Binjai Park is a verdant enclave tucked just far enough away from the clamour of Singapore’s city centre to be considered, well, quiet. Of course, apart from rolling tree-lined avenues, it’s a place that’s defined by its exclusivity because of the number of good class bungalows in the area.
A Neighbourhood With History
Naturally, a notable enclave needs equally noted residents to fill its storied residences, many of which are steeped in history having first been gazetted and constructed back in the early days of Singapore’s history.
35 Binjai Park – First House Built in 1950s
35 Binjai Park is no exception – it was the first house to be built in Binjai Park back in the 1950s and occupies an expansive 20,977 sq ft plot.
The built-up area of the good class bungalow measures in at around 15,000 sq ft, which includes a main two-storey bungalow, an annexe and maids’ quarters, all surrounding a massive courtyard, complete with koi pond and garden.
Sri Lankan (Ceylonese) Heritage Inspired
It’s a property that wears its Ceylonese influences on its sleeves – Ceylonese influences that its long-time owners, Dr S Lavan Iswaran, 88, and Mrs Indra R Lavan Iswaran, 73, very much want to cherish.
While Indra’s maternal grandmother lived in a home with three closed-off courtyards designed for security back in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, she wanted a single, open courtyard that married the best of familial living and ventilation (after all, Binjai Park is still in Singapore).
Homely Yet Private Family Living
“We really wanted that homely feeling – with an entire family living together, including extended members,” she says. “We designed a house for that kind of living, with no one getting in each other’s space.”
4 Extra Suites For Their 4 Children
They added an annexe in the late 90s with four separate suites across from the main bungalow. These suites were essentially self-sufficient apartments, each with their own kitchenettes and living spaces for entertainment
Four, of course, for each of the couple’s children, all of whom currently live overseas.
The courtyard, flanked on three sides by the said annexe, main house and entertainment area, remains the centrepiece of the estate. More than just a design choice that honours the family’s Sri Lankan roots, it also hearkens back to the early days of the Binjai Park enclave.
Binjai Park History: Rubber Plantations & Farms
Back then, it was a “silent enclave, flanked by rubber plantations and farms, on the edge of the forest.” The open concept simply made the best use of what bucolic pleasures were available during that time.
Now, it remains Indra’s favourite part of the house. “There’s always the sound of birds chirping, water flowing, and so on. It sends good vibrations throughout the house.”