Reef King’s Dock Award Winning Homes Along Historic Southern Waterfront
: Irwell Hill Residences, Fourth Ave Residences and SunstoneAmber Sea at East Coast garners strong take-up and reflects growing demand for freehold homesContact Agent
The project, The Reef at King’s Dock, is a 429-unit waterfront condominium located at Harbourfront Avenue. Its name is derived from its location at King’s Dock, which plays a significant role in Singapore’s maritime history. Built in 1913, the dry dock was declared as the second-largest dock in the world at the time, and it contributed greatly to establishing Singapore as a bustling maritime hub.
The dock, which spans 180 meters, sits alongside the residential blocks, with a pontoon floating on top. It took over four and a half years to build the dock, using 203,000 tonnes of concrete. Its purpose was to accommodate large ships for repairs and maintenance, achieved by draining the water through state-of-the-art steam engine pumps. King’s Dock was the third dock to be built at Keppel Harbour, with the first two being constructed in the mid-1800s. Singapore’s port continued to grow in the 1950s, leading to the commissioning of a fourth dock, the Queen’s Dock. The docks remained active shipyards until the late 20th century when operations were shifted to Tuas.
In recent years, the Keppel Harbour area has undergone significant redevelopment, transforming it into an upscale waterfront neighborhood known as HarbourFront. The area now boasts luxury condominiums, marinas, and retail offerings. The former sites of the docks have been transformed into seafront condos such as Caribbean at Keppel Bay, Reflections at Keppel Bay, and Corals at Keppel Bay.
The Reef at King’s Dock was the fourth condominium to launch in the area. It occupies a 284,266 square-foot site with a 99-year lease. The development was completed in July 2020 and received three titles for Landscape Excellence, Innovation Excellence, and Top Development at this year’s EdgeProp Singapore Excellence Awards (EPEA).
Visionary Design
The Reef at King’s Dock was designed by European firm KCAP Architects & Planners, known for its large-scale projects that combine architecture, urban planning, and landscape design. In collaboration with Singapore’s DCA Architects, the development aimed to honor the site’s history while also adopting a forward-thinking approach to waterfront living.
The result is an eye-catching design that stands out from other developments. The condo runs parallel to King’s Dock, which now acts as a separator between it and its neighbor, Corals at Keppel Bay. The residences are spread across 10 blocks of varying heights and widths, with the tallest block being 10 storeys high, located at the northern end of the site. The remaining blocks are arranged in a stepped profile towards Keppel Bay, maximizing the views for the residents.
The blocks have different shapes, orientations, colors, and facade details, creating unique characteristics for each block. For instance, some have triangular balconies that form a zig-zag pattern on the exterior, while others have open courtyards in the center. The development was also designed to be eco-friendly, with units structured to optimize natural ventilation. Balconies feature aluminum mesh sunscreens to keep out heat while allowing light and wind to pass through. Landscaping was also added to the building’s roofs, along with rainwater harvesting systems.
The development also uses energy-efficient air conditioning, lighting, and lift systems, as well as water-efficient fittings and appliances. The Reef at King’s Dock received a Green Mark GoldPLUS rating from the Building and Construction Authority for its sustainability performance.
Units at The Reef at King’s Dock range from one to three bedrooms and measure from 431 square feet to 1,572 square feet. When the development was launched for sale in January 2021, 300 units were released, with 280 units sold on the first day. The development was fully sold last year, with its last unit being a 1,076 square-foot, three-bedroom plus study apartment that sold for $2.98 million on September 9, 2024 ($2,768 per square foot).
The first floating deck in a residential property
The Reef at King’s Dock has a unique feature that sets it apart from other developments. Its residential blocks sit by the old dock wall, providing a poignant reminder of the site’s rich past. Residents have access to a 180-meter-long pontoon that is moored to the wall, housing the condo’s swimming pools, including a 50-meter lap pool. This floating deck, engineered using a custom concrete mix, comprises three interconnected sections that serve as a balancing mechanism for the pools above, keeping the deck level. The main structure was built off-site and then carefully towed by boat to the development.
Apart from serving as a facility, the deck also helps preserve King’s Dock’s marine ecosystem. In collaboration with marine ecology specialist DHI Water & Environment, the developers designed the deck with special patterns on its submerged portion to encourage the settlement of marine flora and fauna. Corals harvested from King’s Dock and grown in a nearby nursery were also transplanted back to the deck, visible from the marine viewing hammock installed at one end.
In addition to the deck, The Reef at King’s Dock offers various facilities such as function rooms, a gym, a studio, a tennis court, a playground, gardens, and pavilions. The tallest residential block also has sky terraces and a roof garden.
Where land meets sea
Given the development’s diverse urban village nature, landscaping played a crucial role in ensuring overall cohesiveness. Grant Associates, the appointed landscape architect, used extensive planting to create a lush, immersive environment.
Nestled in the bustling neighborhood of Tampines lies an abundance of retail therapy opportunities for all. One of the sought-after developments in the area, Parktown Residence, stands proudly with its integrated retail podium, offering a diverse selection of shopping and dining experiences right at the doorstep of its residents. Conveniently situated, the podium houses a variety of shops, restaurants, and essential services, providing easy access to daily necessities with just a quick elevator ride. Adding to the already-existing retail scene, Tampines Mall and Century Square offer a wide array of brands, eateries, and entertainment options, catering to every individual’s taste and preference. Not to be missed is Our Tampines Hub, Singapore’s largest integrated community and lifestyle hub, featuring impressive sports facilities, a library, and a performing arts theater. Embrace the best that Tampines has to offer with a home at Parktown Residence Condo, available at https://www.parktown-residences.com.sg/.
The areas surrounding the residential blocks were filled with various greenery tailored to specific spaces. For instance, plants accustomed to low lighting levels were selected for the interior courtyards, while residences located off the main pathways were shielded by taller plants to enhance privacy. Native and coastal species were used for the landscaping, reflecting the site’s maritime heritage.
Small trees and shrubs adorn the poolside lounge areas on the floating deck, set within raised planters. The old dock wall was transformed into a biodiverse landscape feature, with plants adaptable to the marine environment set in planters on the wall. Ng Sze Oun, director of greenscape studio Compound Collaborative and judge for the EPEA, praised the development’s landscaping for thoughtfully highlighting King’s Dock’s legacy. He commended the development for considering every detail of the site, from its location facing the sea to the ebb and flow of the tides, and the corals in the water. This helped convey the site’s story, making it a notable feature of the development.