Novicio Construction and Power Solutions built a modern two-storey school facility with full solar power integration, delivered on time for the new academic year.
Bright Horizons Academy, a growing private school in Lapu-Lapu City, had been operating out of a rented commercial space that could no longer accommodate its expanding student population. With enrollment increasing by nearly 40% over two years, school administration made the decision to invest in a purpose-built campus — one that would reflect their commitment to modern education and environmental responsibility.
The school needed a fully functional two-storey academic building — including classrooms, administrative offices, a library, restrooms, and covered outdoor areas — completed before the start of the next school year, giving the project a firm 10-month deadline. Beyond construction, the administration had a strong interest in reducing long-term operating costs by incorporating a solar power system to offset the school's significant daytime electricity consumption.
Key challenges included:
Novicio Construction and Power Solutions took on the project as a single turnkey contractor, handling both the civil construction and the power solutions under one roof. This integrated approach allowed our engineering and construction teams to collaborate from the design phase, embedding conduit pathways, panel board locations, and rooftop mounting structures into the building plans before ground was broken.
Our team broke the project into three overlapping phases. In the first phase, we completed site clearing, foundation work, and ground-floor structural framing. Simultaneously, our power solutions team finalized the solar system design — a 30kWp grid-tied rooftop solar array with battery backup for critical loads such as lighting and computer labs.
During the second phase, we completed the second-floor structure, roofing, interior partitioning, and tiling while installing all rough-in electrical works. Rooftop mounting rails were integrated directly during roof construction, avoiding the need for later retrofitting. In the final phase, we installed solar panels, inverters, and the battery storage system, conducted full electrical testing, and completed all finishing works including painting, fixtures, and landscaping of the school grounds.
We maintained a weekly coordination meeting with school administrators throughout the project, providing photo updates and schedule reports to keep all stakeholders informed and confident in the timeline.
The Bright Horizons Academy campus was handed over two weeks ahead of the target date, giving the school ample time to set up classrooms and conduct staff orientations before opening day. The completed facility includes 12 standard classrooms, a dedicated computer laboratory, a library and reading room, administrative offices, and a covered multi-purpose area.
The 30kWp solar power system went live at the same time as building turnover. Within the first three months of operation, the school reported an average monthly electricity bill reduction of approximately 65% compared to their previous rented facility — a significant operational saving that the administration noted would help keep tuition increases minimal for enrolled families.
The school has since enrolled an additional batch of students for the following year, with the new campus providing the capacity and credibility to support continued growth.