The Allure of the Sea
Joseph O. Cortes
Business Mirror
NOVEMBER 3, 2008
There’s nothing more relaxing than coming home at the end of the day, settling
down in your favorite seat, kicking your shoes off, and enjoying quiet time
with your loved ones. With a view of the setting sun in the distance and a
fresh ocean breeze to cool you down, every day at home becomes a moment to be
treasured. It’s like going on a holiday every time you get home. This tranquil
setting is no longer just a fantasy. It could be yours, too, at AmiSa, a
five-hectare mixed-use development by Robinsons Land Corp. in Punta Engaño,
Mactan, Cebu.
Robinsons Land marketing services manager for residential buildings division
Jeng de la Torre says the location is ideal. Located in a sliver of land that
juts out into the sea, all residential units have ocean views—Magellan Bay on
one side and Hultungan Channel on the other. “No matter where your unit is,
you are assured of back-to-back views of the sea,” she says.
Since this part of Mactan is peaceful and quiet—just minutes away from the
airport—it is also an ideal location for Robinsons Land’s latest resort hotel
development. Residents and hotel guests alike can use the 172-meter wide
beachfront, which both sun worshippers and beach bums will surely enjoy.
And except for the beach, everything is kept separate, assuring AmiSa
residents utmost privacy and security. The resort hotel and residential areas
are kept separate by an ingenious use of the local terrain. The resort is
located nearer the beach, while the residences are placed a bit further to the
back in an elevated area. With separate walkways, residents will not even feel
the presence of the hotel guests as they head off to the beach.
TThe AmiSa residences consists of five towers designed following Gold Coast
Australian architecture in cool blue and delicate white hues. The buildings
have a curvilinear design to simulate the movement of the waves of the sea.
Units—available in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom layouts—feature
balconies that overlook the sea and Cebu’s picturesque landscape.
And should you tire of the beach, if that is possible, the residences have a
central amenities area complete with gazebos and swimming pools for both
adults and children. For those who love the outdoors, jogging and biking
trails will be laid out within the property, while the more competitive ones
can enjoy some basketball, tennis or badminton at the outdoor courts. Indoors,
a gym and fitness center equipped with the latest equipment will help
residents stay fit.
The center of all activities at AmiSa will still be indoors. At such an ideal
location, residents will surely maximize their time at home. That’s why Uo2
Architects decided to bring the outdoors in to strengthen the beachfront theme
in its model unit design for the studio and one-bedroom units.
For the studio unit, Uo2 reinterpreted seaside condo living by giving it a
modern touch. The bold use of a black and white palette gives the unit
personality, while yellow accents recall the sunshine outside.
To emphasize the beach motif, there is a predominance of curvy details in the
design—the accent wall has undulating patterns, the furniture has curvy
details, capiz shells contrast against the black shower curtain, and glass
treatments follow a twisting pattern.
To maximize on space, the furniture is often multipurpose, such as the night
tables that also serve as magazine racks with a simple addition to the design.
There is also an organic flow from the kitchen and dining area to the living
and bedroom areas to the balcony. Living spaces are subtly defined by
lighting. In common areas, the light is soft and muted, while in the kitchen
and dining areas the lights are more direct.
But the highlight of the unit is the balcony, and here the design is much more
basic. Apart from a central bistro table and lounge chairs layout, backlit
plant boxes on one wall add a garden feel to the area. Accompanying candles
and plant arrangements on the table add to the resort feel.
For the one-bedroom unit, Uo2 sees it as a seaside retreat and decks up the
place with a resort look. The color palette includes blue, white and brown and
all shades in between to come up with a relaxed ambience. The accent walls in
turquoise are decorated with artworks with a seashell motif, while pieces in
glass and textured material, such as vases, corals and shells, add to the
design.
The furniture is more streamlined but follow the color motif: off-white
slipcovered couch, teal accent chair, round accent tables and the geometric
area rug. A huge mirror in a brown frame provides focus to the living area.
In the kitchen and dining areas, molded wooden chairs in maple and a round
white-dining table with turned legs add character. In the bedroom, a
four-poster bed gives the room a sense of rest. The cozy beddings and pillows,
the espresso-colored drapes, and the sheer drape hanging over the bed
contribute to this feel.
Still, in any room with a view it is the balcony that is the focus of
attention. A cozy daybed where you can eat, read or just lounge with friends
defines the area. Fluffy pillows of different sizes in printed and plain teal
and brown provide the needed cushions, while a tray table decked with flowers,
shells and candles complete the look.