Green as the ‘NEX’ big thing

If you have recently traversed Ayala Avenue in Makati, chances are you’ve done a double take after passing by what looks like a giant glass sculpture quietly, yet proudly, standing along this bustling side of the city.

There’s a new kid on the block and it’s NEX Tower, Nova Group’s newest development which boasts of world-class architecture and the highest sustainability criteria that aims to redefine Manila’s working landscape.

Nova Group managing director Arch. Ricardo “Chut” Cuerva made sure that one will not run out of things to admire whether one is inside or outside of the building.

The real estate developer partnered with world-renowned architecture firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM) in designing NEX Tower. SOM is responsible for designing Burj Khalifa in Dubai and One World Trade Center in New York.

Stepping into NEX Tower’s lofty, 16-meter high lobby, one is greeted by an 11 m living green wall. In addition, three other landscaped outdoor spaces, including a roof garden at the top floor, are built throughout the building. For Nova Group, being in a well-designed and healthy work environment helps motivate employees to work more efficiently.

Pre-certified at gold level under LEED, the green building rating system created by the US Green Building Council, NEX Tower carefully manages natural resources. It uses a low emissivity, double-pane curtain wall throughout the building and the highest efficiency air conditioning available in the market. It also aims to save at least 50 percent in water consumption with the aid of low-flow water fixtures and a rainwater collection system.

Standing at 28 storeys, NEX Tower offers 38,400 sqm of premium grade office space. Nova Group is confident that NEX Tower is the best workplace in the market to serve multinational corporations, financial institutions and leading local firms.

Nova Group also believes in the power of engaging the city and its citizens. “We believe that good place-making is an important responsibility for a developer. Our buildings strive to integrate with and enhance the community it’s situated within,” Cuerva explained. This explains NEX Tower’s quasi-public lobby that connects Ayala Avenue and Dela Rosa Street. Rather than pose as an obstruction between the two streets, NEX Tower weaves together different parts of the city by providing a spatial and pedestrian connection.

“We try to program spaces and amenities that serve not just our residents and tenants, but that serve its neighbors as well, improving the quality of life of the community,” Cuerva concluded.