Conserved Building
Pulau Ubin
Applicable Guidelines
Bungalow Guidelines
Conservation Area
Pulau Ubin No. 1 Conservation Area
Historic address: 1 Pulau Ubin
About
This bungalow, sitting on a rocky outcrop overlooking a long jetty on the south-east coast of Pulau Ubin, contributes to the rustic charm of the island and is a landmark for local residents and visitors alike.
The History
1 Pulau Ubin is a Tudor-style country house facing the Straits of Singapore and Changi Point in the distance. It was built in the 1930s as a retreat for the Chief Surveyor at the time, Langdon Williams. After the British left Singapore, the bungalow was taken over by a local family for use as a weekend house. It eventually came into public ownership in the 1990s.
The Building
The property has three structures – the main house, an outhouse (or servants’ quarters) and a water tower. The workmanship is of authentic Tudor half-timber construction supported on a masonry first-storey base. Unlike other fine local examples of traditional colonial Black and White bungalows that use straight timber members for assembly, the skillful builders in this case have gone out of their way to use bent and irregular-shaped timber members as one would find in English country situations. The masonry work is a well-considered mix of cut granite, brick and stone.
There is a thoughtful selection of colours and textures in the materials used for the facades. These include rusticated brickwork and stones which add a sense of age to the building.
Asymmetrical in plan and elevations, parts of the buildings have been designed to look as if they have been added on over time. Such an appearance mimicks the typical Tudor English cottage, which would have evolved over time with additions. The construction methods and materials also reflect the style and techniques of the Tudor period.
Clearly, the building and landscaping have been carefully considered to complement one another and enhance the experience of the site. The location on a rocky base lends an air of stability while the conifer tree at the rear serves as a reminder of English vegetation. The jetty also appears to have been designed not just for functional reasons, but furthermore to create a dramatic and interesting means of approaching the bungalow. This can be deduced from the kink in the jetty, which gives the visitor changing vistas of the house as one moves towards it. The overall effect is very picturesque.
The Legacy
This is the only remaining building of this type in Singapore and the only known one with a real working period fireplace. It is an architectural treasure and a legacy of the many diverse cultural influences that have shaped Singapore’s identity.
The building was awarded a URA Architectural Heritage Award in 2007 for its careful restoration, and has undergone a ‘rebirth’ as the Chek Jawa Visitor Centre.
Gazetted on 1 December 2003 for conservation
Guidelines and Procedures
All proposed works will need to comply with the Conservation Guidelines and the Specific Restoration Guidelines (SRG). Conservation Permission is required before all additions & alteration works and operations of new use can begin.
Residential Fronts are characterised by timber casement windows flanking a double-leafed timber door. All buildings with residential front which is existing and/or identified in the 'Specific Restoration Guidelines', regardless of land use zoning, shall be retained and restored.
Explore Street View
The building can be found at this street.
Awards
URA Architectural Heritage Awards (Category A)
2007