SkyParc@Dawson is bounded by Dawson Road and Kay Siang Road on the west and north respectively. The existing Margaret Drive on the south was expunged and converted to a green recreational corridor – ‘Eco-Corridor’. The development includes three residential blocks comprising a total of 810 dwelling units, a multi-storey car park, a minimart, two shops, a café fronting Dawson Road, and the Eco-Corridor.
The development is designed to be in a scenic park-like environment – ‘Housing-In-A-Park’ – with landscaped terraces integrated with the residential blocks. This concept aims to soften and mitigate the high-rise, high-density environment. The landscape design offers a variety of public open spaces to encourage community recreation and interaction at the ground level and roof gardens. The outdoor facilities include 3Generation fitness corners, a playground, shelters, and a precinct pavilion. These communal spaces are connected seamlessly by well-shaded footpaths and covered linkways.
A key element of the project that led to its success is the Eco-Corridor, which is effectively a linear park and preserves the original mature street trees giving instant impact, shade, landscape character, and habitat value. Becoming a major circulation route running parallel to the Alexandra Canal Park Connector, leading directly to schools, supermarkets, hawker centre (food court), and community facilities nearby. The Eco-Corridor also acts as a fire engine access route utilising the retained hardcore road base beneath the new paving and reinforced grass, especially useful when any attempt to remove the road base would likely damage the existing street trees the designers aim to retain.
22 Nos of mature trees have been retained and protected throughout construction as part of the tree conservation efforts. A wide range of native tropical plant species has been carefully selected to complement the existing species and create a lush landscape to improve the environment. The wildlife piles in the form of sculptural ‘Insect Hotels’ are one of the key features of this project, serving as an art piece while enhancing the habitat for wildlife. They attract beneficial insects and provide educational opportunities for children of all ages to learn about flora and fauna.
In essence, the project is about living with Nature and all the benefits that it brings. The project explores whether, in this situation of a high-rise, high-density residential development, it is possible to integrate wildlife habitats with city living. The answer is emphatic yes – the project has introduced insects, birds, and other animals, into a high-rise residential city environment through multilevel landscapes, gardens, and parks to the benefit of both the residents and wildlife.
SkyParc@Dawson
Location: Queenstown, Singapore
Landscape Architect: Stephen Caffyn Landscape Design
Architect: Design Link Architects Pte Ltd
C&S Engineer: DE Consultants (S) Pte Ltd
M&E Engineer: United Project Consultants Pte Ltd
Main Contractor: Progressive Builders Pte Ltd
Softscape Contractor: Greenscape Pte Ltd
Client: Housing and Development Board