At Apartment Ridge, a new paradigm of residential luxury introduces homes built for longevity, flexibility, and timeless living.How Foster + Partners is bringing its human-centered design philosophy to the Philippines through The Estate Makati.
The way people live is constantly changing. Families grow, routines evolve, and homes are increasingly expected to adapt to different stages of life rather than remain fixed in time. It is this understanding of how people truly inhabit spaces that has shaped some of the world’s most celebrated buildings and now, for the first time, a residential development in the Philippines.
Opening its doors to homeowners in the first half of 2027, The Estate Makati marks the Philippine residential debut of Foster + Partners, the globally renowned architecture and design firm behind iconic projects such as Apple Park in California, the HSBC Building in Hong Kong and The Gherkin in London. Developed through a joint venture between SM Residences and Federal Land, Inc., the development introduces an approach to residential design that places longevity, flexibility and the everyday experience of living at its core.
Located along Apartment Ridge, one of Makati’s most established residential enclaves, The Estate Makati occupies a distinctive address where the city’s energy gives way to a quieter, more private environment. That unique balance between urban vibrancy and residential calm became a defining influence on the project’s architecture.
“It’s a rare site,” said Perry Ip, Partner and Project Lead at Foster + Partners. “You move from a very urban condition to something quieter within a short distance. That contrast shaped the design from the beginning.”
For Foster + Partners, architecture has always begun with people. Rather than designing spaces around trends or predetermined lifestyles, every project starts with understanding how people live and how those needs may evolve over time.
“At Foster + Partners, all the projects we design are a reflection of how people live,” Ip explained. “It needs to be built around you. It shouldn’t be generic.”
That philosophy is expressed through one of The Estate Makati’s defining innovations: a pioneering double-slab structural system that creates a one-meter cavity between floors to conceal plumbing and electrical services. Combined with column-free layouts, the design allows residences to be reconfigured over time, giving homeowners the freedom to expand rooms, adjust layouts or adapt spaces as their lives change. Rather than prescribing how a home should function, the architecture creates the flexibility for each residence to evolve alongside its owners.
The same thoughtful approach extends to the experience of everyday living. Designed for the Philippine climate, the building’s façade combines deep horizontal fins that help reduce heat gain with operable windows that encourage natural ventilation. Generous bay windows become extensions of the home, offering places to read, work or simply pause above the city while drawing residents closer to natural light and expansive views.
The Estate Makati’s‘s cruciform configuration ensures that every residence enjoys the advantages of a corner unit, maximizing daylight, cross ventilation and panoramic views. Even in the heart of one of the country’s busiest business districts, the architecture creates a sense of openness that reinforces the feeling of retreat.
Arrival has likewise been carefully considered. Landscaped entry sequences soften the transition from the city to home, while private lift access and a limited collection of just 188 residences cultivate an atmosphere of quiet exclusivity. Instead of a grand institutional lobby, residents are welcomed through a series of intimate spaces that feel distinctly residential from the moment they arrive.
Environmental performance is seamlessly integrated throughout the development. The building’s façade helps improve energy efficiency by reducing reliance on mechanical cooling, while rainwater harvesting systems and electric vehicle infrastructure support more sustainable daily living. These are not standalone sustainability features, but thoughtful decisions that contribute to how the building performs over the long term.
Ultimately, what sets The Estate Makati apart is its commitment to enduring relevance. From its adaptable structural system to its carefully selected materials, every element has been conceived with longevity in mind, ensuring that the homes remain as responsive to future lifestyles as they are today.
“We believe these will prevent the building from becoming obsolete,” Ip said. “Instead, it will evolve with its residents and remain relevant for generations.”
With The Estate Makati, Foster + Partners brings to the Philippines more than an internationally recognized name. It introduces a philosophy of residential design that places people, adaptability and timeless architecture at the center of modern living, creating homes designed not only for today, but for generations to come.
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