Well-equipped spaces to fit the new normal

Global challenges can compel us to rethink long-standing concepts. See how the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to redefine human connections, work-life balance, even the idea of home.

The pandemic has fundamentally shifted our perception of the world. The rethinking of the shelter came after governments worldwide instructed citizens to retreat to their homes as a matter of life and death. As we boxed ourselves in, we asked: “What now?” Soon, we started new hobbies, accomplished tasks online and worked from our homes.

COVID-19, indeed, evolved the ideal home, but seasoned developer Ortigas Land can provide addresses that still fit the new criteria, thanks to its time-tested foresight and expertise. The 56-storey Empress in Capitol Commons and the 51-storey Residences at The Galleon in the Ortigas central business district (CBD) prove how the company remains ahead of the curve.

Spacious rooms at The Galleon offer a relaxing sleep.

No-touch technology for safety

COVID-19 cannot travel far but notoriously lingers for long periods, and this is why experts ask us to regularly disinfect surfaces and sanitize our hands. But there are ways to avoid contact altogether. At Empress and Residences at the Galleon, contactless technology is an essential security feature which now also has a health advantage. With smart living, unit owners can control and monitor their appliances or property through an app. The software links up to the smart plugs of the TV and kitchen appliances, smoke detector, airconditioner, lights, as well as temperature and contact sensors. The only surface that needs regular disinfecting will be your phone’s screen.

The Empress is touted as the first wellness lifestyle real estate

Kids will have their own space at The Galleon.

Generous space for residents

The lockdown-resilient home must accommodate a multifaceted life. It must possess functionality and fluidity. It must have no problem housing indoor plants, materials for arts and crafts, passion projects, a home office, a virtual classroom and a gym, among others, on top of the traditional living space. It must not make its residents feel cooped up or, at least, must enable them to accomplish tasks efficiently. Providing choices for prospective buyers, Empress has a number of units from a studio to a three-bedroom unit with sizes ranging from 30 to 241 sqm. Residences at The Galleon, meanwhile, has one-bedroom, two-bedroom and penthouse units with sizes from 69 to 411 sqm.

High accessibility

Throughout the quarantine period, authorities have warned against nonessential travel. This stems from the fact that the more we go outside our homes, the more we might acquire the virus. For their location alone, Empress and Residences at The Galleon minimize one’s exposure. Shopping, reporting to work or school, going to the doctor, even exercising, can all happen downstairs or just outside the building. Both are near office spaces, shopping centers, entertainment hubs and essential establishments. CBDs, the airport and expressways are likewise accessible. Both projects are also set to benefit from the nearby big-ticket transportation infrastructure projects that are nearing completion.

The lockdown-resilient home must accommodate a multifaceted life.

Empress is perfectly suited for the new normal

Community and well-being

The isolation over the past few months taught us to know more about our neighbors and to look after ourselves better. Residences at the Galleon and Empress encourage social connections and self-worth as important elements of living. The latter is touted as the first wellness lifestyle real estate, ingeniously integrating balance and sustainability in design. Amenities in both projects, such as the lounge, social hall and children’s area, help residents socialize and bond. They also feature active zones that encourage exercise and quiet zones that promote meditation. In a world changed by COVID-19, we become less vulnerable by staying at home or within the community as much as possible­—even when buying groceries, doing business with government agencies and fulfilling tasks at work.

Indeed, Ortigas Land’s Empress and Residences at The Galleon are well-adjusted to the demands of a redefined home.