worship, the project is part of the Islamic Civic Center in the Philippines.
The Masjid will feature fourteen majestic gold domes. Its grand feature is its four minarets soaring up to 40 meters high.
Inside the main worship center will be two prayer rooms called the “haram.” The bigger haram can accommodate up to a thousand worshipers, while the smaller haram can accommodate about 400. These two prayer rooms are separated by lattice work with a grand ceiling eight meters high. Each prayer room will be illuminated by chandeliers at night, while natural light will seep through the design of the domes during the day.
The mihrab which faces Mecca, is located in the center fronting the main prayer room. To the right of the prayer room is the Imam's room and the administration office is located at the left. There are two spacious courtyards, which are called as sahn, at both sides of the prayer rooms. These courtyards are then surrounded by arcaded hallways called the riwaqs. Along these hallways are the main ablution areas.
As the largest edifice in the vicinity, the masjid complex will become the landmark for worship. This structure is built on a ground podium elevated 2 meters high. Ascent to this podium is possible from three sides by two grand staircases in front, four side staircases on the left and right, and two pedestrian ramps strategically located at the front corner.
