I recently read up on the excellent design philosophy of Broadway Malyan, a multiawarded and highly respected architectural firm based in the United Kingdom. It went something like this: Great design should have a strong narrative. Something to excite, inspire and engage with the people who will be the end users. It’s a practice built on the passion of its people and their commitment to great “placemaking.”

I was pleasantly surprised, then, to find out that theirs was the team behind the design of The Albany, a low-density, ultra-high-end residential estate located along what is now known as the “Billionaires’ Row,” on Chateau Road at McKinley West in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Those who value space, privacy and exclusivity more than anything will be delighted to know that The Albany is composed of only two, 12-story clusters—Kingsley and Yorkshire—with just 64 smart-home units apiece.

Inspired by the ultra-luxury apartments in London’s posh neighborhoods around Hyde Park, this standout residential development is strategically located beside the upscale enclaves of Forbes Park and McKinley West Village.

Understated luxury

The beauty of The Albany isn’t only evident in its architectural design, as it continues as you step further inside the spacious residential suites, which come with their own private balconies, and range from two-bedroom (123 square meters) to four-bedroom suites (up to 349 sq m).

At the heart of the scheme of the interior design features are the all-inclusive European branded fixtures and fittings. I find it impressive that the developers took great care in furnishing each unit with prestigious global brands, including Leicht of Germany for kitchen systems, Bosch and Gaggenau of Germany for kitchen and cooking tops, Duravit’s Philippe Starck Collection for toilet and bathroom fixtures, and Hansgrohe Axor Starck and Grohe for the luxurious toilet and bath.

I’ve always believed that the keen attention to detail and the very best quality in construction make Megaworld developments a wonderful place to live in and an excellent future investment. As they say in real estate investment, everything starts with the right location. And The Albany proudly flaunts just that—the right location.

Residents of The Albany can conveniently get to various parts of Metro Manila, as well as north and southern Luzon, as McKinley West is connected to Lawton Avenue, McKinley Road, Edsa, Bonifacio Global City Access Road and Ninoy Aquino International Airport Access Road, respectively. As new residential preferences are met, homeowners who want to have most living essentials within the 15-minute-walk vicinity will surely welcome the fact that the township sits just right beside the thriving McKinley Hill.

Smart-home technology

Another thing I find interesting about The Albany is how it complements its timeless, tasteful design with all the conveniences of modernity—fitting the lifestyles of those who are always on the go. The units in this residential estate are all equipped with smart-home technology, activated via a smart-home display panel by the entrance and through a mobile app. The homes allow integration of other smart-ready appliances, too.

So, with just a touch of a button, residents will be able to open or close and even adjust the lighting setup in various parts of their house or the thermostat to control ventilation and air-conditioning systems even while they are still on the road on the way home. I love this bit—nothing beats coming home to a cozy space after a long day of meetings and appointments!

In addition, residents are granted their private keycards that allow them access to an elevator that opens directly to their private foyer. These units will feature a built-in video intercom that connects to the lobby area, in case residents are expecting guests.

Aside from these units, The Albany also features three-level penthouse suites with four spacious bedrooms in the first two levels; a maids’ room with toilet and bath; five toilet and bathrooms, including the master bedrooms with its own bathtubs, a powder room and walk-in closets; an expansive dining area with a 7.4-meter ceiling height; roof terrace that features a private pool, relaxation deck and a grilling garden. Living rooms also feature a skylight ceiling for natural lighting.

To make The Albany a much more enjoyable place to live in, there is a two-level amenity deck that features a wellness spa, sauna, fitness center, entertainment and game room, infinity pool with submerged lounge deck, kids’ play park, cabanas, function halls and complimentary Wi-Fi connectivity. There will also be four levels of parking exclusive for residents.

There is something exciting about navigating a new place, knowing it will soon become home. That bit of newness is like an adrenaline shot. It fills you up with energy ready to explore the endless possibilities a new place holds, the different people you’ll meet, the culture you have yet to discover, and the chance to start your little community from scratch.

This is the feeling one gets when they move into The Albany. It instantly feels home as you first step into your unit.