Alcema Commercial-Condotel

Location: Bonifacio Street and Rimando Road, Baguio City

Owner: Alcema Realty Development Corporation

Program: On the prime property that sits across the main Saint Louis University campus--right across Gate Number Three, develop an edifice to serve as the headquarters and marketing space of AVON in Baguio. Incorporate commercial spaces, dormitory units, residential units for corporate owners, and parking facilities. Maximize the potential of the two main roads that flank the property at its opposite sides.

Solution: The design result is a ten-storey building with roof deck. Two levels of parking, three levels to adequately satisfy all AVON requisites, one level of rentable commercial spaces, three floors of saleable condominium-dormitories, penthouse family-residences, and a promenade level at deck level.

To enhance the useability and appeal of the building, reflecting pools with fountains are incorporated at two sides of the Lower Ground level. Strategically placed at the Bonifacio main entrance, all building entrants will treated to the pleasing sound of moving water as it resonates unto the three main levels and become the "come-on" into all portions of building--providing a cool and refreshing entrance. A worthy respite from the overly crowded roadway that runs across the building's front.

The Second Floor level incorporates twelve rentable commercial units; most of which are reserved to the long-time tenants of the premises. Above these, there are three floors of dormitories as the home of students who will conveniently have their school premises just across the road (at front of edifice). Penthouse level is designed to have six apartment units-- for each member of the Alcema board. The Roof Deck level will cater as private promenade facilties for the owners; water feature and garden, barbeque amenities have been included.

Rainwater harvesting and re-use, daylight harnessing, dominant use of fluorescent and LED lights, use of a concrete envelope for natural insulation-- have been used (among others), to give this project its "green" essences. RGC&A remains responsive to its commitment as an advocate of Green Architecture.

AVON Philippines has mandate over the amenties which serve its clientele. As such specific requisites on signage, display, area minimums, lighting, interior design and facilities; all these had to be incorporated into the designs by RGC&A-- to the full satisfaction of the building owners and AVON Philippines.