Such was the bold vision of upscale boutique developer Arthaland Corp. for the 8.1-ha Sevina Park, in which it will take another ambitious stab to mark a new milestone in sustainability. That’s because Arthaland’s latest development in Biñan, Laguna will be the first horizontal development in the Philippines to aim for the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Neighborhood Development and LEED Home Certifications from the US Green Building Council.
And there are more than enough reasons for one to believe that this can happen.
After all, it’s the same firm that carved a niche for being a pioneer of “green” projects starting with Arya Residences, the first and only residential high-rise in the country to receive dual certifications: a LEED Gold Certification and a Berde Four-Star Certification from the Philippine Green Building Council. Add to that Arthaland Century Pacific Tower, which earned the world’s first EDGE Zero Carbon certification from the International Finance Corp. (IFC).
First township
“The Sevina Park is our first sustainable community, our first township development. There are four parts to this development and we’re starting out with the first phase, the townhouse villas. The township will also have curated retail spaces and offices,” said Leonardo T. Po, executive vice president and treasurer of Arthaland.
“We’re giving a suburban feel with Arthaland quality. Most of our projects are urban, they’re located here in the city, and so we’re bringing it out (of the metro) where we’re giving more open spaces,” he added.
Topnotch amenities are expected to further enhance the quality of living experience of the residents.
Po highlighted several key points that make Sevina Park truly unique beyond its target certifications, such as the surrounding infrastructure projects, open spaces in Sevina, safety and security within this masterplanned neighborhood, smart homes, as well as facilities and features that foster social interaction in the community.
According to Po, travel time to Sevina Park from Metro Manila will be cut to about an hour once the 45-km Cavite Laguna Expressway (Calax) opens.
Enhancing lifestyle
Sevina Park, he added, was masterplanned by Boston-based Sasaki Associates, which allocated 60 percent of the entire development for green, open spaces and parks that are meant to enhance the quality of living experience. The vision is to create a highly integrated, inclusive neighborhood that is highly walkable and bicycle-friendly. The target was to have your usual creature comforts within a 7-minute walk or drive.
Other notable features of this LEED registered community include having a security and safety command center, centralized waste segregation and management system, rainwater management as well as a composting facility; implementing sustainable construction methodologies; and being home to endemic and endangered vegetation to promote biodiversity.
The villas, of course, offer future residents much, much more than the typical townhouse. A key feature, Po said, would be the shared gardens for unit owners. These can be likened to having a lush courtyard garden that can also serve as a convergence point where families and neighbors can gather. Having this green open space also frees you up from the usual worries of letting your kids play outside the house.
The target certifications alone bring significant benefits to the residents—specifically in terms of savings in power and water bills and the reduction of one’s carbon footprint.
The innovation part, Po added, comes in providing a smart home and community. The units will have home automation, automated switches, CCTVs and smart locks. The idea is to have control of your home via a mobile phone app.
The 8.1-ha Sevina Park will offer a suburban feel with Arthaland quality.
Christopher Narciso, head of business and project development of Arthaland, said all these are meant to create a safe, secure space that would serve as a relaxing sanctuary, away from the hurried pace of cities. Here is where starting families can create cherished moments, meaningful bonds and natural engagements amid an idyllic backdrop.
“Open spaces were designed to make social interactions comfortable and easy. Sevina Park offers that openness between the lots, your enclave and other components (in the township) without sacrificing privacy and security. The feel of coming home to your own refuge in Sevina Park is invigorating,” Narciso added.
There is indeed so much to look forward to as Sevina Park offers an exciting, unique and ambitious twist to how horizontal developments are done in the Philippines. Beyond claiming firsts in a highly cutthroat real estate industry, Sevina Park will more importantly create a significant impact in the government’s thrust towards sustainability once completed.
Future residents will benefit from the smart homes offered at the Sevina Park.
It will also afford buyers—who want to do their share in helping preserve the environment and in making the community better—a unique opportunity to invest in a sustainable home and green development.