Fun fact: Earlier in May this year, Toa Payoh Ridge had the honour of being the BTO selected for a visit by the new Minister of National Development, Chee Hong Tat. Sure, it might’ve been one of the few new BTOs ready for a ministerial visit at the time, but I felt the choice meant a lot more than that. For one, it’s located at Toa Payoh, the first town completely designed and developed by the HDB. Plus, as we shall see, the BTO has quite a number of things going for it.Curious after the ministerial visit, I decided to drop by the site earlier this month to check things out. As with the other BTO developments in the area, Toa Payoh Ridge (launched all the way back in February 2020) boasts sprawling blocks. Each of the four blocks reach 40 storeys tall, and are arranged in a staggered fashion in order to maximise views. It was really quite the sight when I stood in the middle of all those tall buildings.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/677;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/516f3417-a9f8-4b09-9096-86a4c84f7232-blob" width="1200" height="677"></figure>40-storey-high blocks towering over the BTO's communal facilities&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Touring the grounds</h3>Unlike some of the other BTOs I’ve seen, Toa Payoh Ridge’s entrances are a bit more lowkey, which really belies what the insides hold. There are two driveways, one along the much busier Toa Payoh Lor 1 and the other along the pretty newly constructed Braddell Rise road. Even though it isn’t a huge plot of land, the driveways are substantial as is the multi-storey carpark (located north-east of the site).&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:866/1732;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/aefdd328-b842-40c1-9ade-3bacd9057a75-blob" width="866" height="1732"></figure>&nbsp;One of the first things I noticed about the BTO is that the landscaping’s done up quite nicely, particularly at the areas near the communal facilities. The carpark for instance is covered by plenty of foliage. The blocks are painted green to blend in with the surrounding greenery, and they feature a curved, biophilic-esque design that adds a natural touch and softens the urban feel.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/675;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/1c132cf1-7191-421b-8464-75e79375f2f2-blob" width="1200" height="675"></figure>See the lush greenery&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:866/1732;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/e21390fe-02e3-4aa2-95e6-aef91a396ea7-blob" width="866" height="1732"></figure>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/677;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/93dcd7b7-76b5-44a6-8d4f-9cd5557d7715-blob" width="1200" height="677"></figure>Facade design mimics natural forms&nbsp;&nbsp;Most of the communal facilities are arranged in the middle of the blocks. There, you’ll find, alongside sheltered seating areas, a playground as well as adult and elderly fitness stations. The future childcare centre faces these areas. The playground is pretty typical compared to other BTO developments I've seen, but I think the fitness stations are a nice touch. It’s not something you see in all the new BTOs. While the concept isn't brand new, residents can scan QR codes at the different stations to get insights into various workouts for each exercise station.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/675;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/95ec442f-dd71-4167-9039-04f47035a2fc-blob" width="1200" height="675"></figure>Playground for the kiddos&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:866/1732;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/5a1db650-bb39-4045-9e41-56155c841509-blob" width="866" height="1732"></figure>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:866/1732;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/17483faa-8bc7-4830-954b-0e8a4678096c-blob" width="866" height="1732"></figure>&nbsp;During my visit to the site, only two of the four blocks were ready. They were quite similar in design as well as the layout of the units.Like other tall BTO blocks, the lifts are organised in a split system: some take you to the lower levels, while others go to the higher floors. There are also a few “transfer” floors that allow you to switch from one level to another. It does take a while to adjust to them (I saw a few visitors getting lost), but the idea is that they’re supposed to make it quicker to get to your home. This is especially helpful for units on the higher floors, since you won’t have to stop on the lower ones.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/675;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/2ccda9de-a788-47b5-bb9c-f91411b4b275-blob" width="1200" height="675"></figure>Lifts are split for smoother rides&nbsp;The void decks feature a terrazzo theme (as with the other communal areas), with fluted woodgrain panels adding a touch of warmth. The seats come with backrests, which suggests they're designed for people to hang out comfortably. Plus, there's a chess table set up, just like the ones you find in parks at those older estates. Now this tells me that it’s a BTO that thinks about the seniors living here. The 2-room Flexi flats here are only offered to seniors on short leases by the way.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/675;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/806dd019-46da-4b0d-8413-b88092a1a17a-blob" width="1200" height="675"></figure>The void deck feels like a true public space here&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/675;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/26a116e2-69c9-4a8d-846f-5841182e7306-blob" width="1200" height="675"></figure>Seats angled for admiring the landscaping&nbsp;&nbsp;It was also nice to discover that some of the floors have communal seating right in front of the lift lobbies too. I saw them both at blocks 402A and 402B, both of which were opened when I dropped by. I really love the idea of this. It feels like an extension of your living room and really helps foster that kampung spirit that everyone sorely misses.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/675;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/79249ebf-8c6e-4269-a7dc-c06b4286057c-blob" width="1200" height="675"></figure>Living room 2.0?&nbsp;Some units were pretty close to the lift lobbies, so privacy might be a bit of a concern there. That said, the walkways were mostly airy and breezy, especially on the higher floors. Even the rubbish chute area had one of the nicest views I’ve seen, and it was tucked away in a discreet corner, so it didn’t feel intrusive at all.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/677;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/95b9f752-e16c-4345-8ae5-1dca46737346-blob" width="1200" height="677"></figure>Tucked away at a discreet corner on each floor&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/675;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/be8eb800-9a1d-4007-8444-bdc37da545a1-blob" width="1200" height="675"></figure>View from one of the rubbish chute areas&nbsp;&nbsp;Since this BTO doesn’t use the Pneumatic Waste Conveyance System (PWCS), there’s still a rubbish collection point where trucks pull up, and unfortunately, some units do face it.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/677;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/55f0361b-b182-45b2-8b83-f6d4c870a842-blob" width="1200" height="677"></figure>No PWCS here&nbsp;<h3>What’s around Toa Payoh Ridge?</h3>In terms of accessibility, there are two MRT stations within a short walking distance: Braddell MRT on the North-South Line and Caldecott MRT on the Circle and Thomson-East Coast Lines. What’s really quite fantastic is that both stations are almost entirely covered by sheltered walkways so you are essentially sheltered from the elements.The nearby bus stop along Toa Payoh Lor 1 also has buses that take you to Bishan and Toa Payoh if you need to visit the bigger town centres for stuff. The bus stop along Braddell Rise isn’t built yet, but the area’s already set aside space for one. There’s also going to be a shelter that takes you to the future bus stop and the block it’s linked to so it’s only a matter of time.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/675;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/730c43d1-2471-4bf0-95cd-bf7b9b43bedf-blob" width="1200" height="675"></figure>Shelter built, bus bay area set aside&nbsp;Amenities-wise, Toa Payoh West Market and Food Centre is just across the road from the BTO. Unfortunately, it was closed for renovation when we visited, but since it’s part of a neighbourhood centre, there were still other shops and food options around.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/677;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/dce6c0db-d01d-4a2f-bb28-7d5f7402bea9-blob" width="1200" height="677"></figure>The Toa Payoh West Market and Food Centre was under reno when I came by. It will be ready by August!&nbsp;&nbsp;There’s also a convenient stretch of amenities leading to Braddell MRT station. I spotted bakeries, clinics, a coffee shop, and even a McDonald's along the way.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/675;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/dfd05234-8c78-4170-8768-297257e6eb42-blob" width="1200" height="675"></figure>Shops en route to Braddell MRT station

Toa Payoh Ridge BTO Review and Site Tour: Thoughtful Design, MRT Access (Even the Minister Came By)

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