In December 2008, the Housing & Development Board called for fresh ideas in designing high-rise public housing along the waterways of Punggol New Town, in Singapore’s north-east. To also introduce new sustainable development concepts and features suited to “green living by the waters”.

Originally a well known fishing village, at the end of a long jungle drive, our design concept sought to re-interpret this traditional access by creating a sense of arrival with clear lines of vision and access to both the existing river and the proposed canal from the main MRT station.

An axis was established linking the main canal with a pedestrian avenue leading directly to the coast, and enabling a sight line to the river. A third axis linking the others creates a planning triangle upon which an 80m x 80m urban grid can be placed, establishes a planning hierarchy and opening the greater district for future landmark developments.