Haus on Handy shines with repurposed heritage bungalow, green features
The 188-unit luxury condo on Handy Road (Photo: CDL)
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Haus on Handy, City Developments’ (CDL) 188-unit condo on Handy Road, received its temporary occupation permit in April 2023. The completion of the fully sold condo, just off Orchard Road, came less than four years after it was launched for sale in July 2019.
Designed by Architects 61, Haus on Handy comprises two towers spanning nine and 12 storeys. Apartments range from one-bedroom units of 420 sq ft to three-bedroom units of 1,141 sq ft. There are also six three-bedroom dual-key units of 980 sq ft. The development sits on a 51,624 sq ft, 99-year leasehold site that CDL purchased through a Government Land Sale tender in January 2018 for $212.2 million, or $1,722 psf per plot ratio.
The plot possesses several distinctive features. From its frontage along Handy Road, the land slopes upward, narrowing as it rises before widening again to form a rough L shape. At the highest point of the site, fronting Mount Sophia Road, stands a conserved two-storey bungalow known as Tower House, built in 1892.
Club Haus (the conserved Tower House) features a tower with a two-tiered lantern roof and a wide, octagonal-shaped veranda (Photo: CDL)
Over a century old, the bungalow remains a remarkable showcase of historical architecture. Made of concrete and wood, it features a tower with a two-tiered lantern roof and a wide, octagonal-shaped veranda. Intricate details decorate the exteriors, from wrought-iron fittings and carved wooden shutters to ornamental plasterwork.
Seeking to highlight the property’s architectural heritage, CDL undertook careful restoration of the bungalow, which was then repurposed into Haus on Handy’s clubhouse. Today, it houses the condo’s concierge, a gym, a yoga studio, cooking facilities, a dining area, and other amenities.
Interior of the Club Haus that blends dark timber with cool tones (Photo: CDL)
Focus on sustainability
The thoughtful integration of Tower House into Haus on Handy reflects a broader commitment to sustainability. Well known for its pioneering efforts in sustainable real estate, CDL leveraged its expertise to ensure the condo was built in a way that is mindful of the environment, without compromising the comfort of residents.
Numerous green features were woven into the development. For example, the two residential towers are strategically oriented for optimal natural ventilation in the common areas and residences. To reduce solar heat gain, high-performance glazing was used on the facade, along with reflective surface treatments.
Apartments come with energy-efficient air conditioners, along with water-efficient sanitary fittings. LED lighting with motion sensors throughout the development helps conserve energy by switching off when not in use. Other green initiatives include the provision of sheltered bicycle parking lots, recycling bins, and the use of energy-efficient lift systems.
With its diverse list of sustainability features, Haus on Handy attained the Building and Construction Authority’s Green Mark GoldPlus rating. It also impressed judges for the EdgeProp Singapore Excellence Awards (EPEA) 2025, who crowned the project with the Sustainability Excellence award for completed developments.
Innovative landscaping
Haus on Handy’s green features are complemented by its thoughtful landscaping. According to Ng Sze Oun, director of greenscaping studio Compound Collaborative and one of the judges for this year’s EPEA, successful landscaping for a residential development relies heavily on responding to the site’s context.
A view of the azure swimming pool at the condo (Photo: CDL)
For Haus on Handy, this included attributes such as its relatively smaller size, sloped terrain, and urban surroundings. At the same time, the site boasts a unique duality, with one end close to the hustle and bustle of Orchard Road, while the other overlooks the quieter Mount Sophia residential enclave.
Taking these factors into consideration, Coen Design International, Haus on Handy’s landscape architect, opted for a diverse greenscape that cleverly utilises available spaces. The development features various pockets of greenery, including terraced gardens that flank the walkways linking the two residential blocks and the clubhouse, as well as rooftop gardens that offer a serene retreat with panoramic views of the Singapore skyline.
The architectural profile of the two towers spanning nine and 12 storeys (Photo: CDL)
Coen Design also incorporated botanical elements inspired by the history of the Orchard Road-Mount Sophia area. For instance, along the pathway leading up from the residences to the clubhouse are gardens planted with spices such as nutmeg, cloves and coffee, which are a nod to the spice and fruit plantations that once occupied the vicinity.
For EPEA judge Ng, Haus on Handy represents a good example of how constructed nature can be used to create spaces that genuinely serve residents while complementing the surroundings. “It’s about how we maximise greenery and make it a part of the living environment, rather than a detached landscape just to be seen.”
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