Ki Residences at Sunset Way in District 21 is set to preview on Nov 20, with its launch scheduled for two weeks later. The 660-unit, 999-year leasehold development is on the site of the former Brookvale Park at Ki Residences, which long-standing joint venture partners Hoi Hup Realty and Sunway Developments had acquired on Feb 15, 2018, which fell on the eve of Lunar New Year.
The decision to acquire the site for $530 million was made within three days, recounts Tan Wee Bee, deputy managing director of property development (International) at Malaysian-listed property group, Sunway. “When we visited the site, we believed we could create something unique,” he says.
Sunway and Hoi Hup had no hesitation closing the sale. “This site is like an unpolished gem and we were able to see something of value when others didn’t,” says Koon Wai Leong, general manager of Hoi Hup Realty.
As the 340,107 sq ft site is longish in shape, architecture firm ADDP Architects designed the 10 blocks of 12-storeys each in a staggered arrangement. This way, all the units will have a view of landscaped gardens, the forested area or the houses in the private landed housing estate of Sunset Way.
Wellness and amenities
Inspired by Japanese aesthetics, the developers weaved the theme of an ensō circle, symbolising enlightenment and strength, into the grounds of the development. For instance, the arrival area at Ki Residences is circular in shape, made of materials such as timber and stone. The condo’s clubhouse is also round, enveloping a conserved ficus tree at its centre, which used to stand behind the main entrance of the former Brookvale Park.
Greenery is also a key focus. The landscaping and communal facilities take up 80% of its grounds while the residential blocks occupy a footprint of just 20% of the site, Sunway’s Tan points out.
The developers intend for Ki Residences floorplan to be family-oriented, with facilities and lawns large enough for kids to run about. Another conserved tree from the old site, called the Yellow Flame, is protected by a play net so that children can prance on it. “Sometimes, you just need to let children expend their energy,” says Koon, who is also a father of young kids.
To that end, the landscaped terrain at the condo was designed by STX Landscape Architects, to be undulating, with play amenities for children built seamlessly into the waves on the ground. The children’s slide, for instance, is built on a grass mound. There is also a trail that runs underneath to reach the sunken tennis court. On a heightened deck, there is a glamping corner, furnished with tents and a barbeque area.
Connectivity
Ki Residences is in a convenient location, well-connected to major arterial roads and expressways. It is an 11-minute drive to the business and research hub at one-north, and within a 10-minute drive to educational institutions such as Singapore University of Social Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, and National University of Singapore. Access to parks such as the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is also a nine-minute drive away.
Construction is underway for the 11km Bukit Timah-Rochor Green Corridor which will run parallel to the Bukit Timah Canal, allowing cyclists and pedestrians to travel between Jurong Lake Gardens, the Singapore Botanic Gardens and Gardens by the Bay. Part of the Bukit Timah-Rochor Green Corridor will include a new Sky Park above the Bukit Timah Canal.
Unit offerings, prices
Positioned with a north-south orientation, the units at Ki Residences are designed to maximise cross-ventilation. They boast of full-height glass facades and Juliet balconies, expanding on views of the low-rise landed estate in Sunset Way. Other unique features include a super-sized balcony that spans the living to kitchen area in selected unit layouts. Access to the balcony is separated by a full-height sliding glass door, allowing extensive views from the development.
Comparable projects
If one were to look at recent launches in the wider District 21 district, Nicholas Mak, head of research & consultancy at ERA Realty says, they include Forett at Bukit Timah, Verdale, View at Kismis and Daintree Residence. Apart from Forett at Bukit Timah, which is a redevelopment of the former Goodluck Garden en bloc site and is freehold, the other three projects are 99-year leasehold developments. “There are already a few other competitors in the market where buyers can pick and choose and look at the transacted prices,” he notes.
Amenities in the area include Clementi Mall, which is integrated with the Clementi MRT station and bus interchange. In the future, the Beauty World Integrated Transport Hub will also be linked to amenities in a mixed-use development with more than 1 million sq ft of gross floor area. There could be another MRT station within easy reach as the second phase of the Cross Island Line is expected to pass through the area. Sunway’s Tan, therefore, pronounces the area as one with “a great growth story”.
Hoi Hup’s Koon concurs. “Covid-19 has highlighted our city’s resilience and its status as a safe haven for the global market. Once we get back on our feet, and the economy bounces back, people should be placing their bet on the next growth story.”
