New lifestyle of the enlightened

MODERN luxury by Atelier Almario

Today is my first column for Property. I’m excited to share my thoughts on green living and interior design, and hope that any reader who has comments or suggestions can e-mail me at [email protected] or even send me a Tweet at @tessavaldes.

ENERGY-SAVING Samsung Digital Air Conditioner seen in the model unit of Tower 2

Let me start with a new air-conditioning unit that I’ve just installed in our living room. That may not sound exciting but the design of the Samsung Digital Air Conditioner is totally radical. For starters, it is not the usual white color for appliances. For the first time, I have gotten to like something in black!

The freestanding Samsung Air Con even has a name: Rose. I start up Rose by waving my hand in front of her, which then makes her “petals” open up to reveal the A/C controls.

‘Lady Gaga’ of A/C world

Rose is described as the “Lady Gaga” of the A/C world. The appliance looks like a piece of modern art! The functionality of the piece is great as well. It has Samsung’s Smart Inverter Technology that makes it 60 percent more energy efficient.

GENEROUSLY spaced dining area at the 3BR Grand unit at Arya Residences

It also has Virus Doctor technology that immobilizes and deactivates bacteria, and turns it into water vapor, providing a steady flow of cool, clean air. Best of all, it is super quiet.

Samsung has been on the cutting edge of home appliances, it seems. They also have a Digital Washing Machine. The fully automatic unit gets laundry done with one press of a button. And it comes equipped with Samsung’s Eco Bubble technology that makes washing more efficient and saves up to 70 percent more energy.

I saw these appliances at the model units of the Arya Residences in The Fort, Bonifacio Global City. These model units are really nice and worth a look.

SAMSUNG Appliances brand ambassador Amanda Griffin-Jacob with the Samsung Digital Washing Machine

Arya Residences’ Tower 2 will house 43 floors of spacious, exclusive apartments. The distinctively elliptical tower houses a total of 200 units, ranging in size from two- to four-bedroom units between 120 and 590 sq m. Each floor will have a maximum of six units only.

Optimal use of spaces

The model units were created by Atelier Almario, the design outfit of stylish sisters Cynthia and Ivy Almario. They call the model unit style “transitional,” inspired by American designer Barbara Barry. Albeit the curvilinear shape of the exterior, living areas are carefully planned for optimal use of spaces.

The Almario sisters have skillfully rendered a lush palette of subdued tones, furniture graced with sensual lines and delicate proportions, and an ambience of elegance and luxury. Seeing what these artists have produced is eye opening.

The interior rooms of the model units project calm and tranquility. The furnishes and fixtures are top-grade and everything shouts out “premium” and “luxury.”

SEA Princess posing next to the uber chic Samsung Digital Air Conditioner called Rose

Indeed, there may be many real estate developments in our country, but only a few are truly lavish and up to global standards, with sustainable features that combine fine living and green consciousness. Green luxury is the new lifestyle of the enlightened.

Arya Residences is developed by ArthaLand Corp. The project is on the prestigious McKinley Parkway in the uber chic district of Bonifacio Global City. Visit www.aryaresidences.com.ph or call 836-2526 for details.

I think Arya will become a luxurious architectural icon in our country. It is also on target to receive its Gold certification from the US Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program.

Green interior design

Readers interested in green interior design should check out Space Magazine’s current issue. Many shades of green are talked about to encourage sustainable living.

One feature is on Cocoon Boutique Hotel, a sustainable hotel in the heart of Quezon City. Its rooms use environment-friendly materials, such as bed fretworks from reclaimed wood. Among its green touches are organic bathroom toiletries that are packed using stone paper and soy ink, and segregated trash bins for biodegradable and nonbio items.

Space Magazine editor in chief Sheryl Songsong stayed at the Cocoon, and described her stay as refreshing and a perfect place to “cocoon.” Oversized windows with sheer curtains flood dramatic, natural light into the room.

Green living is not a trend but a necessary lifestyle to ensure a better earth. We live well when we live right. So let’s all start with our own square meter of space!

Follow @tessavaldes on Twitter or email her at [email protected].