D’Leedon

A lush landscape setting for exclusive high-rise condominium

For us landscape architects working in Singapore is like being a child in a sweetshop. Naturally working with Zaha Hadid Architects on a prominent site -in close vicinity to Singapore Botanic Gardens- we went ‘wild’ on the prospect to wrap the 36-storey condominium in lush florid vegetation. The condominium comprises 7 residential towers, 12 semi-detached villas and 2 clubhouses integrated in a resort landscape including swimming pools, tennis courts and recreation facilities. The aim of the landscape concept is to provide a distinct, coherent and dynamic setting for the landmark buildings. The 150 m high towers appear to be ‘growing’ out of the parkland setting.  They taper towards the ground and are set in sunken gardens surrounds subdivided into several “petals”. The landscape flows in bold sweeping lines in between the residential towers and its design provides clear differentiation and articulation within. The distinct aesthetic of the architecture is seamless extended in the treatment of the ground plane. Seen from a distance the towers rise out of a densely planted forest. In contrast from within the site the canopy of the trees and the terracing of the land break down the scale of the towers to an altogether more human level. Distinct zones composed out of various shade, flowering and palm tree species transect the site in an abstract dynamic composition. These bands of trees are juxtaposed to a series of sweeping vegetated areas. The interplay between enclosed and open creates ultimately the site’s unique garden atmosphere. Series of sculptural shaped cuts allows for natural ventilation of the car parks below and vegetation to burst through. The landscape was implemented by local landscape architect ICN, Singapore.