Redefining luxury development by going green
With tropical ventilation, pocket gardens and pools, Botanika, a Filinvest Muntinlupa project, sets up an urban oasis
Up until the last decade, the luxury condominium was defined by state-of-theart techniques and imported materials such as Italian granite or Indian slate. But when developer Filinvest launched Botanika Nature Residences in Muntinlupa, it took the organic path. It sought to situate itself in the tropical climate, using local materials.
Botanika has portrayed itself as an oasis—replete with birds and butterflies—in the urban jungle. And this is not hype.
The residential complex sits on 1.5 hectares of land, 70 percent of which is devoted to greenery and outdoor amenities.
It will consist of three midrise buildings, surrounded by landscape and nonreflective surfaces. The design is characterized by permeable walls following the breeze and air movements.
Leandro “Andy” Locsin Jr., head of Leandro V. Locsin Partners, the local architectural counterpart of the project, said that Filigree, the high-end company of Filinvest, was not compelled to fill every corner with sellable GFA (gross floor area).
“Luxury isn’t about expensive materials or over-the-top design. Ultimately, the space differentiates itself by how one feels about being there,” Locsin pointed out.
The most striking impression about Botanika is that unit owners will feel like they are outside, as they are constantly cooled by nat-
Green Building Council.
The first building has already been turned over. The 12story Botanika Tower 1 consists of 101 units ranging from 123square-meter two-bedroom units, priced at P28 million, to 214-sq-m three-bedroom fairs, pegged at P43 million.
Corner units have generous, wraparound balconies. Penthouses have been sold out.
Each unit comes with two kinds of kitchens. A maid’s af- room has a louvered wall for natural cooling and an amenities area. There are 10 units per floor and each level faces the cool central atrium.
The developer also understands how landscaping adds value to the property. Hence, it commissioned master urban planner Aecom to make the landscape a central feature.
Armando Casibang, Aecom Singapore’s director of design and planning, explained how the landscaping adopted patterns of movements that helped make Botanika emotionally engaging.
“At the main drop-off, there is an architectural wall covering the lush green forest,” said Casibang. “As you enter the lobby, there is water cascading in front of you.”
Breezeways are lined with ponds on the ground floor and central atrium. This is a treat for visitors.
Pocket spaces
The tiered swimming pool in the middle of the three buildings is the “jewel of the landscape,” said Casibang. Once the surrounding trees have grown, the pool will appear like it’s partially hidden in a lagoon.
“The site is undulating without having too many abrupt changes of levels,” said Casibang. “You look back and see slopes. The highest level in this property is the poolside. You get a sense of climbing uphill.”
The landscape is designed with zones catering to various demographics. The north side, dedicated to the children, has a tree house and a series of pods for interaction. At the end of the atrium walkway is a cabana, built on a platform, where families can gather. A greenhouse, which will allow residents to put their plants, can also be a setting for afternoon tea.
“The idea is to maximize opportunities for pocket spaces,” said Casibang. “You can either be out in the open or be all by yourself.”
To get the Berde rating, all the plants must be endemic species and drought-tolerant to reduce water consumption.
Ultimately, Botanika redefines the parameters of a highend development.
“We did a retake on what people valued,” said Locsin. People from the premium market define luxury as living an “environmentally ethical life.”
“It is going back to the simple things—a beautiful garden, bumping into your friends, feeling part of community, feeling safe and breathing good air,” said Locsin. “Safety, nice people, good air. That is true luxury. People are discovering that.”