Petain Road 
From Singapore Hotels & Singapore Lifestyle
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A little further along from the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, on the opposite side of Serangoon Road, is Petain Road. Like many of the nearby roads that were built after World War I, it was named after men who had distinguished themselves in World War I battles. Petain Road was named after the Marshal of France, Henri Philippe Petain (1856 - 1951).
The street was once a swampland filled with vegetable gardens cultivated by Chinese farmers. In 1916, the swamps were drained and the farmers moved out, and the area was converted into a residential neighbourhood. It is here that architecture typical of 1920s Singapore can be seen at its best. Termed Singapore Eclectic or Chinese Baroque, the architecture is a blend of European, Malay, Indian and Chinese influences.
The row of 18 ornate terrace houses share the same characteristics - carved wooden eaves found in Malay houses, Indian-style stucco pillars, classical-inspired columns and pilasters, facades made up of colourful Spanish floral tiles and Chinese symbols in the bas-relief plasterwork depicting animals and flowers.
The covered five-foot walkway linking the houses is beautifully tiled. Look up at the well-preserved houses to espy the modesty" window. This is just above the heads of visitors and it opens out (unknown to the visitors) to allow the occupants to see who came a-calling. Take note also of the pintu pagar, the half-size swing doors fronting the main full-size doors. The half-doors had a practical use: they encouraged ventilation while affording the occupants privacy when the main door was kept open.
The back lanes of the houses are distinguished by a chute opening through which the residents would throw out garbage that would be swept out twice a day when the Rochor River tides came up. The chutes are no longer used although they are still evident.
