Space and luxury, redefined at The Albany
MANILA, Philippines — They say that luxury never goes out of style, no matter what happens in the world. However, one can’t deny that in the current climate, our perception of luxury has changed. The words of iconic fashion designer Oscar de la Renta could not be truer today: “Luxury to me is not about buying expensive things; it is about living in a way where you appreciate things.”
From travel and fashion, our priorities have shifted to what I like to think of as the “Three H’s”: health, human connection and home. The home is no longer just a space for rest and relaxation, but is now transformed into an integral part of our lifestyle. It is a place where we work, study, brainstorm and create. It has become our personal gym and yoga studio, a haven for self-care and quiet. Now more than ever, our homes must adapt and be capable of flowing with all our needs.
What exactly defines a luxurious home today? I believe at the top of the list would be timeless and intelligent design. Good design is one that marries form and function, which is embodied by Megaworld’s latest residential development: The Albany.
Located right beside the high-end subdivisions of Forbes Park and McKinley Hill and inspired by the ultra-luxury apartments in London’s posh neighborhoods around Hyde Park, The Albany is designed by UK-based, multi-awarded architectural firm, Broadway Malyan. Low rise and low density, the estate is comprised of two 12-storey clusters, with 64 smart-home units apiece.
In today’s pandemic context, low population density developments resonate not just with ideals of exclusivity but also health and safety. With such a property, you will always be assured of a secure and friendly community.
The amenities are another key feature as nothing beats the convenience of knowing you have everything you need right where you live. The towers will have 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 complementary WiFi connectivity. It will also have four levels of parking exclusive for the residents.
Accessibility is also a highlight. Residents of The Albany can conveniently get to various parts of Metro Manila, as well as north and southern Luzon because McKinley West is connected to Lawton Avenue, the McKinley Road, EDSA, BGC Access Road, and NAIA Access Road, respectively.
In my opinion, one of the most desirable and luxurious commodities is space. With so much time spent at home nowadays, space is of the utmost importance. This is what is most striking about The Albany. Each unit they offer is generous in footprint. Units range from two-bedrooms with around 123 square meters of floor area to four-bedroom suites of up to 349 square meters.
Each unit also has a balcony which is so crucial to a holistic lifestyle. Being cooped up at home has made us crave open air spaces. One can also bring in a bit greenery and indulge their inner plantito or plantita, with a potted herb garden.
Their stunning penthouse units span three storeys and come with four bedrooms, a maid’s room, five toilets and bathrooms, an expansive dining area with a 7.4 meter ceiling height and living rooms with a skylight for that natural sunlight.
There is also a striking roof terrace with a private pool, relaxation deck and grilling garden for your weekend barbecues with the family. The master bedroom is the ultimate in peaceful luxury with walk in closets and a bathtub for that self-care Sunday moment. What can be more luxurious than being able to wind down and let go of the week’s stress with a nice bubble bath and maybe a glass of wine?
Speaking of bathrooms, The Albany does not skimp on fixtures. Each unit is fitted with design collaborations by Philippe Starck with Duravit for toilets and baths, and Hansgrohe for the hardware, particularly the sleek and minimalist AXOR Starck collection. When choosing a home, bathroom fixtures are so important as not only do they have to look good, they also have to be durable, sturdy, and easy to clean. These are not items one should skimp on as you will enjoy them every day.
One area in the home has suddenly been placed in the limelight during this pandemic, and that is the kitchen. While it became popular during lockdown, I believe the trend of slow living and slow cooking is here to stay. People have turned to their kitchens for comfort and closeness. The ritual of painstakingly preparing beautiful meals for your loved ones has been re-discovered by many.
The Albany is equipped with LEICHT from Germany kitchen systems as well as Bosch and Gaggenau for kitchen and cooking tops. Add that to the lovely al fresco areas each unit has, and you can always be assured that you will be able to entertain your loved ones in style.
We also cannot ignore the importance of technology and the role it has played in keeping everyone connected. More and more people have fully embraced tech in their lives and more importantly, integrated it into their everyday lifestyle. The suites at The Albany feature full home automation systems, activated via a smart home display panel by the entrance and through a mobile app. Each unit allows for integration for smart appliances such as smart TV’s, refrigerators, washers and dryers. They also come with a hands-free lighting system, with motion sensors to help conserve energy. These are particularly installed at the foyer and toilet.
Safety is also at the heart of The Albany’s smart home technology as residents will also have their own private keycards that grant them access to an elevator that opens directly to their private foyer. Each unit will feature a built-in video intercom that connects to the lobby area just in case residents are expecting guests. All of this guarantee an unrivalled sense of security.
At the end of the day, what is more luxurious than knowing the people you care for are happy and safe? And as I’ve outlined earlier, our homes have become much more than just a place to sleep.
Today, they really have become the axis on which our entire lives revolve. Which is why when we invest in our homes, we are really investing in the quality of our lives; in something that is tangible and that can really elevate your everyday, not just in terms of comfort but also meaningful experiences and deeper connections with the people around you.
With that in mind, do visit The Albany showrooms by Megaworld to see how they can best suit your own personal visions of that meaningful luxury lifestyle.
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