Low-impact meets the high life in an eco-friendly condo

BusinessWorld 

Feb 15, 2010

Low-impact meets the high life in an eco-friendly condo

FOR MANY CITY FOLK, the mark of a good life is their luxurious highrise view of the sparkly city skyline, well above the bustle in the streets below. But as the negative impacts on the environment are increasingly felt, building another high-rise without an eco-friendly design becomes too much to ask of Mother Earth, or what little of her is left. And many people are reluctant to go green, because it usually means cutting back on their comfort.

ArthaLand is rising to the challenge of letting urban dwellers have their lifestyle perks while putting less pressure on the environment. Through its flagship project, the two-tower Arya Residences in Bonifacio Global City, ArthaLand is pioneering green standards in high-rise development and living without scrimping on style.

For starters, Arya Residences incorporates architectural smarts to reduce the need for energy-sucking lights or air-conditioning. Each tower is positioned in such a way for homeowners to enjoy natural breezes and sunlight without having to feel the heat. The façade incorporates bigger windows for everyone--all the better to catch that coveted skyline view.

Each apartment comes equipped with its own energy-efficient air-conditioners, which will save Arya residents the inconvenience of installing one themselves. Each bathroom will also feature low water consumption fixtures, and the whole complex will benefit from an innovative dual-piping system designed to help conserve water.

On the ground floor, an elevated and covered Plaza will allow for al fresco dining at Arya Residences, rain or shine. An overhead canopy will shield patrons from the elements while allowing them to enjoy the breeze. There’s also the Terrace exclusively for residents’ use where they may enjoy various amenities that allow for the full spectrum of a good life in the city.

Nestled between the two towers, the Terrace will enjoy the coolness of the channeled winds and lush landscaping--which, by the way, will be composed of indigenous plants that require minimal water and are perfect for the tropical climate.

Arya Residences is designed to live up to their name, the Sanskrit word for "noble," by providing residents with high-class amenities while producing low environmental impact. ArthaLand has registered the Arya Residences under the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program and is aiming for Gold-level certification, which will prove that the developer can walk its eco-friendly talk.

"At the end of the day we want our residents to enjoy comfort and luxury, but at the same time know that they are living right- [by] contributing to the care of the environment," Angela De Villa Lacson, ArthaLand president and chief executive officer, said in an interview. "You don’t have to sacrifice living well to live right."

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