By Issa Quirante
WHAT is a residential Eden? Leading Philippine real estate firm Century Properties has the answer in Acqua Private Residences in Mandaluyong City—a rare urban address infused with all that we love about the tropical rainforest
The peaceful sight and soothing sound of cascading waterfalls, abundant greenery, and invigorating lagoon pools.
The 6-tower development is located on a 2.4-hectare property that is accessible via the Makati-Mandaluyong and Estrella-Pantaleon bridges, which both connect the cities of Mandaluyong and Makati.
“Acqua is a piece of paradise in the center of the metropolis, made even more exciting as residents will get such exclusive amenities as their own Country Club by the Water called the Pebble, and a Riverwalk Promenade with shops and cafes,” the developer said.
Acqua’s masterplan allots twice the size of its land area to open space, amenities and greenery, spread throughout the buildings, roof gardens and amenity areas. Its unique riverside location provides a picture of how its surrounding environs will be revitalized in the coming years.
“We aim to contribute to the gentrification of an old industrial area into a bustling center of activity, as well as help realize the grand vision for the rebirth of the Pasig River and fill it with riverside attractions,” Century said.
Named after world-famous waterfalls
True to its tropical rainforest theme, Acqua’s residential towers are named after the world’s most majestic waterfalls.
Niagara, the first tower, is complete and undergoing unit turnover.
The second tower scheduled for turnover this year is Sutherland, named after one of New Zealand’s tallest waterfalls. The third tower Dettifoss, named after Iceland’s most powerful waterfall, recently completed its construction floors together with Acqua’s fourth tower.
For the fourth and fifth towers, Century Properties chose Africa’s Livingstone Falls and Brazil’s Iguazu Falls as inspirations, respectively. The company also worked with two world-renowned brands to offer highly-distinctive interior designed residential properties: MissoniHome for Acqua Livingstone and yoo inspired by Starck (founded by John Hitchcox and Philippe Starck) for Acqua Iguazu.
Meanwhile, Acqua’s sixth tower will introduce a unique touch to the “home away from home” concept in partnership with another brand. The project, which ushers Century Properties’ evolution from a top residential developer to a leading well-diversified property company, is scheduled to be launched very soon.
Branded residences by MissoniHome and yoo
The first residential building in the world that will bear the creative and colorful mark of MissoniHome will rise in Metro Manila through the planned 52-storey Acqua Livingstone.
The tower will immerse residents in the rich and colorful experience of the MissoniHome-designed space, which is not available elsewhere. Its design philosophy will be fully articulated at the Canopy, a split-level complex that will house a function room, business center, a gym and spa, an amphitheater, DJ booth, dance floor, pool and barbeque facilities.
An organically-shaped wire mesh tree that winds its way up will connect the Canopy’s two levels—providing a unique al fresco dining area and observation decks from where one can enjoy fantastic views of the Makati, Manila, and Mandaluyong skylines.
The design firm called yoo, co-founded by Philippe Starck and John Hitchcox, brings its touch of the extraordinary to the Acqua Iguazu tower through the Cielo, an exclusive sky deck that will have an iconic giant orb that looks like a sun during the day and a moon at night.
At this multi-level area one can also find the Wonder Bar and Library, which serve as an indoor/outdoor library during the day and a cocktail bar at night; a posh dining area from which the reflection of a suspended moon and Starck’s favorite lines from Le Petit Prince add a touch of whimsy to the space; a private theater that evokes the old world charm of cinema’s golden age; and multi-level waterfalls that gather into a pool.
Yoo has likewise designed the Acqua Iguazu lobby to be as breathtaking: the long narrow room is framed by three funnels and highlighted with a sculptural representation of the moon and a line from Le Petit Prince to echo that of the Cielo.
Both brands also offer optional interior designed units for their respective towers upon request.
Meanwhile, the construction of Acqua’s Pebble amenity is in full swing. Designed like a smooth river stone, this country club by the water will be home to fitness club facilities, a lap pool, a lagoon pool, and a basketball court. At its ground level will be the Riverwalk Promenade, which features dining and shopping by the river—akin to that of Singapore’s Clark Quay area—with its restaurant and retail row.
Century added: “We are delighted to introduce a residential landmark that embraces the modern lifestyle and yet infuses the reinvigorating experience of being surrounded by a majestic tropical rainforest. Acqua is truly a life-enhancing project that will elevate residents to a state of bliss, and make them feel nurtured and refreshed, without ever having to leave the city.”
For more information about Acqua Private Residences, visit www.acqua.com.ph.
