The turquoise-themed one-bedroom unit at One Capitol shows the flexibility of the space to accommodate the habits and lifestyles of its occupants.

After the heady, furious construction of high-rise condominiums that characterized the real estate industry a couple of years back, some developers are scaling back, opting to build low- and mid-rise residential towers. Not stricken with “edifice complex,” they focus more on quality over quantity, building structures that are no more than ten floors and with fewer units, in more quiet neighborhoods where condominiums with nose-bleed heights are indefinitely banned for life.

At first glance, this seems to be a step back from the frenetic construction activity that has put instant skyline in various places (Libis, Taguig, Mandaluyong) but taking the conservative route makes more sense during this time of economic indeterminacy. Also, it benefits more the unit owners who would be able to reap their investments at a shorter period of time. It doesn’t take knowledge in rocket science to know that low- and mid-rise condos are easier and faster to build. Homeowners can ditch the place where they are currently renting and occupy their unit, sometimes in as short as two years since groundbreaking, saving money in the process. 

A pioneering real estate company bent on delivering innovative mid-rise projects is PTR Properties (638-1888; www.ptrproperties.com) whose four projects constellate in Kapitolyo, Pasig City—a prime, flood-free location with direct and quick access to business districts of Ortigas, Makati and Bonifacio Global City. Since its founding six years ago, PTR has already delivered two condominiums (Grand 21 Place and Fifth at Rafael) to unit owners precisely because of the scale of their projects. By April this year they will turn over the units of One Capitol. Another project, TwoSeven Residences, is targeted for completion next year. 

“We want PTR to establish a reputation as a credible developer of mid-rise condominiums all over Metro Manila,” says Peter Ty, president and CEO of PTR Properties. “Middle-class Filipino families who are looking for an ideal condo home are currently presented with limited options, notably high-rise residences that are either too expensive or too cramped for decent living conditions. We are proud to say that we have found our niche in medium rise properties that will give our residents the ideal living conditions they deserve.”

The “ideal living conditions” approximate the relaxed and charming quality of life that is found in a regular, single-detached home. Lower number of floors and units means lesser people traffic inside the building (no more waiting for elevators), more access to facilities, better security, and a more heightened feeling of comfort.

“For instance, other big developers have about 25 to 35 levels in their buildings with 300 to 500 units each,” Ty explains. “That requires hectic usage of facilities such as the lobby, corridors, amenities, and even the admin office, which significantly adds to a disorganized environment. Furthermore, a long waiting time in using the elevator results to frustrations, wasted precious time and reeling with the thought that one is still in the office working.”

Edwin Garbin, a bank employee and unit owner at Grand 21 Place, says that living in mid-rise condo gives him peace of mind. “For me, living in a mid-rise condominium is more comfortable than a high-rise condominium. We have a lot of advantages here such as the low maintenance system. And since we live in a place where we can easily use the stairs, we get instant workout for a health-buff like me. Plus, we’re assured that in case of a fire and earthquake, we can easily bring ourselves to safety.”

It is privacy, on the other hand, that attracted Lumilyn Gahol, an OFW who worked in Yokohama Japan, to Grand 21 Place. “I can enjoy my privacy, which is important to me,” she says. “There a few tenants in the building and could barely hear noise outside the corridors. I feel safe and comfortable since the guard on duty can familiarize tenants easily, so there are only a few people to check going in and out of the premises.” 

Since they are working on manageable projects, PTR architects and designers have a wider elbow room in delivering architectural features that can enhance the experience of the homeowner towards his residence. The Fifth at Rafael, for example, has signature gardens and a roof deck lounge. Grand 21 Place is inflected with Japanese motif and Zen-inspired atmosphere. One Capitol, on the other hand, shows the beauty of modern lines. The newest project, TwoSeven Residences, is characterized by alcove windows that take a sweeping view of the Makati and Ortigas skyline. 

Centrally located in the heart of Pasig City, PTR projects are value-for money investments, says Ty. “Our residential condominiums are conveniently situated within minutes from the Ortigas Business District. This means you don’t have to waste time and effort if you live far from your workplace, and you save on gas as well. The convenience of location also offers residents unlimited perks for urban living, with numerous convenience stores, restaurants, the best schools, shopping and recreation centers, and just about anything.”

With the success of their projects and the growing clamor of those who want to have more affordable and yet homey living spaces, Ty is optimistic about the future and is laying out the groundwork for similar ventures. “In the next few months, we will strive harder to maintain our strength in the mid-rise segment, continue to satisfy the needs of our market, and establish a reputation as the best in this field,” he concludes.