Architecture of Tiong Bahru: Curved Windows and Spiral Stairs
Collection Singapore Travel 2026.08.26

Architecture of Tiong Bahru: Curved Windows and Spiral Stairs

A stroll through conservation architecture comparing pre-war and post-war SIT housing and public spaces

The low-rise housing in Tiong Bahru is often described in a single word as Art Deco, but walking through the area reveals that the composition of windows, shades, and stairs varies with each block and time period. The pre-war houses from the 1930s feature strong curved corners and horizontal lines, while those built after the war around Lim Liak Street show a simpler and more repetitive facade. The Horseshoe Block serves as an excellent reference point to visualize these differences with its massive U-shaped layout, courtyard, and external stairs.

This list starts with the pre-war housing before moving on to the Horseshoe Block, spiral stairs, post-war housing, the community center, and Seng Poh Garden. It also explores the interaction between commercial and residential areas on Tiong Poh Road and Eng Hoon Street. Even for architecture enthusiasts, the hallways, stairs, and windows belong to the residents' private space. Therefore, let’s focus on reading the facades and gaps between blocks on public walkways.

Pre-War Tiong Bahru Housing

Pre-war Tiong Bahru Housing

The advantage of the pre-war Tiong Bahru housing lies in adding practical options to the circulation of Tiong Bahru architecture created by curved windows and spiral stairs. Developed in the 1930s by SIT, this low-rise housing features rounded corners, horizontal shades, and elements that resemble a boat. Analyzing the pre-war Tiong Bahru housing from the perspective of ‘A stroll through conservation architecture comparing pre-war and post-war SIT housing and public spaces’ clarifies what to observe and what to omit in Tiong Bahru architecture created by curved windows and spiral stairs.

The verification address for the pre-war Tiong Bahru housing we’ll be using is: Seng Poh Road and Moh Guan Terrace, Singapore. You can find the map coordinates of the pre-war Tiong Bahru housing in the Item field, thus, when referring to Tiong Bahru architecture with curved windows and spiral stairs, you can easily match the necessary entrances, floors, and shop numbers against the address. After starting the list from the pre-war Tiong Bahru housing, you can summarize the operating hours and directions before moving on to the next location, the Horseshoe Block 78.

Practical points to note when visiting the pre-war Tiong Bahru housing include the following: Individual houses are private living spaces for the residents, so only observe the facades and public walkways. Additionally, after arriving at the pre-war Tiong Bahru housing, verify that the online information matches the on-site signage. Incorporating this confirmation into the day’s schedule, it may be entirely reasonable to reduce the itinerary if the experience at the pre-war Tiong Bahru housing is satisfactory.
주소 Seng Poh Road and Moh Guan Terrace, Singapore 공식 페이지 https://www.roots.gov.sg/places/places-landing/trails/tiong-bahru-heritage-trail 방문 팁 개별 주택은 주민 생활 공간이므로 입면과 공용 보행로만 관찰한다 좌표 기준 WGS84 / 시설 대표 지점

Horseshoe Block 78

Horseshoe Block 78, characterized by its U-shaped layout and courtyard, helps manage time and energy in the later stages of the Tiong Bahru architectural tour. Built between 1939 and 1940, this large residential block features a curved arrangement. When examining Horseshoe Block 78 from the perspective of ‘A stroll through conservation architecture comparing pre-war and post-war SIT housing and public spaces’, you gain clarity on what to observe and what to omit in Tiong Bahru architecture created by curved windows and spiral stairs.

The verification address for Horseshoe Block 78 that we will be using is: 78 Moh Guan Terrace, Singapore 162078. The map coordinates for Horseshoe Block 78 can be confirmed in the Item field, so when referencing Tiong Bahru architecture with curved windows and spiral stairs, match the necessary entrances, floors, and shop numbers against the address. You can easily compare the character differences between the three locations by visiting Horseshoe Block 78 after the pre-war Tiong Bahru housing and moving to the spiral stairs at Block 78.

Practical points to note at Horseshoe Block 78 include: The interiors and bomb shelters are not regular tourist facilities, so only observe from the public walkways. Furthermore, the duration of your stay at Horseshoe Block 78 can be flexibly adjusted depending on the weather and crowds. Incorporating this condition into your schedule, it’s completely reasonable to choose to shorten the itinerary if the experience at Horseshoe Block 78 is satisfactory.
주소 78 Moh Guan Terrace, Singapore 162078 공식 페이지 https://www.roots.gov.sg/places/places-landing/Places/landmarks/tiong-bahru-heritage-trail/the-horse-shoe-block 방문 팁 주거지 내부와 방공호는 상시 관광 시설이 아니므로 공개 보행로에서만 관찰한다 좌표 기준 WGS84 / 시설 대표 지점

Block 78 Spiral Staircase

Spiral Stairs at Block 78

The characteristics of the spiral stairs at Block 78 in Tiong Bahru architecture can be first understood through the external spiral stairs of Horseshoe Block, which distinctly showcase the functional aesthetics of Tiong Bahru Streamline Modern architecture. When examining the spiral stairs at Block 78 from the perspective of ‘A stroll through conservation architecture comparing pre-war and post-war SIT housing and public spaces’, it clarifies what to observe and what to omit in Tiong Bahru architecture created by curved windows and spiral stairs.

The verification address for the spiral stairs at Block 78 that we will be using is: 78 Moh Guan Terrace, Singapore 162078. The map coordinates for the spiral stairs at Block 78 can be confirmed in the Item field, so when referencing Tiong Bahru architecture with curved windows and spiral stairs, match the necessary entrances, floors, and shop numbers against the address. After visiting Horseshoe Block 78, seeing the spiral stairs at Block 78 makes it easy to compare character differences between the three locations.

Practical points to note regarding the spiral stairs at Block 78 include the following: Do not block residents' entrances or vehicle passages while ascending the stairs or photographing private areas. Additionally, it is essential not to interfere with the passage of residents and other users when using the spiral stairs at Block 78. Incorporating these conditions into your day’s schedule, it’s reasonable to choose to reduce the itinerary if the experience at the spiral stairs at Block 78 is satisfactory.
주소 78 Moh Guan Terrace, Singapore 162078 공식 페이지 https://www.ura.gov.sg/conservation/find-a-building/conservation-portal/tnbhr/ 방문 팁 주민 출입문과 차량 통로를 막지 말고 계단에 올라가거나 사유 공간을 촬영하지 않는다 좌표 기준 WGS84 / 시설 대표 지점

Post-War Tiong Bahru Housing

Post-war Tiong Bahru Housing

The characteristic that transforms the flow of Tiong Bahru architecture into actual space is the post-war Tiong Bahru housing, developed roughly between 1948 and 1954, consisting of SIT housing with simple facades distinct from pre-war blocks. Analyzing the post-war Tiong Bahru housing from the perspective of ‘A stroll through conservation architecture comparing pre-war and post-war SIT housing and public spaces’ clarifies what to observe and what to omit in Tiong Bahru architecture created by curved windows and spiral stairs.

The verification address for the post-war Tiong Bahru housing we will be using is: Lim Liak Street and Seng Poh Road, Singapore. The map coordinates for the post-war Tiong Bahru housing can be confirmed in the Item field, therefore, when referencing Tiong Bahru architecture with curved windows and spiral stairs, you can easily match the necessary entrances, floors, and shop numbers against the address. After visiting the spiral stairs at Block 78, it’s effortless to compare character differences among the three locations by viewing the post-war Tiong Bahru housing and then moving towards the Tiong Bahru Community Center.

Practical points to note at the post-war Tiong Bahru housing include the following: Avoid taking comparative photos while crossing the road and observe the windows, stairs, and block arrangements from shaded walkways. Additionally, if your intention for visiting the post-war Tiong Bahru housing is a specific menu or program, be sure to first inquire about availability and reservations. Incorporating this condition into your daily schedule, it’s entirely reasonable to choose to reduce the itinerary if the experience at the post-war Tiong Bahru housing is satisfactory.
주소 Lim Liak Street and Seng Poh Road, Singapore 공식 페이지 https://www.roots.gov.sg/places/places-landing/trails/tiong-bahru-heritage-trail 방문 팁 도로를 건너며 비교 촬영하지 말고 그늘진 보행로에서 창·계단·블록 배치를 살핀다 좌표 기준 WGS84 / 시설 대표 지점

Tiong Bahru Community Center

The rationale for including a visit to the Tiong Bahru Community Center in the Tiong Bahru architecture exploration is that it serves as a local facility hosting resident sports and health programs. Analyzing the Tiong Bahru Community Center from the perspective of ‘A stroll through conservation architecture comparing pre-war and post-war SIT housing and public spaces’ clarifies what to observe and what to omit in Tiong Bahru architecture created by curved windows and spiral stairs.

The verification address for Tiong Bahru Community Center we will be using is: 67A Eu Chin Street, Singapore 169715. The map coordinates for Tiong Bahru Community Center can be confirmed in the Item field, so when referencing Tiong Bahru architecture with curved windows and spiral stairs, match the necessary entrances, floors, and shop numbers against the address. After visiting the post-war Tiong Bahru housing, observing the Tiong Bahru Community Center makes it easy to compare character differences between the three locations before heading to Seng Poh Garden and the Dancing Girl Sculpture.

Practical points to note at the Tiong Bahru Community Center include checking participation qualifications, application periods, and availability on OnePA. Furthermore, the usage regulations of Tiong Bahru Community Center vary by facility type, so it’s important to confirm the possibility of on-the-spot visits. Incorporating this condition into your day’s schedule, it’s reasonable to choose to reduce the itinerary if the experience at the Tiong Bahru Community Center is satisfactory.
주소 67A Eu Chin Street, Singapore 169715 공식 페이지 https://www.onepa.gov.sg/cc/tiong-bahru-cc 방문 팁 OnePA에서 참여 자격·신청 기간·잔여 자리를 확인한다 좌표 기준 WGS84 / 시설 대표 지점

Singapo Garden and Dancing Girl Sculpture

Seng Poh Garden and Dancing Girl Sculpture

The essential role of Seng Poh Garden and the Dancing Girl Sculpture, which differs from the preceding and following locations within Tiong Bahru architecture, is that this small garden and sculpture between housing blocks showcase the relaxation areas in the planned residential area of Tiong Bahru. When analyzing Seng Poh Garden and the Dancing Girl Sculpture from the perspective of ‘A stroll through conservation architecture comparing pre-war and post-war SIT housing and public spaces’, it clarifies what to observe and what to omit in Tiong Bahru architecture created by curved windows and spiral stairs.

The verification address for Seng Poh Garden and the Dancing Girl Sculpture that we’ll be using is: Seng Poh Garden, Seng Poh Road, Singapore. The map coordinates for Seng Poh Garden and the Dancing Girl Sculpture can be confirmed in the Item field, so when referencing Tiong Bahru architecture with curved windows and spiral stairs, you can easily match the necessary entrances, floors, and shop numbers against the address. After visiting the Tiong Bahru Community Center, observing Seng Poh Garden and the Dancing Girl Sculpture before moving to the residential area on Tiong Poh Road makes it easy to compare character differences among the three locations.

Practical points to note regarding Seng Poh Garden and the Dancing Girl Sculpture include not obstructing residents’ relaxation and children’s paths while viewing the surrounding vegetation and walkways of the sculpture. Also, when encountering differing situations from what was planned at Seng Poh Garden and the Dancing Girl Sculpture, leave yourself some flexibility to move on to the next alternative location. Incorporating this condition into your day’s schedule, it’s reasonable to choose to reduce the itinerary if the experience at Seng Poh Garden and the Dancing Girl Sculpture is satisfactory.
주소 Seng Poh Garden, Seng Poh Road, Singapore 공식 페이지 https://www.roots.gov.sg/places/places-landing/trails/tiong-bahru-heritage-trail 방문 팁 주민 휴식과 어린이 동선을 막지 말고 조각 주변 식재와 보행로를 함께 본다 좌표 기준 WGS84 / 시설 대표 지점

Tiong Poh Road Residential Area

The spatial characteristics of the Tiong Poh Road residential area within Tiong Bahru architecture suggest a clear way to linger, with curved corners, stairwells, and first-floor shops, allowing for a good feel of the street proportion in Tiong Bahru. Analyzing the Tiong Poh Road residential area from the perspective of ‘A stroll through conservation architecture comparing pre-war and post-war SIT housing and public spaces’ clarifies what to observe and what to omit in Tiong Bahru architecture created by curved windows and spiral stairs.

The verification address for the Tiong Poh Road residential area that we’ll be using is: Tiong Poh Road, Singapore 160069. The map coordinates for the Tiong Poh Road residential area can be confirmed in the Item field, so when referencing Tiong Bahru architecture with curved windows and spiral stairs, match the necessary entrances, floors, and shop numbers against the address. You can easily compare the character differences among the three locations by visiting Seng Poh Garden and the Dancing Girl Sculpture and then moving to the Tiong Poh Road residential area before heading to Eng Hoon Street.

Practical points to note at the Tiong Poh Road residential area include: Do not photograph the windows’ interiors or residents’ faces, and stay only on public walkways. Also, it’s safer to compare the official pages and on-site guidance just before your visit to the Tiong Poh Road residential area. Incorporating this condition into your day’s schedule, it’s reasonable to choose to reduce the itinerary if the experience at the Tiong Poh Road residential area is satisfactory.
주소 Tiong Poh Road, Singapore 160069 공식 페이지 https://www.roots.gov.sg/places/places-landing/trails/tiong-bahru-heritage-trail 방문 팁 주택 창문 안쪽과 주민 얼굴을 촬영하지 않고 공공 보도에서만 머문다 좌표 기준 WGS84 / 시설 대표 지점

Eng Hoon Street

The actual function of Eng Hoon Street, which should be observed before photos or reviews in Tiong Bahru architecture, is that it features a line of temples, bakeries, and restaurants showcasing local faith and new businesses side by side. Analyzing Eng Hoon Street from the perspective of ‘A stroll through conservation architecture comparing pre-war and post-war SIT housing and public spaces’ clarifies what to observe and what to omit in Tiong Bahru architecture created by curved windows and spiral stairs.

The verification address for Eng Hoon Street that we will be using is: Eng Hoon Street, Singapore 160056. The map coordinates for Eng Hoon Street can be confirmed in the Item field, so when referencing Tiong Bahru architecture with curved windows and spiral stairs, you can easily match the necessary entrances, floors, and shop numbers against the address. The flow you’ve followed from Tiong Poh Road residential area concludes at Eng Hoon Street, where you can also consider your return transportation and last orders or entry times.

Practical points to note at Eng Hoon Street include: There may be many delivery vehicles and waiting lines, so avoid photographing at the edge of the roadway. Additionally, prioritize the latest notices from the operating entity over old reviews regarding operational conditions on the day at Eng Hoon Street. Incorporating this condition into your day’s schedule, it’s reasonable to choose to reduce the itinerary if the experience on Eng Hoon Street is satisfactory.
주소 Eng Hoon Street, Singapore 160056 공식 페이지 https://www.roots.gov.sg/places/places-landing/trails/tiong-bahru-heritage-trail 방문 팁 배달 차량과 대기줄이 많을 수 있어 차도 가장자리 촬영을 피한다 좌표 기준 WGS84 / 시설 대표 지점
By sequentially viewing the streamlined corners of pre-war houses, the large curves of the Horseshoe Block, and the restrained repetition of post-war houses, it becomes evident that Tiong Bahru is not a neighborhood that was completed at once. The community center and Seng Poh Garden show that not only houses were constructed but also public spaces were created to accommodate community activities and relaxation. When you consider the proportions of the streets and the shade of the trees as part of the architecture, you retain much more information than photos alone.

To see spiral stairs or bomb shelters, avoid entering private areas, and don’t linger too long under external stairs or driveways. In the morning, the curves of the facades are well highlighted, while in the afternoon, shadows form on the opposite block, allowing you to vary your photography time. Recording the road and block numbers rather than just building names will make it easier to organize photos without mixing up pre-war and post-war houses later.
한눈에 보기 8개
Pre-War Tiong Bahru Housing
Seng Poh Road and Moh Guan Terrace, Singapore · https://www.roots.gov.sg/places/places-landing/trails/tiong-bahru-heritage-trail · 개별 주택은 주민 생활 공간이므로 입면과 공용 보행로만 관찰한다 · WGS84 / 시설 대표 지점
Horseshoe Block 78
78 Moh Guan Terrace, Singapore 162078 · https://www.roots.gov.sg/places/places-landing/Places/landmarks/tiong-bahru-heritage-trail/the-horse-shoe-block · 주거지 내부와 방공호는 상시 관광 시설이 아니므로 공개 보행로에서만 관찰한다 · WGS84 / 시설 대표 지점
Block 78 Spiral Staircase
78 Moh Guan Terrace, Singapore 162078 · https://www.ura.gov.sg/conservation/find-a-building/conservation-portal/tnbhr/ · 주민 출입문과 차량 통로를 막지 말고 계단에 올라가거나 사유 공간을 촬영하지 않는다 · WGS84 / 시설 대표 지점
Post-War Tiong Bahru Housing
Lim Liak Street and Seng Poh Road, Singapore · https://www.roots.gov.sg/places/places-landing/trails/tiong-bahru-heritage-trail · 도로를 건너며 비교 촬영하지 말고 그늘진 보행로에서 창·계단·블록 배치를 살핀다 · WGS84 / 시설 대표 지점
Tiong Bahru Community Center
67A Eu Chin Street, Singapore 169715 · https://www.onepa.gov.sg/cc/tiong-bahru-cc · OnePA에서 참여 자격·신청 기간·잔여 자리를 확인한다 · WGS84 / 시설 대표 지점
Singapo Garden and Dancing Girl Sculpture
Seng Poh Garden, Seng Poh Road, Singapore · https://www.roots.gov.sg/places/places-landing/trails/tiong-bahru-heritage-trail · 주민 휴식과 어린이 동선을 막지 말고 조각 주변 식재와 보행로를 함께 본다 · WGS84 / 시설 대표 지점
Tiong Poh Road Residential Area
Tiong Poh Road, Singapore 160069 · https://www.roots.gov.sg/places/places-landing/trails/tiong-bahru-heritage-trail · 주택 창문 안쪽과 주민 얼굴을 촬영하지 않고 공공 보도에서만 머문다 · WGS84 / 시설 대표 지점
Eng Hoon Street
Eng Hoon Street, Singapore 160056 · https://www.roots.gov.sg/places/places-landing/trails/tiong-bahru-heritage-trail · 배달 차량과 대기줄이 많을 수 있어 차도 가장자리 촬영을 피한다 · WGS84 / 시설 대표 지점
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