Dual-Purpose Development

DUAL-PURPOSE DEVELOPMENTS

A HOME AND HOTSPOT FOR BIODIVERSITY

An earlier version of this article appears in The Parkhouse magazine (TPHM), a seasonal magazine published by Mitsubishi Jisho Residence (MJR). MJR, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Estate, is a developer that specialises in building condominiums, mainly in Tokyo’s central business district of Marunouchi as well as the city’s urban areas, and large condominiums in rural neighborhoods. TPHM features ongoing and completed developments and behind-the-scenes coverage, as well as modern housing trends, and tips on incorporating them into condominiums. The 2015 spring volume focuses on the Bio Net Initiative (BNI).

Tan & Tan Developments’ admiration for the Japanese expertise in innovation and functionality led to its partnership with MJR. The partnership has culminated in the development of Stonor 3, a curated condominium at the centre of Kuala Lumpur.

Image of the “Area Community Program” held by “The Parkhouse Nishi Shinjuku Tower 60”

In Japan, MJR develops high quality condominiums under The Parkhouse brand, which pursues ideal living environments for its customers. In 2015, MJR launched the Bio Net Initiative (BNI) Project to preserve the biological diversity in places where The Parkhouse projects are located. Diversity and unique life thrive within parks and gardens in the city; birds and butterflies carry seeds and pollen from neighbouring towns, giving life to the next generation of plants.

MJR seeks to promote these flourishing systems by adopting BNI in its property developments, essentially converting its condominiums into biodiverse hotspots by incorporating lush greenery; these pockets of greenery take into consideration the biodiversity that exists in their larger surroundings. Residents enjoy the consequential benefit of being able to participate in and observe the green spaces, utilising the five senses to appreciate the beauty of nature and learning to preserve the lifecycle of the ecosystem.

Artist’s impression of “The Parkhouse Chitose Karasu Yama Glorio Southern Court”

Artist’s impression of “The Parkhouse Nishi Shinjuku Tower 60”

The BNI subscribest o five principles: to protect; to nurture; to connect; to use, and to reduce.

TO PROTECT…
The BNI embraces the concept of preserving the original. The Glossy Privet tree, for example, has a tendency to invade other existing plants; it is therefore usually not a choice when it comes to deciding which trees and flowers to plant.

TO NURTURE…
This refers to researching and cultivating native plants to ensure an environment that is conducive for both people and nature to thrive.

TO CONNECT…
The idea is to “connect” all The Parkhouse condominiums, so that birds and butterflies can fleet freely within this network, and rest in the green spaces provided by The Parkhouse developments; these life forms can interact freely with the existence of this network.

TO USE…
Cutting of tree branches and limbs are kept to a minimum, in order to preserve and “use” the natural form of each species. The use of pesticides is also limited, as it would have an effect on worms and microorganisms indigenous to the area. Planting management within the residences adheres strictly to the rule of preservation and the use of what is native.

TO REDUCE…
By selecting plants and trees that have lower risk of disease and pest-infestation, the use of pesticides can be “reduced”. Furthermore, by using shrubs and groundcover plants to surface the soil and by choosing low-maintenance trees, there will be a reduction of rubbish comprising fallen leaves.