ARTHALAND launches the Philippines’ first commercial-scale bamboo structure in Sevina Park

ARTHALAND, the Philippines’ foremost sustainable real estate developer, is celebrating another first with the launch of Project BEAM (Bamboo for Ecological Architecture and Materials), the country’s first commercial scale bamboo structure. The project represents a major milestone in its long-standing vision of “Life Built for Tomorrow,” transforming bold climate commitments into a tangible, nature-based solution for the built environment. 

From being Asia’s first real estate signatory to the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment, aligning with the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), and taking on a pioneering role in the ESCAP Sustainable Business Network (ESBN), ARTHALAND has consistently moved from advocacy to action. With Project BEAM, this momentum reaches a new phase, firmly anchoring the company’s sustainability strategy in circular construction, carbon reduction, and inclusive economic growth. “This project reflects the evolution of our commitment. It’s about moving past operations and efficiency, to rethink the very materials that define the built environment,” said Jaime C. González, Vice Chairman and President of ARTHALAND. 

Project BEAM exemplifies how nature-based solutions can reshape the future of construction. As embodied carbon now accounts for nearly half of all building-related emissions globally, the shift toward bio-based, carbon-sequestering materials has become increasingly critical. Bamboo stands out as a rapidly renewable, regenerative resource that can function as a structural material while significantly reducing the carbon footprint of buildings. 

In the Philippine setting, bamboo forests can sequester an estimated 100 to 400 tons of carbon dioxide per hectare over a ten-year period, while also restoring degraded lands and strengthening ecosystem health. Beyond its environmental value, bamboo supports livelihoods across the country, from the expansive farms of Central Luzon to artisanal craft traditions in the Visayas and furniture industries in Mindanao. The global bamboo market, valued at USD 67.4 billion in 2024 and projected to grow at nearly eight percent annually, underscores the industry’s vast potential. With 1.5 million hectares suitable for bamboo cultivation and less than 3.5 percent currently utilized, the Philippines is uniquely positioned to scale production, stimulate rural economies, and emerge as a regional leader in bamboo innovation.

Bamboo also embodies the principles of circular construction. It regenerates after harvest without the need  for replanting, reduces resource depletion, and enables modular, lightweight, and adaptable design that  allows buildings to be repaired, reused, or repurposed instead of demolished. Throughout its lifecycle, bamboo serves as a natural carbon sink, transforming built structures into long-term carbon reservoirs and closing the loop between sustainable sourcing, extended material use, and restorative environmental  outcomes. In his message, ARTHALAND Director Christopher T. Po emphasized the deeper meaning behind the initiative. Through the initiative, ARTHALAND aims to reduce embodied carbon while uplifting local  industries and creating meaningful livelihood opportunities in rural communities.

The first Project BEAM structure will soon rise within Sevina Park, ARTHALAND’s master planned mixed-use estate in Biñan, Laguna that is known for being the first in Southeast Asia to achieve both LEED Platinum certification for Neighborhood Development and the first to receive the BERDE Districts 5-Star rating. The 600-square-meter medical clinic, brings together cutting-edge healthcare services, sustainability, and  forward-looking design. Maxicare Healthcare Corporation, the country’s leading healthcare provider, is one of the first tenants and partners for this pioneering venture. Like all ARTHALAND developments, the clinic is designed to achieve at least a 20% reduction in energy and water consumption, reinforcing the company’s leadership in low-carbon, resource-efficient development.“ This collaboration just makes sense as true wellness extends beyond the individual – it includes the environment around them,” said Oliver L. Chan, SVP  and Chief Sustainability Officer of ARTHALAND. 

Echoing this commitment, Maxicare highlighted the importance of integrated, sustainable healthcare in advancing overall well-being. “At Maxicare Group, we believe that a truly holistic approach to health is essential in helping Filipinos live their best lives. Partnering with ARTHALAND reflects our commitment to sustainable innovation while continuing to provide Filipinos with peace of mind through quality healthcare,” said Christian Argos, President and Maxicare Group CEO. 

A high-level panel discussion held during the launch further underscored bamboo’s transformative potential. The panel, composed of Arch. Kristina Samantha Pobre, Head of Sustainability at ARTHALAND; Hon. Jose  Manuel F. Alba, 1st District Representative Bukidnon; Russel Smith, President, CEO and Co-Founder of Rizome Philippines; Prof. Ronniel D. Manalo, Assistant Professor at UP Los Baños College of Forestry and Natural Resources; and moderated by journalist and editor Yvette Tan of the Manila Bulletin; examined bamboo’s  proven structural feasibility, its role in reducing emissions in the built environment, and the pathways for  scaling the bamboo value chain nationwide. The discussion highlighted the urgency of updating building codes, strengthening incentives, expanding research and testing, and fostering private sector demand to unlock bamboo’s full potential as a national climate solution. Panelists agreed that bamboo is no longer confined to traditional or small-scale use and see it as a viable material for mainstream commercial construction that can drive inclusive economic growth while strengthening rural livelihoods. 

In her closing remarks, ARTHALAND Independent Director Arch. Denise De Castro reflected on the broader  implications of the initiative. She described Project BEAM as only the beginning of a much bigger journey, noting that if a single 600-square-meter structure can already spark inspiration, the transformation that an entire industry can achieve is even more profound. She called on stakeholders to remain engaged by  supporting research and development, empowering local producers, championing circular construction, advocating policies that allow sustainable materials to thrive, and choosing to build differently.

ARTHALAND remains the only real estate developer in the Philippines with a residential and commercial portfolio that is 100 percent certified as sustainable by both local and global organizations. Through pioneering developments such as Project BEAM, the company continues to redefine what is possible in the Philippine real estate industry by delivering best-in-class properties that adhere to the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility.

For more information on Project BEAM and ARTHALAND’s sustainable developments, visit www.arthaland.com and watch the official Project BEAM and post-event videos on through https://www.youtube.com/@ARTHALAND