MANILA, Philippines ? A sustainable building?otherwise known as green architecture?features a design that optimized the use of resources to reduce waste production and maintenance cost.

Such resources, including energy (electricity), water and construction materials, should also be able to enhance the health and productivity of the building?s occupants.

Robinsons Land Corp.?s Escalades at the 20th Avenue in Cubao, Quezon City is one such example of a residential development that follows the teaching of green architecture.

The Escalades at the 20th Avenue features six buildings that allows passive and active cooling as well as maximum use of daylight.

?Green architecture is a mix of technologies and techniques. The development?s six buildings were constructed so that each unit and hallway would allow more natural sunlight as well as fresh air to come in,? said Marilu Alferez, senior vice president and general manager of RLC Housing and Land Development Division.

She added that such building layout would save unit owners from added utility expenses in the long run because there was less need to use lighting fixture and air-conditioning.

?Besides, having more natural light and fresh air is definitely more relaxing,? she added.

12 units

Each of the building will only offer 12 units in every floor so occupants will have more privacy.

Seventy percent of The Escalades at the 20th Avenue?s 1.4-hectare development will be devoted to open space and pocket gardens, including a playground.

?The Escalade Verde Courtyard is a private paradise, an open space where residents can have picnics and play with their kids. Circulo Grande, on the other hand, is an exterior circumferential road that separates the pedestrians from the cars so residents can enjoy an early morning walk safe from vehicle traffic,? Alferez said.

Because of the development?s location, Alferez explained that residents also have the option not to drive their cars too often.

Mass transits

?The Escalades at the 20th Avenue is very near mass transits namely, the Metro Rail Transit and Light Rail Transit 2, so commuting will not be a problem if your office is in Ortigas or Ayala. The development?s proximity to shopping and entertainment centers is also a major advantage for those who doesn?t want to go far,? Alferez said.

Those families with children still studying would also find that this Cubao development is just less than half an hour away from universities and schools like University of the Philippines-Diliman, Miriam College and Ateneo de Manila University.

?Indeed, Escalades at the 20th Avenue is perfect for young families, single professionals, retirees and even students,? she pointed out.

The development offers 22-square meter studio units, 32-square meter one-bedroom units as well as 50-square meter two-bedroom units.

?In fact, one could own a unit for as low as P6,000 monthly so homebuyers should find no reason not to check this project,? Alferez said.