In the history of architecture, there are always exceptions to the rule, or “imposters”, if you will. Buildings that draw from a particular style, but are not quite the same as the original. Here, we will meet the charming “imposters” of the colonial black-and-white bungalows that we are more acquainted to. To learn more, take a short walk here to find out about the history hidden A-Monk Us!
This cache is located at Monk’s Hill, named for the home of one of the residents and plantation owners of the Orchard area who lived here in the 1860s. In the 1920s, two rows of townhouses were built on Monk’s Hill Terrace as Government Subordinate Quarters or homes for civil servants. These, of course, are in contrast to the stately bungalows built for the higher ranked officers in the leafy estates that we are more familiar with. Nevertheless, they retain that iconic black-and-white style with various architectural elements drawn from Malay kampung houses such as large windows and balconies, suited for living in the tropical heat.
However, these buildings aren’t even the oddest buildings on Monk’s Hill. Just down the road, on Monk’s Hill Road, are 5 black-and-white SIT (Singapore Improvement Trust) flats, which were the predecessors to the ubiquitous HDB flats of today. These early examples of public housing, built in the 1950s, also retained architectural elements for the colonial residences there were based on, and were among the tallest residential blocks in Singapore at the time. Today, they still bear the iconic black-and white blinds, and paintwork on their facades. Indeed, they may look like the bungalows and townhouses of an earlier era, but they are modern “imposters”. However, let’s not let that diminish their charm as they are still pieces of architectural heritage in their own right.
Today, this quiet neighbourhood with its narrow streets seems stuck in time, though a stone’s throw away from the modern skyscrapers along Scotts and Orchard Roads and the bustling (in)famous Newton Food Centre. Many of the homes here still function as residences which can be rented, though they will cost a pretty penny these days.
As for the cache, well… experienced cachers will know how to spot this rather sus guy in a heartbeat. For those new to the game, do check out the hint. The nearest MRT is Newton, and a short walk through Newton Food Centre will bring you to this quiet neighbourhood. I hope you enjoy the spot and the cache!