Luxury condo project offers nature’s healing power

MANILA, Philippines - The anticipation of daily walks through a masterplanned nature sanctuary right at one’s backyard  is one of many features perking the interest of real estate investors in Botanika Nature Residences, a premium low-density residential enclave in Filinvest City in Alabang.

In much the same way that an apartment with a view and easy access to New York’s Central Park is considered a premium property,  Botanika’s centralized garden system offering scenic walks through the 1.55 hectare property with three towers is differentiating the project from other ultra high-end developments in Makati and Bonifacio Global City, according to Catherine Ilagan, executive vice-president of Filinvest Alabang Inc., Botanika’s developer.

“Open green spaces are getting more and more scarce in the metropolis,” she said. “Our planners thus thought of offering Botanika residents a system of gardens that would allow them to enjoy nature’s healing properties right at their doorstep.”

Various studies have shown that nature has the power to renew one’s senses as well as to clear one’s thoughts so that contemplation and inspiration can take place. “Nature is the perfect setting for a walk or a swim. It encourages movement and discovery,” said Ilagan.

Departing from the conventional residential condo environment where space is limited, Botanika’s 369 units ranging from 123 to 343 sqm and spread out over three towers will be open to nature while offering privacy to residents. Botanika is the first of the Filinvest Group’s Exclusive Collection, the newest and highest-end brand category.  Each project with the Exclusive Collection brand is envisioned to be an iconic, top-end and one-of-a-kind residential space that will add prestige to the group’s large-scale projects,” according to Ilagan.

From the top, each of the buildings takes the shape of a leaf, a unique configuration which will mean that none of the units will peer directly into a unit of a neighboring tower. When a resident looks out his window, he will not have a direct sightline into a unit in the neighboring tower because of the curving walls of the tower.

At the center of each building will be an atrium, that will allow natural light to go through the structure. The atrium will also force air through the edifice offering passive ventilation. From the ground level, the atriums will be interconnected to each other and to a central pool area through a paved walkway that naturally blends with the lush tropical landscape.

A stroll through Botanika’s meandering walkway system will offer various experiences. Each of the three atrium lobbies will offer a different theme: one will focus on a reflecting pool;  another will highlight various textures in a Zen setting; the third will emphasize landscape mounds of earth covered in greenery. From each of the atriums, it is a minute’s walk to the swimming pools.

Ilagan pointed out that because the experts behind Botanika including Leandro V. Locsin Partners  as its Architect-of-Record and international firm AEcom as its landscaping consultant exerted great effort to respect the natural order of things, the property’s sloping terrain was maintained. The pool thus has various levels with the waters from one level dropping down to form a waterfall curtain setting for a lower level. “The planners weren’t afraid to compartmentalize spaces to create greater interest in the landscaping,” she noted.

The resident also has the option to traverse the central garden space shared by the three towers. At one end of the space is a tree house that serves as centerpiece for a sunny children’s outdoor play area. From here, the walkway slopes down to the pool area and climbs up again to an amphitheatre. Secret gardens, nooks and crannies that take on a different vibe at different times of the day will definitely characterize the gardens of Botanika, a residential development that is catching investor attention because of its individuality.

“We’ve designed Botanika to appeal to captains of industry, self-made entrepreneurs and multinational CEOs seeking quick access to Makati as well as Laguna’s industrial estates through the Skyway,” according to Ilagan. They may not always have the time to walk through Botanika’s nature sanctuary or to enjoy the lavish amenities of the developments. “But just knowing that these are there for them to use when they want them should be reasons enough to consider living there,” said Ilagan.

Botanika’s Sales Atrium is located at Commerce corner Corporate Avenues, Filinvest City , Alabang. For details, visit www.botanika.com.ph or call (02) 880 2868.