Ecology lives with economy at Arya Residences

Philippine Daily Inquirer and Philstar 

January 2010

Normally they wouldn’t even be dating.

Even in this post-Al Gore-video age, it’s still not easy going green. Our tree-hugging urges are curbed by our bean-counting instincts. Our correct side says we can’t afford green technology’s apocalyptic alternative; our canny side says we can’t afford green technology, period.

The costs are considerable, the results, near invisible. ROI trumps EPA. And never the twain shall meet. Or see the same realtor.

Until now.

Debunking myth and shifting the paradigm, a new development is set to bridge that great divide. It is conceived and strictly designed as a green building. It will deliver luxury living, ecological sustainability and reduced living costs. It is Arya Residences, soon to rise in Bonifacio Global City, soon to change the high-rise residential landscape.

The Arya resident will live in a landmark building and live well. Sitting in the prime triangle of McKinley Parkway, the two towers are designed for luxury and modern elegance. There’s The Plaza --- a breezy entertainment enclave under the shade of a soaring canopy. That canopy is part of the sprawling grounds on The Terrace --- private park and recreation-rich playground at the fourth level. Refined lobbies, refreshing landscapes, indulgent amenities abound. Then there are the residential units --- generous spaces sensitively planned to the nuances of gracious, comfortable living.

But the real surprise is that the Arya resident will find himself living more sustainably, more efficiently, more economically. With almost no extra effort the Arya resident will live right. Because it is all built into his building.

It begins with the perfectly chosen site of Bonifacio Global City, the CBD best equipped to support green buildings. Tapping into this infrastructure, Arya Residences’ most basic efficiencies are engineered from the ground up. Dual piping and greywater systems allocate potable and reclaimed water more wisely. A centralized gas system provides each unit with safer, cost-saving fuel. And the most progressively growing community is a healthful walk away.

The building itself is designed to harness and optimize nature’s elements. Its orientation affords minimal East-West sun exposure while its formation naturally channels the breeze in between the buildings and into the common areas. Precisely sized balconies and ledges cast a wide natural shade into the units as well as add meaningful outdoor space. At the same time, daylight reaches 75% of the indoors. Naturally the view-hugging windows are larger; some are operable to comfortably yet safely welcome air. Such engineering details significantly reduce the building’s energy drain and the residents’ electricity costs. And think of all that natural air and light so uncommon in high-rise life!

The intelligence in the engineering is equally in the finishes and fixtures. Using rapidly renewable materials or those with recycled content preserve our resources while creating a distinct modern aesthetic. Materials with low VOC emissions--- paints or resins that do not release toxic gases--- prevent health problems. Most importantly, the built-in fixtures and appliances that rack up the most energy use are of the most advanced technology for reducing environmental impact and usage cost. Every drop of water is optimized with low-flow fixtures and dual-flush water closets; only greywater irrigates the plants. Airconditioning units are all multi-split type with an energy efficiency rating of 12. Even facilities for 100% back-up power, waste segregation and unit-precise fire detection will be in place.

This level of dedication to sustainability does not come as an afterthought; it goes far, far deeper than fashionable marketing claim. The economist E. F. Schumacher, in his famous book Small Is Beautiful: Economics As If People Mattered articulates the first law of building sustainably.

“In architecture, sustainable design is not the attachment or supplement of architectural design, but an integrated design process. This requires close cooperation of the design team, the architects, the engineers and the client at all project stages, from the site selection, scheme formation, material selection and procurement and project implementation.”

Committed to this is the newly-formed veteran team of developers, ArthaLand. By themselves a formidable partnership of industry experts, ArthaLand has also tapped into some of the highest credentials in green buildings. Environmental sustainability, with a particular eye toward reduced living cost, is built into every aspect of design and future operations at Arya Residences. They have in fact registered under the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) program with the certification goal of Gold --- a global standard for environmentally sustainable construction. This independent body monitors development up to completion. Arya Residences is the first high-rise residential building to target this standard. ArthaLand commits to being the first to achieve it.

Ecology and economy may find an ideal union after all.

For inquiries please call or text 0917-559-8000. Just look for Keith Ortiz.