MANILA, Philippines – Century Properties Group formally unveiled recently its much-awaited residential development in collaboration with yoo, the design company founded by the world’s most celebrated living designer Philippe Starck, and international property entrepreneur John Hitchcox.
The new Century Properties project called Acqua Iguazu is the first residential tower in the Philippines to be interior designed by the UK-based yoo inspired by Starck, and will be the latest addition to its portfolio of highly distinctive interior design projects around the world.
The P1.3-billion development is the fifth building to rise within the developer’s 2.4-hectare Acqua Private Residences project in Mandaluyong City, and was launched following the successful sales of the four previous Acqua towers: Niagara, Sutherland, Dettifoss and Livingstone (interior design by MissoniHome). The entire development features a rainforest-infused design theme and will have a total of 6 residential buildings.
John Hitchcox led the yoo team entourage in a visit to Manila to grace the project’s groundbreaking ceremonies at the site in Mandaluyong City. Joining him were yoo head of design Mark Davison, yoo designer Anastasia Kessaris and yoo marketing director Michelle Van Vuuren, as well as Century Properties officials Marco and Robbie Antonio.
“This partnership was forthcoming because Century Properties has consistently worked with the best in real estate. The local market has shown its readiness for branded property, and the international market could not wait to get more of it. They recognize branded developments to be on a par with international standards and to be superior in quality. Acqua Iguazu will be such a residence, and one that will offer that rare experience of life as viewed by Mr. Starck and yoo,” Century Properties co chief operating officer Marco Antonio said.
For his part, Century Properties managing director and international collaborations head Robbie Antonio noted that the project is consistent with their tradition of creating premium developments, life-enhancing spaces and distinctive experiences one has never before encountered. “yoo inspired by Starck’s design mark in Acqua Iguazu will forever change our view and standards for residential living,” he added.
Meanwhile, Starck said: “I am so very proud to present the first yoo inspired by Starck building in your beautiful country and I am so delighted to be a part of this very exciting project. Those of you who have experienced our designs before are in for another surprising, inspiring and delightful journey.”
Hitchcox added that “because these spaces will be a permanent home to a lot of people, we have made our creations unique and very special.”
Acqua Iguazu will rise to more than 50 storeys and have approximately 400 units. The building is designed with a distinctive crown called the “Cielo,” a multi-level amenity deck full yoo inspired by Starck design. The Cielo will have a gushing waterfall with a swimming pool, a bar, a DJ booth and dance floor, function room, an indoor and outdoor library, a movie room and dining area. The roof will have a cut out of a quote from the Little Prince written in Starck’s own handwriting.
The Cielo will also bear a spherical design statement – a tribute to the sun and moon – which will cast its glowing rays like the sun by day, and illuminate with a dramatic glow like the moon at night.
For the Acqua Iguazu units, three interior design inspirations following the themes of minimal, nature, and culture were opened for showcase at the Acqua Iguazu showroom. These will serve as reference motifs for homeowners who wish to decorate their units in true yoo inspired by Starck style.
Antonio is confident the project will entice local and overseas buyers, especially urban professionals and startup families who are familiar with Starck’s household name.
French designer Starck is known globally for his groundbreaking design and innovative spins on everyday products from toothbrushes to lamps, automobiles and even a yacht. British real estate entrepreneur Hitchcox is credited for founding the Manhattan Loft Project, the firm responsible for giving rise to the concept of loft living across London.
In 1999, Starck and Hitchcox founded yoo inspired by Starck in a shared vision to help people to live better through good design. Since then, yoo has been working with international developers for residential, hotel and commercial projects throughout Asia, Australia, Europe, Africa, North and South Americas and the Middle East and is responsible for the design of over 10,000 homes in 31 cities. Acqua Iguazu is the first yoo inspired by Starck residential tower project in the Philippines.
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