MANILA, Philippines — A P7-billion investment will see Mandaluyong's SM Megamall be transformed into a more energy-efficient retail space that mirrors the Philippines' natural beauty.
SM Prime Holdings Inc. shared in a disclosure that the redevelopment of Megamall will be completed by 2029 at the latest, with United Kingdom-based architectural firm Benoy at the helm.
Among the many projects Benoy has overseen through the years include Singapore's Changi Airport Terminal 4, Jewel, Oceanarium, and ION Orchard, ICONSIAM in Thailand, the London College of Fashion, the City Ground football stadium of Nottingham Forest, and the international airports of South Korea and Bahrain.
In the Philippines, Benoy oversaw the revamping of SM Aura's food court in Taguig into the Food on Four.
Benoy will provide services in architecture, retail planning, interior design, wayfinding & signage, and landscape in the 87,207.05-square-meter space — 20,000 of which will be gross leasable area, themed retail zones, and "improved mobility features and energy-efficient systems."
Nature redesign
The firm will redesign the mall with a "Crystal Islands" theme inspired by the Philippines’ rich natural beauty, "blending nature with a dynamic retail experience, enhancing aesthetics while fostering deeper connections between shoppers and their surroundings."
Specifically, the redesign will involve a vibrant landscape design, modern architecture, and interiors.
The mall's topmost floor will have an elevated garden space aptly called the Level 5 Garden, which Benoy describes as an "air-conditioned oasis featuring tropical plants, dining areas, and comfortable seating for social interaction."
"Sustainability is at the core of the design, incorporating low-maintenance plants and a self-sustaining irrigation system to minimize environmental impact," the firm added.
More green features
The redesign will integrate a rainwater harvesting system with a 500-cubic-meter capacity and upgraded mechanical systems to cut energy use.
ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) roofing, skylights and clerestory windows will maximize daylight and reduce cooling costs.
Energy-efficient LED lighting and sensor-activated escalators are expected to deliver energy savings of up to 50% and 30%, respectively.
Solar panel installations are also under review as part of SM Prime’s broader carbon reduction program.
Related: SM Prime unveils P7-B 'Crystal Islands' makeover for Megamall
Other upgrades
The redevelopment will include a new four-level basement parking facility with more than 1,600 slots, expanded walkways and ceilings, wider corridors, improved circulation, and modernized vertical transport.
Plans also call for relocated cinemas, a new Megatrade Hall, a redesigned food court, and upgraded common areas and restrooms.
Phases
The project will be done in phases as the mall's new layout will feature three zones — Emerald Island, Sapphire Island, and Rhodolite Island — each of them defined by unique colors and materials for a cohesive visitor experience.
"It is a little bit painful to close a certain portion of Megamall because of the revenue that it generates, but we feel that this is a more sustainable development for the business in general," SM Supermalls president Steven Tan said in a statement.
Tan added that the mall currently has the highest per square meter sales across the group's shopping centers and there is already a huge waiting list for spaces.
"[A] holistic approach ensures seamless navigation through architecture, interiors, landscape, and signage," Benoy ended. "This transformation elevates the shopping experience, setting a new benchmark for integrative retail design in the region." — with reports from Ian Laqui and Richmond Mercurio