With record-breaking heat this season, people crave cooler environments not only to shield themselves from harsh realities but also to find solace and relaxation. The Philippines' high ranking on the 2023 World Risk Index underscores the urgency, as residents in hot cities are vulnerable to stress, impacting their overall health and wellbeing.
The answer lies in nature and the benefits of its spaces, fostering emotional stability, physical health, and community connection. A 2020 study on heat health risk assessment in Philippine cities highlights the importance of green spaces in regulating climates and purifying air. Therefore, urban plans that integrate such strategies should be prioritized.
Case in point: Arden Botanical Estate is a 251-hectare botanical-themed township in Cavite, located on the boundary between Trece Martires City and the municipality of Tanza, co-developed by property giant Megaworld and its subsidiary Global-Estate Resorts, Inc. (GERI).
With sustainability at its core, Arden Botanical Estate is set to feature flower farms and gardens, complemented by unique designs to offer an unparalleled living experience. As the first-of-its-kind township development in the Philippines, it is poised to inspire sustainability and wellness for generations to come.
Sustainable design
Megaworld has enlisted the expertise of renowned Filipino landscape architect and environmental planner Paulo Alcazaren to craft the design for Arden Botanical Village and the expansive 8.3-hectare Arden Botanical Estate Town Center.
“The best life is the balanced life. But the balanced life can’t be lived if you don't live in a balanced environment. The problem with the Philippines and urban centers currently, most of our 145 cities and 1,500 towns, is that urban development has not been balanced,” explained Alcazaren during the media launch of Arden Botanical Estate this month.
The new development has a higher percentage allocated for open green space compared to other developments. Alcazaren designed it to be surrounded by natural groves of mature trees, waterways, ponds, lush greenery, open spaces, promenades, and jogging paths. Also, it will feature commercial and retail spaces, alfresco dining areas, landscaped gardens, parks, an events venue, and a children’s playground, among other amenities.
It will also boast unique attractions such as Lombard Walk, Amphitheater, The Little Botanist Playground, Flower Garden, Flower Tunnel, and the pioneering Breathing Chapel, offering residents and visitors opportunities to connect with nature and immerse themselves in the beauty of Philippine flora.
“The layout [of the property] follows the lay of the land,” said Alcazaren. “You waste more energy leveling a site flat as compared to just following the contours. The contours actually assist in proper stormwater management, the water is maintained, eventually it leads to more efficient use of energy and resources for the whole development.”
Arden Botanical Estate will incorporate additional sustainability features, including the utilization of solar street lights, stormwater recycling, permeable pavements for driveways and parking, organic fertilizers and pesticides for the gardens, and electric shuttles for transporting homeowners and guests.
Communities and accessibility
“At Megaworld, our vision is to pioneer developments at the forefront of progress creating signature townships that not only enhance lifestyle but also drive economic growth and innovation. Arden Botanical Estate embodies this vision perfectly,” said Eugene Em Lozano, head of sales and marketing of Megaworld.
Arden Botanical Estate comprises predominantly residential and leisure villages, covering over half of its area. Under Megaworld are two expansive residential villages within the township: the 18.1-hectare Arden Botanical Village and the 15.2-hectare Arden Westpark Village. For GERI, it has unveiled the three phases of its latest village, The Lindgren, spanning 18.3 hectares.
“This groundbreaking botanical-themed township isn’t just beautiful, it’s strategically positioned at the center of Cavite’s booming infrastructure,” continued Lozano.
Arden Botanical Estate is conveniently located just over an hour away from NAIA via CAVITEX, with CBTEX (Silang Interchange) accessible within a 45-minute drive, and CALAX (Governor's Drive Interchange) just 15 minutes away. The Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge is also a quick 15-minute drive, further enhancing accessibility to the township. Positioned as a gateway to leisure, it offers easy access to tourist destinations like Nasugbu, just an hour and 32 minutes away, and Tagaytay, only 53 minutes away.
“Arden Botanical Estate is fast taking shape as a one-of-a-kind township development that allows everyone—whether they are residents, workers, or simply visitors of the township—to live and enjoy a beautiful and purposeful life within an enviable address,” said Rowena J. Espiritu-Lim, head of sales and marketing, Global-Estate Resorts, Inc.