The Atelier Project Review: Freehold Luxury Apartment in District 9

Developed by Bukit Sembawang Estates Limited, The Atelier is an upcoming 120-unit freehold apartment in District 9 (which is rare) and is located within touching distance to the Newton MRT station as well as several reputable schools including Anglo-Chinese (Barker), Anglo-Chinese (Junior), and St. Joseph Institution Junior. It also sits across the Newton Food Centre.

Slated for completion in Q1 2024, there are 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom units ranging from 549 sq ft to 1,496 sq ft. It has a site area of 41,582 sq ft and plot ratio of 2.4.

Formerly the site of Makeway View condo, the land was purchased by Bukit Sembawang Estates for $168 million in 2018 (or $1,626 psf). The former condo was built in the 1980s and was known to have spacious units (it had 28 apartments and four penthouse units across 10 storeys). The plot ratio was 2.8 and the condo had the potential to be developed into a single 22-storey block with 154 units.

Despite that, Bukit Sembawang has decided to curate a collection of 120 units to make the apartment more exclusive.

The Atelier: Developer

Bukit Sembawang Estates Limited (BSEL) is a local developer that has been developing residential homes since the 1950s. In recent years, however, the company has been more involved in developing luxury projects such as Skyline Residences, 8 St Thomas, and Paterson Suites.

In 2020, BSEL won ‘Best Landed Developer’ at the Asia Property Awards, ‘Best Landed Housing Development’ and ‘Best Housing Development (Singapore)’ for Luxus Hills. It also clinched ‘Best Luxury Condo Development’ for 8 St Thomas.

BSEL was also among the ‘Top 10 Developers’ in BCA’s list and it clinched several awards at the 9th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards including ‘Best Housing Architectural Design’, ‘Best Landed Housing Architectural Design’ and ‘Best Strata Housing Architectural Design’.

The Atelier: Design

Key points of the project:

1. Units are smart-enabled with standard smart devices installed such as digital lock set, smart lighting, smoke & water heater control, and smart air-conditioner system
2. Ceiling height is generally 2.9m, except for the kitchen, entrance, corridor, and bathrooms (2.4m)
3. All units are north-south facing
4. Units come equipped with sanitary wares from Villeroy & Boch, sanitary fittings from Gessi, as well as kitchen appliances from De Dietrich
5. The apartment has two electric vehicle charging lots
6. Concealed duct air-conditioners in living and dining areas for all units
7. There will be concierge services for the first 24 months from TOP date, or first AGM, whichever is earlier
8. All master bedrooms feature wardrobe with satin glass for a premium feel

3-bedroom (Type C3) review (1,281 sq ft)

At 1,281 sq ft, the 3-bedroom unit is reasonably large by today’s standard. It’s also the largest 3-bedroom unit available.

It’s important to note that the 3 and 4-bedrooms feature a different design style to the 1 and 2-bedrooms; the former two have a grey scheme with a cool colour palette, while the latter two have more of a beige/creamy colour palette.

Anyway, you’ll immediately notice that the 3-bedroom has a luxurious vibe thanks to the colour theme and the premium tiles. 

On the left side of the foyer is the utility room, which could be utilised as a helper’s room or a study room.

Next to the utility room lies the powder room, or common bathroom. The floor and wall tiles are made from marble, which, as explained above, gives it a rich and gorgeous look. 

At the end of the corridor lies the kitchen and living/dining area. It has a streamlined look thanks to the concealed cabinets, which not only helps to increase storage space, but also minimise clutter. There’s also a washer and dryer and an integrated fridge within the cabinets. The kitchen countertop is made from engineered stone while the backsplash has a durable glass finish.

The kitchen features an open-concept design, which creates a social space in the heart of the home, be it for entertaining guests or keeping an eye out on the kids while preparing meals.

Included also are premium kitchen appliances (gas hob, cooker hood, oven, fridge, washer and dryer) from De Dietrich. 

The living and dining area is decently sized; it’s roomy enough to fit a three-seater sofa and a six-seater dining table (with still enough walking space). If you need more room, you can always use the balcony as an extension of the living area.

Bedroom 1

Bedroom 1 is also a good size, with enough room to fit a queen bed with walking space to spare. There’s also a built-in, 2-panel sliding door wardrobe to organise your clothes and accessories.

Common Bathroom

The common bathroom features a wash basin and wall-mounted water closet from Villeroy & Boch, as well as matte black sanitary fittings from Gessi.

Bedroom 2

Bedroom two is similar in size. While it can definitely fit a queen bed, it has the flexibility of converting into a cosy home office, which is a welcome possibility as more of us continue to work from home. 

The master bedroom is much larger than the other bedrooms. It can fit a king bed and two drawer pedestals on each side, and still have lots of walking room to spare.

The (large) built-in sliding door wardrobe has a satin glass finish for a premium look. There’s also a safe to keep your valuables, and several storage compartments to organise your jewellery and accessories.

Master Bathroom

The master bathroom has both marble floor and wall tiles, premier sanitary wares and fittings from Villeroy & Boch and Gessi. What’s also unique about the bathroom is the ‘his and hers shower’ fittings (for selected unit types).

2-bedroom (Type B1) review (872 sq ft)

The 2-bedroom at the showflat is the most modest size. Once you enter the front door, you’ll be greeted by the kitchen and living/dining area, so there’s a different sense of arrival compared to the 3-bedroom.

Kitchen 

As mentioned above, the 1 and 2-bedrooms have more of a beige and cream colour theme, which, depending on your personal preference, you may prefer. Although more compact in size, the studio and 2-bedder units still exude the same grandiose feel with their marble floor tiles and premium fittings.

Like the 3-bedroom unit, it also has an open kitchen concept with well-designed cabinets to organise your kitchen and amplify storage space.

It also comes with engineered quartz kitchen countertops, porcelain backsplash, Franke stainless steel sink, Gessi kitchen mixer, as well as premium kitchen appliances (induction hob, cooker hood, microwave oven, integrated fridge, washer and dryer) from De Dietrich.

Beyond the kitchen is the living and dining area, which are well-sized. The showflat unit features a study corner with wall-mounted shelves, a 4-seater round table, and a sofa set. Even with all of that, there’s still ample walking space. And, if you want more living space, you could always use the balcony as an extension.

Towards the left of the living room lie the bedrooms and bathrooms. The common bedroom is pretty standard; there’s enough room to fit a queen-sized bed, and there’s also a sliding door wardrobe with laminate finish.

Common Bathroom

The common bathroom is also decently sized, with porcelain tiles on the floor and walls. Apart from that, it also comes with sanitary fittings from Gessi and a wall-mounted WC and sink from Villeroy & Boch.

Master Bedroom

The master bedroom is quite spacious and can fit a king bed and two side tables on each flank. The built-in, two-panel wardrobe comes with satin glass finish for a premium look, and it also has an integrated safe to store your valuables securely.

Master Bathroom

The master bedroom features the same sanitary fittings and wares as the common bathroom, but has a more luxurious look and feel thanks to the marble floor and wall tiles.

The Atelier: Site Plan

The Atelier’s facilities are spread across three levels on level 1, 6 and 18 and they feature lots of greenery to encourage relaxation and improve the well-being of its residents. 

The Atelier: Facilities

Indulge @ 1^st floor

1. Arrival Piazza
2. Secret Garden Trail
3. Garden Courtyard
4. Aura Lap Pool
5. Garden Light
6. Reflective Pool
7. Poolside Cabana
8. Rainfall Shower
9. Art Sculpture
10. Steam Room
11. Concierge @ Atelier

Immerse @ 6^th Storey: 

1. Sensory Pool
2. Epicure Dining
3. Bistro Dining
4. Sun Deck
5. Kids Splash
6. Tree Top Adventure
7. Kids Play
8. English Tea Pod

Inspire @ 18th Storey

1. Giant English Chess
2. Study Pods
3. City Sky Deck
4. The Chillout
5. The Billiard
6. The Hideout
7. Atelier Clubhouse
8. Serenity Fitness