Defining Sprezzatura Through Aurelia Residences

This article was initially featured on the Robb Report on March 03, 2025 authored by Marco Sumayao.

The Italians have a word for everything chic, and when it comes to elegance, few are as evocative as sprezzatura. Described as “grace without effort”, “measured nonchalance”, and “a stylish sense of ease”, the word has come to be associated more with a particular aura rather than a verbal definition – you’ll simply know it when you see it.

This is certainly the case with Aurelia Residences, an award-winning, ultra-luxury development by Shang Robinsons Properties, Inc., a joint venture between Shang Properties, Inc. and Robinsons Land Corporation. Located at the heart of Bonifacio Global City and designed by architects from internationally renowned firm SOM (Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill), with interior design by FM Architettura, the exclusive residence embodies sprezzatura in every aspect while paying homage to Filipino artistry and tradition.

Every unit is a blend of eclectic natural textures using local materials – wood, granite, and slate floors; marble kitchen counters; and mosaic bathroom fixtures, to name a few – all harmonizing to deliver a sense of elegance that is vivid, refined, and world-class in undeniably Filipino fashion.

Each space within the residence was planned to provide for its residents’ needs in organic fashion, underscoring the importance of ease in the Aurelia Residences experience. Living and dining areas offer generous floor space to accommodate discerning lifestyles, and extend towards roomy terrace areas that allow one to unwind in the open air. Kitchens with extensive workspaces facilitate cooking for grand dinner parties just as easily as they would late night solo snacks, while a cozy cafe nook off to the side allows one to greet every morning in serenity.

All bedrooms were designed to feel like homes within the home, with ample space for vanities, remote offices, and breakfast corners. Ensuite bathrooms provide maximum comfort for one’s most private moments; roomy window-side bathtubs allow one to luxuriate under the glow of sunset on days where a little extra pampering is appreciated.

Nestled in a corner of every unit is a private family room, where parents can enjoy precious moments with their children uninterrupted by guests and visitors. For residents who prefer a child-free lifestyle, the room offers endless other possibilities.

But what truly creates that sense of effortlessness that sprezzatura embodies are the floor-to-ceiling picture windows that make each residence breathe more easily. The unique three-petal architecture that gives Aurelia Residences its signature form fully maximizes the view that its location affords – without compromising the privacy expected of luxury homes. To the north, a view of Bonifacio Global City itself, an electric hub of lifestyle, business, leisure, and culture brimming with light and life. To the southwest, the lush greeneries of Manila Polo Club, Forbes Park, and Manila Golf Club, along with the tranquility of Manila Bay on the horizon. To the east, open skies as far as the eye can see, overlooking in the distance the pristine beauty of Laguna Bay.

Aurelia Residences’ location at the most sought-after address in Metro Manila also affords residents’ the luxury of convenience, with everything needed for a well-curated life a mere stone’s throw away. Aside from the aforementioned golf and polo clubs for sport, the area is also home to many of the metro’s boldest, most innovative restaurants; the Maybank Performing Arts Center; St. Luke’s Medical Center; and some of Metro Manila’s most prestigious international schools. True to the spirit of sprezzatura, getting the rich lifestyle one deserves requires little to no effort when living at Aurelia Residences.

Building upon this are the high-end amenities exclusive to all residents. The Canopy Room is a multipurpose function room that exudes elegance in every corner, while the luxury home cinema caters to cinephiles with its top-of-the-line audiovisual systems and supremely comfortable seating. The private gym gives residents a place to work on their fitness and socialize, while vibrantly designed play areas offer the same for children. A 40m pool and an abundance of sitting lounges invite residents and their guests to unwind at every opportunity. The lobby itself serves as an extension of the home, delighting guests with works and installations by some of the Philippines’ most inspiring artists.

With only 285 bespoke residences within its walls, Aurelia Residences does away with the stresses of living in more crowded environs, all while keeping one close to work, play, and life. Both in terms of its architecture and the lifestyle it inspires, the development is sprezzatura manifest – a home designed to be effortless and elegant. And with units ready for turnover soon, living the good life is closer than ever.