The Estate Makati is a unique building rising at the heart of the famous Apartment Ridge along Ayala Avenue. It is the first architectural venture in the Philippines for Sir Norman Foster, one of the world’s most iconic architects and founder of Foster + Partners.    

Forging a dynamic mix of global innovations and the learnings on the local environment—the design of The Estate Makati is set to transform high-rise living in the Philippines.  Foster undertook several studies to design a building that is suited for our country while at the same time elevating the building standards to global levels. 

To maximize the exceptional views of the Makati cityscape, the building was designed with a unique cruciform shape. Extending radially from the center, each of the four wings ensure that all its residents are accorded extensive 270-degree views and utmost privacy. Another Foster signature feature is the treatment of space. The Estate Makati’s sense of space will be grand. Using a cutting edge core and cantilevered beam design concealed within the double slab, the building is entirely column-free. A floor area without obstructions and a 3.2 meter-floor-to-ceiling height, The Estate Makati will have an interior vastness that matches the phenomenal exterior views.  

In this Foster structure, superior design is reflected from the macro down to the small details. One of these extraordinary details is the construction of the windows. Windows are very important. Aside from the functional aspects like letting in light and air, they also frame views, change reflections and open up the home to the bigger world. 

This is the reason why to create the windows of The Estate Makati, Foster studied the topography of the area including the patterns of the sun and wind. He then designed the windows to be angled a certain way so that natural light permeates the unit without saturating it. The angled windows also offer residents the potential to make the most of the phenomenal view by accentuating it through a variety of angles. He also used double-glazing to reduce the flow of heat and external noise, sustainably limiting the power requirements to keep each unit cool and comfortable.

The angled windows proffer another feature unique to The Estate Makati which is the inhabited façade.  These are spaces—office area, reading nook, or day beds—that are integrated with specially designed bay windows. These are small yet spectacular living spaces with natural light and ventilation and framed views built into the very fabric of the building. From windows to walls to walkways – every aspect of The Estate is crafted with care. 

Built by SM Development Corporation and Federal Land Inc. and artistically curated by Foster + Partners, The Estate Makati will be the country’s window to an elevated sense of design.