(This is a special feature from Chong Kuo Development).
With only 84 units, The Essence is a 99-year leasehold project in District 28 from Chong Kuo Development and is a rare example of a boutique property that combines exclusive living with a largely natural environment.
The two-block development sits conveniently at the junction of Upper Thomson and Sembawang. Located only moments away from the upcoming Springleaf MRT station on the Thomson-East Coast Line, The Essence offers direct connectivity to Orchard and Marina Bay. With future plans for the North-South integrated corridor, The Essence is strategically situated to offer exclusive living with the convenience of travel whilst indulging in the backdrop of nature.
Unlike many recent launches, The Essence reins in the onsite amenities and instead opts for a holistic lifestyle approach that focuses on essentials such as a 40-metre lap pool, functional gym, and intimate deck areas that encourage relaxation. There’s also a communal zone featuring an outdoor seating area and kitchen for family parties and entertaining friends.
Winner of Best Boutique Condo Interior Design at PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Singapore) 2019
The Essence embraces and celebrates the essence of life, approaching interior design in a way that promotes minimalism and holistic living in glorious natural surrounds. The low-density property is strategically nestled right within four major water bodies, each with its own park.
In keeping with the understated theme, the design firm COEN Design International has highlighted three words to summarise its approach to the interiors: simple, elegant and homely. Warm colour palettes are accented by oak veneer doors and marble tiling throughout the units, while the kitchens feature grey-tinted mirrored doors and quartz worktops to create a contemporary and elegant environment. A single tile series is used for the floor and walls of the bathrooms, and functional storage shelves with sliding glass mirrors add a sense of spaciousness.
“The sublime simplicity of envisioning a restful sanctuary and a homely atmosphere is realised at The Essence by Chong Kuo Development with efficient planning, sleek kitchens and a minimalist palette of neutral tones accentuated with the warmth of oak,” according to the judging panel of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Singapore).
The exteriors are defined by earthy tones, lush planting, and wide-open spaces comprising natural garden areas for relaxation. A series of courtyards, complemented by sculptural trees, further enhance the harmonious scenery. Double-volume voids meanwhile are built into the two linear blocks to not only maximise the ground-level communal areas but also ensure that the first– and second–storey units are open to the surroundings and boast impressive views.
About Chong Kuo Development Pte Ltd
Chong Kuo Development is a joint venture formed in 2018 by local developers Lian Soon Holdings Pte Ltd, OKP Land Pte Ltd and HSB Developments Pte ltd to purchase the Chong Kuo Road land plot on which The Essence is being developed. Lian Soon Holdings Pte Ltd is the development arm of Lian Soon Construction Pte Ltd (LSC). LSC is a reputable A1 main contractor that has been operational for 40 years. Several notable projects include NUS MD6, Republic Polytechnic SIT Building and Civil Service Club @ Bukit Batok. LSC is known for their reliability as a main contractor, with consistent noteworthy projects such as the currently ongoing NUS E7. OKP Land is a wholly-owned subsidiary of OKP Holdings Ltd (OKP). OKP is a leading infrastructure and civil engineering group in Singapore that specialises in expressways, bridges, urban and arterial roads and others. HSB Developments Pte Ltd is the development arm of Hwa Seng Builder Pte Ltd, which is a leading civil engineering and construction provider offering an integrated range of professional civil engineering works and construction related services in various areas.
