Fit for a king

In medieval times, lavish castles housed leaders of the state and royal families. They provided panoramic views over the land, allowing the rich to literally oversee their subjects.

Today, these stone forts have been replaced with steel skyscrapers serving the same function. Penthouses and other high rise residences provide the elite with majestic views. By elevating people above the city, these homes make residents feel like they have conquered the world.

Not all high rise homes, however, are built the same. Some rise well above others in terms of quality of construction and experience. If you’re hoping to live majestically and seize the best elevated home for you and your family, here are the elements to look out for that are fit for a king.

Generous space

Sometimes, the most important things in life are the ones that you cannot see.

In today’s crowded cities, space is perhaps the biggest luxury. You will rarely find towering condominiums that offer high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and enough room to host a grand party. Yet these homes do exist in Metro Manila, built so exclusively that the public barely knows about their existence.

Space is the reason why some condominium units are more expensive than the standard. If you want a unit that is more than 30 sqm in area, expect to pay an amount that is equivalent to a two-story house in the countryside.

If you’re smart or lucky enough, however, there are a few gems in Makati and Mandaluyong that will give you vast room for less than standard prices. Consider looking at older buildings to clinch such a deal. You might be making a compromise on amenities, but the space would more than make up for it.

A customizable city home is a gem that is hard to find. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Flexibility and personalization

Many luxury condominiums are so well-designed that developers don’t want you to modify the units.

While this works well for modular homes, sometimes it may feel restrictive to those who love to exercise their creative juices and personalize their spaces.

Thankfully, there are a few developers who recognize our thirst for individuality. Changes allowed range from minor ones, such as replacing main doors and customizing counters, to major ones, such as building a staircase to connect two separate units.

Developers who provide allowance for these customizations are absolutely difficult to find. If you do find one, verify the degree of flexibility that they allow to help you plan your moves.

A smart home offering contact-free devices elevates a unit above the rest.

Quality finishes

Many builders boast of durable and aesthetic finishes. The most luxurious homes, however, feature elements that deliver exceptional experiences beyond look and longevity.

Take for example, devices that allow contactless control. Motion-sensor lights, Bluetooth speakers, and phone-operated locks ensure your safety, comfort and convenience.

Not all units, though, are built to be smart-home ready. These unique features set apart your home from the rest of the market.

Exclusive amenities

Lastly, amenities pretty much define the quality you can expect in a particular condominium.

The more varied the amenities your high rise home offers, the more activities you can pursue right outside your home. Fitness centers and swimming pools are already the norm in today’s city homes, but if your unit gives you exclusive access to spas, sauna rooms and even golf game simulators, you have a home fit for a king.

The density of your building also dictates its exclusivity. Between a 50-unit condominium and a 500-unit structure, for example, you can expect less waiting time for the treadmill or elevator in the less crowded environment.

While there’s no castle in Metro Manila, you can still live like a king in a premium condominiu,.

A royal residence

While there’s no castle in sight in Metro Manila today, you can still live like royalty by choosing to invest in a high rise luxury residence.

Whether you’re an executive, an expatriate, or just a simple individual looking to live your best life, consider hunting for the best condominium unit in the market today. You might just be surprised at the variety of options available and how some are actually built to suit the standards of kings.

Exercise due diligence and strive for the best. Pretty soon, you’ll have your own modern castle to call home in the metro.

Sources: Pixabay, Min An, Jakub Zerdzicki, Markus Winkler via pexels.com

Ar. Vittoria Mawis-Aliston

A Filipino architect who has a Master's Degree in Interior Design of Commercial Spaces from IED Barcelona, Spain and with twelve years' worth of experience under the tutelage of Filipino architectural firms.