Polycarbonate as Home & Office Architectural Choice

Polycarbonate sheets have virtually endless choices of application.

It is unique in terms of commercial and industrial architectural application, yet it has high applicability options added with trusted durability and strength. Aside from its value as a choice of application for industrial and commercial structures, it also offers architectural and aesthetic value to your home and office spaces.

http://architectureau.com

Though the picture below depicts a see-through image of what/who could be inside the room, there are however several choice of colors or kind of PC sheets to improve privacy like choosing darker colors or embossed or frosted PC sheets.

http://www.dcd.com

It can either be used as wall partition in your space, sound wall, roofing for patios/swimming pool, awning and canopies for additional cover on your windows and protection from stunning out pour of rain, and/or fences. However it is employed, it provides a personalized appeal to the finished setting since polycarbonate sheets come in different designs namely, twin-wall, frosted twin-wall and solid sheet which all contributes to acquiring privacy.

In the image below, a clear polycarbonate sheet was used to cover the pool area. Since it is clear, light is transmitted with lessen heat transfer into the area because PC sheets are good insulators.

http://tenthousandislandsmusic.com

In this image, PC sheet was installed in such a way that it projects the personality of the owner along with the play of colors to light the PC sheet and in doing so lighting the whole room.

http://www.houzz.com

Since it is lightweight, it can easily be handled, shipped and installed. It also comes in different designs to suit your housing fixture desire.

Polycarbonate is used as a roofing and/or as wall, windows and door in this part of the room inviting the natural lighting effect of the sun and a better view of the outside environment which provides a refreshing feeling.

http://affordablehousinginstitute.org

The Sunlite Polycarbonate Sheets welcomes all inquiries, comments and suggestion. Leave us a message and we will get back to you immediately. You can also email us at inquiry@olympus.com.ph.

Interview with Michael Luigi Manzano: Improving Quality of Life -through Architecture

“Architecture isn't just sculpture; architecture is about creating forms to compensate issues regarding strength, function, beauty, and sustainability.”

Michael Luigi Manzano is the 3^rd Placer of the 1^st Polycarbonate Sheets Architectural Design Competition held last June-July 2012, sponsored by Sunshield Polycarbonate Sheets, Sunlite Polycarbonate Sheets and Shutter Polycarbonate Sheets. He explains that he takes his inspirations from life in general. His ideas are based on street life, community, ordinary people and culture. That is why he thinks that it is incredibly important to have a specific connection with normal life.

Luigi believes that Architecture is not an abstract idea to build the building which you like or not. It is something that belongs to life because it connects history through the past into the present and even beyond the future. The point of architecture is to contribute to the culture of a community or the culture of a nation. Architecture changes the way you see yourself, the way others see you. Read on to see what this humble young man has to say about his dream for the future generations.

Can you give us a brief background of yourself?

I am a fourth year architecture student of Cebu Institute of Technology-University. I have my dad, Franklin Manzano, and my mom, Cora Manzano, who both show great support for my course and what I really want to be in the future. I also have my sister, Kristine Angeli Manzano. I love to draw, sit in front of the computer, and play chess. Sometimes, I read articles or books that discuss topics I am curious about. I am a sport enthusiast although my favorite sport is football. People say I am a silent and serious type but I love to mingle and have fun with my friends.

Who and what inspires you to become an architect?

Ever since I was in grade school, I always draw buildings and structures in my small drawing book and show these to my parents. I don't know what inspired me. All I wanted is to create something big, let people see and experience it, and give them satisfaction. At the end of the day, I want my structure to stand through time and let people in the succeeding generations able to see it. Nobody in my bloodline is an architect; I hope I'm going to be the first in my clan.

Do you have a dream project? What is your dream project?

My dream was first shallow- "to create something big, let people see and experience it, and give them satisfaction". But as I traveled longer in my journey to become an architect, I wanted to create a deeper goal. My dream project is to create a charity that will build zero energy settlements for Filipinos below poverty line. Though hard to realize, I want to build Filipino houses that have no bills, flexible, and can grow through time. I wanted to change the phase of Filipino architecture - sustainable, responsible, and respectful Filipino Architecture.

What was the most impressive structure you have seen and why?

Although far from sustainable, I am really impressed by Burj Khalifa's mighty height. As I watched the documentary "Big, Bigger, Biggest", I realized that Burj Khalifa isn't just another tall building, it underwent a very unique and comprehensive process that allowed it to stand tall. It was at that moment I realized architecture isn't just sculpture; architecture is about creating forms to compensate issues regarding strength, function, beauty, and sustainability.

What was the most challenging part of being an architecture student?

Fighting drowsiness. We always get into a dilemma of which to choose - finishing our plates in time or passing in our quiz the next day. This is the reason why we lack of sleep almost every night to manage our time for all our subjects. Sometimes, we have to miss our other classes. And sometimes, although we come to class, we can't help but sleep. Our teachers always say we do wrong in managing our time but I think it's part of every architecture student's life. This makes architecture one of the hardest courses.

Are there people in the field of architecture (both international and local) whom you admire most?

Yes, I always admire Shigeru Ban and his paper structures. They are simply amazing. His buildings state that even the lightest materials can be the strongest. People always consider used paper as trash or inferior and wood as impulse choice for constructing buildings. However, this brilliant Japanese was able to provide possibilities which can inspire people like me to create new, unique, and almost impossible concepts for the progress of a community and the survival of our natural resources.

As an individual who is into architecture, what are the things that you're still planning to do?

I have a lot of plans in life but most are just short-termed. As of now, I just want to focus on my goal to become an architect to help my parents someday and ultimately, to improve the lives of Filipinos through architecture.

Interview with Alner Pablo: An Architect of Value

It can be argued that the value of a design is measured by the ability of that idea or object to amend quality of life. There are others who see the value of design not only the end product, but the value of the process of design and how it contributes to the community.

SEA Olympus Marketing, Inc. is fortunate to have recently met Alner Pablo, a 5^th year architecture student of Bataan Peninsula State University, who not only understands the value of design, and the individuals behind the ideas, but is actively engaged to bring together like minded individuals to redirect the design community’s process to new heights.

Alner Pablo is the 1^st Placer of the 1^st Polycarbonate Sheets Architectural Design Competition held last June-July 2012 and sponsored by Sunshield Polycarbonate Sheets, Sunlite Polycarbonate Sheets and Shutter Polycarbonate Sheets. He is the former Chapter President (A.Y. 2011-2012) of UAPSA-BPSU (United Architects of the Philippines Student Auxiliary). An active student-leader who shows an utmost passion in serving his co-students, colleagues and in the community. In our interview, he humbly shared his thoughts and his dream to become an architect of value .

Why do you want to become an architect?

Before, I want to be an architect because I want to work abroad to have big income. Many say that there's a lot of money in architecture. Somehow it is true, but as I grew up and continue to study architecture, I realized that earning should be my last priority. And now, I want to be an architect because I want to protect the earth. As a future designer, I’ll make sure that my proposals or my future projects must complement with nature so that others can still witness how beautiful our planet is.

What are the essential things that you learned in architecture?

Don’t waste your time. During my early days in architecture, time management is one of my weaknesses. I have lots of priorities and I admit that I can’t handle it “before”. I have also proven that “Kapag may tiyaga, may nilaga.” Masarap kasi sa pakiramdam kapag nakikita mo na mataas ang grade mo sa mga plates na pinagpuyatan at pinaghirapan mo, lalo kung nakikita din ng mga instructors mo yung improvement mo as you go along the way.

Do you have a dream project? What is your dream project?

Actually, one of my childhood dreams is to build an orphanage or shelter for those people who are less fortunate. I really love serving people. I also want to own a restaurant because I also love cooking, and with that I think having a green or sustainable orphanage and restaurant would be my dream project.

As an architecture student, what do you want to achieve in the future?

I want to be a respected professional in the near future. I do not want to be just an architect, but rather be an architect of value. I want to have lots of projects, big projects. Kasi, kapag yumaman ako, mas maa-achieve ko talaga yung dream ko na tumulong sa iba in the future.

Are there people in the field of architecture (both international and local) whom you admire most?

There are lots of people whom I admire in the field of architecture. My instructors (Architects) are some of them. They are my inspirations. I want to be or better than my instructor, Arch. Jose Emmanuel C. Pilar, who is very simple, approachable, God-fearing and an architect of value. Arch. Jun Palafox and Arch. Jose Ling who are well-known architects in our country are also my inspirations. I really admire all architects; they are an inspiration for me.

What is the most challenging part of being an architecture student?

In my case, the most challenging part of being an architecture student is to divide my time between academics, extra-curricular, and my social life as well. Engaging with all those responsibilities and passing my minor subjects are big challenges for me.

What are the tips that you can share in order to become a successful architecture student?

An architecture student should know his priorities. Exerting effort on how you will manage your time should also be a must. Always have a room for improvement. Put into your mind that there’s always better than you and what you are doing. Let that better being be your inspiration for your improvement. Do not stop challenging yourself and discovering new things. Always be down to earth and be fair to everyone. Lastly, an architecture student should always know how to pray regardless of how many deadlines you are required to meet.

Interview with Ongie Jimenez: Architects Create Something Out of Nothing

“Nature is the greatest teacher for me and even became my solid inspiration in every project that I encountered. It is the best design to be emulated, for until now, it lasted billions of years and some are still in existent up to this time.”

Ongie Jimenez, a 5^th year student of University of Santo Tomas, has risen to become one of the most talented architecture students today. His design inspired by a unique contextual awareness has put him into the 2^nd place of the recent 1^st Polycarbonate Architectural Design Competition held last June-July 2012 and sponsored by Sunshield Polycarbonate Sheets, Sunlite Polycarbonate Sheets and Shutter Polycarbonate Sheets.

It also comes as no surprise that his work has garnered him wide acclaim not only from critics, but most notably, from his contemporaries. On this rare occasion, Ongie answered few of our questions regarding his style, design, and even a little something about his childhood. Read on to see what this innovative thinker has to say about his journey in the world of architecture.

Can you give us a brief background of yourself?

Whenever I have my free time, you will probably find me at a corner of a room, doodling or sketching anything. I haven’t changed much since my teenage computer gaming days, for up to now you can still see me in front of the computer, but not with playing games anymore, instead, playing with architectural models and programs.

I always feel excited when a new project arrives, from the day of conception, to completion. I never felt that I was working. I certainly found elation and delight when working with architectural models, designs of houses and other structures. I am also into architectural animations and 3D rendering and also got some sidelines from these skills and talent.

What is architecture for you?

PERSPECTIVE. It's not only about architecture, but I also apply it with my everyday life experience. I am talking about how we perceive things. We have the vision to take a sneak peek into the future, on how the environment and surroundings would look like. Architecture is about perspective. Turn threats into opportunities, turn weaknesses into strengths, and I know, it will help us succeed with our endeavors. Have a positive outlook in life.

What makes you interested in the field of architecture?

“Deus Architectus Mundi, Architectus Secundus Deus." "God is the architect of the world, Architects are second to God". Architects create something out of nothing. I am always fascinated with tall glamorous buildings that soar our skyline. The constant conurbation influx of ideas and constant agglomeration of problems has driven me to move forward, emulate and innovate new solutions. We should learn how to start from plinth, until we build our own obelisk. Every project requires a different approach and solution. Therefore, architecture is not routinely done, there is always something new.

What style or approach in architecture and design do you like the most?

Deconstructivism. There is always beauty in chaos. As I have said, it’s all about perspective. This style gives out a natural order from chaos, which will not only convey expressions to its users, but it also gives a different notion of architecture. Thinking outside the box.

What are the structures that you like the most?

Lyon Airport Station and Milwaukee Art Museum by Santiago Calatrava. I always wanted architecture that were not conventional. Architecture that is dynamic gives a pleasant sensation to the viewers. I am also fascinated with how architects plan spaces in relevance to transportation. Management and the ease of navigating inside the structure was a great mystery for me. There were some ambiguities in how they transport different kinds of users, people, travelers, onlookers and bystanders in a big shell but still zoned the spaces so that the users wouldn't overlap with the other users' spaces. Architecture about transportation is always the best type of structure for me.

What is the most challenging part of being an architecture student?

Architecture in the university is branded "The College that never sleeps". Sleep deprivation is one of those challenges that we learned to accept in the span of 5 years. We already adapted the norm of the college for it slowly trains us and hone us into better individuals. In the near future, endless deadlines and sleepless nights will accompany us for the rest of our lives. Beating deadlines, staying awake for a whole week to pass the plate, and absence of social life is the challenging part of our college life.

Are there people in the field of architecture whom you admire most?

Architect - Engineer Santiago Calatrava of Spain. He is a world renowned architect, engineer, and a sculptor as well. It was very evident in his works that buildings were inhabited sculptures. I have never seen any architectural works that equalized the level of aesthetics as he has attained. For local architects, I admire Architect Dan Lichauco, a respectable professor from University of Santo Tomas, a principal architect of Archion Architects, and a registered planner at the same time. I also admire Architect Manuel Maximo Lopez del Castillo-Noche and Architect Felicisimo Azagra Tejuco, Jr., two of the most reputable architects in the country.

As an architecture student, what do you want to achieve in the future?

I know the idea would be far fetched, but I wanted to be the first ever Filipino to grab hold onto the ever elusive Pritzker Prize Award. It is often referred to as a Nobel Prize for Architecture, and is the highest honor that an architect can ever obtain. I also wanted to be a National Artist for Architecture. The National Artist Award is a title given to a Filipino who has been given the highest recognition for having made significant contributions to the development of Philippine Arts.

I'll set my goals high, and aim for the best to attain these goals.

Passion Runs in the Blood

Nurtured by his parents who are both architects and growing up with a sibling who's into the same profession, Architect Darell Dave Anino was able to observe the importance and benefits of architecture. These molded his dream of becoming an architect too and inspired him to take up architecture in Cebu Institute of Technology-University. 

After passing the licensure exam in 2009 in which he was an 8^th placer, he had his apprenticeship in their architectural firm, the DGAnino Architects Builders. From this, he started making successful projects that made him renowned in the field of architecture. Some of his works were commercial establishments, residential buildings as well as renovations and interior works. 

one of Arch. Anino's projects

To know more about Architect Anino’s works and his insights about architecture, you can visit this link http://sunshieldph.blogspot.com/

How to Create a Relaxing Balcony

The balcony is an area wherein you can have a good view of your environment and get a breath of fresh air. It is a place in the house where you can feel the warm breeze of the outside while still having the feel of the inside. It is indeed amazing how a balcony can make you feel so relaxed and at ease. Consider the following tips to decorate a balcony, and transform your ordinary outdoor space into an extraordinary place for relaxing and spending time. 

Give your balcony a lighter touch by placing some plants into it. You can either use ornamental plants or flowering plants. This depends on how you want your balcony to be. Let your plants be in one with your interior design.

 

Most people are more likely to sit outdoors if the seating is adjustable and allows for greater comfort. Add some furniture in the balcony so that you can relax or read a book or merely listen to music while you look at the beauty around you. Let your furniture complement with your home’s interior design concept. 

 

Your balcony could be a good place to mingle with nature and with the environment. Look for a spot where you can have a good view of the garden, the beach and other attractive outdoor scenario.  

 

Balconies provide the ideal getaway for entertaining family and friends, and a balcony that is often in use will require exterior lighting. You can place pin lights so that you can use the area even during the night.

The Sunlite Polycarbonate Sheets welcomes all inquiries, comments and suggestion. Leave us a message and we will get back to you immediately. You can also email us at inquiry@olympus.com.ph.

Gazebo Design Ideas

An outdoor garden gazebo is one of the best choice for relaxing and leisure purposes, taking into account its advantages and the way it complements your garden and house. A vast array of gazebo sizes and styles are available, depending on what uses you have planned for the gazebo. Some designs are enclosed; others are open. Some have several stairs; others do not. Here are some ideas that might help you to decide what design would work best for your yard.

http://www.felmiatika.com/

http://www.felmiatika.com/

http://www.felmiatika.com/

The Sunlite Polycarbonate Sheets welcomes all inquiries, comments and suggestion. Leave us a message and we will get back to you immediately. You can also email us at inquiry@olympus.com.ph.

Environmentally Friendly Home Innovations

This beautiful wooden home is located in Elkins Meadow Subdivision, Colorado, USA. Designed by Arch. Robert Hawkins, the Reed Residence displays and original architecture focus on sustainability.

The interior designs are spacious and friendly, with wood inspiring warmth throughout. Large windows open up the home towards the landscape and allow natural light inside. Traditional rustic elements coexist with contemporary details, yet the overall result is highly welcoming. 

Photos by David Patterson (www.freshome.com)

Photos by David Patterson (www.freshome.com)

Photos by David Patterson (www.freshome.com)

Photos by David Patterson (www.freshome.com)

For more information about Sunlite Polycarbonate Sheets, please check our website at www.olympus.com.ph or email us at inquiry@olympus.com.ph.

Polycarbonate Sheets Architectural Design Competition 2012

SEA Olympus Marketing Inc. is pleased to announce the 1st Polycarbonate Sheet Architectural Design Competition on the theme, Innovation: Envisioning the Design of the future.

The competition aims to generate insights, visions, ideas and proposals that helps us envision the concepts and designs of the future. We also want to promote scholastic excellence and competence through healthy and fair competition and at the same time, provide a venue for interaction amongst students and teachers from other schools.

 

If you want to be part of this competition, here's how to join: 

 

I. Design Challenge:

Polycarbonate Sheets are a flat rigid plastic materials commonly used for interior designs, roofing, skylight, walkway sheds and waiting sheds. This material has high tensile strength and comes in a variety of textures and colors. Polycarbonate sheets also provide a unique way of minimizing or eliminating consumption of energy for artificial electrical lighting in several application areas.

We are inviting all architectural and design students to make an innovative design where they can use these materials. Participants are allowed to make any designs like residential, commercial buildings, waiting sheds and other innovative structures that use polycarbonate sheets in the most creative ways. Designers are also free to choose whether to use polycarbonate sheets in interior or exterior applications.

II. Competition Guidelines:

Eligibility

The competition is open to students currently enrolled in any architecture and design-related program, such as Architecture, Landscape, Construction Management, Interior Design, or any program with an emphasis on the built environment (undergraduate in any year level). Competition entries must be the work of an individual. All schools and students wishing to participate must submit the registration forms.

Competition Schedule

Deadline for entries June 30, 2012

Facebook “Liking” contest period July 2-20, 2012

Design competition Jury July 22, 2012

Announcement of winners July 28, 2012

Submission Mechanics

A. Registration
Interested participants must demonstrate that they fulfill the eligibility criteria by completing the registration form and by providing the requested information as attachments.

• School ID
  
• Enrollment slip for the 1st Quarter
  

B. Deadline

All entries and registration forms must be submitted on or before June 30, 2012.

C. Entry guidelines

• All design entries should reflect the theme of the contest and address the following evaluation criteria in defining the concept and scope of their proposal;
  

Architectural expression that embraces the ethic of sustainability. The project should demonstrate sustainable design as an integral and synergistic element, that is aesthetically delightful and contextually sensitive to people, place and time.

Minimal ecological impact. The design should demonstrate different techniques to minimize the negative environmental impact of buildings by enhancing efficiency and moderation in the use of materials, energy, and development space.

Exceptional in innovation. The design should demonstrate an innovative idea that achieves results beyond the expectations of the judges and to the sponsor.

• All designs submitted must be the original work of the entrant. It is the entrant’s sole responsibility to ensure that the work submitted does not infringe upon the intellectual property rights of any third party, including, but not limited to copyright, trademark and design right.
  
• All designs may not have been previously published before 30 June 2012.
  
• Each participant is only allowed to submit 1 entry.
  

D. Presentation Format

• Designers are allowed to use any media (3D software or sketch). However, all boards must be presented in digital image format (.jpg). The maximum size of design is not more than 24x36inches in 300dpi. Any other type of presentation will be disqualified.
• The design proposal must include a description (saved in PDF file) to make it fully understandable.
  
• Participants must indicate the type of polycarbonate sheets that they are using from the product line of the competition sponsor. They may refer to the following websites www.sunshield.com.ph, www.shutter45.blogspot.com, www.sunshieldph.blogspot.com, www.sunliteroofph.blogspot.com, and www.olympus.com.ph or see the attachments for the information of the products.
  
• All board entries must be submitted electronically by June 30, 2012 to SEA Olympus Marketing, Inc. Registration must be completed and attached with the project submission.

III. Judging:
Preliminary judging will be conducted by OMI to verify projects meet required competition rules and requirements.
Final judging will be conducted by an appointed panel of judges. The competition jury will convene on July 21 and 22, 2012 to select prize-winning projects and honorable mentions. Winners will be notified of the competition results directly.
Entries will be evaluated upon design merit, quality of sustainable ideas and the impact of the proposal to the theme. Each design will be judged by a panel of experts based on the following criteria:

Criteria for Judging

Originality, Innovations and Uniqueness of Design 25%

Aesthetic, functionality and buildability 20%

Cleverness and Appropriate use of Polycarbonate Sheets 20%

Clear and easily comprehensible design - both architectural and structural 15%

Relevance to the theme 15%

Facebook Likes 5%

Selected projects (Special Mentions) will go on show in a major exhibition. Best projects will be featured in SEA Olympus Marketing booth exhibit.


Most Popular Award
All entries who passed in the preliminary judging will be posted on OMI Polycarbonate Sheets’ Facebook Fanpage (www.facebook.com/OMIpolycarbs) and qualified for the most popular design award. Winners will be determined through the most number of likes. Here's the Guidelines for FB contest.
1. Contest period is from July 2, 2012 – July 20, 2012.
2. 3 entries with the highest number of likes will be declared winners. Announcement of winners will be on July 28, 2012.
3. Using of dummy accounts is not allowed. All likes using dummy accounts will be considered invalid.

4. Winners declared by OMI is final.

VI. Copyright

The author's rights for a competition entry remain with the author. SEA Olympus Marketing Inc. is entitled to make use of the winning entries for our websites or in other marketing promotions related to Polycarbonate Sheets.

Prizes:

Here are the prizes for Polycarbonate Sheets Architectural Design Competition:

1^st Place 

Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 and a certificate

2^nd Place

Samsung  Galaxy Ace S5830 and a certificate

3^rd Place  

Samsung Galaxy Y Dous and a certificate

For the Most Popular, the Top 3 Will receive a Samsung Champ Deluxe Dous each.

All winning entries and selected special mentions will be featured on company's official websites and OMI major exhibits. Winning entries’ designs will also be featured on company’s exhibit booths.

*All participants will be issued a Certificate of Participation.