Tengah Plantation District

The Tengah Plantation District is one of the five housing districts within Tengah, which is Singapore’s first new town development in over two decades. Tengah, known as the “Forest Town,” is designed with sustainability, green living, and smart technology at its core. The Plantation District, the largest of the five districts, is a pivotal part of the vision for Tengah. Here is a detailed explanation of its development:

1. Cultivate the Plantation Farmway

At the heart of the Plantation District is the Plantation Farmway, an expansive green corridor that introduces a new way of community living centered around urban farming. The Farmway integrates farming with daily life, allowing residents to engage in activities like growing their own vegetables, participating in communal gardening, and even organizing small markets.

• Community farming plots are scattered throughout the Farmway, encouraging interaction among neighbors.
• Residents can participate in farming cooperatives, where knowledge on growing organic produce is shared.
• The Farmway is designed not just for farming but also as a space for recreation, fostering both social and environmental sustainability.

2. Travel Lite

The Plantation District emphasizes sustainable and active transportation options through the Travel Lite initiative, designed to encourage a car-lite environment. This approach enhances mobility while promoting health and wellness:

• Pedestrian-friendly streets and dedicated cycling paths run through the district, seamlessly connecting homes with amenities, green spaces, and public transport hubs.
• Public transport, such as buses and future MRT lines, is easily accessible, reducing reliance on private vehicles.
• The district promotes walking and cycling as key modes of transport, with well-connected pathways ensuring convenience and safety for residents who embrace a healthy lifestyle.
• Cycling and electric scooter sharing services will likely be available to complement public transport options.

3. Live with Nature

The vision of creating a “Forest Town” comes alive through the integration of homes and nature. Tengah’s Biophilic Town Framework guides the design of housing and public spaces in the Plantation District to seamlessly blend with the natural environment.

• Lush greenery, including trees, parks, and water features, is strategically woven into the district’s layout, enhancing not just aesthetic appeal but also environmental benefits such as reducing urban heat.
• Nature parks and water bodies form natural corridors that enhance the ecological health of the town while providing serene spaces for residents to unwind.
• The biophilic design promotes better mental health and well-being by surrounding homes with natural elements like green roofs, vertical gardens, and landscaped courtyards.
• Sustainable architecture will ensure that buildings are energy-efficient while allowing for maximum natural ventilation and sunlight.

4. Live Smart

The smart technologies implemented in the Plantation District aim to enhance the quality of life for residents by improving efficiency, sustainability, and safety. These smart solutions include:

• Smart homes equipped with energy-saving devices, smart lighting, and appliances that help reduce energy consumption.
• Smart sensors that monitor utilities like water and electricity, allowing residents to track and manage their usage efficiently.
• Automated waste collection systems will ensure cleanliness and convenience while minimizing the environmental footprint.
• Smart traffic systems will manage traffic flow in the district, ensuring smooth and eco-friendly transportation.
• Safety technologies such as real-time monitoring systems, smart lighting in public areas, and emergency alerts to ensure the safety of residents.

The Plantation Farmway is one of the standout features of Tengah’s Plantation District, designed to promote a lifestyle centered around urban farming and community living. It is a unique concept that integrates greenery, farming, and communal activities into everyday life, encouraging sustainability and strengthening neighborhood bonds. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Plantation Farmway:

1. Community Farming and Green Spaces

At its core, the Plantation Farmway is designed as a long, continuous stretch of community gardens and green spacesthat runs through the district, allowing residents to engage in urban farming. It is meant to:

• Encourage self-sufficiency: Residents are given opportunities to grow their own food, such as vegetables, herbs, and fruits, which can contribute to healthier eating habits.
• Foster a sense of community: By working together on communal farming plots, residents can interact and form relationships, building a tight-knit community. This shared experience helps break down social barriers and encourages collaboration.

The Farmway includes various types of allotment gardens, where individuals or families can rent small plots to grow crops. These plots are maintained by the residents themselves, but there is also guidance from urban farming experts to ensure crops are properly cultivated.

2. Farm-to-Table Lifestyle

The Plantation Farmway promotes a farm-to-table concept, where residents can not only grow their own food but also enjoy fresh produce right from their neighborhood. Some highlights include:

• Community markets: The produce from the communal farms can be sold or shared within the neighborhood, allowing everyone to benefit from the crops grown. These markets can serve as social gathering spots and foster a culture of sustainability and local consumption.
• Educational opportunities: Workshops and events can be organized to teach residents about sustainable farming practices, organic farming, composting, and food security. This hands-on learning encourages residents to be active participants in green living.

3. Integration of Nature and Recreation

The Farmway is not just about farming—it also includes ample spaces for recreational activities. The green corridor is designed to blend seamlessly with nature, offering residents a serene environment to relax and enjoy.

• Pathways and walkways lined with trees, flowering plants, and garden beds allow residents to stroll or exercise amidst nature.
• Resting areas, like benches and pavilions, are interspersed throughout the Farmway, offering places to sit and enjoy the greenery or host community gatherings.

This combination of farming and recreation fosters a healthier, more active lifestyle, where residents can engage in outdoor activities close to home.

4. Sustainability and Environmental Consciousness

The Plantation Farmway emphasizes sustainable practices that promote environmental conservation. Some of the green initiatives include:

• Composting areas: Organic waste from the farms and households can be collected and composted to create nutrient-rich soil, reducing waste and encouraging a circular economy.
• Water management: Smart irrigation systems can be implemented to minimize water usage. Rainwater harvesting techniques might be integrated to ensure that water is used efficiently.
• Pollinator-friendly plants: The Farmway also includes plants that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are vital for maintaining the health of the ecosystem and supporting biodiversity.

5. Community-Building and Social Engagement

The Plantation Farmway is designed as a social space where residents can connect over shared interests. Community gardening encourages teamwork and provides a platform for social interaction, making the Farmway a central part of life in the district.

• Workshops and farming events: The Farmway will likely host regular events such as gardening workshops, harvest festivals, and environmental awareness campaigns. These activities encourage participation and learning, creating a sense of ownership and pride among residents.
• Inter-generational bonding: The Farmway offers a space where people of all ages can participate. From children learning about nature and farming to older generations sharing knowledge and experience, it serves as a platform for fostering connections across different age groups.

6. Farmway Design and Layout

The Plantation Farmway is carefully designed to weave through the residential blocks, ensuring accessibility for all residents. The layout includes:

• Allotment plots: Small farming plots scattered throughout the Farmway for residents to cultivate. These plots are designed to be manageable in size, allowing for a variety of crops and farming techniques.
• Green buffers: The Farmway also serves as a green buffer between the residential zones, creating a more tranquil living environment. These natural barriers help reduce noise pollution and improve air quality.
• Public spaces: Beyond farming, the Farmway features open spaces for picnics, community events, and social gatherings. These spaces help to enhance the overall community spirit and provide more opportunities for outdoor activities.

7. Educational and Experiential Zones

In addition to farming, parts of the Plantation Farmway may include interactive zones where residents and visitors can learn about sustainability, farming techniques, and environmental stewardship. These areas can feature:

• Demonstration plots where sustainable farming techniques like hydroponics and permaculture are showcased.
• Educational signage explaining various plants, trees, and farming practices.
• Workshops and classes led by experts in urban farming, aimed at teaching residents about organic farming, biodiversity, and sustainable living.

The Plantation Farmway redefines urban living by integrating nature, farming, and community into the very fabric of the district. It is designed to promote environmental consciousness, healthier lifestyles, and strong community bonds. This unique approach to urban planning makes the Plantation District not just a place to live, but a thriving ecosystem where people can reconnect with nature, enjoy fresh produce, and foster deeper connections with their neighbors.

Novo Place is within Tengah Plantation District, future residents will be able to enjoy the amenities by the future development.

Source: HDB