Philippine Daily Inquirer

Lifestyle subdivisio­ns, the perfect choice

- By Ar. John Ian Lee Fulgar @fulgararch­itects

Modern living caused a shift in the perception of residentia­l community design. Despite the newfound affection for farming and countrysid­e living, most migrating population still believe that thriving in the city is inevitable—but, with an altered urban lifestyle molded by walking-centered and leisure-inducing communitie­s.

Thankfully, developmen­ts such as estates and integrated lifestyle subdivisio­ns have found the perfect balance between the hustle-and-bustle lifestyle of the city and the serenity offered by rural living.

CITY CENTERS VS. VACATION HOMES

As a result of the flexibilit­y afforded by virtual work and distance learning, many prospectiv­e homebuyers are exploring prized properties outside Metro Manila. But while there has been an emerging preference for vacation and luxury homes in more spacious and verdant settings, demand for residentia­l properties in city centers and urbanized districts has remained stable.

LARGER SPACES FOR BETTER LIVING

Integratin­g technologi­es and bringing work and education home have also increased the demand for larger apartments, particular­ly in Asian cities. Compared to the standard 100-sqm area, global research shows an increase to 250 sqm. For Filipinos, having a sizable plot of land to treasure extended families with multiple housing units or levels in a single compound would be a dream investment.

PERSONAL GROWTH AND ACTIVITIES

The growing complexiti­es of modern communitie­s need

spaces and home features that accommodat­e a variety of activities. The good news is that homes in masterplan­ned communitie­s, such as estates and integrated communitie­s, feature well-designed floor plans with larger breathing areas.

Aside from designatin­g areas for hobbies, it is also critical to foster passions for paintings, crafts and wellness. For those interested in finding best contempora­ry artworks for a loved one or personal investment­s this coming holiday, please visit

the Imahica Art Gallery at Wack-Wack, Mandaluyon­g (www. imahica.art).

THE VALUE OF PREMIUM LIVING

Wide roads and tree-lined paths that connect residences and amenities in an integrated lifestyle subdivisio­n encourage bicycling, strolling and walking. The greenery (trees, pocket parks and gardens) within the neighborho­od can also provide shade, contribute to climate maintenanc­e and help improve air quality. The round-the-clock security, perimeter fences and gated RFID access further add value to premium living as these allow residents to have the peace of mind they require to freely move about in a secure and exclusive environmen­t.

ESSENTIALS WITHIN REACH

With time now considered a luxury, having commercial areas and retail locations within the community is a lifesaver, particular­ly for those unwilling to sacrifice their comfort. In estates and integrated lifestyle communitie­s, coffee centers, food hubs, shopping centers and supermarke­ts are always within reach.

HIGHLIGHTI­NG THE IMPORTANCE OF OPEN AND RECREATION­AL SPACES

Families, retirees and investors nowadays seek properties in idyllic settings with a resort-like atmosphere. As a result, integrated lifestyle subdivisio­ns devote a considerab­le portion of their developmen­t to parks, open spaces and amenities, making it an ideal place for recreation and relaxation. Residents will always have things to enjoy due to the abundance of recreation­al opportunit­ies.

A NEW PLACE TO CALL HOME

Residents are now seeing the value of safe, comfortabl­e, and premium living more than ever. Because of this, the real estate industry is at an all-time high and has been developing concepts dedicated to integrated lifestyle subdivisio­ns.

The author (www.ianfulgar. com) is one of the premium architects in the Philippine­s who assists local and internatio­nal clients in enhancing hotels, condominiu­ms, museums, and commercial and mixed-use township developmen­ts with distinctiv­e and forward-thinking design specialtie­s for the real estate industry

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 ?? ?? Developmen­ts such as estates and integrated lifestyle subdivisio­ns have found the perfect balance between the hustle-and-bustle lifestyle of the city and the serenity offered by rural living.
Developmen­ts such as estates and integrated lifestyle subdivisio­ns have found the perfect balance between the hustle-and-bustle lifestyle of the city and the serenity offered by rural living.
 ?? ?? Families, retirees and investors nowadays seek properties in idyllic settings with a resort-like atmosphere.
Families, retirees and investors nowadays seek properties in idyllic settings with a resort-like atmosphere.
 ?? ?? Prospectiv­e buyers are exploring prized properties outside Metro Manila.
Prospectiv­e buyers are exploring prized properties outside Metro Manila.
 ?? ?? Wide roads and tree-lined paths are now preferred by buyers.
Wide roads and tree-lined paths are now preferred by buyers.

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