Lofty spaces at The Columns

The abundance of light and space, and the multi-functionally of lofts had made artists and bohemians fall in love with it. These days, however, what were once associated with industrial, old warehouses are having a major face lift and making a strong presence among the new creative executives who are lured by the novelty and freedom of movement that loft living offers.

With modern bohemians preferring a more contemporary feel that reflects their lifestyle, the loft look has entered a new era of sophistication; exposed brick, pipes and ventilation ducts have given way to sleek and sophisticated features as exemplified by the loft units of The Columns Legazpi Village.

"Despite the transformation, certain elements were retained: high ceilings and abundance of light and space. For a space to quality as a loft, it must have these basic elements," explains top Philippine interior designer Isabel Asuncion of Asuncion Berenguer, Inc.

The lofts’ high ceilings and big windows allow more natural light and air to come in. The two-level design is also reminiscent of the two-storey house ambience, allowing the residents to feel like they are in a real house. These qualities have made loft units one of the most significant cultural movements in contemporary architecture and design, firing the imagination of urban developers everywhere, says Asuncion who designed the one-bedroom loft unit of The Columns Legaspi Village.

According to Asuncion, structures with high ceilings and tall windows represent freedom, creativity, vibrance, fluidity, openness — the same qualities that Community Innovations, an Ayala Land Company, wanted their latest urban development to capture.

More than merely adopting the style and feel of similar developments elsewhere in the metropolis, however, Community Innovations has zeroed in the urban achievers market and designed their loft units accordingly.

Let There Be (More) Light!

"The loft-styled units of The Columns Legazpi Village are more urbanized and polished. The windows are taller so there’s more light and air. There is a greater sense of fluidity," says Asuncion.

The Columns’ spacious lofts have a culture of their own that makes them very attractive to the younger, creative set. The open style floor plans can be adapted to meet anyone’s specific lifestyle needs, adds Asuncion.

These loft units seamlessly blend the trappings of an urban home, and the conveniences of living within a few steps from everything. Like all the other units of this new high-rise sensation, the streamlined one-bedroom and two-bedroom loft units also offer unobstructed views of renowned Manila Bay and the vibrant Makati CBD from enormous windows that span the vast 16-foot high ceiling.

In keeping with the modernist feel, Asuncion designed the stairs of the one-bedroom loft to appear like they are floating. The slender base and absence of rails lend them an aura of minimalism and the scaled down furniture allows more freedom of movement and only takes inches off furniture width. The unique air channel design of the units also allows better ventilation and prevents stale air from developing.

A Private World

More like a bachelor or bachelorette pad but with more luxurious amenities, these vertical spaces make an attractive dwelling option for single people or young couples where there will be no issues of privacy. "You can be half naked in your room and not worry about anyone seeing you," says Asuncion.

These dwelling spaces are specially attractive to the new creative executives who want to avoid the rush hour traffic and keep close to the city nightlife.

"It’s perfect for people who work hard yet love the nightlife. It complements the fast-paced, no-fuss lifestyle that they have. On the whole, the loft units of The Columns Legazpi Village are perceived as highly desirable living spaces because of their impressive amenities, comfort and contemporary design," Asuncion concludes.

Aside from the one-bedroom and two-bedroom loft units, The Columns Legazpi Village offers a wide range of possibilities for the equally diverse lifestyles or urban achievers with its other well planned units: studios, junior one-bedroom units, and spacious two-bedroom units.

For inquiries on owning a home at The Columnz Legazpi Village, call 888-0000, email [email protected] or visit www.the columnslegazpivillage.com.ph. Model units are available for viewing daily at the third level of Glorietta 3, Ayala Center, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Sunday to Thursday), 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Friday and Saturday).