Koon Seng Road, Heritage street in Joo Chiat, Singapore
Koon Seng Road is a street in Joo Chiat lined with colorful terrace houses that have tall facades decorated with ceramic tiles, geometric patterns, and floral designs. The houses sit closely together on both sides, creating a continuous row of distinctive architectural details that spans the entire length of the street.
The street began in 1927 when Peranakan Chinese residents built their homes here. In 1993, authorities protected these houses from demolition, which led to official recognition of the area as a heritage zone years later.
The residents who settled here brought Peranakan Chinese design traditions that shaped how the houses look and feel today. Walking through, you notice how the colorful tilework and geometric patterns reflect the tastes of those who built and decorated these homes.
You can reach the street comfortably on foot from either Eunos or Paya Lebar MRT stations, with a walk of around 15 minutes from either direction. Several bus routes serve the area nearby, making access straightforward for those preferring not to walk the full distance.
The houses have unusually long and narrow floor plans because old tax rules charged property owners based on how wide their building facades were. This meant owners designed homes that looked narrow from the street but extended deeply backward to maximize space inside.
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