This conservation project pivots around a classic Black & White House built in 1920, one of four bungalows used by staff of European trading company, McAlister & Co. Due to the lack of maintenance by previous owner, the bungalow was left for years in a state of dilapidation; the timber structure was rotting and deemed unsalvageable. It was the client’s desire to restore the glory of the former Black & White House and to make it a truly livable and comfortable abode while preserving its unique qualities and place in history.

With help from URA’s archives of information on the house to be conserved and careful identification and removal of insensitive additions and alternations made its later years, the Black & White House has been reconstructed to its original design. Reproductions of the original materials, details were employed and windows and door panels were replicated. Key original features such as the exposed timber joist ceilings and ornamental arches were kept. The design intention was to recover and restore the past glory of the house and at the same time, making it functionally comfortable to cater for modern living and the contemporary lifestyle of any family.

The dedication and sensitivity to the spirit of conservation is demonstrated via the overall black & white scheme within the conserved house and the sensible choice of materials and design for the two new annexes which form the backdrop to the black & white house.

By juxtaposing neutral grey colour stone walls at 90 degree angle as backdrop, we inserted 2 new functional blocks which house all the bedrooms, kitchen and family room without disrupting and violation to the original house.