Applicator: Tradetek Resources, Inc.
Ateneo De Davao University, one of the premiere and leading academic institutions in the Mindanao region, aimed to build Philippine’s first environmentally responsible model school campus. According to its lead architect, John Immanuel R. Palma, “the campus was planned to be a model campus for social and environmental responsibility.” Numerous green and eco-friendly architectural design concepts were put into place. Classrooms were designed to harness natural light and prevailing wind, while vertical gardens were integrated for additional cooling and to offset at least 20% of the building’s carbon footprint. In addition, solar panels were installed on the building’s roofs and a rainwater catchment system was set in place to reuse rainwater for non-potable purposes.
As such, the architects were looking for a floor finish that was not only aesthetically pleasing but easy to maintain and environmentally friendly. Initially, the floors were specified to receive a stamped concrete finish similar to their other buildings, however, when they took into account the necessary maintenance costs and eventual deterioration of such finishes they looked for an alternative solution. The RetroPlate concrete polishing system was recommended as it was a perfect fit for their needs. The architects and school officials appreciated that aside from the aesthetic benefits, the system was environmentally friendly and green, and floors were much more durable and easy to maintain. As a result, the main hallways of the campus that connects the school buildings were specified and received the RetroPlate System as well.