The concept of this development is to break away from the current trend of mass housing based on “cookie-cutter”-type shoebox design. The aim of the development is to recapture the old ways of living outdoors in nature, encouraging neighbourliness and creating a sense of community, which are currently lost in most developments. The development consists of 24 semi-detached units, a bungalow, and a clubhouse. The original site was 8 acres however, as some parts of the existing hill was class 3 and 4 slopes, it was decided that this was to be left as a natural jungle and additional slope reinforcement and drainage was carried out to ensure the safety of the site, and hence the site was reduced to just over 4 acres with much of the areas given up for landscaping and greenery.
The architectural style comprises the British Colonial and Peranakan (Baba-Nyonya culture) styles. The elements of these styles are infused into the plans of each dwelling type, for example, creating high ceilings and a sense of airiness, with balconies and verandas, internal courtyards, water features, and manicured gardens implemented into the design layout. Almost all the units are designed differently to cater to individual requirements and create a development where every unit appears distinctly different from its neighbour. There are 11 different types of designs to choose from, including 12 pairs of Semi-Ds and 1 individually designed bungalow.
Design elements incorporated included double-volume spaces with fully openable folding doors out to water features, to encourage natural ventilation and passive cooling and thus invite the garden into the house. Due to its east-west orientation, the sun-shade trellis was subtly incorporated into the windows and the lanais, reinforcing the vernacular elements.
Most colonial developments during the British era had clubhouses where residents met for social events; hence, the clubhouse plays a central role in this development, with a large outdoor terrace facing and an infinity-edge pool overlooking the development.
Being a gated and guarded strata development, it was decided that individual fencing be omitted to create a sense of neighbourliness and openness, thereby blurring the distinction between street and garden. Spice gardens are created to encourage the community to jointly manage the plants/spices and enjoy the harvest for ingredients in local delicacies. This also creates a culture of cooperation and friendliness. Also, a coordinated landscape is provided for the development. Jogging paths and walkways around the development help reinforce the idea of community living.
An efficiently planned hillside development shaped through careful site optimisation and technical resolution.
