Nuvali Evoliving a model for sustainability

LIVING ARCHITECTURE

By Marcos de Guzman Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Posted date: September 12, 2009

THE RESPONSIBLE fisherman is aware of the adverse effects of unrestricted fishing. Improper methods would yield a substantial catch but only within a very limited time and maybe never again. He knows that the ocean is his source of livelihood and therefore must be respected. No matter how bountiful, its resources can be depleted.
The same is true for the use of the land. A responsible developer would know the effects of overcrowding. Although full-scale building and development could yield great profits, it may be irresponsible because it might prove unhealthy, not only for the dwellers but also for the ecosystem that it supplants. Now that more people are concerned with the preservation of the environment and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, homebuyers are beginning to understand the importance of sustainability.

The cities of tomorrow can only be viable if these are no longer based solely on the old ratios of efficiency and cost, but increasingly so, on its capacity to promote a healthy balance between mind and body. Such is the concept of “evoliving,” which has been defined as “the seamless weaving of life, nature and technology to secure a vibrant future and observance of responsibility, harmony and diversity, enabling people to live the way they choose.” This is the essence of Nuvali, an Ayala Land development project.

Nuvali is a 1,700-hectare development located in Sta.Rosa, Laguna and extending all the way to Calamba, envisioned to be the country’s next urban centre. Its gateway is the Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay road, a striking landmark on your way to Tagaytay. It aims to integrate an assortment of land uses vital in support of a modern metropolis. This enterprise has a central business district with traditional office buildings, BPO campuses and retail centers, and boasting of several residential areas. Lot buyers have a wealth of options from the nearby residential projects of Ayala Land Inc., Ayala Land Premiere, Alveo Land and Avida Land, among others. There are also schools and institutional and civic areas operating in the vicinity.

Sustainability

Nuvali redefines urban living through sustainability, thus distinguishing itself from cities as we know it, which are mostly high-density urban centers. This much-touted sustainability is found in the ecologically-sound environment, while hosting a diverse but complete array of enterprises and activities integral to true community building. This will enable the whole development to be self-sufficient, reducing dependence on the big cities for services.

The villages within Nuvali have been purposely kept small and compact, ranging from 20 to 70 hectares, each one organized around a community center and planned along a modified grid network of roads. This approach ensures that each residence is not very far away from a transit stop, a convenience retail area, or a civic space. The proximity ensures more efficient traffic with several routes to the main highways. An efficient, privately managed transit system has been set up to reduce the residents’ dependence on private vehicles.

Ecological sustainability is assured through the maintenance of the wide expanse of open spaces and waterways ideal for nature to regenerate. These spaces allow for better air quality which whittles down to mean freer air flow, less artificial air-conditioning, and less noxious emissions. Water is used efficiently through rainwater harvesting and recycling with the option to reuse in non-potable applications such as irrigation and as a fire reserve.

Important role

Here, technology plays an important role through the use of double piping and filtration. A central environmental feature is the lake which is harnessed not only for esthetics but serves as the key for ecological balance and as the main reservoir for rainwater harvesting. Another significant feature is the tree-lined pedestrian and bike lanes which encourage walking and a healthier lifestyle.

The project also utilizes sewerage treatment plants enhanced with green wetlands for a more efficient sewer management, a proven waste management system from segregation at source to disposal. The use of bio-swales, detention basins and permeable surfacing helps recharge groundwater and reduce surface run off and will facilitate the cleansing and regulation of storm water outflows. This will be the first large-scale implementation of its kind in the country.

In the structures themselves such as the Evoliving Center, One Evotech, Solenade and the buildings of Abrio, Treveia and Avida Settings Cavite, Nuvali upholds the principles of green architecture, utilizing energy-efficient lighting fixtures, appliances and equipment, passive cooling technologies, green roofs, rainwater harvesting, low-emissivity glass, green materials and sustainable landscaping.

Over 100,000 trees had been planted or maintained to ensure good environmental air quality and less soil erosion, which eventually comes down to keeping the waterways even cleaner and improving the soil’s water-retention capacity.

We must learn to accept that we do share this world with other living things, many of which are at our mercy. The quality of life we maintain is theirs too, for better or for worse. We have a great responsibility on our hands, so what little we can do to keep the natural balance, we must.

For your comments and questions please e-mail to marcosdeguzman@yahoo.com.