Leading the sky life: this Singapore apartment complex offers gyms, tennis courts, picnic areas - and a swimming pool 38 storeys high

The latest addition to Singapore's list of high-rise des res is the spectacular 38-storey Bishan housing complex, designed by internationally renowned, award-winning architect Moshe Safdie.

Although not due for completion until 2015, with those credentials, it's safe to say advance buyers are looking at living in one of the architectural icons of the future.

It's aspirational living at its grandest, with community spaces both on
the ground and in the air, lush gardens, swimming pools, and a water
wall all set amid a 'village-like' clustering of residential units.

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At first glance, Safdie seems to have veered considerably from the goals of his first project, Habitat 67. But despite the higher price tags, a closer look reveals he's still very much concerned with reimagining high-density housing and improving social integration through architecture.

The two towers, holding 509 apartments in total, are linked by three 'sky bridges' that contain communal features designed to be enjoyed by all residents.

These include an outdoor gym, picnic areas, karaoke and screening rooms, a reading and games lounge,
function rooms and, on the highest bridge linking the 38th floor, a
dazzling infinity pool.

Furthermore the building has a dramatic stepping structure, inspired by ancient hillside developments, that results in a network of gardens and private terraces open to the sky.

But social integration aside, it's apparent that Safdie is no longer concerned with the affordable housing goals of his early designs, as this kind of quality of life comes at a hefty cost. Sky Habitat is one of the most expensive suburban new builds in Singapore, with three-bedroom flats going for over a million pounds.

Interestingly, the project relaunched sales last month, with prices up to 15 per cent lower than when first released to market in 2012. Maybe it's an indication that, although buyers may want to step up their lifestyle, they don't all have their head in the clouds.

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