Written by: Amy R. Remo

It’s easy to understand the allure of city living.

To live in the metropolis means convenience, access to a wealth of opportunities, and the chance to revel in a cosmopolitan lifestyle amid the exhilarating, constant hum of activity in the city. But it comes with challenges, too, which often make many think twice about settling in the city.

Breath of fresh air

Federal Land NRE Global Inc. (FNG), however, is pushing the boundaries of innovation in city living. It has unveiled plans to create an enclave that promises to bring a breath of fresh air—a refreshing contrast to the often dizzying, frenzied pace of city living.

The Observatory, a 4.5-hectare residential complex rising in Mandaluyong City, is envisioned to become a refreshing modern retreat in a promising location that is complete, convenient, and comfortable.

FNG, a collaboration between Federal Land Inc. and Japan’s Nomura Real Estate Development Co. Ltd., taps into Japanese expertise and Filipino sensibility to build a sanctuary that offers an enhanced urban lifestyle, highlighting accessibility, well-being, intelligently designed living spaces, pioneering features, and premium amenities.

That lifestyle begins with its location—easily one of The Observatory’s biggest draws. Being at the true center of Metro Manila, this upcoming integrated complex stands in the middle of three of the most established central business districts in the country, namely Makati, Bonifacio Global City and Ortigas, all of which are within a 5-km radius.

Future residents and locators will also benefit from The Observatory being a mixed-use community, replete with residential towers offering studios, one- to three-bedroom cuts, and expansive penthouse units; an office building; and retail spaces, along with unobstructed views either of the city or of the Pasig River. All these components will reflect Japanese influences in terms of designs, architecture, and culture.

Japanese ingenuity

Residences here, in particular, will be a showcase of Japanese ingenuity, an example of which will be the smart storage solutions that ensure flexibility, cleanliness, and user-friendliness.

All units of the residential towers here will have a genkan, a traditional Japanese entryway area, meant to house items for outdoor use such as shoes. While it reflects deeply held Japanese views on cleanliness, a genkan makes for a practical feature too. For select units at The Observatory, the genkan will come with a shoe cabinet with adjustable dividers to allow for all kinds of footwear to be neatly stored. This will ensure having a clean and organized entrance which will exude a warm, welcoming feeling to a home.

Even the kitchen is designed to have zones for washing, preparing and cooking, as well as storage solutions that will enable residents to maximize cabinet space. Depending on the unit type, the kitchen will have adjustable shelves in cabinets, and provide a mobile kitchen counter that can also serve as a workspace extension, a side table, an additional food preparation space or even as a storage space.

Modular closets with adjustable shelves are meanwhile meant to accommodate various lifestyles of residents at different life stages. Shelves can be easily rearranged to accommodate needs for storing more clothes, large objects, among others.
Prospective homebuyers and investors will get to see all these in the first residential building that will be unveiled at The Observatory this November. It offers units ranging from studios that start at 28 sqm, to three-bedroom cuts of up to 148 sqm in size. At launch, unit prices will range from P277,000 per sqm for the studios to P339,000 per sqm for the three-bedroom units.

Refreshing retreat

True to its intent of creating a refreshing modern retreat in the city, residential towers will offer premium amenities that will bring residents to a journey across Japan—from Tokyo, Kyoto, to Osaka and Hokkaido.

The first tower, for instance, is inspired by the Shibuya district in Tokyo. It will have curated amenities that cater to the lifestyle and needs of a young, dynamic market. Expect to find a yoga studio and gym, a co-working center that offers areas for collaboration and privacy, an outdoor lounge that aligns with the “nature-oriented” Japanese philosophy of The Observatory, and an entertainment room that ensures a holistic live-work-play balance. There will also be a function room, pools, play areas, and even a pet park garden for fur parents.

Leisurely shopping

Complementing such a refreshing lifestyle would be the triad of shopping zones, ensuring that The Observatory will be a comprehensive destination catering to varied preferences and desires.

FNG tapped Garde, a leading Japanese firm known for retail design branding, in collaboration with HBA Manila, to weave together a unique retail experience. The retail component of The Observatory will have an open street mall concept in one area, fostering an inviting atmosphere for shopping and dining. Another area will be a fully functional, all-weather retail space with lush landscaping, creating a relaxing environment for leisurely shopping amid nature. Finally, the Riverside area serves as a connective space, where patrons can relish a distinctive dining experience while enjoying a panoramic vista of the cityscape.
With its fresh approach, it’s unsurprising that The Observatory has become a highly anticipated mixed-use complex leading up to the launch of its first tower, seen to only further enhance and enrich the allure of city living.

The Observatory will be formally launched on Nov. 19. To learn more about FNG and its projects, visit www.fng.ph or follow their social media at https://www.facebook.com/FederalLandNREGlobalPH.

ADVT.