Info New building material replaces hollow blocks
MANILA,
Philippines - A new building block technology has entered the local property
market, providing for a more affordable and faster way to put up high-rise
structures.
Malaysia’s
Starken AAC sdn Bhd., the leading manufacturer of autoclaved aerated concrete
(AAC) building materials, offers a lighter and more affordable alternative to
traditional concrete hollow blocks used in buildings and houses.
Since its
establishment in 2011, the company has expanded its operations to other
countries.
“We have
been in Australia, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Singapore and Indonesia,”
Starken general manager for international business Chua Swee Hock said.
Last week,
the firm continued its expansion as it announced its entry to the Philippine
market.
Starken
Philippines Inc. chief executive officer and president Samuel Liuson described
AAC construction materials as “a revolutionary product that could change the
way we build houses and high-rise structures.”
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AAC products
are more lightweight since they are made using slurry mix containing cement,
sand, lime and aerating agent, he said.
“The slurry
is poured and molded to form lightweight blocks, panels and lintels upon which
are cured in autoclave,” Liuson added.
Hock said
the company offers three kinds of AAC products: AAC blocks, AAC lintel used for
door and window openings and AAC panels for walls and floors.
Although AAC
technology is not new to the global constructing industry, Liuson noted this is
the first time AAC products will be introduced to the Philippine market.
“It is a
very good material for high-rise and earthquake- affected areas,” Liuson said.
Luison's
sentiment was echoed by Hock, as he noted the use of AAC products on buildings
cuts foundation cost by around 25 percent.
“These
products are especially suitable for high-rise buildings. During the designing
stage, if you go for this product, you will have a lot of savings on the
foundation cost," Hock said.
He cited a
number of high rise structures in Malaysia are using AAC products such as the
Four Seasons hotel, Evo shopping mall and the W hotel.
Hock added
AAC products offer a faster installation process compared to concrete hollow
blocks as only a special adhesive is used to glue AAC blocks together.
With the
faster installation process, Liuson noted this would address construction
delays which are mainly caused by the lack of skilled labor.
“It will
perhaps complement because it will cut down the time to build houses or
high-rises and it will become more efficient," Liuson said.
Liuson noted
the entry of the Malaysian firm into the country is just in time with the
property boom, as the Philippine real estate industry continues to see a
massive amount of building constructions.
"I
suspect that's why they have come into the local market because markets outside
are slowing down. And they suddenly have excess capacity to be able to ship to
countries like the Philippines," Liuson said.
As the AAC
manufacturer is still new to the Philippine market, Luison noted the firm is
not yet working with major property developers in the country, as it is still
trying to study possible problems that may arise with its products.
"We
want to introduce it to our circle of friends first so that if we have any
issues unique to the Philippines, we will know right away when we start our
projects," he said.
Liuson said
once the Philippine arm of Starken starts supplying products locally, the
materials will be manufactured in its Malaysian factory and shipped back to the
country.
