Here in Singapore, we have many architectural icons. Many are familiar with the colorful shophouses, but few know about the black-and-white bungalows. These monochrome buildings are more than just houses, they remain a symbol of understated luxury and heritage. Let's explore what makes them so special and how you can experience life within these storied walls.

Source: SLA

The idea of black and white bungalows was influenced by the British colonial, blended with traditional Malayan elements. But what makes these bungalows distinctive is the color scheme for which they are named for. Black timber beams against those whitewashed walls are not all for aesthetics. The first adds durability and the latter reflects heat. Tiled flooring keeps cool and wide verandas with roofs provide good shade. High ceilings and louvered windows also allowed natural ventilation, keeping the insides cool. Some of these homes also have raised stilts to protect the house against flooding and pests.

The house itself is typically one main building that contains the living and dining areas as well as the bedrooms. Oftentimes, there is an outhouse connected to the main building that contains the kitchen, bathrooms, and servants' quarters.

The history of black-and-white bungalows mirrors Singapore's journey through colonialism, war, and independence. These houses were built between 1900 and 1950 by the British colonials. They were designed to house high-ranking government officials, high court judges, and plantation owners. Each house was carefully placed in lush surroundings, often with expansive gardens. This provides privacy, space, and a touch of luxury to match the status of their original occupants.

Demands for these regal houses spiked thanks to its revolutionary design, but it ended abruptly when World War II broke out. When the British departed, these homes were handed over to the Singapore government and many of them were repurposed as military offices or residences for Japanese soldiers during their occupation.

After Singapore gained independence, some of these bungalows were demolished to make way for urban development and the rest were conserved. Some of them have been repurposed into restaurants and bars like ones in Dempsey Hill, Rochester Park, and Seletar Aerospace Park. While the majority of them (as many as 262) have become residences overseen by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA).

If living in one of these historic homes is something that you've been wanting to cross off of your bucket list, renting is your best bet. SLA manages most of these bungalows and they lease them out to both locals and expats. To diversify their use, SLA (with URA's approval) also leases out select units for non-residential purposes such as family offices.

It's easy enough to apply. You simply look for an available unit on SLA's website, submit your offer, and wait to see if it's accepted. However, pricing and expenses are something that you'd have to consider before applying. Rent can range widely depending on the size of the house, location, and condition. As of 2022, the median rent was about $13,000 per month, and the median land size was 38,000 sq ft. Some tenants pay less than the average, but it's also not uncommon for monthly rent to exceed $30,000.

Not to mention the price of upkeep. Given their age, these homes often require maintenance. Therefore, tenants need to be prepared for occasional repairs and other costs. In fact, applicants need to have a monthly income at least three times the offered rent and be deemed financially sound by the SLA.

Other criteria include:

• Applicants must be at least 21 years old
• Applicants must not be debarred by the government from participating in tenders, auctions, or bidding exercises by government agencies or statutory boards
• Applicants are not current or former tenants of state properties managed by SLA or its agents
• Applicants do not owe money to the government

Black and white houses can be found across the island, but they are mainly clustered in prime locations and areas around the former British air and naval bases. These include Sembawang and Seletar (north), Mount Pleasant, Alexandra Park, Mount Faber, Gillman Barracks, Adam Park, Ridley Park, Goodwood Hill, Chancery Lane, and Dempsey (south and central), Nepal Hill, Rochester Park, Portsdown and Fifth avenue (west) and Changi (east).

Source: SLA

Just like how some people are drawn to vintage items, the timeless appeal of black and white bungalows never fades. There are new developments today that draw inspiration from these historical homes. The 1919 Condo, for example, are reimagining these homes by adding modern design and functionality. They even market themselves as "the black & white residences".

Source: Aurum

Source: Aurum

So, it's safe to say that black and white bungalows are far from being relics of the past. Their charm continues to inspire and influence modern designs, and who knows? They may just find themselves back in the spotlight, becoming the trend of tomorrow.

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