In the last 10 years, Cebu City has fast become one of the country’s primary centers of economic growth, attracting both local and international investors which led to its expansion. Such expansion included the rise of numerous green and sustainable developments ranging from office to residential buildings. One of those green residential properties is Lucima, Arthaland’s 37-story development.
The property broke ground last July 5, putting Cebu City on the map for green buildings. This is because Arthaland is recognized by both local and global organizations for its focus on sustainability, wellness, high quality and superior design.
“Cebu is fast gaining prominence as a leading regional hub and preferred location for some of the most renowned global institutions. Investors and locators alike can look to Lucima to set the standard of luxury living in the city through its timeless design, meticulously executed construction, and thoughtful sustainability features,” said Arthaland EVP Christopher Narciso.
Lucima sits on 2,245 square meters of prime real estate on the corner of Cardinal Rosales Avenue and Samar Loop in Cebu Business Park. It is envisioned to be the first quadruple-certified sustainable high-rise residential condominium in the country.
It has earned pre-certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold by the US Green Building Council, and is vying for WELL Building Standard, Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE), and Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence (BERDE) certifications.
Green is lit
The inspiration for Lucima came from the Latin word lux which means light, and the Spanish word estima which means appreciation. The combination of light and its benefits are the inspiration behind the building’s aesthetics, functionality, and energy efficiency. Light gives a solid architectural narrative, dictating what space feels like.
Through carefully planned features, these will allow abundant light to penetrate inside the homes while preventing indoor heat gain. It has been scientifically proven that light has an impact on our mental and physical health, enhancing mood and productivity.
Designed by Saraiva + Associados, an internationally renowned architectural firm based in Lisbon, Portugal, Lucima features 263 one- to five-bedroom living spaces ranging from 38 to 542 sqm. Saravia + Associados’ human-centered design approach puts comfort, functionality, and aesthetics at the center of every project they undertake. Each unit boasts a high floor-to-ceiling height of 2.9 meters, and residents can choose to enjoy the view of the ocean, the mountains, or the city.
“The goal of this project was to design an iconic building in the city that would engage with its surroundings. This building sits on a podium—one with personality—which will showcase a vertically well-designed and integrated building. Its façade will have different interpretations depending on the solar incidence and depending on how it is viewed from the outside to the inside,” said Saraiva + Associados CEO and founder, architect Miguel Saraiva.
Carefully planned with health, safety, and security in mind, Lucima is the ideal address heading into the future as residents will benefit from lower electric and water bills, and improved indoor air quality. Through its efficient building envelope and use of energy-efficient air conditioning and lighting system, and low-flow plumbing features, residents and tenants can achieve at least 40 percent savings in electricity bills and at least 20 percent savings in water consumption.
Each unit will have an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) that improves indoor air quality by bringing in fresh, filtered air while controlling the humidity for thermal comfort. The ERV is equipped with highly efficient air filters to prevent harmful microbes and pathogens from entering the space. This results in reduced incidents of cold, fewer allergies, and a better quality of sleep. The units are also air-tight, the main door and windows are mechanically designed, preventing unwanted dust, sound, and odor transmission between spaces for better acoustic and indoor air quality.
As with other Arthaland developments, Lucima will have its own Potager Garden to provide residents with fresh, organic, and nutritious produce. And to ensure the utmost peace of mind and to guarantee the building retains its value, the developer’s subsidiary, Emera Property Management, shall handle every aspect of Lucima’s upkeep and day-to-day management. It is committed to advancing comfort, security, safety, and wellness by introducing key technologies such as remote virtual concierge and semi-autonomous surveillance robots that promote a safer, contactless environment.
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Lucima is scheduled to be completed by the third quarter of 2025. For more information about Arthaland, e-mail [email protected], or visit www.arthaland.com.