Technology At Its Finest

Press Release:

It’s a grand 10-hectare development by a riverside that boasts of 70 percent open space.

With its scale and vision, Circulo Verde, a residential hub in Bagumbayan Quezon City, is by far the most ambitious project done by Ortigas & Co.

The developer, which has more than 80 years of experience building known residential and shopping areas Greenhills, Greenmeadows, Greenhills Shopping Center and Tiendesitas, has set its eyes on a piece of property which features the advantages of Marikina River as backdrop and a location very near commercial business districts and schools.

Ortigas & Co. commissioned DCCD Engineering, a company with 50 years of experience in hydrology and flood control, to conduct a comprehensive technical pre-engineering study to ascertain the geographic soundness of the site.

Technology against earthquakes

DCCD’s final report became the basis for a final evaluation and recommendation for the type of structural foundation to be used for the development that ensures the safety of the residents.

Seismic studies based on ground condition and proximity to the fault system was also conducted.

Structures in Circulo Verde were designed in accordance with the latest edition of National Structural Code of the Philippines (NSCP-2001) and The Uniform Building Code (UBC).

“Circulo Verde, based on our designs, drawings, and specifications are sound and safe for occupancy. The Circulo Verde residential towers could withstand earthquakes of major intensity without collapse of main structural members. Buildings were also designed to conform with the Life Safety Standards with the provision of sprinkler systems and smoke pressurized fire exit stairs,” said Joey Santos, senior vice president real estate division, Ortigas & Co.

Anti-Flooding Technologies

Flood protection technologies were also part of the Circulo Verde’s site development plant. Anti-flooding features of the project include the construction of a perimeter wall on the riverbanks to ensure not only a defense against rising currents but also to prevent soil erosion.

The entire property was also elevated from 8 meters above the level of the Marikina River. To ensure vehicular safety and security, Circulo Verde offers parking spaces above ground only. There are two levels of above ground parking for the entire phase 1.

A smart drainage system was also installed. This includes the construction of an interceptor canal, which is 1.5 meter x 1.5 meters to intercept and convey the surface flow of water (during heavy rains) from Calle Industria and possible flood over flow from the Marikina River upstream of the Felix Manalo Bridge. The interceptor canal will discharge its flow to the Pasig River at the northwest corner of the property (downstream).

In addition to the detention tank system for flood mitigation, an automated pumping system will also be constructed to adequately drain water volume that may accumulate or will be trapped inside the dike system even at high flood level condition of the Pasig-Marikina River.

Water collected at the detention tank, once it filled up the tank, will be discharged slowly to Marikina River through automatic flood gates.

Green indoor features

Apart from the anti-flooding system, energy-saving features were also adhered to in the development. For example, majority of the units are designed to have balconies to maximize natural light coming from the outside. Hallways are also designed to have a cross-ventilation system.

“Range hood and bath fans are vented to the outside and operable windows are also installed in all units. In the long run, the resident would get various benefits of good indoor air quality such as the preservation of the building structure itself, and finish, controlling musty utility areas, as well as reduced cooking, bathroom, smoking, and pet odors. Additionally, this would help in reducing the presence of allergens and molds,” said Santos.

A waste management and wastewater treatment facility will also be put in place. The facility, in addition to reusing and recycling water, will decrease water pollution from storm water runoff and household sewage.

“For residents, a major benefit includes a reduction in incidence of possible diseases as well as tangible improvements in water quality for irrigation and non-potable uses.”

“As an environmentally aware developer, OCLP employs best practices in land use and planning as well as solid waste and sewage management,” said Santos.