An interesting part of the design of the estate (as shown in the images above is the layout of the community. Although there is a growing number of businesses and housing along the A234, it is mostly a peripheral part of urban settlement in Abuja. Therefore, the way in which vitality, security and identity are managed is key. There is a buffer between the high volume expressway and the residences, which has numerous benefits. One of the benefits being the isolation of noise pollution, but there is also the issue of security and privacy. There are a few new urbanist principles on show. There is a common axis from the highway through the development, which establishes a community centre, flanked by mixed uses and densities. In many such peripheral developments, the temptation would be for a spiralling cul-de-sac to insulate the development, but the approach that is been taken here is a better alternative.
Of particular interest are the Crystal Residences, which are 11 floor mid-rises. The residences are elevated on a podium, which houses garages among other functions. As such, on street parking is moved internally and the street can be more compact and free flowing. The problem with such a concept can be that on-street parking can be vital for passive surveillance and vitality. It encourages interactions on the street and establishes a constant presence of human activity. However, this problem is addressed with the terrace design of the podium. The terraces incorporate recreational amenity, overlooking the street, which achieves the desired intimacy with the street.
Construction has already commenced on the development, and the villas show the most advanced stage of development, with the Crystal residences and golf course, requiring further work. To learn more about the development, visit the project's website at paradisevalleyzeberced.com
Written by Ayodeji Adeniyi for BBB