For Jaime González, president of Arthaland Corp., the quarantine challenges of 2020 and 2021, provided the boutique property developer an opportunity to set itself apart from other Philippine developers by meeting delivery targets to buyers, and reinforcing its reputation for focusing on sustainability, wellness, high quality and superior design.
To put emphasis on this claim, the company broke ground early this week for its Lucima project in Cebu — a “sustainable” residential condominium on a 2,245 square-meter (sq.m.) property.
“With this project, we are expanding our footprint in Southern Philippines and it is envisioned to be the first and only multi-certified sustainable high-rise residential condominium in the country,” said Gonzalez during a media briefing after the virtual launch.
On track for five-year plan
The Lucima project is a key component of Arthaland’s two-pronged strategy to launch new luxury residential projects, one in each of the districts, central malls of Makati and Cebu. Amidst the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, the developer has mapped out a five-year program beginning this year, to double its presence in the country.
González said the Lucima launch in Cebu Business Park which will bring 263 residential units to the market and a gross area of “‹”‹approximately 28,000 square meters. squares.
Meanwhile, a launch is planned in the third quarter for a residential project at Legazpi Village in Makati, offering 37 residential units and a gross total area of “‹”‹approximately 14,600 square meters.
With these projects, Arthaland seeks to meet a goal of increasing its development space five times in five years, a commitment made in 2016 when the company raised new capital from the public offering of preferred shares.
Gateway project
Lucima is located in the heart of Cebu Business Park. The company said it is targeting city dwellers and business executives for the project.
This development that sits on 2,245 square meters of prime real estate at the corner of Cardinal Rosales Avenue and Samar Loop in the business park, is envisioned to be the first quadruple-certified sustainable high-rise residential condominium in the country.
It already earned pre-certification for LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold by the U.S. Green Building Council. It is vying for WELLTM (WELL Building Standard), EDGE® (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies), and BERDE (Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence) certifications.
“Cebu is fast gaining prominence as a leading regional hub and preferred location for some of the most renowned global institutions,” explained Christopher G. Narciso, executive vice president of Arthaland. “Investors and locators alike can look to Lucima to set the standard of luxury living in the city through its timeless design, meticulously executed construction, and thoughtful sustainability features.”
Promoting a safe, contactless environment
The project features low-E double-glazed glass, energy recovery ventilators, and a carbon monoxide tracker per unit, among others.
Residents will have access to virtual concierge and “autonomous surveillance” robots, which are said to be used to promote a safer and contactless environment.
It will have 30 residential floors with over 260 units. Its one-bedroom offerings have floor areas around 38 sq.m. to 54 sq.m., two-bedroom units with 88 sq.m. to 106 sq.m., and three-bedroom units from 125 sq.m. and up. Lucima’s largest unit is said to be over 500 sq.m.
Lucima is slated to be completed by the third quarter of 2025.
Nailing down objectives
González told the Manila Standard that his company had always sought to set itself apart from other developers by meeting delivery targets. Phase 1 of the Cebu Exchange office condominium project was successfully delivered to buyers based on its pre-pandemic delivery date, he said.
As of the end of June 2021, Arthaland completed 88 percent of the Cebu Exchange. All development is expected to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2021.
Phase 2, covering from the 16th floor to the roof deck, is on track to be delivered to buyers by the second quarter of 2022, he added.
The company also has a project in Biñan, Laguna province, Sevina Park, an 8.1-hectare master planned sustainable community. Construction work for the first phase of Sevina Park Villas is now in full swing. “We are on time to deliver the first batch of villas for the fourth quarter of 2021, Gonzalez revealed.
