Soothing greenery is antidote to urban stress

Because of the soothing effect of greenery, gardens have long been focal points of the most celebrated homes. At Tamarind Cove, the last phase of the successful Ayala Alabang development, a lush strip of green designed to be an integral part of the lot owner‘s lifestyle.

A few steps away from each of the 20 lots in the exclusive neighborhood, a 1,800-sqm. strip of green allows homeowners to savor a variety of experience. It incorporates a formal garden, a fragrance garden, a tropical garden as well as an activity park and an open area for more active play.

The area has been designed so residents can exercise, take brisk early morning walks, or leisurely evening strolls there, according to Pert Rodriguez, assistant vice president of Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), developer of the subdivision. It is also where the children can play ball, fly kites, or simply hang out.

With lots ranging from 470 to 775 sqms., Tamarind Cove incorporates some of the latest trends in subdivision planning. The area with limited access reflects a desire of homeowners to live closer to nature in more intimate communities. According to Tristan dela Rosa, ALI vice-president, these desires are natural offshoots of the rising dominance of technology and consequent impersonalization in our lives.

In both the Japanese and Chinese culture, gardens have long served as vehicles for homeowners to seek inner repose in the course of day-to-day living. Japanese gardens, for instance, use sand, pebbles and other natural materials to help the viewer recall the experience of the seaside or a riverbank.

At Tamarind Cove where the landscaping is generally informal and less structure, the design intent is simply to allow the viewer to be in touch with nature. One who is in touch with nature, after all, is also usually in touch with himself.

Tamarind Cove was likewise intended to be a small community, unlike the earlier phases of the popular residential area. With only 20 lots, homeowners are likely to interact more and build stronger bonds with one another. Lots are likewise laid out in a cul-de-sac to heighten the feeling of intimacy.

Its limited size likewise allows the area to be better secured and for residents to have a heightened sense of privacy, dela Rosa observes.

Nevertheless, he clarifies that lot owners at Tamarind Cove also have access to the facilities in other phases of the community. These include a number of other parks, tennis courts, covered basketball courts that also double as settings for large meetings and socials, one of the most elegant churches in Metro Manila, and a public swimming pool.