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Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)

Understanding the Bungalow

Learn about the key architectural elements and styles of conserved bungalows in Singapore, and the principles for their proper restoration and preservation.

Last updated 17 June 2026

Overview

The iconic ‘black-and-white’ and other styles of bungalows built in the 1900s to 1950s were given conservation status from 1991 onwards. They are generally standalone two-storey houses, often with verandahs located along the front and sides of the house, with broad overhanging hipped roofs and set in large grounds. The early bungalows were influenced by Tudor-style construction housing and Malay kampong houses, and catered to the British. The highest ranking colonial officers lived in them, and in later years, the rich local merchant class.

Key Elements of the Bungalow

The conservation guidelines for bungalows are directly related to the typology of the building.

Large bungalows, the majority of which were built prior to World War II, are a significant part of Singapore’s heritage. Bungalows are independent dwelling units which are usually one- or two-storeys high. They were first introduced into Singapore and Malaya by the British in the 1830s. They tend to be located in serene and wooded environments away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Quality restoration of a bungalow requires an appreciation and understanding of the architecture of the building.

Bungalows in Singapore normally consist of the main building which houses the main living and dining areas and the bedrooms. An outhouse is normally part of the original design. It is linked back to the main building and houses the kitchen, toilets and servants’ quarters.

In conserving a bungalow, the key elements to be respected are as follows:

(a) Roofs

(b) Structural Members

(c) The Facades of the Building

(d) Doors and Windows

(e) Significant Interior Features Including Staircases, Decorative Mouldings, Double Volume Spaces, etc

Architectural Styles of the Bungalows

The design and material of bungalows vary according to their architectural style. Singapore bungalows fall into five styles. They are:

  1. The Early Bungalow (1860s)

    • This bungalow is characterised by single storey buildings on stilts constructed either of timber or masonry.

  2. The Victorian Bungalow (1870-1890s)

    • This bungalow is characterised by the heavy application of decorative ornamentation on the facade.

  3. The Black and White Bungalow (1900-1920s)

    • This bungalow is characterised by its half-timber construction, broad, simple, over-hanging hipped roof and the sharp definition of openings in the plain white walls.

  4. The Art Deco Bungalow (Late 1920s-1930s)

    • This bungalow is characterised by the simple, geometric streamlining of the classical motifs on its facade.

  5. The Modern Bungalow (1950s-1960s)

    • This bungalow is characterised by its geometric, free-form approach.