The three housing projects in the eastern side of Singapore's Ulu Pandan estate — Ulu Pandan Banks, Ulu Pandan Glades, and Ulu Pandan Vista — are designed sensitively in response to their surroundings.

The estate is located along a park connector network and cross links two ecological connections; the Rail Corridor and the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve link to the Southern Ridges. To protect and activate the connection while balancing housing needs, three inhabiting strategies are proposed: braiding, layering, and looping.

The housing blocks fronting Sungei Ulu Pandan Canal will be stepped down and built lower than the rest of the blocks, to maximise views to the canal. The blocks will also have sky terraces and roof gardens to bring greenery closer to residents’ doorsteps. To mitigate level differences between the main road and the precinct, a terraced rain garden will be built for residents to enjoy a relaxing stroll amid lush greenery.

Residents will enjoy a 1.2 ha park located adjacent to the precinct that will be seamlessly connected to their residential blocks. The park will retain most of its original biodiversity, with enhancements made to an existing natural stream that runs alongside the development and connects to the canal. A walking trail will also be provided for residents and visitors to enjoy the rich biodiversity of the area.

To encourage residents to stay active, a fitness trail will run along an array of facilities such as the terraced rain garden, roof gardens, and fitness stations. A jogging track will connect the three housing blocks of Ulu Pandan Banks via sky bridges on the 34th storey. The jogging track will feature landscaped gardens and fitness facilities for residents to exercise and unwind, while enjoying panoramic views of the Central Catchment area.

Designed for a symbiotic co-existence, residents at Ulu Pandan Banks, Glades, and Vista will live and thrive with nature.

Perspectives courtesy of the Housing & Development Board