Lakeside Living - South Lake Village Rises in Sta. Rosa
Builder and real estate developer Eton Properties Philippines, Inc. (EPPI) recently launched South Lake Village, the first residential island lot development in the country that is set within Eton City in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
Hailed as “The Makati of the South,” Eton City is a mixed-use township project that will seamlessly integrate residential, commercial, recreational and institutional centers to form one vibrant community.
For Eton City’s island lot development, EPPI has partnered with N.S. Mangio and Associates, a firm famous for developing lakeside communities. The design team is expected to develop a premier lake village inspired by Dubai’s Jumeirah, The Palm and The World as well as San Francisco’s Foster City.
Masterplanned waterfront living
Occupying 150 hectares in the almost 1,000-hectare Eton City project, South Lake Village is set to bring the concept of waterfront living in the country.
“One of the trends in the real estate industry today is developing waterfront properties and promoting waterfront living. In countries like Thailand, Singapore, Australia and the US, areas near water are considered prime property,” said Arch. Nestor Mangio of NS Mangio & Associates, Eton Properties partner in conceptualizing South Lake Village.
South Lake Village is not like any ordinary community. This development features 18 residential islands surrounded by a 35-hectare man-made lake. Each island, which is approximately one hectare in size, will have eight to 12 residential lots ranging from 600 to 1,000 sqm each.
The islands will be connected to the mainland through land bridges, and are highly exclusive and secure. Only kayaks and electric boats will be allowed on the water to preserve the lake, and residents can have their own private dock.
More than a visual amenity
In South Lake Village, nature serves not just as an accent but the focus of the entire development.
“The open space comprises 47 percent of the area,” related Architect Brian Mangio, Arch. Nestor Mangio’s son and the firm’s managing partner. “We have 11 kilometers of waterfront, and a sizeable area of the development will be devoted to parks. Because of our choice location, you can enjoy views of Laguna de Bay and Mount Makiling --- and of course a great view of the lakeside.”
More greenery is provided by playgrounds, tree-lined roads, linear parks along the river and lake-view corridors. More open spaces mean more breathing space, and definitely greener views.
The lake itself is not just for beautification; in fact, residents can enjoy various recreational water activities right in their community.
“They can go sailing, or take their boat to the country club,” Arch. Nestor said. “They can even go fishing – we have filtering systems and aerators to ensure a healthy ecosystem in the water.”
Island paradise
To match the relaxed, resort-like atmosphere of the project, father and son suggested a contemporary Asian architectural theme.
“Such an architectural design will go well with the climate here,” said Arch. Brian. “We will also be using the principles of green architecture and sustainability in the project; and design structures with the windows facing south and north so there’s less heat,” shared Arch. Nestor.
Being a licensed urban or environmental planner, Arch. Nestor Mangio also ensures that the vision for South Lake Village coincides with the overall plan for Eton City.
“While this area is touted as the Makati of the South, we plan to create a more relaxing environment – it’s like countryside living with all the urban amenities,” explained Arch. Nestor.
Thus, amenities such as the 2.2-hectare South Lake Sports and Country Club, which will be replete with sports facilities; River Grove, which offers an exclusive enclave within South Lake Village, plus a world-class golf course as well as commercial strip with shopping and dining areas, will soon be developed within Eton City as well.
The residents’ security is also taken into concern during the designing of South Lake Village.
“Each enclave is gated with guarded entrance and exit points. We will also be using the latest security equipment to ensure that this will be a highly secure and safe environment,” Arch. Brian said.