The site on which the sold-out 540-unit private condominium Irwell Hill Residences is built, features one of Singapore’s most iconic tree species – the majestic Samanea Saman, commonly known as the raintree.

These natural landmarks, with their distinctive umbrella-shaped canopies, can reach heights of up to 30 metres and provide generous shade – a welcome respite from Singapore’s tropical heat. Their branches spread out in every direction, offering birds and squirrels respite from the heat.

When developing the site after a successful bid in 2019, we discovered four 30-year-old raintrees on it. Embracing our ethos of ‘Conserving as We Construct’, we conserved these heritage raintrees and centred the architectural design around them.

How it was done

When plans were drawn up for Irwell Hill Residences at that time, we had to decide whether to chop these trees down.  Most developers would instinctively do away with them, for it is far easier and more cost-effective to start from a clean slate.

But our decision was obvious: conserve. We saw how these green giants would beautify the environment and invigorate with their lush foliage and shaded canopies.

With the help of our architects, we requested a design that seamlessly wraps the project’s two towers and its suite of facilities around the raintrees, making them the centrepiece of the residential development. Residents now enjoy the luxury of swimming and relaxing under the shade of these magnificent trees, while their fur-kids get to run free in the cool shade.

This iconic District 9 residence is today a lush haven and tranquil retreat from the bustle of the city. After all, nature is a gift to be enjoyed, not squandered.