Ikigai is an upcoming freehold boutique condominium with only 16 exclusive units at Shrewsbury Road in the highly coveted District 11. The residence sits between the lush neighborhoods of Thomson Road – right amid the food and shopping gems of Newton, historic and medical institutions in Novena and the world-class retail destination, Orchard Road shopping belt.

At a glance, the residence may looks small but its collection of 16 luxurious and spacious residences promises ample space to call home, with unit selections from one to three bedrooms. Its well-thought-out design and larger-than-usual apartments also makes it a particularly exquisite project.

Its name, Ikigai, was named after a traditional Japanese philosophy that is all about finding that purpose or joy in life. The word in its context can be understood this way – my ikigai could be matching people to their dream homes. Thus matching the project’s head architect Yip Huen Hong’s objective to provide a practical living space for homeowners. Yip was also a four-time President’s Design Award winner (check out Martin Modern and Midtown Modern).

Looking at the design concept of Ikigai, Yip’s purpose is to create a space for Zen and a calm environment in contrast to the busyness, buzz and “noise we experience every day. With this, Ikigai’s concept was born – focusing mainly on a minimal palette with a Japanese finish using reinforced concrete that will be given a charred wood texture (shou sugi ban).

Its concept on the inside is the same, giving a sense of Zen using various colours of wood, muted tones for that subdued vibe, rather than a shiny, luxurious feel. The woods are also complemented with the grey tones and subtle veins of granite stone – bringing out natural earth tones.

Through this design, Yip longs to create a sanctuary for people to be themselves, to express themselves and an environment for everybody to thrive in and live together.

Ikigai is designed as an oasis of its own, with the landscaping surrounding the singular block with towering trees lending shade over the stone benches lining the paths. The choice of shrubs and foliage are carefully selected as well – with species such as Hong Kong Orchid, Japanese Yew and Crepe Jasmine. These provide a burst of visual textures and help perfume the site.

Ikigai sits amid a myriad of amenities and facilities – within the prime Novena and Newton area and at a short drive from the city centre. Within vicinity, an abundance of lifestyle amenities, dining, retail and entertainment options present themselves. With such an address, its connectivity and ease of access is unparalleled in terms of food, shopping, medical institutions, educational institutions and the world-class retail destination that is the Orchard Road shopping belt.

Project Details

Facilities

While facilities line-up is nothing to shout about here, its facilities are still comprehensive with all the essentials present. Take it this way, the residence is designed with functionality and a minimalist style in mind – thus, facilities are limited but all-rounded.

Essential facilities like the gym, a swimming pool and a kid’s pool are here on the first floor while the rooftop is designated as a common area for chilling outdoors.

There are only 13 car park lots, which may be inadequate seeing as there are 16 apartments here. But as the condo is in close proximity to the city centre, this means extra convenience in getting to the MRT station – meaning one probably do not need a car living here.

1st Floor

IKIGAI Interior

Ikigai boasts a humble, minimalist touch which blends the Japanese aesthetics timeless elegance and Scandinavian design’s modern flair in its design. This fusion design creates nature and art for a perfect and balanced mix of form and function. These 2 styles’ similarities can be dated back to 150 years that tied between the Scandinavia and Japan, particularly Denmark, when cultural exchanges and trading began between these 2 countries. Although both are on the extreme ends of the world, they both share common values like sustainability, functionality, and simplicity as well as their love for natural materials and craftsmanship.

The influence of Japanese is evident in Denmark today with its minimalism, architecture, furniture and ceramics as for Japanese aesthetics and art where elements of Danish can be seen. This hybrid style creates a soothing environment for unwinding with the usage of furnishings that are well-curated, clean lines, muted colours and natural materials.

Each unit’s muted and subtle hues are enhanced with the strong occasional shade and its simple styling is emphasized by the natural materials. Each unit is a perfect depiction of what happens when the east meets the west – making living here cosy with warmth and comfort.

Accessibility and Convenience

Ikigai’s ideal location puts it approximately 500m away or a 7-minute walk from the Novena MRT Station, one stop from Newton MRT which connects the North-South Line and the Downtown Line. The underground MRT station is near Thomson Road, close to sights like the United Square, the Mount Elizabeth Hospital at Novena and the Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

For those who are driving, the main arterial roads – Moulmein Road and the Thomson Road also leads easily to the Central Expressway and Pan Island Expressway. Residents will only need 10 minutes to get to CBD and the Orchard Shopping District is also a mere 7 to 8 minutes’ drive away.

While transportation is easily accessible, other amenities are also abundant in the area. With Ikigai in the centre of a hive of activities, residents only need to take a six-minute walk to reach the Novena commercial cluster. Here, shopaholics will love to explore 3 major malls – Novena Square, the Square 2 and the United Square Shopping Centre.

All 3 malls offer a plethora of options with Novena Square dedicated to active living and sporting items alongside being a lifestyle venue for major sporting events. Then there is Square 2, a contemporary and vivid lifestyle venue integrated with the Novena Medical and Lifestyle Hub. It houses a range of products for a wholesome shopping experience for groceries, electronic products, fashion accessories and apparels and much more.

At the United Square Shopping Mall, the niche lifestyle mall is perfect for families with children, especially with its positioning at a learning hub for kids. The mall is fully equipped with children friendly services and features, catering to the needs of families.

Ikigai’s future residents will not find dining options short as well, with delicious and economical hawker fares around. The residence is strategically located within a number of wet markets and food centres. Just within a 1km radius, residents will find the Pek Kio Market and Food Centre and the Whampoa Market and Food Centre.

At a 2km radius, there is the Newton Food Centre, the Toa Payoh Vista Market and Food Centre, the Tekka Market and Food Centre, the Berseh Food Centre as well as the Bendemeer Blk 29 Market and Food Centre.

For healthcare, residents will find the development very close to the Novena Health City. The medical hub aimed for completion in 2030 will soon offer an integrated venue for translational research, medical education and healthcare in a communal setting that is vibrant and sustainable. In fact, the whole Novena landscape will be transformed by adding new facilities and buildings.

And in terms of educational institutions, Ikigai sits among a host of reputable schools and educational hotspots. Some of the most established and sought-after primary schools in Singapore, Farrer Park Primary School and the St. Joseph’s Institution Junior is just within a 1km radius.

Within 2km, there is also the Anglo-Chinese School (Junior), the Anglo-Chinese School (Primary), the Bendemeer Primary School, the CHIJ Primary School (Toa Payoh), the Hong Wen Primary School and St.

Margaret’s Primary School. Nearby secondary schools include Balestier Hill Secondary School, the Anglo-Chinese Primary School (Barker Road), the CHIJ Secondary School (Toa Payoh) and the Bendemeer Secondary School. For tertiary options, the residence is also close to the Catholic Junior College, the Curtin University of Technology and the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts.

If families are looking at international schools, these are aplenty as well from the Italian Supplementary School, the Global Indian International School (Balestier Campus), the Korean Church Kindergarten, the Insworld Institute, the SJI International School to the Chatsworth International School Orchard Campus.

Nearby Amenities

Site Plan and Unit Layout

Looking at the site plan, there are a total of 4 stacks in one building.

Views Facing North

IKIGAI location has a direct view of Health City Novena which is currently under planning and construction.

Hence, stacks facing north will spot hospitals, residences, shopping malls and office towers.

– Revival Centre Church
– Tan Tock Seng Hospital
– MOE Heritage Centre
– Toa Payoh Public Library
– Clinical Sciences Building
– Beacon International College

Views Facing East

Stacks facing east will overlook Kampong Java Flyover and Central Expressway with views of both Novena and Kallang’s city views. Stacks here will see the Hong Wen School, Northlight School, Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital, Cityscape @ Farrer Park and so on.

Views Facing South

Stacks facing south will overlook the skyline of the Kampong Java Flyover and Central Expressway. South view offers the best views at IKIGAI with more greenery compared to other directions.

– Farrer Park Primary School
– Farrer Park Swimming Complex
– Mount Emily Park
– KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital

Unit Distribution

As shown in the picture, there is an allocation of 16 units in total and 12.5% of units are ALREADY SOLD. Comparatively, the chart above shows the allocation of each unit in details:

Floor Plan

1-Bedroom + Study Unit

The picture above shows the 1 bedroom + study units – Type A1 (603 sqft) and Type A2 (635 sqft). Entry prices are different for each 1 bedroom + study unit:

All 1 bedroom + study units do not have balconies, which will be suitable for buyers and investors who are not interested in having a view from their residences.

Types A1 and A2 are similar as with a square layout and there is a foyer at the entrance which allows space for shoe cabinets.

The walkway from the foyer leads to right side of the house where there is a one-sided open kitchen, living room and dining area which fits a table for 4 person.

There are some differences among Type A1 and Type A2 in terms of allocation of its bedroom, bathroom, household shelter and study room. The 1 bedroom + study unit in IKIGAI comes with a household shelter designed to protect residents during any forms of emergencies.

The bedroom, bathroom and study room in Type A1 is at the left side of the walk way whereas the household shelter is on the right side of the entrance.

On the size of the unit area Type A2 has a bigger unit compared to Type A1. But Type A1 is comparatively better because it has a bigger living room and household shelter than Type A2. Type A2’s bedroom size and study space are bigger compared to other units.

Both Type A1 and Type A2 have different designs in its study area – Type A1’s study room comes with a door whereas Type A2’s study comes in an open space concept.

For prices, increment for every floor would be at a range of $ 9,500 – $ 19,950 and the overall price difference for 1 bedroom + study units could hit $ 77,900 when comparing the lowest and highest floor unit.

Every units have their pros and cons. For example, Type A1 has a bigger living room and household shelter but a smaller study room while Type A2 has a bigger unit area with a bigger bedroom and study space.

Hence, buyers and investors will have to choose their units based on these differences. Although Type A1 is highly recommended due to its lower entry price.

2-Bedroom Premium Unit

2-Bedroom + Study Premium Unit

The picture above shows the 2 bedroom premium and 2 bedroom + study premium unit – Type B1 (969 sqft) and Type B2 (1,087 sqft). Entry prices are different for each 2 bedroom premium and 2 bedroom + study premium unit:

Stack 2 faces north with a direct view of Health City Novena which is currently under planning and construction. It spots hospitals, residences, shopping malls and office towers.

Stack 1 faces south overlooking the skyline of Kampong Java Flyover and Central Expressway. This direction has one of the best views in IKIGAI because it overlooks a view of greenery.

Type B1 is a 2 bedroom premium unit with a square layout. The first room from the entrance is bathroom 2 and the left side of the entrance is the L-shaped open kitchen with a dining area which can fit a table for 6 person and its living room.

In this type, all the bedrooms, bathrooms and household shelter are at the right side of the walkway. The master bedroom is big enough to fit a walk-in wardrobe and personal bathroom. Bedroom 2 has a bathroom which is accessible from the bedroom or the walkway.

For Type B2, it has the same square layout as Type B1 but a different design. There is a study room in front of the entrance and its walkway to the right is where all the bedrooms, bathrooms, living room, dining area and kitchen is at.

Type B2’s space is better designed for since it has bigger living room and dining area compared to Type A1. But Type B2 has a smaller one-sided galley enclosed kitchen which is not recommended for households who emphasises on cooking. In terms of its master bedroom and bedroom, Type B2 has a slightly bigger master bedroom but a smaller bedroom 2.

All 2 bedroom premium and 2 bedroom + study premium unit’s dining area is attached to its living room. The merging of the dining space and living space allows families to enjoy leisure and entertainment time together whilst having their meals. Otherwise the dining area can be set up as a meeting space, with the use of the living room’s television as a projector for document sharing and screening.

For 2 bedroom premium units’ prices, increment for every floor would be at a range of $ 48,450 – $ 106,400 and the overall price difference could hit $ 154,850 when comparing the lowest and highest floor unit.

For 2 bedroom + study premium units’ prices, increment for every floor would be at a range of $ 63,650 – $ 112,100 and the overall price difference could hit $ 175,750 when comparing the lowest and highest floor unit.

From the analysis above, Type B1 is highly recommended as it is suitable for buyers and investors with a bigger bedroom 2 and kitchen for a comfortable stay. Whereas for buyers and investors looking for an additional study room, Type B2 will be highly recommended.

3-Bedroom Penthouse Unit

3-Bedroom + Study Penthouse Unit

The picture above shows the 3 bedroom penthouse and 3 bedroom + study penthouse unit – Type C1-PH (1,496 sqft), Type C2-PH (1,916 sqft) and Type C3-PH (1,571 sqft). Entry prices are different for each 3 bedroom penthouse and 3 bedroom + study penthouse unit:

Stack 2 faces north with a direct view of Health City Novena currently under planning and construction. This direction overlooks hospitals, residences, shopping malls and office towers.

Stack 1 faces south overlooking the skyline of Kampong Java Flyover and Central Expressway – with one of the best views at Ikigai.

Stack 4 facing east will have a view of Kampong Java Flyover and Central Expressway, spotting both Novena and Kallang’s city views.

Type C1-PH has a similar layout design as Type B1 as both have a square layout but Type C1-PH has a double galley enclosed kitchen with double sliding door whereas Type B1 only has an L-shaped open kitchen.

Here, the living area in Type C1-PH looks smaller because of the staircase to the second floor beside its living room. Its bedroom 3 and bathroom 2 is also on the second floor.

Next Type C2-PH is similar to Type B2 with the same unit design with minor differences. There is a room accessible here from the kitchen which residents can use as a utility room by fitting in a bed or a storage room. Bedroom 2 and bedroom 3 are similarly on the second floor of the house.

Lastly, Type C3-PH is similar to Type A1 in terms of the allocation of its first floor’s bedroom, bathroom and household shelter. But the study area in Type A1 has been replaced with an L-shaped enclosed kitchen in Type C3-PH. Hence, the kitchen area in Type A1 became the staircase in Type C3-PH.

The second floor of Type C3-PH has 2 bedroom and 2 bathrooms. The advantages of this unit is that Type C3-PH is the only unit in Stack 4 with a private roof terrace ( open sky ) linking both bedroom and master bedroom with a view facing east.

There is no increment in prices for all 3 bedroom penthouse and 3 bedroom + study penthouse unit as there is only one unit each at the top levels of the building.

However, Type C2-PH is highly recommended if families are hiring a permanent helper because of the extra room which can be used as a utility room. Those looking for a lower entry price for a penthouse unit, Type C1-PH would be highly recommended.

Future Direction for Buyers & Investors 

Health City Novena

As an upcoming Integrated Medical Hub (HEALTH CITY NOVENA) is expected to be completed here by 2030, it is forecasted that housing prices in the area will likely increase.

This development incorporates a range of hospitals and healthcare facilities such as the Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Mount Elizabeth Novena and more to create a better healthcare system. Thus, it is expected that the area will flourish with a thriving economy and a growing population.

The Health City Novena development aims to draw medical tourists and businesses across the region to help grow the population. This in turn will turn Newton/Novena into a coveted address when socioeconomic elements in the area booms.

Along with the growth of the development, working opportunities will inevitably spike to bring in a much larger population to the area. Once this population increases, the demand for housing in that area will spike.

Three health sciences schools, four hospitals and hospices, and four specialised healthcare facilities are all within a minute’s walk of each other in the centre of Health City Novena. IKIGAI thus holds a prominent position in the neighbourhood to meet the needs of the investor and occupier as well as the working population.

Increase in Property Prices

The closest MRT station is Novena MRT Station, which is only two stops from Orchard MRT Station and six stops from Raffles Place MRT Station and is just a eight-minute walk away.

The Central Expressway (CTE) is a minute away and the Pan Island Expressway (PIE) is six minutes away, making it easy to drive by personal vehicle to Downtown, Orchard, and Raffles Place in less than 15 minutes.

About The Developer

Ikigai is developed by Opulent Development Pte Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Prime Developments Pte. Ltd. The group’s philosophy is to create bodies of work with a high degree of artistry, beauty and city building. The group is focused on refining experience by embodying the relationship of creation with the environment and through celebration of the tradition of craft and materiality.

Opulent Development strives in its commitments to principles of continual improvement, having achieved notable advancements within the fields of waste management, energy efficiency and the decarbonisation of key construction processes.

The group has projects in every scale from micro to macro level including luxury residential, commercials, hotels, retail and offices.

Conclusion

These are but a few of the reasons why you should consider buying a new launch condo as opposed to a resale property. If you are planning to buy an investment property but not sure as to what is the best option, do feel free to contact us for a non-obligatory discussion.

And alas, if you find yourself stuck in a rut even after weighing all possible options, you may need a professional’s opinion. In this case, schedule a visit with us or book a free consultation with our trusted and renowned representative.

Lastly, don’t forget to like, subscribe and share our articles with your friends if you think our content is useful to you. And if you would like us to write a review for any property projects, do have a blast in the comment section below.