Check this article: The centerpiece wall of black forest stone slabs with a matte leather finish at the arrival and drop-off area

The centerpiece wall of black forest stone slabs with a matte leather finish at the arrival and drop-off area

 

You might be wondering, “What’s the big fuss about?” Well, buckle up, folks! This isn’t just any regular collaboration. This is the collaboration of two giants aiming to change the face of the property development sector.

Introduction: A Powerhouse Partnership

Lendlease, a renowned international property group, has decided to join forces with Surbana Jurong, the prestigious urban and infrastructure consultancy. Their shared goal? To launch the groundbreaking digital platform, Podium for Development. Talk about setting the bar high!

The Need for Digital Evolution

In today’s world, everything’s going digital – from your grandma’s knitting patterns to the very infrastructure of towering skyscrapers. It’s high time the real estate and property development industry caught up. And who better to usher in this new era than Lendlease and Surbana Jurong?

Setting the Stage for Podium

The word “Podium” might remind you of the Olympics and victorious athletes standing tall, and in a way, that’s what this platform is aiming for – a victorious transformation of property development.

The Ins and Outs of Podium for Development

Why Podium?

You might be scratching your head, thinking, “Why Podium?” The answer lies in the future of property development. As our cities expand, we need efficient, digital solutions that can keep up with the pace. Podium offers just that.

The Features that Set it Apart

Podium is no ordinary platform. It promises:

  • Seamless integration with third-party applications
  • A unique user-friendly interface
  • Advanced analytics and forecasting capabilities

The Big Dream

Podium isn’t just about providing a digital solution. It’s about shaping the future of sustainable cities and smart urban developments.

Lendlease is working with Surbana Jurong as its go-to-market partner to deliver Podium for Development

The collaboration between Lendlease and Surbana Jurong goes beyond corporate jargon and boardroom meetings. This is about two industry titans coming together, pooling their expertise, and creating something monumental.

The Visionaries Behind the Scene

When you think of Lendlease, think innovation. And when Surbana Jurong comes to mind, think expertise. The fusion of these two is a recipe for something epic. And Podium is the result of this beautiful marriage.

A Testament to Their Commitment

Podium is not just a digital platform. It’s a testament to Lendlease and Surbana Jurong’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of property development.

FAQs

1. What is Podium for Development?
It’s a revolutionary digital platform for the property development sector, brought to life by the partnership of Lendlease and Surbana Jurong.

2. Why was there a need for Podium?
The increasing demand for digital solutions in property development necessitated a platform like Podium.

3. Who are Lendlease and Surbana Jurong?
Lendlease is an international property group, while Surbana Jurong is a global urban and infrastructure consultancy.

4. What makes Podium different from other platforms?
Podium boasts seamless third-party integration, a unique interface, and cutting-edge analytics.

5. Is this collaboration a one-time thing?
While Podium is a significant project, the collaboration signifies a long-term commitment to innovation.

6. How will Podium impact future property developments?
It aims to shape sustainable and smart urban developments, revolutionizing the way we approach property projects.

Conclusion: A New Era Beckons

When two giants like Lendlease and Surbana Jurong come together, you know magic’s about to happen. Podium for Development is not just a platform; it’s a beacon for the future of property development. So, the next time you hear about a smart city or sustainable infrastructure, remember: it probably has Podium’s fingerprints all over it!

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Unmissable Twin Freehold Properties in Gentle Road Awaiting New Ownership

Two prime freehold properties on Gentle Road are now on the market, creating a unique investment opportunity. With a combined indicative price of $30 million, these sites offer potential buyers a golden chance to make their mark in a prestigious location.

A Glimpse into the Properties

Location and Size
Stretching over a total land area of 13,841 sq ft, the two sites are nestled in a coveted district. The proximity to Novena MRT station and popular amenities further accentuates their strategic placement.

Zoning and Potential
Currently zoned for residential use under the 2019 Master Plan, these properties come with a gross plot ratio of 1.4. Their potential for redevelopment, especially for boutique apartments or landed housing, is undeniable.

Unique Selling Points

Prime Location: In the heart of District 11, these properties promise both exclusivity and accessibility.

High Potential for Returns: Given the site’s zoning and potential, developers have the flexibility to envision and realize profitable projects.

Freehold Tenure: A rare opportunity in such a sought-after location ensures that the property remains a lasting legacy.

Neighbourhood Overview
Gentle Road sits amidst the serene and upscale District 11, renowned for its luxurious residences and well-connected infrastructure. With the Novena MRT station a stone’s throw away and numerous retail and dining options nearby, residents will enjoy the best of both worlds – tranquility and convenience.

Investment Considerations
Growing Demand: The continuous demand for high-quality residences in prime districts makes this a timely investment.

Limited Supply: Freehold sites in prime districts are few and far between, making this a truly exclusive opportunity.

Potential for High Returns: The site’s flexibility for redevelopment combined with its prime location hints at a lucrative ROI for prospective buyers.

Making the Right Move
For investors eyeing long-term growth or developers looking for their next standout project, these Gentle Road sites are undeniably enticing. The time is ripe to seize this opportunity and capitalize on its vast potential.

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Habyt, a flexible housing provider, secures €40 million in series C funding

Price resistance is becoming evident in the HDB resale market, as the growth of resale flat prices slowed in 3Q2023. Despite this, million-dollar flat transactions reached a record high of 128 units in the same quarter, according to a research report by Orange Tee & Tie in October. Christine Sun, senior vice president of research & analytics at OrangeTee & Tie, notes that the slower price growth and price declines in certain towns indicate that consumers are pushing back against further price hikes.

In 3Q2023, HDB resale prices increased by 1.2% quarter-on-quarter (q-o-q), marking the 14th consecutive quarter of growth. However, this growth is smaller than the 1.5% q-o-q increase in 2Q2023 and the 2.5% average quarterly growth seen in 2022. Year-to-date, prices have risen by 3.8% in the first nine months of the year, which is less than the 8% growth over the same period in 2022.

OrangeTee & Tie points out that the slower growth in resale flat prices is occurring amid concerns about inflation, as rising interest rates have affected homebuyers’ affordability, remaining elevated for longer than expected.

Despite the slowdown in price growth, HDB resale transaction volumes increased by 2.9% q-o-q in 3Q2023, reaching 6,592 units (as of Sept 28). This increase is attributed to more grants given to first-time buyers of HDB resale flats and the delay in the August Build-To-Order (BTO) sales launch, which redirected more Singaporeans to the resale market. However, on a year-on-year basis, the transaction volume is 9.7% lower than in 3Q2022 when 7,298 units changed hands.

In terms of the proportion of sales, four-room flats decreased from 45.7% in 2Q2023 to 43.8% in 3Q2023, while five-room flats declined from 23.4% to 22.9% during the same period, based on HDB transactions from data.gov.sg. Conversely, the proportion of buyers opting for executive flats increased from 5.5% to 5.9%. The same trend was observed for two-room flats, which increased from 2.3% to 2.8%, and for three-room flats, which rose from 23.1% to 24.6%.

Million-dollar resale flats reached a new record in 3Q2023, with 128 units sold for at least $1 million. This surpasses the previous quarterly record of 111 units in 3Q2022. OrangeTee & Tie predicts that 2023 is likely to surpass 2022’s full-year record of 369 units, as 336 million-dollar flats have already been sold in the first nine months of the year.

Affordability is expected to continue to be influenced by the interest rate environment, as HDB loan packages offered by many local banks are above 3%. This may lead to increased demand for BTO flats, as not everyone qualifies for an HDB loan pegged at 2.6%. As a result, resale prices are projected to grow at a more moderate pace, with OrangeTee & Tie forecasting a full-year price growth of around 4% to 5.5% for HDB resale flats in 2023, significantly lower than the 12.7% growth in 2021 and the 10.4% growth in 2022. In terms of volume, the firm predicts that resale flat transactions will slightly decrease to approximately 26,000 to 27,000 units this year, compared to 27,896 units in 2022.

Read related article: In the BTO exercise in October 2023, HDB will offer 6,800 apartments for sale

In the BTO exercise in October 2023, HDB will offer 6,800 apartments for sale

Huttons Asia, Singapore’s largest private real estate agency, celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, and under the leadership of CEO Mark Yip since November 2020, it has embraced a more accessible and inclusive corporate culture. With a focus on increasing productivity, expanding revenue streams, and enhancing corporate leadership responsibility, Huttons Asia is evolving to meet the changing demands of the real estate market.

One of the key initiatives introduced by CEO Mark Yip is fostering a culture of “reachable help” within the organization. Agents at Huttons Asia can now easily contact department heads and senior managers for assistance, recognizing that timely support is vital in the real estate agency business. This approach aims to break down communication barriers and create a collaborative and conducive environment where agents can thrive.

Huttons Asia manages a diverse team of nearly 5,400 professional salespersons, including young, tech-savvy rookies, experienced seniors, and seasoned veterans. CEO Yip emphasizes the importance of upskilling agents and equipping them with the knowledge required to excel in various market segments. The agency’s commitment to continuous education and the use of the latest tech tools has earned it recognition, ranking first in the real estate agencies category for “Singapore’s Best Customer Service 2023/24” by The Straits Times.

In 2020, Huttons Asia merged with Savills Residential, expanding its residential project sales business and onboarding over 400 agents from Savills Residential. This merger has strengthened the agency’s position, particularly in the resale market. Huttons Asia also aims to increase its market share in the new project market to at least 25% by 2024.

As part of its growth strategy, the agency is embracing corporate leadership responsibility, with young leaders and department heads playing a significant role. Huttons Asia has engaged the Institute for Adult Learning (IAL) to enhance its skills framework and training programs, aligning them with the Council for Estate Agencies’s (CEA) Continuing Professional Development ecosystem.

Beyond work, Huttons Asia places importance on corporate welfare collaborations, sports activities, and community engagement events throughout the year. The agency actively participates in charitable initiatives, including raising funds for organizations like the Children’s Cancer Foundation and supporting environmental and social causes.

CEO Mark Yip’s vision for Huttons Asia includes expanding its agent force, increasing overall productivity, and keeping pace with consumer expectations and technology. With strategic focuses on education, diversity, and corporate responsibility, Huttons Asia is poised to thrive in the ever-evolving real estate industry.

SORA ebrochure

The year was 2022 when a unique boutique hotel located in the lush green areas in Gardens by the Bay opened its doors. Constructed from recycled shipping container, the low-rise structure is simple but impressive, adding a contemporary design for Gardens by the Bay’s Serene Garden, a 2ha open-air park situated in Gardens by the Bay. The design is based on Japanese Zen gardens, the park is home to plants like podocarpus, bamboo and junipers. It also has the tropical trees and rock gardens.

SORA ebrochure by an esteemed consortium comprised of Chip Eng Seng, SingHaiyi and KSH Holdings to guarantee top-of-the-line quality and design.

Gardens Pod at Gardens by the Bay is an eco-friendly hotel pop-up which was designed using principles of sustainability to create guests with an unforgettable stay. The hotel is an initiative created by Tiny Pod, a Singapore-based company that is specialized in moving and sustainable hotels.

This hotel was the only hotel situated within Gardens by the Bay. The hotel was designed by President’s Design Award-winning Laud Architects, it comprises four shipping containers measuring 40 feet that cantilever onto steel structures. This allows the bedrooms, located on the upper level with stunning views across the Serene Garden. The arrangement of containers were made in a unique pinwheel arrangement which maximizes views while preserving the privacy.

The hotel’s structure is mostly made of glass and steel which gives it a modern style. Its minimalist style was a deliberate choice that allowed the hotel to blend into the surroundings rather than separating guests from the beautiful surrounding.

Based on Laud architects, Garden Pod incorporates a range of environmentally friendly attributes. This includes the addition of insulation, and double-glazed glass, as well as an exterior with a white finish to reduce heat. The roofs of each container are fitted with photovoltaic panels which harvest solar energy, which accounts for 80% of its energy use. In addition, the lift system that is located in the hotel was recycled from an old show unit which has reduced the cost of fabrication.

The hotel’s unique design along with its well-thought-out design, has earned numerous awards for its development including an award from the Singapore Institute of Architects Design Award for Special Categories (Innovation Materials as well as Construction Details) for 2023. It also was one of the finalists at the World Architecture Festival 2023.

Garden Pod has also garnered recognition at the EdgeProp Singapore Excellence Awards (EPEA) 2023, in which it was awarded the inaugural award for the most sustainable hotel Development.

Tranquil retreat
Garden Pod comprises just four suites. Every suite is a two-plex with 753 square feet of space which includes bathrooms with en suites equipped kitchen, as well as free WiFi. The dining, kitchen and living spaces are on the upper level and have an outdoor patio that is private. A spiral staircase within the suite leads to the bedroom with a king-sized bed, as well as an queen-sized Murphy bed. Additionally, there is an extra sofa bed in the upper level. Thus, each suite can take up to five people.

The constraints in a shipping container comes with its own difficulties. As per Tiny Pod the process of creating a functional layout was a challenge due to the small 2.4m length of the container. It also determined the width of the structure made of metal that was on its first level. To overcome this, larger containers with 3m height were employed, which allowed for higher ceilings in the rooms which give a sense of spaciousness and a sense of space, particularly in conjunction with the windows that were full height and windows.

Additionally, the suite includes subtle eco-friendly design features made by local artisans to will provide a truly immersive experience. Each room is scented an aroma that includes tea and floral notes by the perfume Maison of L’Asie. The glassware manufacturer Soda Lemon provides drinking glasses made of recycled glass, as well as containers that house display terrariums. The unique coasters made from recycled plastic were made available through The Plastic Project Singapore.

The hotel is not equipped with reception or a front desk as of yet, and instead uses Tiny Pod opting instead for digital locks and an app that creates an encrypted password for guests. It’s also located near the open-air car park in The Meadow at Gardens by the Park which gives guests easy parking.

Setting the stage for sustainable hotels
Garden Pod is the latest hotel development created by Tiny Pod and its first venture into the world of sustainable luxury hotels. The company also runs container hotels at one-north and Pasir Panjang Road in close proximity to Haw Par Villa MRT Station.

According to Tiny Pod Garden Pod will be dismantled and relocated to another site in Singapore in the next few years, after the lease for Gardens by the Bay expires. Shipping containers along with the hotel’s steel lightweight structures, are easily removed and moved to a new site to be put together there. The ultimate goal for the establishment is to create little footprint on the landscape and to keep waste to the minimal level.

The EPEA judges were impressed with the hotel’s innovative idea of reusing containers to create an unique boutique hotel experience in addition to providing an illustration of how sustainability can be integrated into the industry of hotels.

“It’s the kind of idea which can spark a discussion about sustainability, which will impact the future generations,” says Sky Seah academic director, master in Science in Real Estate, at the National University of Singapore and the judge at the upcoming EPEA. She adds that projects like Garden Pod play an important role in creating the conditions for the future, more efficient versions of sustainable structures in Singapore.

SORA floor plan

Pan Pacific Orchard, the most recent iconic landmark along Orchard Road, claimed the famous first Hotel Development Award at the EdgeProp Singapore Excellence Awards (EPEA) in 2023. The luxurious hotel, boasting 347 rooms, is an impressive redevelopment project that has transformed the old Negara Hotel on 10, Claymore Road.

It was created jointly by Singapore’s listed UOL Group and its subsidiary, Pan Pacific Hotels Group, Pan Pacific Orchard is Singapore’s first biophilic hotel with a low-waste design.

SORA floor plan optimises a total plot ratio to 2.1 for prolonged leasehold of 99 years.

The hotel is located in the Orchard Road-Claymore Road neighborhood. Nearby is the Palais Renaissance, which was given an upgrade of $7 million in the year 2000. The other part from Orchard Road are Forum The Shopping Mall and the voco Orchard Singapore and HPL House that will be renovated in the near future by Hotel Properties Limited.

The adjacent Far East Shopping Centre is also set to be revamped and was sold in block for $90 million earlier this month. This buyer happens to be Chinese billionaire, Du Shuanghua’s investing vehicle Glory Property Development. In the future, the entire length of Orchard Road will be rejuvenated.

Tropical design

The striking, eye-catching green color that is Pan Pacific Orchard makes it stand out from the other structures on Orchard Road and reflects its concept: “Surrounded by nature, taking in nature, capturing nature and abstracting it”.

The biophilic concept was developed by the renowned local architecture firm WOHA which is known for its eco-friendly designs. The concept features four high-volume distinct, distinctive, green open-air terraces arranged as L-shaped stacks. The terraces cover more than 150,000 square feet of water features and foliage.

The various levels are linked by massive columns that are fully covered in lush greenery. These terraces were created to fit diverse themes and have been have been named accordingly: Forest, Beach, Garden and Cloud. The distinctive features of each strata guarantee that the hotel is able to meet the needs of guests with different requirements and interests.

The Forest strata can be seen in the lower levels. Its design echoes the elements of nature found in a rainforest, like the cascading waterfall as well as the soaring trees. The hotel also has its own lobby as well as a day-to-day space.

The second level includes the Beach terrace. It is an idyllic beach scene with a neutral color scheme and is adorned with palm groves, sand and an emerald lake. It’s situated between the 5th and 10th floors. It features a wellness center with cabanas, a waterside bar, cabanas fitness center and spa.

The third Garden strata, which is located on the 12th through 16th floors, is an European design that features an attractive garden, with outdoor function areas that are semi-outdoor, and 4th Cloud strata that is located on the 19th and 23rd floors features the ballroom as well as main event spaces that look out onto the city.

Interior of fourth terrace is created using a light, pastel color scheme, featuring metallic and reflective elements to emphasize the spectacular views of the city’s central. Greenery is a major feature throughout the building has led to the green plot ratio of 9.38.

In terms of style, Pan Pacific Orchard harmoniously blends sustainability and beauty. The facade of the hotel is modern, clean lines and architectural fins that shade the sun.

Sustainability in the mind

The commitment of the development to sustainability is reflected in its design and system. Pan Pacific Orchard has been constructed with a vast rooftop solar or photovoltaic system, and is equipped with rainwater harvesting systems. This lets the hotel depend on irrigation methods to meet the water requirements of its landscaping and generates the most efficient energy and water usage.

Water-efficient fittings will also be put in place in the hotel’s efforts reduce water consumption.

Furthermore, the hotel also has rain sensors that are connected to an irrigation device that uses water. This allows them to reduce irrigation in times of heavy rainfall. This reduces the water usage of the hotel. In addition to these amenities the hotel also boasts an internal system for recycling greywater. This is a term used to describe the treatment of wastewater from appliances like showers, baths, and sinks to ensure that the water is able to be re-used within the property to serve non-potable needs like flushing toilets.

The hotel is also built using eco-friendly materials, mostly making use of products that are that have been certified through The Singapore Green Building Council. These are reclaimed and low-energy including one-tick concrete and two-tick toilet waterproofing. bathroom partitions, landscaping mats as well as precast wall panels.

To save energy The hotel has implemented efficient energy-saving strategies and design. It is unique in its massing of the building and a passive design to maximize daylight and air circulation. The passive design eliminates the need for further heating or cooling in order to maintain the temperature at a comfortable level in the area, thus reducing energy use. Additionally there is a 38% of the common areas have efficient daylighting. This is due to the efficient installation on windows as well as other openings that allow natural light to penetrate the property and reduces the need in artificial illumination.

It also makes use of double-glazed glass windows with low energy consumption to limit heat transfer throughout the building. It also uses efficient air distribution systems as well as LED lighting. The hotel’s lifts have energy-efficient equipment, while the roofs are equipped with solar power systems installed to produce energy for hotel use. The hotel also has energy-efficient air-to water heat pumps that produce hot water.

Pan Pacific Orchard has also implemented environmentally friendly waste management and heat recovery methods. Recycling bins are conveniently placed in the main lift lobby as well as in the car park’s the lift lobby, and in back-of-house areas that encourage recycling.

To dispose of meals, hotels is equipped with a bio-digester system which recycles food waste into byproducts of organic compost and greywater.

The compost will be returned to the eco-digester for self-sufficiency. Each guest room has been fitted with water dispensers in order to cut down the need for containers for water in plastic bottles. Additionally, the hotspots that are located in the hotel’s exterior areas include dry misting and fans to provide additional cooling. The hotel’s lobby and pre-function rooms are also able to use exudates that have been pre-cooled from air-conditioned areas adjacent to them to cool.

The numerous green initiatives of the property have resulted in Pan Pacific Orchard the Green Mark Platinum score, which is the most prestigious environmental certification issued from the Building and Construction Authority.

SORA launch price

Blossoms by Blossoms by the Park was among the recent launches that was notable this year for various reasons. This developer of the private condominium with 275 units was able to go ahead with its planned launch on the 29th of April despite the strictest collection of property cooling measures announced by the federal government two days before.

“It would not have made a difference if I’d delayed the launch for another month,” Lim Yew Soon Director of Management at EL Development, commented at the time.

SORA launch price for collective sale reached S$260 million or an estimated land rate of S$1.023 per square foot per plot ratio (psf ppr).

Based on the attendance during the two weeks of private previews in the gallery of sales for the project, Lim reckoned most buyers will come from Singaporeans and first-time home buyers and are not affected by the cooling measures. The strategy paid off, with approximately 200 out of 275 apartments that comprise the condo that is private at one-north bought the day after launch with an average of $2,423 per square foot. The project has been more than the 78% sold so far.

Blossoms by the Park has been recognized as a multi-award recipient during The EdgeProp Singapore Excellence Awards (EPEA) 2023. The project has been awarded distinctions to recognize Design and Innovation Excellence and the overall Top Development award for a project currently under development in the Central region.

The 27-storey Blossoms by the Park has a mix of one-bedroom-plus-study to four-bedroom, with sizes ranging from 549 sq ft to 1,507 sq ft. The apartments range from the 27th to the 26th floors, and have commercial space comprising four strata-titled units located on the top level, as well as two floors of underground parking.

The property is located at Slim Barracks Rise in one-north, which is a 200ha development developed by JTC Corp, with the masterplan conceived by Zaha Hadid Architects. One-north is targeted at companies from the Infocomm and media, as well as the biomedical, tech, and research and development fields. It embodies a 24/7 work-live-play-learn lifestyle and a healthy environment. One-north is also close to research and educational institutes like The National University of Singapore (NUS), Insead, Singapore Institute of Technology and the Singapore Science Parks.

Overcoming design challenges
A part of JTC city design standards for One-North Park is that the line between public and private spaces is not fenced. Blossoms by one-north Park includes a main street that runs throughout the site which provides a route for the nearby one-north Park next door and the Buona Vista MRT Interchange Station (for the Circle and East-West Lines).

ADDP Architects worked closely with the landscape designer Ecoplan Asia to create seamless connection to ecoplanasia to create seamless connectivity from the site up to the Park and MRT station. The street is constructed as a public space that is landscaped, featuring walkways with terraces with feature walls, as well as glass canopy.

These four units located on the ground floor of the building were placed towards the highway.

“That was a huge design issue,” says Tang Kok Thye who is associate partner at ADDP Architects, the design architect of Blossoms by the Park. Tang is on the EdgeProp Excellence Awards 2023 the judging panel.

“It’s similar to fitting the final piece of the puzzle of the one-north masterplan,” claims Tang.

EL Development will also upgrade the one-north Park with new play equipment and facilities including a 20m slide. The future residents of Blossoms By the Park are able enter the park via an access gate on the side, having access to these facilities on top of their development’s private facilities.

“The method in which it was integrated into the public park as well as the walkway that has retail units that front it was a breakthrough and thought-through regarding traffic flows as well as increasing foot traffic to retail units” Says Dr Sky Seah who is the an academic instructor and senior lecturer in the Department of Real Estate, NUS Business School, National University of Singapore (NUS) and a member of the panel that decides on the EdgeProp Excellence Awards 2023.

Seah states: “If they can find the right company to curate the right mix of tenants that will result in an enduring retail brand for the neighborhood.”

The gallery of sales stands out
The gallery for sales was also notable with regard to design and creativity. EL Development had taken over the sales gallery previously owned by the One-North Eden. One-North Eden, a 165-unit development, is part of a joint venture of Hong Leong Holdings and Mitsui Fudosan. It was launched in April 2021. the project was sold out in March 2022 for an average cost of $1,965 per sq ft.

Design firm SuMisura designed the interiors for the showflats and sales gallery from One-North Eden. EL Development engaged SuMisura to create Blossoms by the park’s sales gallery as well as showflats.

“I was the natural choice since I’m already familiar with the origins of SuMisura’s sales gallery” states Angela Lim, director and co-founder of SuMisura. Lim is also on the panel that will decide the upcoming EdgeProp Singapore Excellence Awards.

Lim believes that the attraction of the display units located at Blossoms in the Park is not in its extravagantness but the space-planning and personalisation. “It allows home buyers to envision what they could do with the area,” she adds.

PPVC construction
The principal contractor for Blossoms at the Park is Evan Lim & Co, who will use an Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) method. In the case of PPVC they will be built in concrete modules using columns, beams, and slabs at a factory located off-site.

Drones are utilized to monitor progress of construction as well as to inspect the quality of work or other problems in areas which aren’t easily accessible after the scaffolding and temporary access has been removed, for instance that of the roofing structure.

The homes will come with induction or gas smart hobs for the kitchen, that can be controlled through the mobile app. They also come with mobile-compatible digital locks that enable homeowners to give access remotely using PIN codes as well as Bluetooth keys.

Attractive location
The project is expected to be completion in December 2026. Due to the location, Blossoms by the Park attracted two types of home buyers Investors who plan to rent their properties to people who work in one-norths, and owner-occupiers who are looking to relocate near their work place.

Multinational corporations based within one region includes Google, GSK, P&G and Shell. Other notable companies that are headquartered in one-north are Grab Razor and Razor.

Apart from tertiary schools, other schools within one-north include Fairfield Methodist Primary and Secondary, Anglo Chinese Independent School and international schools like Tanglin Trust School and Dover Court International School.

SORA showflat

Whistler Grand was on an impressive run of success in the EdgeProp Singapore Excellence Awards (EPEA) 2023. It won prizes for Landscape Design, Innovation, Design and Sustainability, as well as the overall Best Development award.

SORA showflat enjoys an ideal position in a residential zone under URA guidelines.

The private condominium includes 716 units arranged over twin 36-storey towers. It is situated on area of 210,883 square feet on a leasehold site. The project was developed through the listed property huge City Developments (CDL), the project went live in November of 2018 and was fully sold by the end of October 2021 with a Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) being obtained in April 2022.

Whistler Grand will be the 3rd and most recent private condominium in the new residential enclave West Coast Vale, off West Coast Road. The first two developments at West Coast Vale were the 752-unit Parc Riviera, first launched in November 2016, and completed in the year 2019; and the Twin Vew, a 520-unit development. Twin Vew which was launched in May 2018 and completed in 2021.

The condos for private owners in West Coast Vale totals 1,988 units. It is constructed in 99 year leasehold sites bought by developers through the government’s land sales (GLS) bids. The condos are a part of the URA’s Master Plan 2019 to rejuvenate the Clementi Planning Area and provide new housing options in Clementi, Sunset Way and West Coast.

Outside of housing, there’s new amenities available in the area. For example, CDL has incorporated pedestrian links from both the main entrance and the side access to Whistler Grand to the existing Ulu Pandan Park Connector, that runs through the Pandan River and permits residents to take in the lush landscape and river views.

Its Ulu Pandan Park Connector is connected with the Western Adventure Loop and other park connectors, including Bukit Batok East Park Connector and Hillview Park Connector. The waterway of the Pandan River will also be transformed under the Active, Beautiful & Clean (ABC) Waters Programme, creating a leisure and recreation corridor that will bring residents closer to the nature.

A number of trails for walking and cycling are planned for Sunset Way and West Coast Park in the near future that could connect together with Coast-to-Coast Trail, Rail Corridor, Round Island Route and Pasir Panjang Linear Park. It will be a link to other tourist attractions throughout the island.

The proximity of the Jurong Lake District
Alongside West Coast Vale, the government is planning to introduce more housing options in Clementi Avenue 1. A brand new GLS site located at Clementi Avenue 1 that could produce 500 housing units was put up to tender in June with the bid closing on the 7th of November.

It is located in the Clementi Planning Area is close to the Jurong Lake District (JLD) which URA has envisaged for the future as a second CBD since the Master Plan. The announcement of the 6.5ha master developer site in June by URA is designed to launch the next stage of development of JLD.

“The implementation of JLD has brought the entire region more alive, and made it has made the West Coast area more attractive because of its proximity” Says Tang Kok Thye, associate partner of ADDP Architects and a judge on the EdgeProp Excellence Awards 2023.

Design and design aspects
Residents of Whistler Grand will be able to avail JLD’s amenities, JLD Tang, says Tang as JLD is only a 10 minute drive from the. It is interesting to note that ADDP Architects was the design architect for Whistler Grand and also had Coen Design International as the design architect and construction firm Woh Hup, as main contractor.

One of the appealing features of the design in Whistler Grand is the extensive landscaping that is ground-level, considering the fact that parking is situated in the basement, while these two towers sit on top, according to ADDP’s Tang. The central position between the blocks and the distance to setback away from Ayer Rajah Expressway as well as the extensive landscaping create a sufficient buffer.

The two towers of Whistler Grand are orientated such that the residents of the higher-floor units are able to enjoy uninterrupted perspectives of the city and the lush greenery in the Bukit Batok, and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, or Pandan Reservoir and the sea.

But, everyone have the opportunity to take in the stunning panoramas from both Sky Club on the 24th floor, Sky Club on the 24th floor as well as at the Star Club on the 30th floor of both towers. “The sky terraces provide residents with an opportunity to see the surrounding area,” says Tang. “Whistler Grand was the first to introduce lots of greenery due to the gardens that are landscaped in the lower floors, as well as those sky terraces located on floors 24th and 30th.”

To Angela Lim, director and co-founder of SuMisura and SuMisura, who is on the jury panel for the 2023 EdgeProp Excellence Awards the thing that made an impression in the event at Whistler Grand is the dropping-off, with its huge feature wall of dark forest stone slabs that have a matte leather finishes.

Another reason to visit was the landscaping, featuring a large area for events and an the lap pool of 88m, which Lim states is a characteristic in all of CDL’s condominium developments.

For the landscape architects Yvonne Tan, director of DP Green, Whistler Grand was a top pick in terms of landscaping design, not only for its aesthetics, but for its utility. “You can see people enjoying the facilities” says Tan who has served on the jury for the past six years. “There are even ramp for wheelchairs leading into the swimming pool. It’s the tiny aspects that count.”

“Reality against the plan”
Professor Sky Seah, academic director and senior lecturer in the Department of Real Estate at the National University of Singapore Business School as well as on the judging panel for this year’s awards, loves to observe “the actuality versus the concept”.

After reading the submitted proposal and touring the property, Seah gained a fresh perception of the project. “It shows how an developer can combine affordability with the creation of a distinctive quality project,” says Seah.

CDL is not new in its home in the West Coast area, having constructed the 493-unit neighboring Botannia as well as the 300-unit Monterey Park Condo and the 396-unit Hundred Trees over the last 18 years. The three condos are located on leasehold for 956 years sites. The three projects are all 12-storey structures in contrast to Whistler Grand which is a 36-storey high-rise development.

The apartments at Whistler Grand vary from one bedroom to five bedrooms, ranging of 441 sq ft up to 1,442 sq ft. They accommodate all kinds of different lifestyles. There are three bedrooms, four- and five-bedroom apartments come with flexi spaces and dual-key configurations. There are two penthouses available at Whistler Grand, and they each come with five bedrooms and flex space which is 2,217 sq. ft. and 2,422 square feet, respectively.

The prices of Whistler Grand have soared over the last five years. When the resort was first announced in November of 2018 the median price from the 160 units that were sold on the opening week of sale was $1,380 per square foot. Since its completion the units have traded hands for $1,838 psf to $1,983 per sq ft, in accordance with caveats that were lodged between June and September.

The highest value of $1,983 per sq ft attained during the time of Whistler Grand was recorded in September, when a 958 sq ft three-bedroom home on the 31st floor traded hands for $1.9 million.

SORA Condo Lakeside Jurong

A three-storey shophouse in conservation located at the 58th floor of Joo Chiat Place is up for sale via the expression of interest (EOI) exercise, with the price range in the range of $7.5 million. It is estimated to be $1,868 per square foot in relation to it’s gross floor space (GFA) of approximately 4,013 square feet.

SORA Condo Lakeside Jurong colorful landscape of the development is located in a way that makes it easy to travel within the neighborhood and throughout the rest of Singapore.

The shophouse is freehold and covers an surface of 1,708 sq feet. It is designed for residential use and commercial space on the first floor and has the Gross plot ratio of 3.0 according to the URA Master Plan 2019. This means that the property has a GFA that is not yet utilized of about 1,100 square feet according to market agent CBRE.

The shophouse is presently rented and is used as a studio and a retail store on the ground floor. The upper floors are home to residents. The property is located close to facilities like the i12 Katong, Joo Chiat Complex and KINEX. The property is also within walking distance of Haig Girls’ School and Tanjong Katong’s Girls’ School.

“58 Joo Chiat Place is an attractive asset located in Singapore’s top places to live,” remarks Joshua Giam the executive director, capital market Singapore in CBRE. “The possibility will be appealing to both investors and end-users,” he adds.

Giam states that buyers who are about to buy is likely to enjoy a high rent and capital growth as a result of the ongoing revitalization of Joo Chiat. “Moreover there will immediately be rental income following purchase as it is a property is fully rented, with the potential for additional rent growth in the near future,” he continues.

The EOI process for the 58th Joo Chiat Place will close on the 1st of November at 12pm.

SORA by SingHaiyi Group

Flexible housing company Habyt is raising EUR40 millions ($58 millions) in an investment round in the series C. In a press release, the company explains that it was backed by the new investor Korelya Capital, a Paris-based investment firm, as well as German’s Deutsche Invest.

SORA by SingHaiyi Group held 30% each, with Chip Eng Seng holding the remaining 40% stake; collective sale reached S$260 million

The other investors are Dutch investment company Exor as well as Endeavor Catalyst. Current shareholders P101 and ITALIA500-Azimut, HV Capital, Vorwerk Ventures, Norwest, Kinnevik, Burda Principal Investments, and Inveready will also be part of the round of funding.

“We have broken down barriers and aiming to provide an easy access to housing which allows anyone to live a an individualized lifestyle anywhere around the globe,” says Luca Bovone the chief executive officer of Habyt. “We have seen an exponential increase and have raised an impressive series C, with the help of existing and new investors despite a decrease in series C round totals all over the world during the year.”

Since the EUR20 million Series B funding round of 2021 Habyt is witnessing a number of mergers. In 2022, the company merged with Singapore-based co-living company Hmlet. Although the latter initially kept the brand name however, the company in July announced the rebranding process that has the entirety of Hmlet’s properties in Singapore in Singapore and Hong Kong operating under the Habyt name.

In the early 2023’s, Habyt merged with Common, the largest operator of co-living across North America. Habyt currently has 30,000 units in fifty cities across three continents, more than triple the 5,000 units spread across 18 cities that it had managed in the last fiscal year. The company claims its net income grew more than forty% during 2023 and the company earning profits “in the majority of key regions”. The company is aiming for an early 2024 period of group-wide profitability.

“What really excites me is the global reach of Habyt, with a significant presence throughout Asia, Europe and the US, Europe and Asia,” remarks Franco Danesi who is a partner at Korelya Capital and Habyt board member. “We are convinced of Habyt’s visionary approach to changing the definition of flexible housing. And we’re eager to help Habyt’s journey by making it easier to access appealing areas like Asia.”

Habyt promises expanding its portfolio in order to expand into new markets while creating ESG (environmental social and governance) initiatives and developing technology-driven solutions. For Asia Pacific, the firm is now in a better position to invest further in its main regions which include Hong Kong and Singapore, says Jonathan Wong, CEO of Habyt Apac. “APAC. We are delighted to assist solve the issues faced by the residents of both countries in the region’s dynamic growth, and in doing so, help fuel Habyt’s rapid growth,” he adds.