april-2012

PICAR
Development’s
Stratford
Residences in
Makati promises
to be an iconic
city landmark
Engineering
at its best
IT ALL STARTS with a
vision. When PICAR
Development’s
Amable Aguiluz
(left) decided to
build a high-rise
tower, he didn’t hold
back. The 70-storey
Stratford Residences, an engineering
feat designed by architect Jose
Pedro C. Recio and built using
Holcim Concrete, is centrally located
in the Makati business district
and offers breathtaking views of
the metropolis. It’s expected to be
completed in 2015.
promotional feature
Solutions
in action
When PICAR Development decided to embark
on an ambitious project, the 70-storey Stratford
Residences, they knew exactly who to turn to —
Holcim Concrete
WHEN TALKING about
great construction
projects in the
Philippines, two names
easily come to mind,
especially for those
in the know: Stratford
Residences and
Holcim. The Stratford
Residences project
is a game changer,
as the ambitious
construction by real
estate newcomer PICAR
Development, Inc. is
both introduction and
induction to the roster
of major developers in
the Philippines.
As it changes the
Makati skyline with its
record-breaking 70 storeys, it redefi nes luxury
living by giving new meaning to the phrase
“life at the top” as well. Just ask Chairman
Amable Aguiluz V, the man behind PICAR
Development who is also the visionary behind
the AMA educational system, the country’s
pioneer in computer education.
“I opened my AMA school in 1980, and
the total student body numbered 13 students.
I told them one day we are going to be
the biggest IT school in the country,” says
Aguiluz, recalling the humble beginnings
of his greatest success. He delivered on his
word, growing the AMA school system from
those 13 students to 150,000 annually,
{ 34 }
making it the largest Information and
Computer Technology campus in Asia and
soon the Middle East.
The Stratford Residences, the fl agship
project of the AMA Group of Companies
subsidiary, PICAR Development, promises
to be another Makati landmark. And yet
Chairman Aguiluz has more plans for PICAR
Development. “These days, customers
want to acquire properties they see rising
from the ground, not projects seen only in
brochures. We will adapt to the changing
market and remain service-focused on
providing customer value.”
But great feats can only be accomplished
by a great team. To build the The Stratford
Residences, PICAR Development has
partnered with contractor KONGEN, and is
using only the best cement and concrete
products from Holcim Philippines, Inc.
Through Holcim’s value engineering, PICAR
Development is able to decrease its use
of steel in favor of high-strength concrete.
Holcim concrete experts came up with
a specially designed concrete mix using
Holcim 4x cement. This high-strength,
high workability cement is ideal for fast
construction cycles and optimized concrete
mix designs necessary for a 12,000 psi
structure like The Stratford Residences.
To know more about Holcim and how they
can help your business, contact Holcim today.
Trunkline: +63 (2) 459 3333; Customer
CARE Center: +63 (2) 459 3222; PLDT Toll
free: 1800 100 HOLCIM (465246); Digitel Toll
free: 1800 38 HOLCIM (465246).