Step inside a world that is humble in size, yet rich in history and human spirit. This heritage trail uncovers a chapter of Singapore’s urban housing story that is often overlooked, where early public housing history still lives quietly in the present. In the pockets of Lavender and Jalan Besar, one room flats stand as reminders of the nation’s shift from crowded shophouse living to modern housing policies that shaped entire generations.

Learn why rental blocks were designed a certain way and understand the planning decisions behind them. Explore the unique layouts of these estates and see how shared spaces are used by the community. Along the way, the trail encourages you to consider what value and wealth meant to earlier residents, and how they remain rich in their own ways, through connection, resilience, and a deep sense of belonging.

What to expect:

• Journey through Lavender to uncover traces of Singapore’s municipal past. Find out how road names and bridges reveal stories of the our early governance.
• Listen to the human stories that are often misunderstood, offering a deeper insight into the daily life of the neighbourhood. Hear first hand from residents, how the area transforms after dark. From the world of informal horse betting to mahjong dens.
• Enjoy some Heritage Cakes at a beloved old school bakery with over 60 years of history.
• Observe the subtle design features of one room rental estates. From the way corridors flow to how shared spaces are managed, you will gain insights into the design process and understand the reasoning behind them
• Meet a long time resident and hear how his journey from contractor to craftsman led him to create one of the most distinctive and character filled homes in the neighbourhood.