Moving away from central business districts (CBDs) such as BGC, Makati, and even Laguna, the company recently broke ground on Liv, a mixed-use, two-tower residential development along Katipunan Avenue.
Dubbed the “beginning of a new era for sustainable and connected urban living,” the groundbreaking marked the coming together of partners Arthaland and Ateneo de Manila University, signifying a long-term collaboration to advance shared goals of sustainability, improved accessibility, and better opportunities for students, families, and the wider Loyola Heights community.
Quezon City push
When asked about the impetus for Arthaland’s push northward into Quezon City—a new market for the publicly listed property firm, which acquired the site only in 2022—Oliver Chan, Arthaland senior vice president and chief sustainability officer, pointed to the growing demand for a better quality of life in the metropolis.
“It’s the demand in this area for what I would describe as quality development that would benefit students more than anyone else. That’s what we saw.”
As an Ateneo parent himself—with children in grade school—Chan is well aware of the seemingly never-ending traffic problem, exacerbated by the recent energy crisis.
“The market is there for students to be more efficient with their time,” he said. “They don’t want to spend hours in the car going home, only to arrive already tired from school.”
With Liv located right across Ateneo and near Miriam College, parents can also benefit from greater time efficiency, Chan added.
Campus connection
A key feature of Liv is its dual access to Katipunan Avenue and Esteban Abada Street, complemented by a dedicated pedestrian footbridge accessible to the public, connecting Liv’s podium level to Ateneo.
Expected to improve pedestrian safety and ease movement between the campus and surrounding establishments—while helping decongest traffic along busy Katipunan—the footbridge will be fully funded and maintained by Arthaland. “I also see Liv as being attractive to Ateneo faculty and staff,” said Cornelio Mapa, Arthaland executive vice president and treasurer.
Liv North
At 46 stories, Liv North will be the first tower to rise in the P14-billion development, with completion targeted in the third quarter of 2031.
Compared to other Arthaland developments with larger unit cuts, Liv North will feature 748 residential units, ranging from well-appointed studios to two-bedroom residences.
These layouts are designed with investors, professionals, and parents purchasing homes for their children in mind.
A unique feature is its multi-passenger bathroom design, with the toilet and shower in separate spaces for added efficiency.
Amenities within reach
Residents will enjoy amenities designed to support wellness, productivity, and everyday convenience.
These include a fitness gym, multi-purpose court, outdoor wellness areas, lap and kiddie pools with a lounge deck, interactive study pods, and the Potager Garden—a landscaped edible garden providing year-round access to fresh herbs and vegetables.
“Liv will have a co-studying space,” Chan said. “It’s like a library where students can meet their classmates and study together.”
A retail podium will also rise on site, bringing daily essentials and services within easy reach.
Sustainability signature
As with all Arthaland developments, Liv is anchored on sustainability, with features promoting efficiency, comfort, and healthier living.
These include energy-efficient systems such as high-performance air conditioning, LED lighting, and automated lighting controls in common areas. With water-saving plumbing fixtures, residents can expect up to 20 percent savings in water and electricity consumption.
The building envelope is designed to reduce heat gain, improve indoor comfort, and lower cooling demand. Low-emitting, non-toxic materials are also used to enhance indoor air quality.
Liv is targeting quadruple certifications under LEED®, WELL™, EDGE, and BERDE.
Meeting of the minds
Chan said partnering with Ateneo de Manila University was seamless, given their shared sustainability goals.
“From the start, we were aligned in terms of sustainability,” he said. “When Ateneo officials saw the features, discussions moved faster because of that shared vision.”
Meanwhile, Arthaland’s partnership with Lixil Philippines has helped optimize procurement costs for key materials.
A sustainable legacy
“Liv is a community shaped by the same foresight families embrace when building for future generations,” said Arthaland vice chair and president Jaime C. Gonzalez.
“By uniting purposeful design, accountability, and opportunity, Liv reflects Arthaland’s vision of Building Sustainable Legacies.” —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
Features Reporter
