The Initial Sama, is a lush, wellness-centred co-living and co-working environment in the heart of Singapore that embodies “wellness as a way of living.”
Developed by The Initial Group with landscape design by Grant Associates, the project reimagines the site of the former Eusoff College — an historic campus with mature trees — transforming it into a modern space that emphasises the connection between nature, wellbeing, and community.
The brief called for a landscape that could embody biophilic living in the heart of the city. Rather than erase what came before, our design ethos was about respect — conserving existing giant trees and designing sensitively around them. We wanted to curate spaces that appeal to global travellers, business voyagers and local professionals alike to work, socialise, or simply restore, all with nature as the backdrop.
Agnes Soh, Senior Associate | Grant Associates
Conserving heritage, curating wellness
Grant Associates’ design features a series of graduated outdoor spaces that transition from open, social areas to peaceful, restorative zones — all crafted to connect people with nature through different rhythms and moods. The Courtyard Garden, Wellness & Healing Gardens, and Pool Deck form the heart of the landscape. Together, they showcase the site’s transformation from a former college to a vibrant landscape for urban wellness. The Courtyard, always the heartbeat of the campus, has been revitalised rather than replaced. Existing trees were preserved and rejuvenated, paving was re-patterned in contrasting bands, and natural timber decks and amphitheatre seating were added beneath the shade. New Plumeria trees punctuate the space with fragrant seasonal blooms, establishing a unique identity throughout the development.
A layered journey through texture and planting
Across the site, tree planting was enhanced to strengthen shade and privacy, while feature trees and shrubs with form and character were selected for both their aesthetic appeal and resilience. The planting palette includes flowering and edible species that bring ecological value and seasonal delight.
At the Pool Deck, which now occupies what was once a basketball court, Grant Associates embraced the site’s steep terrain to create a 25-metre infinity-edge lap pool flowing elegantly into a children’s pool below. The deck uses natural timber with stone edging, and blue tiles in the pool reflect the sky — creating a calming blue-green contrast against the lush tropical planting.
Feature Plumeria trees anchor the space, while groundcovers including Neomerica longifolia, Dianella ensifolia ‘variegata’ and Tabernaemontana ‘dwarf’ provide a rich, textural base. Accents of Leucophyllum frutescens add a silvery contrast.
Adjacent to this, the Wellness and Healing Garden offers a softer counterpoint — a curated environment for calm and reflection, where existing trees form a natural backdrop. Mindful of root zones, pathways weave gently through the trees using stepping stones and a raised timber deck to minimise disturbance.
Planting here engages the senses, with fragrant Cananga odorata var. fruticose, colourful Orthosiphon aristatus ‘purple’, and a naturalistic groundcover mix that mimics wild planting to evoke a restorative connection to nature.
Longevity and sustainability by design
The landscape’s sustainability strategy centres on working with what is already there. Existing paving and asphalt were reused wherever possible, and natural materials, such as hardwood timber decking, permeable lava stone, and gabion retaining walls, were specified for their durability, texture, and ecological responsiveness.
Native and resilient plant species were prioritised, creating layers that are both functional and sensory — screening, edible, and ornamental. Hardscape palettes utilise lighter, neutral tones to minimise heat gain and enable the materials to weather naturally.
The Initial Sama
Location: Singapore
Landscape Architect: Grant Associates
Client: The Initial Group
Images: Courtesy of Grant Associates