(The Philippine Star) Updated February 19, 2011 12:00 AM
MANILA, Philippines – What makes up a “residential Eden”?
If you ask industry innovator Century Properties, which pioneered the concept, the answer will be a multitude of experiences one can enjoy in its latest multi-tower residential development called Acqua Private Residences in Mandaluyong City.
First on this list is the project’s tropical rainforest-infused design and architecture, according to Marco R. Antonio, the firm’s managing director and Acqua project head. “Acqua is designed to be the resident’s sanctuary within the city; your very own jungle within the concrete jungle, so to speak.”
Antonio explains that Century Properties designed the 2.4-hectare property rigorously for months with the award-winning international firm Broadway Malyan and local counterpart R Villarosa Architects to ensure that the six residential towers and common spaces resemble elements of the tropical rainforest. Specifically, the building aesthetic resembles pixilated water streams.
Living at Acqua also provides residents with lush landscaping equivalent to two times the development’s land area. This comprises the lagoon pool, the walking trails to pocket gardens across varying levels on all buildings as well as rooftop parks complete with rock formations, soaring treetop canopy and koi ponds. So the journey from one’s unit to any point in the entire development becomes an instant adventure.
“Next on the list is The Pebble Country Club, Acqua’s central amenity structure and the visual focal point of the entire development, designed as a gleaming white, modern interpretation of a smooth river stone with a large cut out in front that provides a generous view of Makati. It also features three iconic waterfalls that seemingly flow into the mighty river,” he says.
The Pebble is a 3,000-square meter sports, health, wellness and recreational facility that will include a lounge area and juice bar, a full-sized fitness center with multiple studios for dance, yoga, Pilates, cycling and boxing, a court for basketball and tennis, a climbing wall, a 25-meter lap pool and a lagoon pool.
Next is the Riverwalk Promenade that will feature a delightful stretch of restaurants, bars and cafes. A first of its kind feature that will be provided to residents and guests is a water shuttle that will take residents to and from the Makati riverside.
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| Country club by the water: The residents of Acqua will have exclusive access to the project’s central amenity area called The Pebble, a four-storey sports and leisure complex spanning 3,000 square meters |
Unbeatable location
One of the best qualities of Acqua is its location, Antonio says. The property is located on the riverside right across Rockwell and is accessible via a new bridge called Estrella-Pantaleon, which connects the cities of Mandaluyong and Makati. This allows residents immediate access to the famous shopping districts and attractions of both cities. He says, “Just cross the bridge, or simply take Acqua’s exclusive water shuttle and you’re in Makati.”
“Acqua is designed and developed for discriminating buyers looking for a supreme location, affordable chic, and truly inimitable real estate. Acqua is one of the highlights of Century Properties’ 25th anniversary this year, and is the much-anticipated follow on project of our brand Century Limitless, which develops high-quality homes at affordable prices,” Antonio adds.
Marco Antonio, Century Properties’ managing director and Acqua project head, says, “Acqua is designed to be the resident’s sanctuary within the city; your very own jungle within the concrete jungle, so to speak.”
The project’s unique riverside location provides a picture of how its surrounding environs will be revitalized in the coming years. “We aim to contribute to the gentrification of an old industrial area into a bustling center of activity, as well as help realize the grand vision for the rebirth of the Pasig River and fill it with riverside attractions,” he says.
Acqua’s six residential towers take on the names of some of the most renowned waterfalls around the world. The first tower to rise at Acqua is the Niagara Tower, a visually arresting architectural edifice, coined after the famous waterfalls straddled between Canada and the United States. Rising up to 42 storeys, Niagara offers 1BR, 2BR and 3BR units.
A private collection of special units called Acqua Privé caters to the discerning clientele looking for choice real estate. Acqua Privé includes Townhouse, Sky Garden, Private Garden, and Penthouse units. Unit sizes range from 27sqm to 140sqm with an average price of P95,000 to P100,000 per square meter — almost half the price lower than upscale projects in the area. Residents may choose from a bare unit or a fully-furnished unit with two interior design themes.
Antonio explains, “We are delighted to introduce a residential landmark that embraces the modern lifestyle and yet infuses the reinvigorating experience of being surrounded by a majestic tropical rainforest. Acqua is truly a life-enhancing project that will elevate residents to a state of bliss, and make them feel nurtured and refreshed, without ever having to leave the city.”
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| Acqua residents will be transported to a majestic rainforest at the heart of the metropolis, like Phoemela Baranda. |
