While many potential homeowners look at the layout of a unit and its location as important factors when making a purchase, developers believe that more and more buyers are looking at the types of landscaping a condominium development offers as well.
Three recent condo projects by City Developments Limited (CDL) are a case in point. The Rainforest in Choa Chu Kang, completed in 2015, was conceptualised as a "nature reserve" for threatened plant species. It has 22 native species of trees and palms and 26 native species of shrubs and groundcover.
Meanwhile, the Tree House condominium at Chestnut Avenue in Bukit Panjang has a 24-storey green facade, which entered the Guinness World Record for largest vertical garden in 2014; and the Lush Acres executive condominium along Fernvale Close in Sengkang has a hydroponic farm, where residents can grow their own herbs and vegetables within a temperature-controlled environment.
The Rainforest in Choa Chu Kang, completed in 2015, was conceptualised as a "nature reserve" for threatened plant species. It has 22 native species of trees and palms and 26 native species of shrubs and groundcover. Here’s a look at four condominium projects that feature lush landscaping as part of its appeal.
LUSH GREEN PROPERTIES
CAIRNHILL NINE
Where: 9 Cairnhill Road
What: This condominium, comprising a 30-storey 268-unit private residence, is part of an integrated development by CapitaLand which also includes a 20-storey, 220-unit serviced residence called Ascott Orchard Singapore.
The condominium, which is on a 99-year lease, was completed last year and the landscape architect is Coen Design International.
Green feature: A 410m-long green wall encloses the entire development and comes adorned with 31,570 potted plants, each fitted with automated irrigation and fertigation (injection of liquid fertilisers into the irrigation system).
This allows the plants to be safely maintained from within the building.
About 90 per cent of the units are sold. Unit price for available units starts at $2.6million.
GOODWOOD RESIDENCE
Where: 261 Bukit Timah Road
What: A freehold luxury condominium comprising two L-shaped 12-storey blocks of a total of 210 units. Launched in 2010, it spreads over a land area of 24,844 sq m, with about 80 per cent of it being greenery. It is developed by GuocoLand Singapore and its landscape is designed by ICN Design International.
Green feature: A large central lawn, about the size of 11/2 tennis courts, forms the focal point of the whole development. All apartments in the two L-shaped blocks have a breathtaking view of the lawn, a swimming pool in the foreground and a green forest of towering native trees "borrowed" from the nearby Goodwood Hill, as a backdrop.
The units are sold out.
THE RAINFOREST
Where: 331, Choa Chu Kang Avenue 3
What: A 466-unit luxury executive condominium with eight apartment blocks, from three to 21 storeys, this 99-year leasehold project by City Developments Limited spreads over lush verdant grounds totalling close to 17,600 sq m. It was completed in 2015 and the landscape was designed by home-grown architecture and design firm Ong & Ong.
Green feature: The development was replanted entirely with native trees and plant species to recreate a "rainforest" landscape setting. The plants were carefully selected to ensure that they attract and sustain wildlife such as butterflies and birds originally from the nearby wooded area.
The units are sold out.
ECO
Where: 201 to 283 Bedok South Avenue 3
What: A joint venture project by Far East Organisation, Frasers Centrepoint Limited and Sekisui House, this 99-year leasehold development over an area of more than 28,600 sq m was launched in 2012. It comprises 714 units housed in eight blocks of 12, 15 and 16 storeys and 34 units are in three-storeyed strata terraces . Its landscape architect is ICN Design International.
Green feature: A 100m-long boardwalk, which is elevated from between 1m and 5.5m, is built along a landscape of conservation trees lining the eastern border of the development. At the end of the trail, there is a "rain garden" which collects, filters and stores rain water runoff to be reused to irrigate the development's landscape. There is also a community plot for residents to grow and plant vegetables and herbs.
The units are sold out.
Article by Lea Wee and Natasha Ann Zachariah, originally appeared in The Straits Times.
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