Building cost ng New Senate Building , aabot na sa P31.6B, batay sa huling... | 24 Oras

Summary

The new Senate building in the Philippines is expected to cost over Php 31.6 billion, according to the latest estimates from the Department of Public Works and Highways. The construction is ongoing, and costs are expected to rise due to inflation, exchange rates, and the increasing complexity of the building's design. The building will include advanced facilities like an auditorium, soundproofing, and specialized high-tech systems, making it one of the most expensive structures in the country. The project is set to be completed by 2027, despite ongoing challenges with material costs and supplier closures.

Takeaways

• 😀 The cost of constructing the new Senate building in the Philippines has risen to over Php 1 billion, according to the latest calculations from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
• 😀 The estimated total cost for the new Senate building is around Php 31.6 billion, based on a floor area of more than 130,000 square meters.
• 😀 The cost per square meter for the new building is approximately Php 240,000, based on 2024 construction consultancy estimates by Arcadis.
• 😀 For comparison, the most expensive high-rise office buildings in the Philippines cost about Php 92,000 per square meter for construction, and Php 91,000 per square meter for interior fit-outs.
• 😀 The estimate of Php 240,000 per square meter includes not just construction but also fit-out costs, though it excludes basement parking expenses.
• 😀 The total construction area, including non-usable spaces like parking and utility rooms, affects the price estimates.
• 😀 The building design is highly specialized, featuring four towers and a unique diagonal column structure, significantly increasing engineering and structural costs.
• 😀 The high cost is also attributed to premium materials, advanced facilities like soundproof auditoriums, and high-tech systems like advanced air conditioning and elevators.
• 😀 The longer the construction period, the higher the costs, due to factors like inflation, fluctuating currency exchange rates, and the increasing costs of imported materials.
• 😀 The Senate aims to complete the construction of the new building by 2027, despite ongoing cost increases and delays.
• 😀 Senate officials and consultants acknowledge that further cost adjustments may be necessary, especially as they enter the most expensive phase of construction, which involves finishing materials and specialized systems.

Q & A

What is the estimated construction cost of the new Senate building in the Philippines?

The estimated construction cost of the new Senate building is Php31.6 billion based on the latest calculations from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

What is the cost per square meter for the new Senate building?

The cost per square meter for the new Senate building is approximately Php240,000 based on the total floor area of over 130,000 square meters.

How does the cost of constructing the new Senate building compare to other buildings in the Philippines?

According to Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, the new Senate building could potentially be the most expensive building in the Philippines due to its high construction costs.

What factors influence the construction cost of the new Senate building?

The construction cost is influenced by various factors such as the quality of materials, specialized facilities like an auditorium with soundproofing, and the engineering design, which includes the use of diagonal columns instead of straight ones.

What is the difference between construction cost and fit-out cost?

Construction cost refers to the expense of building the structure, while fit-out cost includes the cost of designing the interior, such as walls, flooring, ceilings, plumbing, and other essential features.

What is the cost per square meter for high-rise office buildings and fit-outs?

For high-rise office buildings, the cost per square meter is about Php92,000, while for fit-out costs, it is about Php91,000 per square meter, according to 2024 estimates by construction consultancy Arcadis.

What are some factors that could further increase the construction cost of the Senate building?

Factors that could increase the cost include inflation, fluctuations in currency exchange rates, and the closing of suppliers in China, which affect the availability of materials.

What is the role of 'value engineering' in controlling costs during construction?

Value engineering involves finding ways to reduce costs without compromising the building’s quality. It is possible to apply this approach during the construction process, especially since not all materials may have been purchased yet.

Why is the cost of finishing materials important in the construction of the new Senate building?

Finishing materials, such as tiles, air conditioning systems, elevators, and imported cabling, are critical components that make up a significant portion of the final construction cost, especially during the finishing phase.

When is the new Senate building expected to be completed?

The target completion date for the new Senate building is 2027, according to the latest report from the Senate Committee on Accounts Chair, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.