Sensitive city planning

The Philippines is a country full of contrast. Of the over 7,000 islands between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean, only about 1 in 8 is inhabited. In the Philippines, unspoiled nature co-exists alongside bustling and exuberant large cities. The capital Manila is home to more than 1.5 m people. Also called the ‘City of the Future’, ambitious goals are being pursued in Manila, and Essensa is one of these.

Escaping the stress of everyday life

Essensa is two towers with the profile of a butterfly, surrounded by a private oasis of relaxation. The vision behind the concept was to create the most luxurious residential complex in Asia. The result of the teamwork of a group of architects recruited from all over the world is a residence where every free minute is like life in a 5-star hotel.

Symbolic strength and art.

The lobby and reception area with 24-hour service reflect the self-imposed claim of the Essensa architects: The essence of perfection. Here, luxury is not displayed in overt abundance but rather in the true-to-style selection of essentials, adorned with modern art.

Visions take off.

Each of the four sections of the building in Essensa, each in the form of a butterfly’s wing, houses a 290m² luxury apartment on each floor. For the interior, top US designers used first-class products and materials from all over the world which, together, create a suave cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Light is life. Life is enjoyment.

Flooded with light through numerous windows during the day, in the evening the dining area and the kitchen ‘refined’ with Miele appliances present themselves in a subdued, yet extravagant light – as do all other rooms. There is no doubt that life in Essensa means enjoyment.

Developer	Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, New York
Total Floor Area	9,600 m²
Buildings	2
Residential units	230
Completition	June 2001
Facilities	outdoor swimming pool / indoor heated pool / jogging paths / gymnasium / massage & steam rooms / jacuzzi / saunas / whirlpool / health club / 24-hour doorman and concierge / 24-hour service personnel on call / 24-hour elevator attendant services

Essensa, Manila, Philippines