Space: The newest frontier

Space or usable space has been changing and evolving for the past decades. We have been finding ways in maximizing a small space, with tiny homes and other tiny spaces being the rage now—we are finding new and unique ways to improve the use of space. Take for example A Space in Makati.

It’s quite difficult to put a structured definition of what A Space is. It’s a coworking space, it also has space for private offices, it has a gallery that also serves as an events venue, a bar, a showroom kitchen, a game room, a fantastic lounge and it has really artistic and cool people occupying all these spaces.

The look and feel of A Space is mostly black and white but cleverly done so that the little pops of color stands out. Furniture and accoutrements are quirky and unique—an old school bicycle propped against a wall next to an old vinyl player and floating bookshelves that are intentionally skewed; large foam bags that resemble gigantic rocks and stones that you can flop on and even a swing set next to an origami tree! Interior designers Amanda Axiak and Aila Asistores did a wonderful job in making the place look hip and fab without being pretentious.

More than anything, A Space is all about supporting a community of young, hardworking dreamers (as the CEO and founder, Matt Morrison would say). It is about transforming the workplace experience, enabling the innovation community to locate (a space that works for them) plus thrive  (and succeed).

For more information, you can check out their website at www.aspacemanila.com, call them at (02) 8460856 or “like” them at www.facebook.com/aspacemanila. A Space is located at 110 Legazpi Street, Makati City, Metro Manila.

Relaxing mountain space

The Alphaland Baguio Mountain Lodges is the latest property project of Alphaland that aims to provide a relaxing living space in Baguio city. Located just 8 kilometers from Pacdal Circle, the property has an elevation of 5,200 feet which guarantees crisp and cool Baguio weather. Previously privately owned by Alphaland CEO Robert V. Ongpin, the property has been developed, planned and transformed into a real estate development that is defined as “horizontal condominiums.” The 76-hectare project was planned for two years by EcoPlan from Florida, the same master planners for Balesin.

Alphaland Baguio Mountain Lodges will consist of 300 log homes. In comparison, the Woodlands in Tagaytay Highlands is only

7 hectares, therefore the Alphaland Lodges will have much more privacy and will not be as dense. The Benguet pine trees on the property have been carefully preserved and they have planted an additional 20,000 trees in the past couple of years.

Alphaland Baguio Mountain Lodges project will not be a membership club, but will be a horizontal condominium. The homes will be built in clusters of five or six, i.e., each homeowner will have a proportionate share of the 76-hectare property without need for delineating individual lots where the property is built. The gateway entrance, which was designed by Rico Sison with architect Nick Pagulayan, will be started next month.

Five model log homes ranging from three to four and five bedrooms are currently being constructed, from which interested potential homeowners can select the model unit they prefer. Each home will be totally equipped and furnished with appliances, furniture, beds and a sauna and, in the usual Alphaland manner, will be in ready-to-move-in condition.

For those who may be interested in acquiring one of these Alphaland Mountain Lodges, we suggest the following:

1. Visits and bookings will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
2. Viewing of the home can be scheduled through Ms Jojo Manalo at Tel Nos: (02) 8866000 and 0918-9186085 or e-mail [email protected].
3. Overnight stays can be arranged at a nominal cost, also by calling Ms Manalo at the above numbers.

4. Interested buyers will be provided with a brochure that will describe each house, the appliances, the sauna and the furnishings, together with a floor plan and the details of the price per unit and the payment terms.