About Black-And-White

A look at the history and locations of Singapore's heritage bungalows.

- REBECCA BISSET

The colonial black-and-white houses dotted around Singapore are not only (in my opinion) lovely, they’re perfect for this climate, with thick walls and eves that are good for both shade and tropical storms. Most of them originally included an open ventilation structure to allow natural airflow, though many have been filled in to accommodate air-conditioning.

The majority were built between 1910 and 1940, and for a mix of uses – from homes to officers’ messes and administration buildings. Around 500 of them are still standing today. Most are private homes, but some are used for businesses or restaurants.

Here’s a rundown of the main neighbourhoods of blackand-whites around the island and some of the different styles you’ll find in them.

Goodwood Hill

The bungalows here were built by the Public Works Department in 1910. Over time, they’ve regularly been used for administrative purposes – firstly by the British, then in the second half of the 20th century as a study centre for Singapore’s political and civil service leaders. Many are rented out now as private residences, in a perfect spot close to Scotts Road.

Adam Park

The 19 black-and-white houses here were built in the late 1920s for municipal purposes. They played witness to a fierce three-day battle during World War II (leading to one area being known as “Hellfire Corner”), and then served as a prisoner-of-war camp for defeated Australian and British troops. Over a thousand artefacts have been found in the area to document that period.

Did you know? One of the houses in Adam Park was established by POWs as a chapel.

Wessex Estate