A groundbreaking residential development is set to transform Singapore's public housing landscape with the introduction of the country's first open-concept 'white flats.' Crawford Heights, a 40-story residential block scheduled for completion in 2029, will feature 312 units of three- and four-room apartments that offer unprecedented flexibility in home design, allowing residents to customize their living spaces without traditional internal partition walls and beams.
Located at the corner of North Bridge Road and Crawford Street, opposite the banks of Rochor River, this innovative project represents a significant milestone in Singapore's Housing Development Board (HDB) evolution. The development was designed by home-grown practice ADDP Architects, which recently received recognition at the HDB Awards for their bold approach to public housing design. The firm earned the Innovative Design Award for To-Be-Built Housing, acknowledging their ability to blend innovation with quality while raising the bar for modern living standards.
The architectural challenge was substantial, requiring the creation of a standalone residential tower on a compact 0.72-hectare site – roughly the size of a football field – in the bustling Crawford neighborhood of Rochor. According to ADDP's associate partner Teo Tse Ji, the design solution drew inspiration directly from the site's unique location and historical significance. "Crawford Heights adopts an architectural language shaped by flowing lines and rhythmic patterns across its facade," she explains. "These design elements reflect the fluidity and connectivity symbolized by the merging waterways of the Rochor and Kallang Rivers, transforming them into vibrant community nodes."
The project's commitment to honoring local heritage extends throughout the development's communal spaces and amenities. At one of the two children's playgrounds, cattle-shaped play elements pay subtle tribute to the Rochor River's historical role in Singapore's early cattle trading industry, when cows were transported via the waterway to Rochor and Little India. This playground is strategically positioned in an underused pocket of land, converting what might have been dead space into a lively community gathering point. The second playground, located in front of a preschool, maximizes the use of a long, narrow strip of space through its innovative multi-level design that creates variety and maintains engaging play experiences for children.
Another significant nod to Crawford's maritime heritage can be found in the development's dry garden, which features design elements that echo the traditional sampans that once navigated the Rochor River. This garden serves as both a reminder of the waterway's vital role as a trade and transport artery and a forward-looking environmental feature. Built in alignment with PUB's Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters program, the dry garden channels rainwater through carefully arranged rocks, creating a shimmering riverscape effect during rainfall that connects the past with sustainable water management practices.
Crawford Heights has been meticulously designed not just for living, but for fostering genuine community connections and belonging. The development will house a preschool and a residents' network center within the estate, serving as everyday anchors for community life and social interaction. "At its heart, this project is about community – creating inclusive, sustainable spaces that honor heritage while bringing people together," explains Teo. "Our design places strong emphasis on social inclusivity and community engagement, while embedding sustainability as a core principle. From flexible communal spaces and climate-responsive features to water-sensitive landscaping, every element has been thoughtfully considered."
Even practical elements like the multi-story car park have been carefully planned to serve multiple purposes and enhance residents' quality of life. Positioned alongside North Bridge Road, the car park doubles as an effective buffer against traffic noise while ensuring that residents enjoy optimal views of the river and surrounding landscape. The rooftop has been designed as more than just green space, featuring a garden with movable planter boxes that allow the area to be reconfigured for small-scale events and community gatherings. "It was a challenge to squeeze in the amenities in such a compact, tight site," notes Teo. "But through these key innovations, we hope to activate the rooftop of the multi-story car park and make it more usable by the residents."
ADDP Architects' success extends beyond Crawford Heights to another major project that has earned industry recognition. The firm received a Certificate of Merit in Design (To-Be-Built Housing) for their work on Tanjong Rhu Riverfront I and II, an upcoming HDB precinct that will span more than 6 hectares along the Geylang River. When completed in 2029, this development will house 2,063 two-, three-, and four-room flats across 11 blocks, representing one of Singapore's most ambitious waterfront housing projects.
Like Crawford Heights, the Tanjong Rhu development draws inspiration from its waterfront location, with rooflines featuring sampan-inspired silhouettes that pay homage to the early shipbuilding and repair industry that once thrived in the area. Associate partner June Lee explains the design philosophy: "Tanjong Rhu Riverfront I and II present a creative blend of tall, medium and low-rise buildings that gently step down towards the river, harmonizing with the waterfront skyline. The maritime-inspired roof design presents an opportunity to strengthen its connection with the Geylang River, better reflecting the site's context."
The Tanjong Rhu development will feature an extensive range of facilities beyond residential units, including preschools, a residents' network center, shops, an eating house, restaurants, a supermarket, playgrounds, fitness stations, pavilions, and rest shelters. At the development's heart lies the Common Green, a central open space positioned between the two parts of the precinct. "This is the heart of the development," says Lee. "The Common Green links both plots with three-generation facilities, serving as a civic spine and a tranquil retreat. It fosters inclusive social interaction while preserving the kampung spirit of Tanjong Rhu."
ADDP Architects' founding partner Lim Meng Hwa emphasizes that while the firm's portfolio spans a wide range of building types, public housing remains especially meaningful to their practice. Since the firm's establishment in 1986, ADDP has maintained its philosophy of crafting user-centric designs that are both distinctive and innovative. "We place people at the heart of every design, prioritizing livability, inclusivity and purpose for those who inhabit our spaces," states Lim. As the firm prepares to mark 35 years of partnership with HDB next year, Lim looks forward to more collaborations that will bring their innovative designs from concept to reality, continuing to shape how Singaporeans experience modern public housing and community living.
