Federal Land’s Meadowcrest: A human-centric neighborhood district
Beyond bolstering fast- emerging locales through premium verticals and horizontals, Federal Land intends to provide a holistic living experience through a slate of thoughtfully masterplanned townships under its Federal Land Communities product line.
Federal Land Communities’ Meadowcrest, for example, is conceptualized to follow human-scale urban planning principles—putting a premium on proximity to essential points of interest, safety, convenience, and overall walkability.
Meadowcrest and its first village
Meadowcrest in Biñan, Laguna is a 48-hectare multi-use, masterplanned neighborhood township offering a distinct lifestyle and business environment that is intimate yet complete.
Envisioned to be a 15-minute, human-centric neighborhood district, Meadowcrest represents a paradigm shift in urban planning, prioritizing accessibility, sustainability, and community well-being.
Its inaugural development, Hartwood Village, will embody the essence of the community’s ethos.
Hartwood Village will set the standard for the community-centric lifestyle that will define the entire township.
Destinations within 15 minutes
A walk through Meadowcrest and its villages is anticipated to be a delightful experience, where residents can discover a harmonious fusion of convenience and tranquility.
A leisurely 15-minute walk from your home at Hartwood Village, for example, can lead you to a lush pocket park, a well-appointed village clubhouse, or a picturesque retail square. While on a stroll, a short detour can bring you to an eclectic café or a corner bakery. In just a few minutes, residents can reach a town plaza and go back home by foot or by bike, which they can conveniently park at a nearby roadside bike rack. But on the way, they can pick up a new novel at a bookstore or a seasonal fruit from a produce stand.
This has been the vision—old values, and timeless experiences brought into a modern and convenient setting. The right mix of urbanity and everyday essentials with neighborhood delights the whole family can enjoy. All are within reach, whichever way one chooses to reach them—on foot, on two wheels, or four.
Meadowcrest is also strategically positioned near key centers and establishments in Laguna. Landmark institutions such as De La Salle University-Laguna Campus, hospitals like The Medical City South Luzon, economic zones like Laguna Technopark, and major expressways such as Cavite-Laguna Expressway (Calax) and South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) are all within effortless reach, underscoring Meadowcrest’s commitment to seamless connectivity and accessibility.
Meadowcrest embodies the 15-minute community concept, ensuring that residents can easily access essential services and recreational facilities within a short distance, fostering a sense of belonging and convenience.
Safe, seamless navigation
In Federal Land, we build streets, not roads. Our priority is to provide human-centric infrastructure that will allow people to safely and leisurely walk to and from their destinations.
Ensuring comfort and navigation efficiency, Meadowcrest utilizes a “Living Street Concept,” emphasizing the comfort of pedestrians and bicyclists over the flow of vehicles. This approach will provide wide, comfortable pavements with planting strips for shrubs and large trees. Bikers will also be treated to safe, dedicated bike lanes.
Meadowcrest limits its streetscape to four lanes for the main spine road and two lanes for the local roads and sub-neighborhoods within Meadowcrest’s quaint future villages, effectively moderating traffic flow to create a safe and welcoming environment for all. Every tiny detail—the tree tunnels that have been proven to slow down cars and scenically meandering roads that impede a vehicle’s ability to speed up—was thoughtfully considered and orchestrated to create a truly human-scale and human-centric environment.
Making long walks enjoyable
Beyond mere functionality, the streets of Meadowcrest endeavor to elevate the pedestrian experience, transforming routine walks into moments of serenity and discovery.
Meadowcrest seamlessly integrates pockets of greens with the perks of a modern residential enclave. From calming and well-manicured streetscapes to vibrant and well-curated retail strips, Meadowcrest truly redefines the underrated suburban lifestyle.
Poised to turn roadsides into lively parklets, modular structures, and lush canopies will line the pathways adjacent to the pavements. This encourages walking and biking to promote healthier lifestyles, mitigating carbon emissions and contributing to a greener, more sustainable future.
Sustainability through versatile masterplanning
By meticulously designing Meadowcrest and its streets, Federal Land has effectively reduced the reliance on cars, thereby reducing carbon footprint and promoting eco-friendly modes of transportation. Pedestrian pathways, bike lanes, and strategic amenities likewise promote community engagement and environmental stewardship.
In embracing Federal Land Communities’ masterplan principles, Meadowcrest sets a precedent for urban development, merging sustainability and innovative planning to craft enduring, inspiring spaces. -AR. GILBERT BERBA
The author is the head of Urban Planning and Design Group of Federal Land Inc.
