Reef King’s Dock Award Winning Homes Along Historic Southern Waterfront
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The iconic King’s Dock has been a vital part of Singapore’s maritime history and played a crucial role in establishing the country as a leading hub for international trade. The Reef at King’s Dock, a new luxury waterfront condominium located at Harbourfront Avenue, pays tribute to this rich heritage with its name and location.
Originally opened in 1913, the King’s Dock was once the second-largest dry dock in the world, built with over 200,000 tonnes of concrete. It served as a point of repair and maintenance for large ships, with state-of-the-art steam engine pumps used to drain out water while they were docked. This was the third dock built at Keppel Harbour, following Docks No. 1 and 2, and was soon followed by the commissioning of the Queen’s Dock in the 1950s. These docks remained active shipyards for decades until the late 20th century, when operations moved to Tuas.
Over the years, Keppel Harbour has undergone significant redevelopment and transformed into an upscale waterfront enclave known as HarbourFront. The area is now home to luxury condominiums, marinas, and retail offerings. The Reef at King’s Dock is the latest addition to this prestigious neighbourhood, built on a 284,266 sq ft, 99-year leasehold site and completed in July 2020. It has also earned recognition and awards at the recent EdgeProp Singapore Excellence Awards for its landscape, innovation, and overall development.
Designed by European firm KCAP Architects & Planners in collaboration with Singapore’s DCA Architects, The Reef at King’s Dock is a visionary project that reflects the site’s history while also offering a modern and forward-thinking approach to waterfront living. The 10 residential blocks, varying in height and width, are arranged parallel to King’s Dock, with the tallest block positioned at the northern end closer to Mount Faber. From there, the blocks step down towards Keppel Bay, maximizing the views for all the residences.
Each block has unique features, such as triangular balconies creating a zig-zag pattern on the exterior or open courtyards tucked into the centre. The units are also designed for optimal natural ventilation, with aluminum mesh sunscreens on the balconies to keep out heat while allowing light and wind. The developers have also incorporated eco-friendly features, such as rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient systems, and water-saving fixtures and appliances. This has earned The Reef at King’s Dock the Green Mark GoldPLUS rating by the Building and Construction Authority.
The development offers a mix of one- to three-bedroom units ranging from 431 sq ft to 1,572 sq ft, and when it launched for sale in January 2021, 300 out of the 429 units were sold on the first day. The development was fully taken up last year, with prices ranging from $430k to $3 million.
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Located in Singapore, Bukit Panjang Integrated Transport Hub (ITH) is the 9th of its kind, offering a seamless integration of various modes of transportation. Residents of Senja Close EC, which is connected to the nearby Hillion Mall, can easily access this transport hub. In addition, this property is surrounded by a variety of schools, including the highly esteemed De La Salle School, making it an ideal choice for those with young children. Moreover, its strategic location allows for convenient access to multiple educational facilities, including international schools in the area. To learn more about Senja Close EC, visit senja-residences.com.
One of the highlights of The Reef at King’s Dock is its 180m-long pontoon, moored to the old dock wall, with three interconnected sections housing swimming pools and other facilities. This is the first floating deck in a residential property in Singapore, built with a custom concrete mix and water ballast bags to keep it level. The main structure was prefabricated off-site and then towed by boat to the development. It also serves as a marine ecosystem, with special patterns on the submerged portion to encourage the settlement of marine flora and fauna.
The Reef at King’s Dock also offers a range of other facilities, including function rooms, a gym and studio, a tennis court, a playground, and various gardens and pavilions. In addition, the development’s landscaping, designed by Grant Associates, showcases a variety of greenery, including native and coastal species, reflecting the site’s maritime heritage. The space around the residential blocks has been thoughtfully filled with plants that cater to the unique characteristics of each area, such as low-light plants in the interior courtyard and taller plants for privacy along the main pathways. The old dock wall has also been transformed into a biodiverse landscape feature, with plants in planters that adapt to the marine environment.
The Reef at King’s Dock sets a new standard for luxury waterfront living in Singapore, with its unique design, eco-friendly features, and homage to the site’s rich history.
