Therefore an alternative method of construction, possessing the qualities of being simpler, quicker, and less expensive, which was advanced by a well-known firm of engineers in Singapore, Messrs. Hargreaves, Riley and Co., upon the designs of Mr. O. P. Thomas, received the closest consideration. This scheme proposed a lighthouse constructed on piles, with the focal plane 92½ feet above water-level, wrought in ferro-concrete. The project was somewhat novel and daring, because, although this constructive principle had been adopted previously for stations upon the mainland, it had never been utilized in connection with exposed sea-lights. The system recommended was that known as the Hennebique, which had been employed extensively for buildings, bridges, sea-defences, and other works. The proposal was investigated thoroughly by the Hon. A. Murray, M.Inst.C.E., the Colonial Engineer and Surveyor-General for the Straits Settlements, and, as it met with his full approval, the work was handed over to the Singapore engineers to fulfil upon the lines advanced. The structure comprises the main building, including the living-quarters, supported upon piles disposed in two rings, an inner and an outer, about a central pile, the whole being well braced together. The shape is octagonal in plan. From the roof of the living-quarters, to which point the outer piles are carried vertically from the sea-bed, these members rise with an inward rake, forming an octagonal pyramid, with the lantern and its room below forming the apex. The underwater work was the most difficult, owing to the situation and the climatic conditions. Seeing that the nearest land is sixteen miles distant, it was impossible to carry the men to and from the scene of their labours every day when the weather permitted. A base was established on the coast for the preparation of materials and as a point for shipping all requirements to the site, but the men were accommodated with special facilities upon the spot. Here a temporary staging was built on piles, on which platform a large hut was erected to provide quarters for the men, as well as a workshop. The piles forming the main support to the building were made 50½ feet long, and hollow. The concrete, composed of broken granite and Portland cement, encased a steel skeleton, consisting of four longitudinal round steel rods, 1¾ inches in diameter, laid at the corners, and laced together with steel wire 3/16 inch thick. Eight of these piles were made 18 inches square, while nine were 24 inches square, and each was fitted with a pointed end to facilitate driving into the sea-bed.