Local startup Revolution Precrafted is expanding to Japan after bagging another international deal, this time to develop at least 85 luxury, design-driven prefabricated boutique hotel villas, at a beachfront property on Miyako Island, Okinawa.
The firm said this further reinforces its foothold within the global hospitality and tourism sector.
“This foray into the Japanese market is even more meaningful as Japan, home to 6 Pritzker-prize winners, is all about high design and forward-thinking architecture — everything that Revolution Precrafted is about,” said Revolution Precrafted founder Robbie Antonio.
He noted that “we have several Japanese architectural geniuses on our exceptional roster of Revolutionaries — Sou Fujimoto, Kengo Kuma, Nendo Studio, and Pritzker architectural firm Tange and Associates.”
Antonio revelead that it is building luxury villas with sizes ranging from 23 square meters to 60 square meters on the island of Miyako, just as the region gains increased popularity and tourist interest.
Okinawa is Japan’s southernmost prefecture, significantly distinct from the rest of the region. Its beaches and temperate climate all year-round make it a top choice among travelers.
Miyako island, in particular, is the premier summer destination — boasting a 100 km coastal line, picturesque sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs.
Okinawa tourist arrivals rose to 9,396,200 in 2017, up 9.1 percent from the previous year, surpassing even Hawaii’s numbers. Tourist arrivals in Okinawa have been increasing over the past five years.
“This is only the first of many projects we intend to do in Japan,” said Antonio.
“This foray into the Japanese market is particularly meaningful as Japan, home to six Pritzker-prize winners, is all about high design and forward-thinking architecture.”
Robbie Antonio, Revolution Precrafted CEO
Philippine property firm Revolution Precrafted, which specialises in producing modular pavilions and homes, has struck a deal to build at least 85 design-driven prefabricated holiday villas on the island Miyako in Okinawa, Japan.
The company’s range of boutique luxury properties – ranging in size from 23-60sq m (247.5-645.8sq ft) – are designed by some of the world’s best-known architects and designers, including Daniel Libeskind, Christian Portzamparc, Marcel Wanders, Jean Nouvel and the studio of the late Zaha Hadid.
Revolution has also partnered with Japanese architects Sou Fujimoto, Kengo Kuma, Nendo Studio and Tange and Associates to create various pavilions, villas, restaurants and pop-with for various leisure uses.
Speaking about the agreement – the exact details of which remain shrouded in mystery – Revolution CEO Robbie Antonio said: “This foray into the Japanese market is particularly meaningful as Japan, home to six Pritzker-prize winners, is all about high design and forward-thinking architecture – everything that Revolution Precrafted is about.
“This is only the first of many projects we intend to do in Japan.”
The company has licensed partners in over 195 countries to use its prefabricated designs. Among the major agreements it has signed include a recent US$3.2bn (€2.65bn, £2.33bn) deal with developer Seven Tides International to supply luxury apartments and hotel villas for Dubai’s The World Islands.
It is now targeting the growing tourist market on Miyako Island, which has numerous beaches and coral reefs. Tourist arrivals to Okinawa Prefecture rose 9.1 per cent last year to hit 9.4 million.
ANTONIO-LED Revolution Precrafted Inc. said over the weekend that it clinched a deal to develop at least 85 prefabricated boutique hotel villas on a beachfront property on Miyako Island in the Okinawa district of Japan.
“This foray into the Japanese market is even more meaningful as Japan, home to six Pritzker-prize winners, is all about high design and forward-thinking architecture— everything that Revolution Precrafted is about. We have several Japanese architectural geniuses on our exceptional roster of Revolutionaries—Sou Fujimoto, Kengo Kuma, Nendo Studio and Pritzker architectural firm Tange and Associates,” said Jose Roberto Antonio, the company’s CEO.
Antonio said his company will build luxury villas with sizes ranging from 23 square meters to 60 sq m in the Japanese island, which is gaining popularity among tourists.
Okinawa is Japan’s southernmost prefecture, significantly distinct from the rest of the region. It has beaches and temperate climate all year round, making it a top choice among travelers. The island boasts of a 100-kilometer coastal line. Okinawa tourist arrivals rose to 9,396,200 in 2017, up 9 percent from the previous year, surpassing even Hawaii’s numbers.
Tourist arrivals in Okinawa has been increasing over the past five years.
“This is only the first of many projects we intend to do in Japan,” Antonio said.
Revolution Precrafted supplies luxury prefabricated houses, museums, pavilions and other structures. The start-up has partnered with over 70 of the world’s foremost architects and other creatives, including Zaha Hadid, Jean Nouvel and Christian de Portzamparc.
Since its founding in 2015, the company became one of the fastest-growing startups in Southeast Asia, valued at over $1 billion.
The property has locked-in about $6.5 billion worth of projects including the $1.1-billion Batulao Artscapes of Century Properties Group Inc. in Nasugbu, Batangas and to the $350-million Revolution Flavorscapes project in Mexico, Pampanga.
In March the company announced its $3.2- billion partnership with Seven Tides to build luxury hotel villas, retail pop-ups, condominiums and apartments on nine islands of “The World” project in Dubai.
In the same month, the company also signed an agreement with billionaire conglomerate KT Group of Myanmar for the supply of homes and retail structures for the $1.2-billion Okkyin mixed-development project in Yangon.
It recently secured a contract with Novo Development Ltd. to supply at least 1,000 prefabricated units in the Caribbean island nations of Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Jamaica and the Bahamas with an estimated sales value of $300 million.
This will be the first phase of the dealership that aims to develop $1 billion worth of structures in the Caribbean region.
Razer co-founder Min-Liang Tan (center) / Photo credit: Razer
Here’s what happened in tech today and this weekend.
Fintech
Razer to fully acquire MOL Global (Singapore). The gaming lifestyle company today announced its intention to acquire Malaysian fintech firm MOL, a move that comes after it bought a 34.9 percent stake last June. Razer wants to get the remaining 65.1 percent of MOL Global’s issued share capital for a cash consideration of approximately US$61 million. The proposed merger, which is subject to approval from MOL Global’s shareholders, will combine the two companies’ virtual currencies: Razer’s zGold and MOLPoints by MOL. (Razer)
Soft Space raises series B funding from Sumitomo Mitsui (Malaysia). The Malaysian fintech startup reported the closing of a series B investment with Sumitomo Mitsui Card Company – a subsidiary of Tokyo-headquartered financial giant Sumitomo Mitsui – paving the way for its entry into the Japanese market. The investment is seen as positively spurring Soft Space’s business growth opportunities in Japan and the wider region. (Soft Space)
Ecommerce
Nykaa scores US$11.3 million, claims US$453 million valuation (India). The beauty e-tailer secured the investment from several family offices and high-net-worth individuals. Nykaa – which is said to hold 33 percent of India’s online market in beauty products and services – claims it is “EBITDA-breakeven” and is aiming to be profitable by FY2019. The startup said it would use these latest funds to enhance retail distribution to boost its private-label offering, which currently comprises less than 10 percent of its revenue. (The Economic Times)
Transportation
Nio to set up US$500 million venture fund (China). The electric-vehicle maker’s VC arm, Nio Capital, is building the offshore fund to invest in new automotive technologies worldwide. Also known as NextEV, Nio – which has raised funding from Baidu, Lenovo, and Tencent, among others – was one of the first companies to be awarded a license to test autonomous vehicles in China. The Shanghai-based startup is said to be planning a US$2 billion IPO in America later this year. (Bloomberg)
Mobike claims shift from “rapid to responsible” growth strategy (China). On Earth Day, the Chinese bike-sharing firm said it would stop distributing new bicycles in areas considered to be oversaturated with dockless hire bikes. This was one of the company’s first public announcements since being taken over by Meituan-Dianping in a US$3.4 billion deal earlier this month. Mobike also plans to share data with the Chinese government to help improve urban planning processes and has committed US$15.9 million to improving its user credit scoring system, which punishes or rewards cyclists according to their conduct while using its service. (TechNode)
Health and well-being
Doxper secures US$1.1 million funding (India). The startup, which helps doctors manage outpatient records, said it will use the capital to expand to Southeast Asia, the UK, the Middle East, Brazil, and South Africa by early next year. It’s already piloting overseas operations in Bangladesh and Nigeria. Vidal Healthcare led the pre-series A round, having joined Doxper’s August 2017 seed round alongside Capier Investments, Globevestor, and a number of angel investors. (Inc42)
Property and real estate
Revolution Precrafted lands US$300 million Caribbean deal (The Philippines). The maker of prefab homes has expanded into the Caribbean market with an exclusive dealership with NOVO Development, a real estate company based in Trinidad and Tobago. The partnership is the first part of a multi-phase plan to develop up to $1 billion of property in the region’s growing housing sector. (Revolution Precrafted)
Social media
“Fake news” is also a problem for WeChat (China/US). WeChat-focused news providers in the US tend to favor emotive topics such as immigration and race relations over more general issues like employment and healthcare, according to a study by Columbia University’s Tow Center for Digital Journalism. Researchers also found that news published on WeChat was rife with sensationalism and misinformation when compared to both English- and Chinese-language mainstream media. Echoing similar controversies involving Facebook and Twitter, the Chinese app’s low barrier to entry “has generated a profusion of content publishers native to the platform and intense competition for attention,” and “the abundance of revenue-driven content published, coupled with partisan forces” makes it “especially vulnerable to political misinformation,” said the report. (TechNode)
How, where, and even why you went to college probably won’t be an indication on how your life (and bank account) will turn out, but the answers might carry some privileges. Bill Gates himself—the world’s riches man and a college dropout—regularly stresses the value of education:
“I think the value of getting a great education—that is going to college—is easy to underestimate. The most interesting jobs require a college education. The STEM related jobs are probably the most interesting although they are not for everyone. The value of staying curious—reading a lot and learning new things even after college is also underestimated.” (March 2016, Reddit AMA)
Gates constantly advocates for college education on his blog, once writing, “Although I dropped out of college and got lucky pursuing a career in software, getting a degree is a much surer path to success”; he’s also called the college dropout rate in the United States “tragic.”
It’s the same here. Though some of the Philippines’ richest individuals may not have completed their degrees, they still emphasize the value of education—if not in words, then through their actions: sending their children to topnotch institutions, providing scholarships, and donating academic facilities. Here we look at the academic histories of some of the country’s richest for inspiration:
Henry Sy Sr. ($18 billion) Chiang Kai Shek College (high school) Associate Arts, Commercial Studies, Far Eastern Universtiy (1950)
John Gokongwei Jr. ($6 billion)* San Carlos University MBA, De La Salle University (1961) Harvard Management Program (1971)
Enrique Razon Jr. ($4.3 billion) BS Business Administration, De La Salle University (1980)
Lucio Tan ($4.2 billion) BS Chemical Engineering, Far Eastern University Received an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Santo Tomas under the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (2003) Received a BS Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Santo Tomas under the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (2006)
Jaime Zobel de Ayala ($3.7 billion) BA Architectural Science, Harvard University (1957) Took the Advanced Management Program by the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration in Baguio (1963)
David Consunji ($3.6 billion) BS Civil Engineering, University of the Philippines (1947) Consunji passed away in September 2017
George Ty ($3.6 billion)* BS Commerce, University of Santo Tomas Enrolled in 1955 but dropped out to focus on business Received an honorary Humanities doctorate from the same university in 2014
Tony Tan Caktiong ($3.4 billion) BS Chemical Engineering, University of Santo Tomas (1975) Earned certificates from Harvard University, Asian Institute of Management, University of Michigan Business School, and Harvard Business School Received honorary doctorates from the Far Eastern University, St. Paul University, and Southwestern University
Andrew Tan ($2.5 billion) BS Accounting, University of the East (1974)
Ramon Ang BS Mechanical Engineering, Far Eastern University (1981)
Manuel Villar ($1.65 billion) BS Business Administration, University of the Philippines (1970) Masters in Business Administration, University of the Philippines (1973)
Robert Coyiuto Jr. ($1.5 billion) BSC, San Beda College
Mercedes Gotianun ($1.4 billion) BS, University of the Philippines (1950)
Roberto Ongpin ($1.15 billion) BS Business Administration, Ateneo de Manila University (1957) Masters in Business Administration, Harvard University
Eduardo Cojuangco ($1.1 billion)* Lafayette College
Dean Lao ($1 billion) BS Chemical Engineering, Polytechnic Colleges of the Philippines
Ricardo Po Sr. ($980 million)* BS Industrial Chemistry, University of Santo Tomas Masters in Business Administration, University of Santo Tomas (2005)
Edgar Sia ($820 million)* BS Architecture, University of San Agustin
Oscar M. Lopez ($760 million) BA Harvard University (1951) Masters in Public Administration, Littauer School of Public Administration, Harvard University (1955) Received an honrary doctorate from the De La Salle University (2010) Received an honorary doctorate from the Ateneo de Manila University (2010) Received a Doctor of Laws honoris causa from the Philippine Women’s University (2009) Received a Doctor of Laws honoris causa from the University of the Philippines (2012)
Carlos Chan ($620 million)* BS Architecture, Mapua Institute of Technology
Alfredo Yao ($600 million)* BS Chemical Engineering, Mapua Institute of Technology (1962) Received an honorary doctorate from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines
Frederick Dy ($520 million) BS Industrial Engineering, Cornell University
Jacinto Ng ($420 million) BS Chemical Engineering, Mapua Institute of Technology
Jose Antonio ($400 million, with his son, Robbie) BS Commercial Science, San Beda College (1966)
Robbie Antonio ($400 million, with his father Jose) BS Economics, Northwestern University Masters in Business Administration, Stanford University
Michael Cosiquien ($385 million) BS Civil Engineering, De La Salle University (1995)
Jorge Araneta ($380 million) BS Business Administration, University of the Philippines
Edgar Saavedra ($375 million) BS Civil Engineering, De La Salle University (1996)
Mariano Tan Jr. ($370 million) BA Economics and Business, Lafayette College (1983) Master of Science in Management, Hult International Business School Massachusetts (1986)
Jon Aboitiz ($350 million, with his brother Mikel) BS Management, Santa Clara University
Mikel Aboitiz ($350 million, with his brother Jon) BS Business Administration, Gonzaga University
Manuel Zamora ($280 million) BS University of the Philippines University of the Philippines Law School Ranked 3rd on the Bar in 1961
Wilfred Steven Uytengsu Jr. ($240 million) BS Business Administration, University of Southern California
Vivian Que Azcona ($230 million) BS Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas (1977) Management Program, Asian Institute of Management (1978)
Eric Recto ($225 million) BS Industrial Engineering, University of the Philippines Masters in Business Administration, Johnson Graduate School of Management, Cornell University
Jose Ma. Concepcion ($220 million) BS Business Management, De La Salle University
Bienvenido Tantoco Sr. ($190 million) BCS Jose Rizal College (1941)
Felipe Gozon ($170 million)
Bachelor of Laws, University of the Philippines Master of Law, Yale University Ranked 13th on the Bar in 1962
Menardo R. Jimenez ($165 million) BS Commerce, Far Eastern University BS Accounting, Far Eastern University
Walter William Brown ($160 million) BS Physical Science, University of the Philippines (1959) BS Geology, University of the Philippines (1960) Master of Science in Geology, Stanford University (1963) Doctorate in Geology, Major in Geo-Chemistry (1965)
Gilberto Duavit ($155 million) AB Philosophy, University of the Philippines
Eusebio Tanco ($150 million) AB Economics, Ateneo de Manila University Master of Science in Economics and Political Science, London School of Economics
Juliette Romualdez ($145 million) BS Education, Maryknoll College
Michael Romero ($135 million) BS Management, De La Salle University Masters in Business Management, Asian Institute of Management Doctorate in Business Administration, De La Salle University (2006) Doctorate in Political Economics (2008)
Erramon Aboitiz ($130 million) BS Business Administration Major in Accounting and Finance, Gonzaga University
Luis Virata ($125 million) AB Economics, Trinity College, Cambridge University Master of Arts in Economics, Trinity College, Cambridge University (1976) Masters in Business Administration, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (1979)
Philip Ang ($120 million) Business Administration, Oregon University Masters in Business Administration, University of Denver
TODAY, I start a series on technological transformation in real estate from construction and marketing operations.
Technology either elicits fear or awe, and the success of legacy businesses as real estate depends on their ability to pivot fast.
Customer unfriendly construction process
A universal life landmark that bears utmost importance is the day that one decides to get his or her own house. The question that remains is how to move forward, especially with the intimidating process usually attached to buying a home or building one from the ground up.
Enter prefab technology. The term “prefab” didn’t always sit particularly well with consumers. The word has been synonymous with dull nondescript houses lined up in a singular block. French architect Jean Prouve pioneered prefab housing technology back in 1940, working his magic on crafting demountable houses for those that lost their homes in World War II. But the industry has evolved dramatically since then, giving birth to unhampered creativity. Thankfully, these prior troubles have been addressed by Revolution Precrafted Properties. An innovative enterprise that specializes in the business of prefabricated homes, Revolution makes your dream house an actuality while keeping your worries at bay. Their prefab homes and transportable pavilions bring the concept up a notch with collaborations with over 61 of the world’s well-esteemed architects, designers and industry-leading creatives coming together for every stylishly sustainable piece.
Time is on your side
Revolution’s prefab creations greatly simplify the process for homebuyers and developers alike. Its edge not only lies on its world-class designer aesthetic but also on its functionality and efficacy over traditional builds. Robbie Antonio, founder
and CEO of the brand, elaborated further, “The term prefab refers to off-site or factory-assembled building components often sized in modular dimensions. A prefabricated building has innate advantages when it comes to consistency of quality, fit, finish, and over-all cost benefits”. The lengthy time-consuming old-fashioned mechanisms of paperwork, sourcing reliable contractors and supplier and picking out every single detail from floorings to fixtures are immediately eliminated. In its place are low-maintenance homes that breed high quality and saves time like no other—so much that you can easily move in to the house of your dreams in just about 90 days upon placing your order.
Rest assured, the quick and easy pace does not sacrifice a prefab’s integrity. It’s certainly not a thing to be worried about in Revolution’s case. Their creations go through a prototype stage, where all components and processes for the build are tested, improved upon and certified.
Furthermore, these pieces are code compliant with all seismic, wind and other environmental load and site-specific factors that could affect its performance. The production process is as meticulous as it gets, it begins with extensive shop drawings based on the concept plans provided by the consultant or designer. These shop drawings are then adapted for compliance with local and national codes where the houses will be built. Once the shop drawings, materials and specifications are approved, the house is built in an indoor facility where sections that can be modularized are assembled. The kinds of machines we use are matched to the material and design at hand, and are usually sourced locally. A kit of parts catalogue is then generated to enable dismantling, packaging, transport and reconstruction.
The cutting-edge design built on advanced technology is set to change the standard of living. It democratizes the ultra-chic architecture arena and brings designer homes more accessible to a broader market. At a range of 50 square meters (sq m) to 250 sq m with components that could fit in a shipping container, its transportable feature becomes a core appeal. Each borderless piece transcends time and space, conveniently movable to wherever you are, and breaking free from location and construction complaints. Perhaps, the best part of every Revolution home is its versatility. There’s a wide range of precrafted designs suited for any area, function and preference.
E-commerce for real estate
Purchasing each unit is also a breeze with Revolution Precrafted site’s user-friendly interface. Each unit comes with a hefty preview of the structure, as well as a complete specifications list of every home. It also comes with a profile of the designer involved in the project, with a description or anecdote of each specified prefab home to boot. E-commerce gives you an option to buy or build, depending on your role as homebuyer or developer. Structures are delivered to your doorstep ideally three months from the initial order, all ready for assembly. The price of each designer home begins at roughly P1.5 million excluding shipping, installation and land cost.
Creative collaboration
Revolution precrafted’s roster of internationally celebrated talents is some of the world’s greatest creative geniuses in their respective fields. You’ve got big shot architects, such as Philip Johnson and Allan Ritchie, the likes of the late Zaha Hadid and Patrick Schumacher, and renowned artists like David Salle and Francisco Clemente. Even music and fashion icons like Lenny Kravitz and Daphne Guiness are part of the incredible lineup. Recently, Budji Layug and Royal Pineda, the country’s lead advocates of modern Filipino architecture and design have joined the roster of game changers. The growing list is of collaborations, bound to be bigger and better in the coming years—an exciting feat to anticipate.
Prefab home is just the beginning of this construction revolution. More collectible thoughtfully designed properties are under way, whether it’s a residential, hospitality or entertainment development. To look forward to are its limited-edition offerings of adaptive amenity spaces, modular hotels, transposable restaurants, prefabricated condominiums, pop-up retail and customizable glamping that represent trends in tourism, specialty retail and hospitality.
“If I decided believing all the naysayers, I would not be doing what I’m doing,” Antonio tells ANC’s “The Boss.”
The 40-year-old entrepreneur with slicked back hair says a boss should be “extremely ambitious.”
“Most successful visionaries in my mind were relatively eccentric, extremely lofty in their ambitions and very steadfast in their goal of achieving it,” said Antonio.
“You could multi-task and do a hundred tasks with specific goals. You have to have razor sharp focus. And I believe in that,” he added.
Catch The Boss on ANC at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, with replays at 11:30 p.m.; Fridays at 3:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Saturdays at 4:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.; Sundays at 4:30 a.m. and Mondays at 9:30 a.m.
MANILA – A Filipino developer of designer prefabricated homes said Tuesday it was hoping to partner with government for low-cost housing projects.
Revolution Precrafted CEO and founder Robbie Antonio said the modular homes would be affordable if the scale reaches “hundreds of thousands or tens of thousands.”
Antonio’s venture is poised to become the Philippines’ first “unicorn” or $1-billion startup. Aside from designer homes, the company is targeting prefabricated condominiums, hotels and pop-up retail shops.
“We’ve been really trying to serve that base of the pyramid,” Antonio told ANC’s The Boss. “The affordable market is a goal from the CSR (corporate social responsibility) perspective.”
“It’s about design democratization. We would go to the bottom (of the pyramid). It’s a thick market and needs homes and if we can do that for the country, we can do it for the region.”
The government needs to build some 5.7 million homes in six years to address the country’s housing backlog, according to analysts.
The new design firm Revolution is selling pre-fabricated, modular homes designed and inspired by some of the world’s best architects — including Johnson and his Glass House.
