High-density apartment living taken to new heights in nature-inspired habitats

Lush gardens, natural ventilation, sky bridges, open-space lounging areas, grand vistas, and the world’s longest swimming pool…no, we’re not talking about some luxury boutique hotel in the Caribbean. This is the future of high-density apartment living, as seen through the eyes of Israeli-Canadian architect Moshe Safdie.

Apartment Buildings Reinvented

As an advocate of nature-inspired architecture and inclusive spaces, the world-renowned designer has integrated responsible building principles throughout his entire work. One of his most notable projects, Habitat 67 in Montreal, Canada, still stands as an icon of utopian urban living. The prefab housing complex paved the way for a new generation of urban communities, more affordable and compact, where nature is enhanced by technology and transformed into a nurturing environment. Each apartment in the 12-story building comes with a roof garden, allowing residents to enjoy a constant flow of fresh air, as well as plenty of natural light.

More recently, the architect teamed up with Capitaland Residential Singapore to create Sky Habitat, a modern take on nature-inspired urban design. Comprising two 38-storey condominium towers linked by three bridging sky gardens, the futuristic building aims to redefine the idea of city living.

“In Singapore, we had an opportunity”, explains Moshe Safdie. “10 million square feet, extremely high density. Taking the concept of outdoor and indoor, promenades and parks integrated with intense urban life. So they are outdoor spaces and indoor spaces, and you move from one to the other, and there is contact with nature, and most relevantly, at every level of the structure, public gardens and open space: on the roof of the podium, climbing up the towers, and finally on the roof, the sky park, two and a half acres, jogging paths, restaurants, and the world’s longest swimming pool”.

Sky Habitat features 509 residential units with private gardens, well-designed interiors, and breathtaking views. Among several high-end amenities, the complex includes a 50-metre lap pool, leisure pools, children’s pool, a play area, a tennis court, barbeque pits, karaoke rooms, a function room, and a gymnasium.

Rendering of Sky Habitat in Singapore

Once completed, Sky Habitat will be the tallest skyscraper in the Bishan area of Singapore.

Wondering what you can do to be more sustainable at home? Discover great apartment rentals with green features on RentCafe.