The Linear boosts green living with eco-roof

MANILA, Philippines - The Linear, a residential condominium development of Filinvest Land in Makati City, has embraced the move for urban green living with its eco-roof. The roofs of The Linear’s two 24-storey towers, and basketball court will have real gardens sustained by this roofing technology.

In the Philippines, the use of eco-roof in buildings has been a trend since 2000, according to The Linear landscape architect Mary Ann Espina, who designed the eco-roof system. 

An eco-roof consists not only of soil and plants but also a layer of waterproofing membrane that prevents roots and water from penetrating the roof floor or slab, a layer of plastic or styrofoam for storing rainwater, pipes for draining excess rainwater and a layer of filter blanket or special fabric that allows rainwater to pass through the soil for storage without causing erosion. The system eliminates the need to water the plants manually.

The eco-roof is the heart of The Linear’s eco-friendly and aesthetic features. It gives resort-like ambience to outdoor amenities such as the swimming pool, basketball court, theme parks, picnic areas, viewing decks, exercise area and painter’s nook. The plants clean the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, and provide comfort and energy savings in the form of cool air.

“Eco-roofs tend to cool the space under it,” says Mary Ann Espina, of Espina, Perez-Espina & Associates and dean of the UP College of Architecture. “So if the basketball court is air-conditioned, the energy consumption will be less than when there is no eco-roof.”

Brian Sabido, Espina’s partner landscape architect, adds The Linear’s eco-roof is the type that retains and drains rainwater. He says this allows the use of greywater, treated or recycled water for use in flushing toilets or cleaning cars.

 “Roofs usually contribute to what we call urban heat island. In a city that is very concrete, every time the sun shines on it, it retains heat in the concrete. At night, when the temperature of the atmosphere is supposed to be cool, this retained heat is emitted into the air and it makes the air at night warm,” explains Espina. “If all rooftops of buildings are green, with grass and plants, urban heat island will be lessened.”

The Linear not only assures residents of environmentally-friendly living but also conveniently-located and quality homes. Bounded by Mayapis, Malugay and Yakal Streets, its proximity to the Makati Central Business District, renowned academic institutions, major commercial establishments and malls make it an ideal residence. Its studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units have expansive windows offering views of Manila Bay, the Makati and Manila skylines, Laguna de Bay, or the condominium’s own Central Park.

For information, call 850-0888, 0917-8770888 or visit www.filinvest.com.ph.

Visit The Linear showroom at Unit 101-A Oppen Bldg., 349 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave., Makati City.