Condo Living Redefined
Philippine Daily Inquirer
March 14, 2009
FOR the single professional or the startup family,
the many vertical mid- to high-rise residential developments that now dot the
landscape of the metropolis offer an alternative lifestyle marked by
conveniences one will not enjoy from more traditional living quarters.
Moreover, condo living is less expensive than buying land and building your
home from the ground up.
Still, not a few view condos with reservation, primarily due to preconceived
notions that condo living is a glorified version of living in a bunker, an
impression that some real-estate developers have not helped with their boxy
vertical developments and their cramped spaces.
Then again, there is Woodsville Viverde Mansions, an upcoming gated community
in Merville, Parañaque, master-planned by premier real-estate developer
Robinsons Land Corp., which redefines condo living for single professionals
and startup families with compelling features, not the least of which is the
fact that 70 percent of the entire development has been left open.
Within this expanse of space, seven distinct enclaves for wellness and leisure
have been created, including Nirvana Cove, which provides residents with a
peaceful sanctuary; Poet’s Nook for getting in touch with one’s inner poet;
Nature’s Orchestra, with its Greek-inspired gardens, mini amphitheater and
butterfly cage; Fitness Cove, for badminton and other fun ways to sweat it up
to good health; Fun Park, for endless kiddie play time; Picnic Grove, with its
fruit-bearing trees for family bonding; and The Oasis, with its
Mediterranean-inspired clubhouse and beach-type swimming pools.
And, of course, there is The Village Mall, which now houses Robinsons
Supermarket, David’s Salon, Mercury Drug and Dental Clinic.
All these add to the exceptional experience of living in Woodsville Viverde
Mansions, whose units—whether studio, two-bedroom or three-bedroom
layouts—offer the space and the built-in facilities/amenities from which the
single professional or the startup family can readily create a home in the
truest sense of the word.
Indeed, with furniture pieces that are compact, easy to move and serve
multiple purposes, one can easily transform one’s condo unit into a truly
refreshing and nurturing private escape, a space where one can retreat and
find comfort from the hurly-burly of everyday living.
Making it work
Here are a few tips on how to make it work.
Go for style—and versatility. Pick stylish furniture pieces that can do double
duty as storage units. That antique baul from your parents’ or grandparents’
home can make not only a great coffee table or even additional seating but
also store plenty of personal effects inside, while storage cubes can serve as
side tables. In fact, when it comes to accent tables, go for those with
drawers and shelves to maximize storage options. As far as dining tables are
concerned, choose one with leaves, which can be easily expanded when the need
arises.
Go ahead and nest. Because it’s quite likely that you will entertain on some
occasion or other, think of nesting tables or stackable/foldable chairs. They
are easy to layout when guests are expected, and easy to store away afterward.
Think nesting, as well, for the kitchen—as in nesting trays, bowls, pans, etc.
These won’t overcrowd your shelves and, at the same time, give you plenty of
tools to work with.
Off the wall. Look around your condo space—see all the storage opportunities
and more that those walls offer? How about mounting your flat-screen LCD on
the wall? How about wall-mounted lighting and pendants for illumination in the
living room or the bedroom? These take up zero space versus having side tables
and lamps. Moreover, consider adding shelves to walls—not only do they add
storage space but their contents (books, coffee-mug collection, etc.)
certainly add personality to your space.
To the max. Whether space and storage are at a premium or not, one will be
well served by maximizing every inch of storage space. For example, instead of
having it collect dust, use the unused space underneath beds to store toys,
magazines, personal effects, out-of-season clothes and thingamajigs. There are
plenty of beautifully designed storage options now available in department
stores and home-furnishing shops. Also, think of extending your kitchen
cupboards all the way to the ceiling. Sure, retrieving the items stored there
may require a ladder trip, but at least dust can’t gather on top of them.
At Woodsville Viverde Mansions future homeowners will enjoy all these and
plenty more—and at price points for its studio, two-bedroom or three-bedroom
units that make condo living not just an alternative but thoroughly desirable.