Located
at the eastern tip of Pulau Ubin, House No. 1 is believed to be Singapore’s only
remaining authentic Tudor-style house with a fireplace. Its uniqueness fits in nicely
with its new function as a visitor centre.
Distinctive Style Restored
Constructed in a post and beam fashion, complete with stucco-finished walls and gables
framed by timbers treated with black creosote, the house built in the 1930s by
Chief Surveyor, Landon Williams, used to be a holiday retreat. However, it had been
vacant for many years and when restoration began in 2005, the architects found
that natural aging and the harsh coastal environment had affected the
two-storey building.
The external elements of the main facades were all kept and restored to their
original materials and finishes. Damaged roof trusses were removed and replaced
while only termite-infested floorboards were replaced. Structurally, the second-storey
supporting slabs were found to be too weak to support the proposed live load
and had to be reinforced by grouting. Stone and brickwork that were
painted/plastered over time were stripped and the original finishes reinstated.
The original interior layout was kept throughout.
Attention to Detail
Extra effort was taken while restoring the house’s distinctive chimney and fireplace.
Its honeycomb-shaped terracotta floor tiles were thoroughly cleaned and
retained, while the second level’s ceiling was raised to offer visitors a peek
at the chimney shaft as it headed skywards.
Equally charming was the ‘cowboy’ (single door leaf split into top and bottom leaves)
timber door at the house’s rear. While it could still be opened as two separate
leaves, a flush bolt was added to hold the two leaves in place, to function as
a fire exit door. Finer features were not forgotten. Tapered hinges, door
knobs, window handles and light switches were restored and reused.
Such sensitivity in restoration was extended onto other structures like the
abandoned outhouse at the rear of the compound. A pitched roof was built over the
existing old walls of the outhouse to create a new toilet block. Similarly, an
old water tower that had become home for hundreds of fruit bats was left
undisturbed. A new jetty following the original alignment of the old jetty
which was beyond repair was built to retain the original setting of the house.
Natural Beauty
The call for the conservation of Chek Jawa
Wetlands is heard loud and clear. The preservation of these rare treasures -
from Mother Nature’s extraordinary wonders to irreplaceable architectural
beauties - is indeed worthwhile effort that will benefit generations to come.