To minimize the devastating consequences of natural disasters that frequently plague the Philippines, disaster-resistant structural insulated panels were invented, said Paul Staples, a BYU–Hawaii alumnus and the chief marketing officer of Archipelago 7000. Because it is a newer form of construction, Staples said people have limited knowledge of the strength of this construction material. Archipelago 7000 is a Philippine-based company that manufactures magnesium oxide insulated structural panels to be used for natural disaster-resistant housing structures.
Disaster-resistant technology
According to Staples, when the concept was first developed it took about 10 years to solidify the material of structural insulated panels, or SIPs, with the final result made of magnesium oxide. He said their structure is like a sandwich consisting of cement on the top and bottom and foam in the middle. Staples explained the concept of this material is like a cup made of styrofoam - when hot water is poured into it, it doesn’t burn your hand when you hold or touch it.
Chris Manongdo, a senior student majoring in finance from the Philippines, said, “I’ve seen it through fire tests. I went to Brother [Paul] Staples’ garage. We blow-torched the wall that was made out of SIPs material, and there was not a single singe.” He explained when Staples did the same thing to hardwood, it caught on fire. After witnessing this, Manongdo said he is confident to one day build his personal house with SIPs material. “Can you imagine how much more relaxing it would be if you heard the news that there was going to be an earthquake or disaster coming in and you didn’t have to worry about it?” he remarked.
Through its insulation system, a house that is being built from this is a material proposed to be disaster-resistant in a situation involving mold, earthquakes, typhoons, termites and fires, said Staples. He said it is capable of withstanding 200 mph winds. Compared to traditional house’s typically built with material from trees, he said, this material allows houses to be built quicker, more efficiently and cheaper.
According to the Archipelago 7000 website, the housing units are pre-cut at the factory for the windows and doors, making it very simple to assemble on-site. Staples explained the material is like working with Lego blocks, it involves fewer construction workers and materials during the process.
Helping with the Maui fire damage
Staples said when the recent Maui fires erupted, he knew it was devastating for many people because they would need to rebuild everything on their now rubble-covered lands. He said this concern ignited his desire to introduce the people of Maui to this material. He asked himself, “If they are going to rebuild, why not build something that won’t burn?”
Manongdo said he never really had interest in learning about construction materials, but this changed and his interest gradually grew as he paid closer attention to what he witnessed back in the Philippines. He said, “If you live in the Philippines, every year we have tornados, earthquakes and floods [which can cause waters to rise] all the way to the chest. Some uncertified people tried to wire [housing] themselves which [have] caused fire accidents too.”
Concerning the financial situation in the Philippines, Manongdo explained many people cannot afford a good home because a good house requires a high maintenance costs. He said the average person in the Philippines doesn't invest in real estate or think to buying their own home because it’s not within their budget. However, through the SIPs-material buildings, he said he and his people have a brighter hope of a more affordable house. “If I build a house, I want to use that kind of material. [When you] live in a place where everything else is always a disaster, then you want something that will stand,” Manongo said. He said that’s what Archipelago 7000 is selling people - a home providing security and protection, including financial.
James Astle, BYUH alumnus who majored in business management and graphic design, said he was able to witness the housing projects that were carried out in the Philippines. He said he saw people’s gratitude as they finally owned a house with a structure they could trust to stand, eliminating their usual worry. Astle explained, “Nothing is completely indestructible, but SIPs [helps] prevent the common major destructions from happening.” With the capability of SIPs buildings, he said the family he met felt confident they could continue without fear when the future typhoons come.
For Manongdo the tragedy that struck Maui was similar to what he frequently experienced back home. He suggested people consider using this material. While expressing his condolences for the Maui tragedy he said, “We grieve with those who have lost everything. [You] cannot replace or undo what has happened, but what we can do is build something that will protect you, not only financially but also emotionally.”
He continued, “Home is sacred, especially in Hawaii, which means everyone has to safeguard it with anything they can do. Using SIPs as your housing options is one [method] of disaster prevention we can do.” Manongdo said he hoped people could open their minds widely to consider their house to be built out of this material to recover from their devastating condition faster.
