Integrated communities have long been seen as an attractive option for homeowners and investors, even before the COVID-19 pandemic slowed down economies globally, disrupted lives and forced most people to hunker down in their homes.
Masterplanned communities that offer multiple uses (such as residences, retail and dining areas, offices, entertainment hubs, medical facilities, among others) promise a distinct kind of comfort and convenience as residents have practically everything they need within easy reach—usually, just a short drive or within walking distance from them. Integrated communities are thus said to offer better, more enhanced living and working environments. Their importance has been further underscored by this pandemic, as one’s proximity to the essentials became crucial.
Today, there are a number of masterplanned, integrated developments in Metro Manila and other countries that have become the blueprint in creating new cities that could reshape and enhance the lifestyle of the modern urban dweller. Here are some examples.
Parc Komo in Singapore
Despite a limited area and government-imposed restrictions on house ownership, Singapore has been an ideal market for condominium projects, some of which are part of mixed-use developments.
An example is this new integrated community that will rise on Upper Changi North Road by 2023—the Japanese-inspired Parc Komo. This 276-unit mixed-use development boasts of three floors dedicated solely for recreation and a mall that is “seamlessly integrated” within the property. The mall will include a school, grocery, restaurants and pet grooming services. The amenities of the development are said to evoke a sense of community, according to the website of Parc Komo. A key factor in the property’s viability is its proximity to infrastructure projects in the area, including the Loyang MRT station which is under construction, as well as the Changi Business Park and Changi Jewel.
Launch Bay in New Zealand
One of the newest harborfront communities in New Zealand, Winton’s Launch Bay is a luxurious neighborhood in Hobsonville Point, a peninsula that juts out into the Waitemata Harbor. Launch Bay is comprised of four residential developments namely Ovation, Oval Houses, The Marlborough and Officers’ Houses. Overlooking greeneries and blue water from its cliff top, the suburb is only a short walk from the buzzing Catalina Bay with its restaurants, cafés and farmers’ markets, and a 20-minute drive from Auckland’s central business district.
The community drew inspiration from the rich history of Hobsonville Point, which used to be the country’s air base during World War II. There are large aircraft hangars, free-standing officer houses, munition stores, workshops and engine-testing facilities throughout the estate.
Ozone Urbana Residences in India
The largest integrated township in North Bangalore, India, Ozone Urbana spreads up to 185 acres of land and is situated just a few kilometers away from the international airport. It encompasses several residential developments including apartments Urbana Aqua and Urbana Prime, senior living community Urbana Irene and boutique residence Urbana Alcove.
With over 80 percent open space and sprawling greeneries and landscape, the development has become an ideal residential space for those looking to invest in integrated communities. With construction still ongoing, the complex is set to have a multiplex, hospital, business park and a school, apart from facilities like gym, department store, pharmacy, mini theater and salon, upon its completion.
Shore Residences in Manila
One of SM Development Corp.’s (SMDC) latest projects is a residential resort located at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay, which combines the relaxation and leisure of a resort and the comfort of home near a bustling business district. The 9-ha Shore Residences is comprised of three developments namely Shore 1, 2 and 3, all of which are offering resort amenities for residents to experience summer all year round.
Shore 3, the latest development to complete the complex, features wharf-inspired amenities with swimming pools and deck, lounging areas, multi-purpose field and a commercial strip. The in-city residential resort complex is also located near Manila Bay, making it the perfect spot for sunset gazing. Besides its integrated amenities, it is also near thriving business and entertainment districts so everything is within reach—from fine dining restaurants to malls and amusement parks.
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Article and Photo originally posted by Inquirer last October 3, 2020, 4:14am, written by Arriane Suarez and Kathleen De Villa.
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