Bukit Merah sits in the southernmost part of Singapore’s Central Region. Though its name may not be as instantly recognisable as some of the other heartlands, particularly for those new to Singapore, many of its constituent parts certainly will be. Tiong Bahru, for example, has become one of the hippest and most sought-after towns on the island in recent years. Everton Park has the potential to follow in its neighbour Duxton Hill’s footsteps, while Alexandra has been quietly going about its business for years, initially attracting people with IKEA before showing them that it has so much more to offer than flat-packed Swedish-designed furniture.
It is a diverse area with many unique characteristics, and enjoys some of the most picturesque parks and attractions in Singapore. It also has a maritime border, giving residents the opportunity of not just sea breezes, but also views out across the Straits, Sentosa and the Southern Islands.
Another notable addition to Bukit Merah’s CV is it has two of the most distinctive and boldly designed condos anywhere in Singapore.
The visually stunning Reflections at Keppel Bay. Credit: EdgeProp Singapore
Reflections at Keppel Bay looks like something from a science fiction film. It was designed by Daniel Libeskind, the architect behind some of the most iconic buildings in the world and the man chosen to oversee the rebuilding of New York’s World Trade Center. Reflections at Keppel Bay is an incredible development visible from all over the southern stretches of the region.
The Interlace from above. Source: Shutterstock
Equally as startling in its design is The Interlace. Completed in 2013, this Capitaland development consists of 31 six-storey blocks that, at first glance, appear to have been piled on top of one another almost randomly. As you look again, however, the cleverness of the design becomes apparent: it gives residents both privacy and views. Its 1,040 units range from two- to four-bedroom homes as well as garden houses and penthouses. The development also boasts eight retail units.
The Interlace’s ground-breaking design. Credit: Mike Cartmell
Caribbean At Keppel Bay may not be as impressive in its design, but this sprawling development positioned right on the waterfront certainly packs a punch when it comes to location. It has 969 units, comprising of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes as well as a number of penthouses. Overlooking the sea, the marina, Keppel Island and Sentosa, it offers something that very few other developments in Singapore can boast of, and certainly lives up to its name. It is near the VivoCity shopping mall, and residents can also stroll to Labrador Nature Reserve via a boardwalk.
Some areas of Singapore are famous for their shophouses. Tiong Bahru is just as famous for its art deco estates. Built in the 1920s and 1930s by the Singapore Improvement Trust – the forerunner of the HDB, the Tiong Bahru flats make up the first public housing estate in Singapore. Their low-rise nature and curved lines give the area a quaint vibe unlike that of other estates, and it has become home to dozens of hipster cafes, independent bookshops and quirky shops in recent years.
One of Tiong Bahru’s iconic art deco blocks. Credit: EdgeProp Singapore
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Perhaps the most famous of the estates is Block 78 that straddles Moh Guan Terrace and Guan Chuan Street. Better known as the Horse-Shoe Block, it is the only five-storey block in the estate and contains the first air raid shelter to be included in public residences. It is now also home to several coffeeshops and eateries.
Nearby is one of the area’s newest residences, Highline Residences. This luxurious development comes with its own concierge, an Olympic-size swimming pool and an urban farm. It also features a 180m-long walkway or “elevated green ridge” as it is officially called, which connects two of its three blocks. Along its route, residents can enjoy such delights as a butterfly garden, an outdoor fitness area and an art lounge.
Highline Residences. Credit: EdgeProp Singapore
Twin Regency’s twin towers. Credit: EdgeProp Singapore
Facing Highline Residences and just off Kim Tian Road, behind a convenient row of units that includes a bar, restaurants and a NTUC FairPrice, are Regency Suites and Twin Regency. The latter is a freehold development completed in 2007 with a total of 234 units.