Challenging sites and unconventional designs often result in the most intriguing projects. The Hillshore, a boutique development in the city fringe of Pasir Panjang, is a prime example.
The 59-unit project is a redevelopment of the former Gloria Mansion, which is situated on a 45,742 sq ft freehold site. In January 2022, Singapore-based real estate investment and development firm FRX Capital purchased the site for $70.3 million. FRX Capital made this acquisition alongside a group of investors led by the family offices of Daniel Teo and his brother, Teo Teck Weng of Hong How Group.
Developer FRX Capital appointed Park + Associates as the project architect, which collaborated with landscape architecture studio SALD (Salad Dressing) to create “a visually stunning and serene environment for residents to unwind”.
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Artist’s impression of The Hillshore with a view of the sea and Pasir Panjang Terminal, which will be relocated to Tuas (All pictures from FRX Capital)
According to Lim Koon Park, principal and founder of Park + Associates, the biggest challenge was that the site was both steep and narrow. Due to fire safety access requirements, the architect created a tiered effect with two low-rise, five-storey blocks flanking the arrival courtyard at the centre. “We wanted to create a sense of arrival that was different from the typical condo drop-off,” says Lim.
“The arrival courtyard resembles a valley,” he adds. The design allowed the architect to create “a secret garden” above it. The secret garden features cascading greenery along the poolside deck, a 24m lap pool, a jacuzzi, and a gym.
The architect also created a plateau in a secluded corner, featuring a clubhouse, children’s pool, play area, and barbecue pits. “As it’s tucked away, it creates an element of surprise,” adds Lim.
The landscaped deck at the central courtyard on the first level
The roof terrace on the second block is the pinnacle of the site. It serves as a sheltered viewing deck with a grill and dining area, where residents can enjoy an uninterrupted view of the sea and the future Greater Southern Waterfront.
Given the site elevation, apartments on the lowest level of the first block are already 5.9m above street level — equivalent to three storeys. With only three-storey landed housing across the road, most units at The Hillshore will have unblocked sea views, adds Lim. Units that look inward will have a serene view of the “secret garden”.
To reduce heat penetration, apartments are equipped with low-emissivity laminated glass for their sliding doors and windows.
Read also: The Hillshore sells three units by placement at an average price of $2,626 psf
The pool and pool deck designed by SLAD
SALD’s landscape design focuses on biophilic principles, creating a strong connection to nature with lush greenery and water features throughout.
For its sensitive and thoughtful design, The Hillshore was awarded the Top Boutique Development in the Uncompleted category at the EdgeProp Singapore Excellence Awards 2024.
Although The Hillshore comprises only 59 units, it offers 28 different unit layouts. Typical units range from two-bedroom apartments of 743 sq ft to four-bedroom dual-key apartments of 1,475 sq ft. The penthouses have various sizes too, from two-bedroom units of 915 sq ft to four-bedroom premium dual-key units of 2,185 sq ft. While typical apartments feature a ceiling height of 3.2m, the penthouses boast a double-volume ceiling height of 6m.
The double-volume 6m-high ceiling of the penthouse
The project was launched in April 2024, and the units sold so far are primarily located on the higher floors. Based on caveats lodged, these units range from an 807 sq ft, two-bedroom premium apartment on the fifth floor, which was sold for $2.025 million ($2,508 psf), up to a 1,184 sq ft, three-bedroom premium apartment on the fifth floor, priced at $3.16 million ($2,670 psf).
Founded in 2019 by Rachel Teo and Oliver Siah, FRX Capital is affiliated with the Teo family of the Hong How Group and the Tong Eng Group. Recent projects by FRX Capital include the Mount Rosie Signature Collection, a boutique landed housing development featuring six units — four terraced houses and two bungalows.
The company is also the developer of a pair of semi-detached houses on Jalan Novena Selatan near Thomson Road, another pair of semi-detached houses on Gardenia Road off Upper Thomson Road, and a row of three terraced houses on Haig Road in District 15.
Read also: The Hillshore preview weekend sees 700 visitors
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