SM’s vision through an architect’s lens By Investing.com

PASAY CITY, Philippines, December 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The SM groupthrough its integrated real estate developer arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., sets a benchmark for sustainable and disaster-resilient design. Embracing innovation, the company integrates environmental considerations and community well-being into its projects, reflecting a commitment to long-term sustainability.

SM Group’s foresight to incorporate best construction practices continues with the next generation, as Jessica Syvice president and head of design, innovation and strategy of SM Prime and its residential branch SM Development Company (SMDC) emphasizes respect for the territory through the creation of ecological buildings.

“We want to make sure that when we develop a building it will last a long time,” said Ms. Sy. “We’ve found that what’s good for our communities is actually good for our business, because meeting their needs also strengthens our connection with them as customers.”

Drawing lessons from his first year of architecture studies, Ms. Sy highlighted the role of water in all development. It can be both beautiful, life-giving, or unpredictable in nature.

“As architects, it’s one of the first things we were taught,” Ms. Sy added. “Water is the source of life, but it can also change everything. Flooding of properties could have serious consequences and destroy the lives of many families.”

Field Residences is an example of SM’s commitment to meeting the highest standards of disaster resilience in its development.

A new rainwater retention tank was completed in September this year after SMDC found that water levels at Field residences had increased over the years. It is designed to cope with extreme rainfall similar to that of Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana), which brought 455 millimeters of rain in 24 hours.

How architecture can also build values

SMDC also promotes local identity in its projects by specifically choosing native plants better adapted to the territory.

“We are trying to reduce plant types that do not benefit the local environment or enliven its biodiversity,” she said. “What we do is identify plants that can thrive here, like the endemic plant Katmon [Dillenia philippinensis] TREE.”

SMDC has initiated the creation of future nurseries of these plants in various developments.

“The decisions we make today will impact the long-term future,” she added. “With sustainability at the forefront of our conversations today, we see that this is part of the legacy we must complete.”