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Sunday, May 31, 2009

black and white colonial house



Singapore's colonial legacy includes black-and-white houses set amidst lush greenery and there're pockets of these in different parts of our island. These bungalows are so called because of black painted timbers and white washed walls. They were used by colonial administrators and military and senior business personnel. Typically they are designed with high ceiling with whirling ceiling fans, shaded verandahs and installed with black and white striped bamboo blinds to keep cool in the tropical heat, in those days before air-conditioning. Notice they are raised on pillars, like local kampung houses, to forestall any floods. These houses are still being occupied by tenants.

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9 comments:

  1. Interesting, and totally new to me. I love learning new things - thanks for sharing this part of your world.

    I enjoyed the explanation of the name as well. I had no idea Singapore was "Lion City"

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  2. Great shots! Love having the interesting commentary as well! Thanks for sharing a bit of your world! Have a great week!

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  3. so like the colonial architecture...it is beautiful and functional.
    enjoyed your post.
    have a lovely week.

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  4. Oh they are very nice. Who occupies them now?

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  5. Beautiful buildings in a gorgeous setting, great shots.

    Have a great week
    Guy
    Regina In Pictures

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  6. They're mostly rented out to well-heeled expatriates. Quite a number are located centrally and attract good rentals.

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  7. Good to have them to remember. Figures expatriates live there now. Some habits die hard.

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  8. Thank you for the interesting text and photos - its been a pleasure browsing your site and I look forward to more.
    Regards from Cape Town,
    Pierre

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  9. I am so glad to see that not every inch of Singapore is covered in high-rises and that some of the servicable colonial architecture still survives.

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Great to see you ~Irene