An allotment garden in one of Singapore’s most densely occupied residential towers? That is precisely what One Pearl Bank provides. Configured on the narrow sides of both towers are eighteen small garden plots with nearly 200 raised beds where residents can cultivate their own fruits and vegetables.
This greenery, somewhat luxuriant even for Singapore, is completed by planters installed on the balconies, intended for shrubs and small trees, along with “sky gardens”, as well as on the roofs of the towers, which are linked by bridges. The extra-tall roof-top pergolas, covered in solar paneling, provide shade, inviting joggers to rest after their high-altitude exertions.
Pearl Bank Apartments, the predecessor building, was intended for 1,500 occupants. With a hillside location in a park, it was a familiar and iconic landmark for the people of Singapore. Upon its completion in 1976, the high-rise boasted the highest occupation density of any modern private residential building, and was a pioneering symbol of Singapore’s urban development. Meanwhile, targets for residential density in the downtown area have risen decisively. The new building was to take up the familiar form of Pearl Bank Apartments while developing it further in keeping with current expectations, at the same time increasing the number of apartments from 272 to 774 despite using roughly the same surface area. This high density was achieved by creating two curving structures that are staggered in relation to one another. These segments of a circle are configured in such a way that residents enjoy optimal views while nonetheless maintaining a sense of privacy.
The ground floor is designed to revive interest in the adjacent Pearl’s Hill City Park. Since the park is set at the end of a steep area of terrain, it is relatively inaccessible and hence underused. The new landscape design guides pedestrians directly into the park via a luxuriantly planted area with more than 500 trees comprising altogether thirty-five different species. Positioned between the towers are numerous common areas for residents: an entire recreation landscape with swimming pools, a wellness space, pavilions, a playground, fitness areas, a barbecue section, and much more.
