Perched on a low hill off Alexandra Road, the building is an example of a domicile to accommodate the staff of the former Federated Malayan States Railway, later known as the Malayan Railway.
The need for a rail system in colonial Singapore arose as early as the 1860s when global demand for primary produce from the Peninsula grew. Materials and goods had to be moved efficiently to Keppel Harbour which was the main point of import/export trade for the Malay Peninsula, of which Singapore was the primary port. However, the construction of the much needed railway only managed to start in 1903.
The first system centred around the main station at Tank Road (today’s large traffic island in front of the Tank Road Chettiars’ Temple). In the 1910s, the line was extended south across the river, finally connecting to the Tanjong Pagar Docks, Keppel Harbour and all the wharves. A direct rail link to Johore was later realised when the Causeway was constructed in 1923.
This marked the beginning of the heydays of rail as a means of goods transport, communications and travel between Singapore, Malaya and Siam (today’s Thailand). The natural wealth of Malaya – particularly tin and rubber, could now be ‘seamlessly’ transported to the ships by a combination of human sweat and steam power to the markets of the world.
The emergence of the railway corridor resulted in the construction of railway structures, as well as buildings to serve the needs of both staff and passengers. Other railway related heritage buildings that have been protected include the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station (A National Monument, gazetted 2011) and the Bukit Timah Railway Station (gazetted for conservation, 2011).
Little has been written about this building which is located a distance from the railway line. However, the generous size and the presence of a large outhouse, suggest that the building was used as a family home for a high-ranking official, possibly the railway superintendent.
Designed in the Arts & Crafts style, the building has steeply-pitched tile roof and gable wall. The asymmetrical arrangement of architectural features and band of brick skirting around the base gives an overall impression of a 1930s country cottage. The brick chimney is intact.
The front façade is enlivened by play of volumes and shapes, with protruding central bay, balcony and slender concrete ledges. Fair-faced brick finish helps to accentuate and bring out the main entrance to the building, approached via a low flight of steps. The windows are timber framed windows with small-panel glass. Designed to be of various size modules, their carefully-considered composition adds to the charming effect.
The structure employs timber joists and concrete beam to support the 2nd storey floor. The high roof and ceiling help to cool down the building. Further, a mixture of high- and low-level slotted concrete vents also help to facilitate air movement through the internal spaces.
The building adds to the stock of buildings and structures associated with the historic railway. At the same time, it is an example of the development of domestic architecture in Singapore. Given its location next to the main road, it also enhances the local identity of the area.
Gazetted on 6 June 2014.