SCG, a leading conglomerate in the ASEAN specializing in construction materials, and Mariwasa, a pioneer in the Philippine ceramic tile industry, recently unveiled the winning designs of the STRUKTURA future-ready Filipino home competition.
Cavite State University’s Ezekiel Dela Cruz brought home gold with his design Bahay Combo. Incorporating a philosophy of “everything for everyone,” the design embodies how structure serves a purpose for its users. Dela Cruz wanted to address the need for affordable housing while incorporating Filipino culture and dignity.
Innovative and creative winners
Using bamboo and concrete as materials, Dela Cruz wanted to exhibit the versatility, sustainability, and resiliency in his design. Bahay Combo also incorporates SCG Fiber Cement Board, SCG Stay Cool Thermal Insulation, SCG Smartboard Ventilated, and Mariwasa ceramic wall tiles.
Second place went to Kuwadrado by Chester Neil Cunanan from the University of the Philippines Diliman. Utilizing a modular-grid approach to affordable and sustainable economic housing for its layout, the design boasts disaster-resilient features such as a responsive tropical façade and a three-level rainwater management system to protect homes from natural calamities.
The design also uses hydroponics or micro-farming walls—a solution that can be a source of livelihood or food. Cunanan incorporated SCG Smartwood Wood Plank, SCG Instacrete, Mariwasa Sanitary Wares Package and Mariwasa ceramic floor tiles as materials to support biophilic and bioclimatic features of the design.
The Refuge by Rizal Technological University’s Hammida Sumpingan brought home third place with his design that manages to redefine what the future of economic housing in the Philippines will look like. The Refuge incorporated SCG Modern Series Accessories to keep moisture from penetrating the roof, SCG Insulation to reduce heat transfer, and Mariwasa Madison and Majestic tiles to help in guarding the flooring because of his desire to boost a person’s dignity, self-respect, and self-esteem in his design.
Design moving forward
SCG country director and Mariwasa president Jakkrit Suwansilp, who is also part of the judging panel, said, “We were greatly impressed with all the entries. They clearly showed how the younger generation is capable of providing sustainable and economical solutions to the current housing situation in the Philippines. SCG and Mariwasa are grateful to and proud of all the participants in the STRUKTURA competition.”
Also included on the panel of judges is United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) national president, architect Renato Heray; UAP Commission on Professional Practice former chairman, architect Randel Leona and current chairman, architect Eduardo Casares; and Spatial Development and Management Specialist Co. managing partner, architect Rolando Pinangat.
The virtual awarding ceremony was streamed live on STRUKTURA’s official Facebook page last March 1 after the Department of Trade and Industry verified the winners.
This year, STRUKTURA showcased the innovative talent and creativity of Filipino architecture students across the nation to create solutions to the country’s long-standing housing solutions thanks to the efforts of SCG and Mariwasa.
The champion design received P100,000 and an Asus TUF FX705DU gaming laptop. The second and third place winners received P60,000 and P30,000, respectively, tax-free. The advisers and universities of the winning students also received cash prizes.