Green office building opens in Ortigas Center

Hanston Square is the newest Grade A office building to open its doors in Ortigas Center, Pasig. The Ortigas Business District has been reinvigorated in recent years. Projects have been undertaken by the Ortigas Center Association, together Ortigas and Co. and the local government, such as the opening of the Ortigas Park in the heart of the business district, the construction of elevated pedestrian walkways, and the deployment of additional security, police and rapid response emergency services. This has cemented the premier standing of Ortigas Center as one of the two main pre-eminent business districts in the country. Ortigas Center remains the most strategically located business district in Metro Manila with access to the rich talent pools of Manila, Makati, Pasig, Quezon City, Mandaluyong and Rizal. It is also home to the Asian Development Bank, an international institution that is also helping the Ortigas Center Association with its urban planning initiatives. These factors encouraged Hanston Properties to develop its latest project which is now ready for occupancy. Hanston Square building is designed to take advantage of the latest trends in building design efficiency, construction technology, and sustainable green building technology. The building adheres to international standards such as the ASTM Standard, UL-listed testing, and ASHRAE. Corporate tenants looking to relocate from less efficient older office buildings or looking to expand their space will appreciate the large floor plates of 1,500 square meters with open column-free layout. The use of specially produced extra high-strength steel and high-strength concrete ensures smaller columns and a maximum core to outer shell span of twelve meters. This provides an unobstructed and wide open view of the whole floor. The high building efficiency also contributes to lower effective rental rates dues to less wasted space and more useable space. Special attention was made to the health and well-being of the tenants. The installation of high speed and high capacity elevators designed to handle high density traffic ensures shorter wait times and less aggravation especially during the morning rush hour. The mutli-zone VRF air-conditioning system provides improved fresh air delivery to ensure better indoor air quality aside from energy savings with its inverter technology. A retail component mix of banking, convenience store, restaurant and fastfood outlets on the ground floor caters to employee needs. The building is located along San Miguel Avenue near Shaw Boulevard. Transportation hubs for bus, jeepney and the MRT are all within walking distance on well-lighted and busy streets. It is also near two major shopping malls (Edsa Shangri-la and SM Megamall); hotels (Edsa Plaza, Richmonde Hotel, Linden Suites, and Oakwood); a university (University of Asia and the Pacific); and a training facility (Development Academy of the Philippines). Hanston Square adopted LEED features to become an environmentally and economically sustainable building. The building used recyclable inputs in the construction of its core and shell including fly-ash in high strength concrete. Energy-saving glass developed in Belgium with optical and solar performance conforming to European Standards ensures more efficient cooling and lower electricity bills. The VRF (variable refrigerant flow) air-conditioning system utilizes the more advanced R410 refrigerant containing no chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) -- an ozone depleting substance. Furthermore, the building is fitted with dual-piping for rainwater harvesting and waste water recycling. Low-flow water fixtures and urinals are installed in all bathrooms. Low wattage, high energy efficiency lighting are used throughout the building. Security conscious office tenants will appreciate the separate access elevators; the installation of multiple CCTVs on each floor and the presence of emergency services personnel and equipment stationed within sight of the building. Hanston Square is a PEZA-registered building developed by Hanston Properties, Inc. For further details, call 631-3030 or visit www.hanstonproperties.com.