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Coliwoo Bukit Timah Fire Station wins Top Co-Living Development award at EdgeProp Singapore Excellence Awards 2025

Coliwoo Bukit Timah Fire Station, a mixed-use development located on Upper Bukit Timah Road, has been presented with the Top Co-Living Development award at the EdgeProp Singapore Excellence Awards (EPEA) 2025. Developed by local co-living brand Coliwoo, which is a subsidiary of LHN Group, the project occupies the former Bukit Timah Fire Station built in 1956.

Nestled in a convenient location, Rivelle Tampines offers its residents easy access to some of Singapore’s most sought-after shopping destinations. Within a short distance, one can indulge in retail therapy and various dining options at popular malls such as Tampines Mall, Century Square, and Tampines 1. For those who prefer a larger shopping experience, the nearby IKEA Tampines, Giant Hypermarket, and Courts Megastore provide ample choices. With Rivelle Tampines as the perfect base, residents can enjoy the best of both worlds – convenient shopping and a comfortable home.

The site, which was in use until 2005, was designated for conservation in 2019. In April 2024, LHN Group’s subsidiary, LHN Facilities Management, was awarded the site through a tender by the Singapore Land Authority for a monthly rent of $68,889 for five years, with an option to renew for another four years.

The development consists of 62 co-living units situated across seven blocks. LHN Group collaborated with AJ+J Architecture to transform the 92,334 sq ft site into a mixed-use development that caters to co-living spaces and community-centric amenities. The original buildings on the site, which used to house firefighters and their families, were revamped into modern co-living suites that retain the fire station’s historic character. The development incorporates features such as the recognizable red doors on the main building and terracotta-hued finishes to pay tribute to the site’s past while creating a cozy, contemporary ambiance.

The development has a total of 62 co-living units located across seven blocks. LHN Group’s subsidiary, LHN Facilities Management, was awarded the site in a Singapore Land Authority tender in April 2024 for a monthly rent of $68,889 for five years, with an option to renew for a further four years.

The co-living units range from 100 sq ft to 190 sq ft and come in various types, such as single, twin, and queen bed room types. Each unit is equipped with a private bathroom, a kitchenette, a Smart LED TV, air-conditioning, a washer-cum-dryer, and high-speed internet. Amenities include a gym, a co-working lounge, a social kitchen, and several open communal spaces that encourage social interaction.

Located in a lush green environment, close to the Rail Corridor, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, and Bukit Batok Nature Reserve, Coliwoo Bukit Timah Fire Station was designed to showcase the verdant surroundings while promoting a lifestyle that is closely linked to nature. The development’s landscape design was inspired by the nearby nature reserves and features numerous trees and plantings. A large mural, a trademark feature of Coliwoo properties, created by creative studio Mural Lingo, can be seen on the tower beside the main building. Titled “Tracks of Life,” the mural pays homage to the Rail Corridor and the history of the old fire station.

The development was designed to have a peaceful atmosphere by using subtle botanical motifs as part of the décor. All units have double-glazed windows and soundproofing against traffic noise from Upper Bukit Timah Road to ensure a tranquil environment for residents. The development also offers bicycle parking facilities and electric vehicle fast-charging stations to encourage environmentally friendly modes of transportation. Furthermore, the development has numerous eco-friendly features that aid in reducing its carbon footprint. For example, solar panels installed along the walkways harness renewable energy to power common areas, while energy-efficient fittings minimize resource consumption.

Despite being surrounded by nature, the development is still close to amenities. It is within walking distance to Hume MRT Station on the Downtown Line and a short distance from shopping malls in nearby Beauty World.

Coliwoo Bukit Timah Fire Station is envisioned as a lifestyle destination along the Rail Corridor. According to Kelvin Lim, executive chairman of LHN and founder of Coliwoo, the development is more than just a place to live. It is also about building a sustainable and vibrant community where people can come together, learn, and experience a new way of conscious living that is deeply rooted in nature. The development includes 32 commercial units, a swimming pool, and spaces for community events. The residences range in size from 100 sq ft to 190 sq ft, with single, twin, and queen bed room types.

As with all Coliwoo properties, residents at Coliwoo Bukit Timah Fire Station will have access to a range of community and social events, such as movie nights, fitness classes, and cultural celebrations. Moreover, the development’s event zones will feature lifestyle events and experiences that cater to the wider community. As an example, pop-up cafés, artisan markets, and art installations will be hosted there.

Adaptive reuse is a critical element of Coliwoo’s mission to transform urban living in Singapore. By transforming the old Bukit Timah Fire Station into a destination that combines heritage and modern lifestyles, Coliwoo highlights the impact of adaptive reuse in enriching the city’s ever-evolving landscape.