Bubungan Dua Belas

House of Twelve Roofs
Bubungan Dua Belas
The building in 2015
General information
Status	Closed
Type	Historic site and residence
Architectural style	Colonial-Malay vernacular architecture
Address	Jalan Residency
Town or city	Bandar Seri Begawan
Country	Brunei
Coordinates	4°52′39″N 114°57′06″E / 4.87743°N 114.95156°E / 4.87743; 114.95156
Completed	July 1907 (1907-07)
Renovated	Since 2015
Technical details
Material	Wood
Other information
Parking	On site

The Bubungan Dua Belas (House of Twelve Roofs)^[1] is located about 1 mile (1.6 km) from south of Pusat Bandar of Bandar Seri Begawan and built in 1907,^[1] is a prominent example of Colonial and Malay Vernacular architecture. Originally serving as the official residence a total of 25 British Residents and High Commissioners during Brunei’s colonial period,^[2] the building showcases the unique blend of British colonial design with traditional Malay elements. Once a key diplomatic residence, the building is now closed for renovations, marking the end of its functional use while retaining its historical and architectural significance in Brunei’s landscape. Notably, it is one of the oldest buildings in the country.^[3]

In light of Brunei's relation with the United Kingdom, the British consulate building's history extends back to the middle of the 19th century. British Consul General Spenser St. John built a makeshift home in 1856 under Sultan Abdul Momin's rule, which was eventually renovated to a permanent building in 1858. Before it began to decay, this structure remained for almost thirty years.^[3] In December 1905 Sultan Hashim Jalilul Alam Aqamaddin allowed for a British Resident to be placed in Brunei. Malcolm Stewart Hannibal McArthur was appointed as the first British Resident of Brunei and in 1906 he had decided to build a new consulate on exactly the same spot following its rediscovery. The wooden building was completed by July 1907.^[4]

The new residency was held by McArthur and other Residents from 1907 to 1941 and again from 1946 to 1959. The structure housed the British High Commissioner's residence when the British Residency ended in 1959 and continued to do so until Brunei gained its independence in 1984.^[3] Over the years, a number of well-known British people have stayed at the Bubungan Dua Belas, including Princess Marina, Prince Philip, and Queen Elizabeth II, who made visits in 1952, 1959, and 1972.^[3]

The building withstood the chaos of World War II and was used by Japanese forces as their headquarters in 1941. Throughout Brunei's colonial and post-colonial eras, its historical value was preserved since it withstood Allied airstrikes and was not destroyed.^[3] Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin was cordially greeted by the Australian 9th Division upon his return to Brunei Town on 17 June 1945, following the liberation of Brunei by the Australian Army. in the British Army Headquarters in Bubungan Dua Belas, the Australian military commander arranged for him to be greeted with a Guard of Honour and served tea.^[5]

Following Brunei's independence, Bubungan Dua Belas was converted into a cultural centre. In 1998, as part of a collaboration between Brunei and the United Kingdom, it underwent another transformation and was formally inaugurated as an exhibition gallery by Queen Elizabeth II. Five primary galleries honoring Brunei's diplomatic ties with Britain were placed within the structure.^[5] The building was renovated in 2007,^[2] but due to repairs, the structure was closed to the public in 2013, and its future is still unknown. The museum was purportedly closed for repairs in 2015, and as of 2022, the work was still unfinished.^[6]

Though its name's origin is still unknown, Bubungan Dua Belas is known for its unusual architecture, especially for its characteristic tiered roofs. Perched atop Residency Hill, 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) south of Bandar Seri Begawan, this ideal site overlooks Kampong Ayer. Known as Brunei's oldest colonial remnant, the structure is a prime example of uncommon timber construction. Despite changes made for structural support and size alterations brought about by site limits, it still largely resembles the original design from when it was built. Raised on timber pillars, the building is made of imported Sandakan wood, with Kapur wood for the flooring and wooden shingles for the roof.^[3]

Bubungan Dua Belas's architecture blends aspects of traditional Malay and European style. The main entrance's flat roof opens onto a veranda that encircles the front of the structure and has ornate porch railings with Southeast Asian-inspired designs. The building's wood casement windows and walls add to the building's typical Malay house appearance. Historical records show that the original structure featured two bedrooms and a central living room, however there have been significant internal alterations. Additional rooms, including a dining room, reading room, and office, were added during 1948 renovations.^[3]

• List of museums in Brunei

• Bubungan Dua Belas: Notes on the History of Bubungan Das Belas, the British High Commissioner's Residence in Brunei. Brunei Museum. 1998.

• 100th anniversary of Bubungan dua belas is commemorated by Brunei postal services department