TODAY, living in a garden atmosphere is one of the aspirations of modern Filipinos. They want to get a break from the rage and frenzy of urban living. In response, Filinvest launched the Botanika Nature Residences—a high-end, low-density residential enclave in Filinvest City in Alabang.
Located at the finest locale, Botanika is designed for the privileged few who want to savor a relaxing atmosphere amid the bustling metropolis.
“Inspired by New York’s Central Park, Botanika’s centralized garden system offers scenic walks through the 1.55-hectare property with three towers that gives a very different identity compared to the other ultra-high-end developments in Makati and Bonifacio Global City,” according to Catherine Ilagan, executive vice president of Filinvest Alabang Inc., Botanika project developer.
“Open green spaces are getting scarcer in the metropolis. 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,” Ilagan added.
Experts in the social and environmental sciences noted that nature can reinvigorate and rejuvenate an individual’s mind and become more productive. “Nature is the perfect setting for a walk or a swim. It encourages movement and discovery.”
Botanika will veer away from the conventional residential condo environment which highlights the space limitation. In Botanika, an owner can enjoy comfortable space from its 369 units ranging from 123 square meters to 343 sq m and spread out over three towers. Botanika will be offering the best of both worlds with privacy and nature enjoyed by the owner.
According to Ilagan, “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.
The buildings have a nature-centric design. 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.
There will be an atrium at the center of each building. This will enable the natural light to go through the structure. Further, 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.
Leandro V. Locsin Partners and international firm AEcom are the two organizations that worked tremendously to ensure the natural order of things will be retained such as the property’s sloping terrain. 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,” Ilagan said.
“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,” Ilagan said. “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 it’s there for them to use when they want them should be reasons enough to consider living there.”
True to its mission, Filinvest has strictly followed the guidelines set by the Philippine Green Building Council to ensure every detail required by the Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence (Berde) will be followed. Botanika is a Berde-registered project.
The first building has 13 storys boasting of above-par facilities. With only 101 units for Tower 1, residents get to enjoy much sought-after exclusivity that other residential developments could only promise.
Being all about gardens, Botanika’s The Courtyard, The Sculptural Garden and Central Gardens provide the property’s outdoor amenities that support green living.
With huge abundant space, The Courtyard allows residents to do whatever they want—read a book, feel the morning breeze, gaze at the night sky, or even enjoy a sumptuous outdoor feast with the family. The Greenhouse is, likewise, open for anyone who likes to commune with nature especially in the mornings.
With uniquely tiered, stylized swimming pools, a buyer is given a new experience. The Veranda, a canopied area by the pool, can also be used for intimate al-fresco gatherings. Other amenities in Botanika include tiered swimming pools, kiddie pool, lap pool and changing rooms
Further, other major amenities include sun-roofed central atrium, grand lobby, reception lounge, roof decks, administration office, mail room, fire safety features, key card access for boom gates and floor access, and underground parking.
All these are artistically splashed with greens to further wash away the stresses of the day.
1 comment
Green living has a modern definition these days referring to usage of renewable energy systems, grey water technology, etc. “Green living in Alabang” is so 90’s as it has none of the above.