5 Little Known Architectural Buildings in Singapore

5 Little Known Architectural Buildings in Singapore

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1. Istana Woodneuk Istana Woodneuk is a hidden gem probably for those who are often inquisitive about the world of the unknown. It was once home for Sultan Abu Bakar’s fourth wife, Sultana Fatimah bte Abdullah.

Built-in 1935 by the architect Denis Santry, Istana Woodneuk was built with Arabic elements in its design. The palace was burned down in 2006 and its iconic blue roof gave in, leaving the building in an irreparable state.

The paths leading up to the palace have been closed off by the Singapore Police Force. A signboard has been put up to discourage people from visiting Istana Woodneuk as the building is deemed unsafe.

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2. The Atbara House The Atbara House was abandoned for several years after the French Embassy decided to move. Over the years, the Atbara house became rickety and had overgrown bushes around the house, but the Victorian-styled white pillars and black framed windows remained.

The Atbara House is currently under construction and the beautiful building will be preserved into a forest discovery center in Botanic Gardens.

The project is currently ongoing and its completion is currently unknown due to disruptions during the pandemic.

3. Karikal Mahal The Karikal Mahal was a mansion built in 1917 by Indian cattle merchant Moona Kadir Sultan for his wives. It was heavily inspired by a mixture of styles such as Victorian, Indian, and Italian, making this design unique and the only one of its kind in Singapore.

The Karikal Mahal was then sold to Lee Rubber Company which then turned this mansion into a local budget hotel named the Renaissance Grand Hotel. The hotel closed down in 2000 as there was not much business.

The mansion was split in two when the government bought over part of the land to extend the main road, now known as Still Road to Still Road South.

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4. The “Chopsticks” (Civilian War Memorial) Standing tall and proud is the Civilian War Memorial, otherwise known as the “chopsticks” due to its structure resembling chopsticks. Contrary to its playful nickname, this structure has a deeper meaning behind it.

The Civilian War Memorial was designed by Leong Swee Lim, one of Singapore’s most popular architects.

It was built in 1967 to remember the civilians who were killed during the Japanese occupation. The four pillars represent the four main cultures in Singapore.

5. Sultan Mosque The Sultan Mosque is one of Singapore’s most well-known mosques. It was designed by architect Denis Santry and built-in 1932 by Sultan Hussein Shah.

Painted white and gold, the Sultan Mosque has an eye-catching design influenced by Indo-Saracenic style, complete with minarets and balustrades. The original building had been torn down and rebuilt into the current Sultan Mosque.

The base of the dome is decorated with glass bottles, donated by members of the Muslim community at the time of construction so that all Muslims could contribute to the building.

Located at Kampong Glam, the Sultan Mosque can currently hold up to 5,000 people inside.

2020 | DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY

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