1. WHY CHOOSE SHOPHOUSES FOR OFFICE SPACE USE

Shophouse Office For Rent Singapore.

There is a significant and rising number of coworking spaces in the Central Business District. However, the charm of choosing a shophouse for office space remains for boutique financial companies or tech firms who prefer the unique blend of rich cultural heritage and vibe to fit their branding personality. Also, they enjoy the added privacy, control of the space, and branding in their own office. Definitely, it is more ideal to host your own clients and visitors without the need to beat other coworking colleagues in booking the meeting room. In terms of cost, the rental pricing for shophouses in Central Business District ranges from $5.50 psf onwards, depending on the location, interior condition, floor level, and if it comes with lift access. This is significantly lower than the typical rental price in a Grade A building nearby and might work out only slightly more expensive to having your own private room in a coworking space.

2.LOCATION OF SHOPHOUSE OFFICE FOR RENT

Most of the conservation shophouses are located in a few areas in Singapore. Mainly the CBD, Kampong Glam, Little India, Joo Chiat, and Geylang. And some residential shophouses can also be found in Orchard Road and other parts of Singapore. A lot of businesses choose to locate their office in the CBD because they have to be near to their clients or just to make travelling easy for their team. So the offices in the CBD are usually the most popular. Most of these premises are also in better condition. because a lot of the units are owned by corporate owners that have the experience and resources to maintain the properties better. Some of these owners also renovate the properties periodically. We can identify these units for you. There is another popular location for the shophouse office. That is the Kampong Glam area. However, these may be confined more to the Bugis area. , most people are attracted to this area because of its popular location. It is also very convenient for its train services and other public transportation options. The other location like Joo Chiat or Little India also attracts tenants that are looking for lower price options or they mainly serve clients in that area.

3.ADVANTAGES OF SHOPHOUSE OFFICE FOR RENT

Shophouse Office Space For Rent In Singapore

There are some differences if you compare the shophouse office to conventional office buildings. Firstly, most office buildings have a fixed timing for air-condition operating hours. This may not work well for SMEs that work after the usual hours most of the time. Because office buildings management charges for additional air condition operating hours. And it can be very expensive in most cases while shophouse occupiers enjoy the flexibility of their air condition operating hours. Shophouse also has a special old-world charm. Most people are attracted to this feeling of working in a place that has a history behind it. The facade of most shophouses also draws many people to this type of workspace. Another reason for people choosing the shophouses is the less serious atmosphere it gives. This is especially common for companies that are involved in creative work like media, music, and design.

4.COST OF SHOPHOUSE OFFICE FOR RENT

Beautifully Maintained Conservation Shophouse Office For Rent In Chinatown, Singapore

The cost of renting a shophouse office varies from location to condition. Most premises cost between $4,000 to $7,000 for a 1000 square feet space in an area like Amoy Street, Club Street, or Tanjong Pagar area. The major factors affecting the price mostly is the layout and renovation of the place. Conditions that will affect the rental price in shophouse units like outdoor terraces, fittings, and lift access. Some landlords also includes air condition power usage in the rental price. While some landlords offer free cleaning or pests control services. Other costs include your utilities, internet service, interior cleaning services, and your pest control.

5.FINDING YOUR IDEAL SHOPHOUSE OFFICE FOR RENT

How do you find the shophouse office that suits your needs? Firstly, is know how much space you need. Unlike most office buildings, the shophouse office is usually less regular in shape. The space may also include the toilets and pantry space. So it is better to hire a designer to assist you in space planning. Secondly, your neighbours may or may not be suitable for your business location. So having a realtor that is familiar with the local scene will help you navigate this. Thirdly is the condition of the premises. Depending on the owners of the place, some places may be in a lesser desirable condition compare to others. Having the right person to help you will also save you time from visiting properties that doesn’t fit your requirements. Finally, the rental price. A competent realtor will be able to advise you whether the place is overpriced or an estimated cost for fitting out the space. This will help you save time and possibly money for your move. In conclusion, finding your office for rent can be a time consuming and taxing event.

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1.Heritage Shophouses In Malaysia

While the preservation of historic shophouses suffered substantially in heavily developed states like Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, and Selangor, shophouses in Malacca and Penang (which state capitals, Malacca Town and George Town, gazetted as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2008) received more care and attention due to emerging historical preservation movements in both states, experiencing similar levels of rejuvenation as in Singapore. However, the gentrification of both cities led to older tenants of shophouses being driven out by the rising costs of renting or buying properties within historical districts. In 2012, the cost of buying a pre-World War II shophouse in George Town reached RM2,000 per square foot (US$660), equivalent to the price of the most expensive Kuala Lumpur city centre condominium units.

Shophouses In Different Countries: Six Main Shophouse Styles In Penang

There are six main shophouse styles in George Town, Penang. Each style has distinctive architectural and decorative features that represent the different periods in George Town’s history.

1.Shophouses In Different Countries: Early Penang Style (1790S – 1850S)

General Characteristics and Structure:

• Single or two storeys with five-foot way
• Simple in detail and low
• Lime plaster on structural brick wall and pillars
• Square pillars supporting slanting beam (rafter) with projecting eaves

2.Southern Chinese Eclectic Style (1840S – 1900S)

General Characteristics and Structure:

• Two, sometimes three storeys with five-foot way
• Taller than Early Penang Style shophouse, simple decoration, but more decorative by 1900s
• Lime plaster on structural brick wall and pillars
• Square pillars ending with Chinese pillar head (bracket)

3.Early Straits Eclectic Style (1890s – 1910s)

General Characteristics and Structure:

• Two, sometimes three storeys with five-foot way
• Similar height as Southern Chinese Eclectic Style, mixture of Chinese and European decorations
• Lime plaster on structural brick wall and pillars
• Square pillars ending with Chinese pillar heads and later European pillar heads (capitals)

4.Late Straits Eclectic Style (1910S – 1940S)

General Characteristics and Structure:

• Two or three storeys with five-foot way, sometimes with a compound garden
• Generally shorter in height, with intensive use of both Chinese and European decorations
• Lime plaster either on structural brick wall and pillars or reinforced concrete construction
• Square pillars ending with either Chinese pillar heads (brackets), European pillar heads (brackets), or capitals

5.Shophouses In Different Countries: Art Deco Style (1930S – 1960S)

General Characteristics and Structure:

• Two storeys with five-foot way and compound garden for residence
• Similar height to Late Straits Eclectic Style. Simplified architectural features with either horizontal or vertical emphasis
• Shanghai plaster finish over reinforced concrete (RC) construction of beams and pillars with cement or clay brick infill
• Pillars and beams de-emphasized and incorporated into façade

6.Early Modern Style (1950S – 1970S)

General Characteristics and Structure:

• Two storeys for individual shophouse, three storeys for corner shophouse, and three storeys for row-houses designed to look like one building, mixture of commercial and residential
• Same proportion as Art Deco Style, simplified clean linear functional features e.g. shading canopies and fins
• Lime or cement flat plaster finish over reinforced concrete (RC) construction of beams and pillars with cement or clay brick infill
• Façade design and structure merged
• Five-foot way sometimes without pillars (cantilever upper
  floor)

2.Shophouses In Hong Kong

Shophouses In Different Countries: Definition of Tong Lau and Tenement House

Tong Lau (functioning as singular and plural; 唐樓, literally, “Chinese building”) belongs to the generic urban shophouse typology found in predominantly Chinese cities in Southern China and Southeast Asia, such as Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Macau, Singapore, and Penang. It is a typology that has infused with material, construction, and living traditions of Southern Chinese in 19th-century urban centres, particularly towns and cities in Guangdong and Fujian provinces. The prototype of this typology is the 19th-century urban shophouse of Southern China. This paper focuses on Tong Lau of Hong Kong built before the Pacific War (1941-45).

Early Tong Lau in Hong Kong (Pre-statutory Control)

The earliest form of Hong Kong Tong Lau found on the island’s major Chinese settlements, one of which was Tai Ping Shan. Prior to the bubonic outbreak in 1894, the design of these buildings was broadly similar in appearance and construction to those found in towns and cities of Southern China during this period. In Mr. Chadwick’s Report on the Sanitation Condition of Hong Kong, there is a section on “Chinese Houses,” which describes in detail with illustrations the Tong Lau in Tai Ping Shan in the 1880s.

Differences between Early Tong Lau in Hong Kong and their Counterparts in Southern China

Shophouses In Different Countries: Although the architecture of early Tong Lau in Hong Kong was broadly similar to those in Southern China, Chadwick observed that there were noticeable differences due to “European influence and example, but principally to the necessity for economy of space on account of the high price of land and the great cost of preparing level sites for building”. This means that the local conditions did have an effect in transforming even the early Tong Lau, which featured decorative elements inspired by Western Classical architecture and, more significantly, were more compact than their Mainland counterparts.

3.Shophouses In Different Countries: Shophouses In Taiwan

Xinhua Old Street

Throughout Tainan City, you can find Japanese-era shop houses with Baroque-influenced facades. This was modernity to Japanese architects and the style spread throughout the region. While these buildings are randomly scattered throughout Tainan City, in Xinhua Township there is a two or three-block stretch where almost every building follows this style. The facades are in great condition and really showcase the antiquity of Japanese-era modernity. The township of Xinhua and the surrounding area have a long history. Before the Japanese period, Xinhua was called Tavocan. Tavocan was an area of the Siraya plains aborigines dating back to a time before the Dutch era. During the 1920s, Xinhua blossomed commercially, largely due to wholesale fruit.

Today, the street is still active with traditional shops. It is a tourist area, but not much is set up for tourism. The shops still have the same ordinary activity you’d see in any small town in Taiwan. The only difference is the sense of nostalgia people can feel both inside the shops and along the street. For me, the real treat of this area is the signage. Uniform signs are hung above every shop showing off old illustrations that were really meant to guide the illiterate with clear depictions of what was for sale inside (something that would be useful for me in Tainan). Many are beautiful examples of old graphic design work, and some are just downright comical.

4.Shophouses In Shanghai

Sinan Road: More than Just the Zhougongguan

Shophouses In Different Countries: Sinan Road, formerly known as Massenet Rue, is a well-known French-style road. A clean, romantic, one-way street, where the mansions on both sides of the street are almost all Old Shanghai-style ones. Whether they are styled after the English, French or Spanish mansions, they depict a living tale of urban history. Today’s Sinan Road not only preserves “Zhougongguan” to commemorate Zhou Enlai, it also maintains the former residences of Sun Yat-sen and his wife Song Qingling, and the “Mei Mansion” of Peking Opera master Mei Lanfang. It also preserved the Sinangongguan, which converted into a hotel and café restaurant, describing the history and years of old Shanghai. Source: Trip.com

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1.Shake Shack @ 89 Neil Road, Singapore

The 89 Neil Road Shack’s elegant design is inspired by the vibrant surrounding Chinatown and iconic colorful Peranakan architecture. The historic building retains the original neoclassical bones balanced by modern details. Such as soft pink and mint hues, rose-gold accents, and pink terrazzo. The airy interior anchored by a tiger mural harkening back to the building’s history as the former Tiger Balm factory. Singaporean artist, Sam Lo, created a striking façade mural inspired by the neighborhood with auspicious Chinese symbols like the Lucky Bat and Qilin, Malay roof eaves, and Peranakan tiling.

Two new concretes were created based on local flavors, and Eye of the Tiger features vanilla custard blended with lychee, raspberry, and shortbread, topped with lime zest. While Open Sesame is vanilla custard blended with black sesame paste and Plain Vanilla brownies, topped with black sesame seeds and gold-dusted chocolate. Supporting the local creative scene, 5% of sales from the Shack Attack concrete supports Very Special Arts Singapore (VSA), a non-profit organization providing opportunities for the disabled through arts.

2.Modern Shophouse Style: Apple Marina Bay Sands

Apple Marina Bay Sands creates a new distinctive presence on Singapore Bay. The 30-meter-diameter structure is a fully glazed dome with a black glass base. Complementing the sister pavilions through its scale and materiality. The design is the result of a close collaboration between Apple’s design teams and the integrated engineering and design team at Foster + Partners.

Structurally, the dome acts as a hybrid steel and glass shell, where the grid of steel sections supports the weight of the glass and shading. Also, the curved structural glass panels restrain the steel elements laterally and stiffen the overall form against lateral loads. Integrated solar shading devices keep the interior cool. Each of the 114 panels of glass is carefully selected to meet glazing indices as prescribed by BCA Green Mark. Singapore’s own sustainability rating system.

In fact, each of the multifunctional concentric light sunshade rings reduce in size. This is because they progress towards the top of the building, providing acoustic absorption for the store. More importantly, they diffuse and reflect daylight to the baffle above, creating a magical effect and dematerializing the structure. At the top, a semi-opaque oculus provides a dramatic shaft of light that travels through the space, reminiscent of the famous Pantheon in Rome.

3.Canvas House

Modern Shophouse Style: Ministry of Design has created completely white interiors for this co-living space, which occupies a traditional shophouse in Singapore. Situated at the heart of Singapore’s buzzing Tanjong Pagar neighborhood. Canvas House provides shared accommodation for creative locals and members of the ex-pat community. It takes over a four-storey shophouse. A type of building commonly seen around Southeast Asia. Which has a commercial business at its front and living spaces at its rear.

Locally based Ministry of Design completed the interiors of Canvas House, which soft-launched at the beginning of this year and already has a handful of tenants. Almost every surface painted white, an attempt by the practice to “provide a canvas” for any future aesthetic alterations that may carried out. Original surfaces, such as brickwork and timber stair treads, revealed here and there through circular incisions in the paintwork. The furniture, which mostly consists of vintage pieces, has similarly been painted white. These two feature areas where the original finish is allowed to show through.

4.Modern Shophouse Style: Esora Restaurant

Minimalist interiors draw attention to the open kitchen of this Japanese restaurant, which Takenouchi Webb has created inside an old Singapore shophouse. Decked out with pale timber surfaces and pared-back furnishings, Esora has been designed to give centre stage to the dining experience. Besides, it is located in Singapore’s River Valley district and was formerly a shophouse. A common building typology seen around Southeast Asia that combines a workplace with a residence.

The 26-cover restaurant will serve Kappo-style Japanese food under the guidance of chef Koizumi. Translating to “cut and cook”, Kappo involves a chef openly preparing a multi-course meal in front of diners so that they can observe and appreciate the culinary process. The ground floor now centred by a cooking space, which enclosed by an L-shaped wooden block of seating. Part of the flooring here lowered so that the chef must step down to use the prep counter, aligning his eye level with diners and fostering a more intimate atmosphere. Overhead is a semi-circular glazed opening that overlaid with Japanese washi paper. Diffusing natural daylight in what the studio describes as a “cloud-like” manner.

5.Niven Road Studio

Almost 20 years after buying a shophouse in a historic Singapore neighborhood. The local architect Maria Warner Wong and her team have converted the building into a new venue for art and design. Warner Wong bought the property in 1996. Seven years before her and business partner Wong Chiu Man established their architectural studio WOW Architects. At the time she thought she could replace the building with a new live/workspace for herself. The architect faced a few hurdles – the largest being that the building heritage listed in 2003, limiting the options for redevelopment. In the end, she decided to restore and extend the building to create a new cultural space for the city.

Named Niven Road Studio, the building is located in a residential neighborhood in the centre of the city. Between the busy Middle Road entertainment district and the quiet Mount Emily park community. It originally built as a shophouse. A historic building typology in Southeast Asia that typically contains a shop at ground level and a residence on one or two floors above. As many of Singapore’s old shophouses have now been demolished, those that remain are often granted heritage listings – prompting imaginative refurbishments. Recent examples include a house with a swimming pool in the centre and a cafe that specializes in eggs.

6.The Pool Shophouse

Modern Shophouse Style: Architecture studios FARM and KD Architects converted a 1920s shophouse in Singapore into a residence with a swimming pool stretched along the ground floor. Long, narrow shophouses are a typical building typology in Southeast Asia. Besides, the Pool Shophouse is one of eight renovated properties in the Lorong 24A Shophouse Series. For which various architects asked to adapt and extend properties in the Geylang neighborhood. The staircases they refer to zigzag back and forth through the house to connect the three existing floors with the four-storey extension, which contains bedrooms within its upper storeys. Narrow strips of lighting highlight the gaps between these new staircases and the exposed brick walls of the original building.

7.Hatched at Holland Avenue by Outofstock

Birds’ nests inspired the facade of this Singapore cafe by designers Outofstock, where eggs are served all day. The bright yellow web of rope matches the color of the seats outside. As well as the handle of the wooden door. Floorboard offcuts stacked up to create a bar on the ground floor and other surfaces are picked out in chunky chipboard. Irregularly shaped lighting fixtures decorate the walls on the upstairs floor. Which the architects liken to hatching eggs or peeled potatoes.

Located in a two-storey historical shophouse in Holland Village. The design of this egg-themed, all-day breakfast restaurant is based on the concept of a nest. The intention behind the design was to inject more color and playful elements into the new restaurant. Building upon the warm and cozy barn house atmosphere of the original establishment, also designed by Outofstock.

8.Modern Shophouse Style: The Periscope by VW+BS

The Periscope is an office building located in the Upper Circular Road conservation area in Singapore. Made up of warehouses and shophouses that serviced the commercial activity around the nearby Singapore River until the latter half of the 20th century. The area has recently undergone regeneration and the restored buildings now accommodate offices, hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Our site comprises a listed 19th-century shophouse that remodeled in the 1930s. It has road access along the front via a covered public walkway and pedestrian service access along the rear of the building. There are traces of both the 19th century and 1930s interventions and our addition positioned so that it reads as a distinct layer in addition to the historic ones. A two metre deep airwell separates the extension from the existing building. It ensures that light and ventilation is maintained throughout the deep building. A device borrowed from traditional shophouses in this region.

9.55 Blair Road by ONG&ONG

Modern Shophouse Style: 55 Blair Road produces a spatial experience that excites the senses by promoting light open plan living which is unusual to this type of terrace house. This residence brings a balance between nature and contemporary living in a renovation of a Heritage Art Deco style terrace. The concept is to create a light open plan living space, whilst promoting Inside/outside space. The contrasting relationship between the metallic elements and subtle tones within the house creates an exciting spatial relationship throughout. 55 Blair road project is a renovation and restoration to a traditional art deco style shophouse. Originally the house renovated 10 years ago. The new owner however believed it was too dark and desired more light in the living spaces.

10.Lorong 24A Shophouse Series – Unit No. 9

For No. 9, Liu & Wo Architects centred the redesign around the ideals of “lightness” and “connectivity”. Lightness of space and materiality achieved mainly by exposing the shophouse’s original structure. Such as the levels, roofing, and timber flooring. The key additions to No. 9 – the internal airwell, L-shaped pond, and black perforated metal staircase – also aligned with this intent. The unit’s visual permeability allows a visitor to view the entire span and depth of the shophouse from the main entrance. For example, in the more intimate quarters within, clear sliding doors and glazed walls maintain the feeling of an open and light-filled space.

11.Lorong 24A Shophouse Series – Unit No. 11

In No. 11, Linghao of Linghao Architects gave the shophouse unit a new rear extension with four floors and connected it to the original three-storey building with an open central courtyard. Thin steel bridges that crisscross the courtyard space join the upper levels of the house’s old and new parts. The bridges afford a different view depending on where you stand on them. Hence, there is always an interesting vantage point from which to appreciate glimpses of the house, framed against the backdrop of the city.

12.Lorong 24A Shophouse Series – Unit No. 13

Staircases often employed as the centerpieces in the homes he designs. Hence, it was perhaps unsurprising that Han Loke Kwang added not just one, but two of them in No. 13. Painted a fiery red, the founder and principal architect of HYLA Architects made the staircases impossible to miss against the white interiors of the house. Suspended over the island kitchen is the first staircase, which links the second storey to the attic. The second, nicknamed the “Red Dragon”. Found in the courtyard and spirals over four floors to link the ground level to the roof terrace.

13.Lorong 24A Shophouse Series – Unit No. 15

Rather than simply creating a space for art, as stated in the design brief, Ong Ker-Shing of Lekker Design decided to make the shophouse itself art. Blurring the lines between a gallery space, architectural sculpture, and residence, No. 15 is a marvelous whitewashed expanse composed of clean, simple lines. Boasting high ceilings and large walls, it is just as ideal to display art in as it is to inhabit it. Ong deliberately defied expectations to downplay the architectural qualities in order to not take attention away from the art displayed. For her, the house too, could conceive as a living work of art, in harmonious coexistence with the artworks it contains.

14.Modern Shophouse Style: Shang House

SHANG HOUSE is a pre-war conservation terrace house redesigned in collaboration with SCENE SHANG. It is part of the second set of homes in Figment’s flagship Case Study Homes series, launched Feb 2020.

About SCENE SHANG

SCENE SHANG inspires a new appreciation for history and heritage through award-winning contemporary homeware and furniture designs that are rooted in a rich Asian heritage. In the spirit of 1930s Shanghai in all its Art Deco glory, the SCENE SHANG aesthetic is a contemporary take on classic Chinese elements designed for the urban dwellings of today. SHANG HOUSE is the first of its kind for the homegrown furniture and homeware label. An exquisite conservation residential space to explore, dream, and interpret with their love for blending tradition with modern-day sensibilities.

Modern Shophouse Style: About SHANG HOUSE

SCENE SHANG brings their signature aesthetic to SHANG HOUSE while remaining sensitive to the context of the space. Located in the Balestier Conservation Area that has a history in rattan manufacturing. This restored pre-war terrace house features custom-made SCENE SHANG furniture with rattan elements. As well as special edition homeware and art that highlight the century-old facade of SHANG HOUSE. SHANG HOUSE features their signature SHANG system. The award-winning customizable, modular storage system with elements reminiscent of Ming Dynasty design.

15.Allenby House

Modern Shophouse Style: Allenby House at 40 Petain presents a pared-down mid-century modern take on the interior. Clean silhouettes of the steel and rattan furniture marry form and function, allowing them to be lightweight and mobile. The black details of the furnishing and granite floor give a modern look and feel. Interjected with textures and just a dash of print and color to liven up the space. Keeping accessories and ornaments to a minimum, we opted for greenery and a statement art piece for the walls. This is an iconic and beautifully conserved Late-style shophouses along Petain Road. While the facades feature ornamental European architectural styles and motifs of the East, the interiors are an eclectic mix of styles that feel unique and personal.

16.Modern Shophouse Style: Ambon House

Enter your oasis in Ambon House on Emerald Hill greeted with lush bamboo, away from the bustle of city life. You wouldn’t think you’re only 15 minutes away from town. With unique room layouts, Ambon House gives lots of privacy for a quiet retreat. Kick back and go for a dip at the rooftop pool. The furnishing inspired by the mid-century modern era. With warm colors that call to mind cinnamon and sandalwood, common spices in the region. The house, like other houses along Emerald Hill, named after one of the Spice Islands in today’s far-east Indonesia. The value of spices meant that this area of Emerald Hill developed into a nutmeg orchard. Get ready for super comfy, super private co-living spaces.

17.Banda House

Modern Shophouse Style: Visitors to Banda House will immediately sense its comfortable vibes. The house has layered half floors, characteristic of shophouses. With the kitchen and dining room, tucked away from the entryway and living room. A little outdoor seating area is also available on the lower floor. As a nod towards Chinese and Peranakan aesthetics, which Emerald Hill is known for. The furniture has intricate and rustic details that add to the character of the house. Heading up, the timber frames and panels around doors and in rooms give a cozy feel.

18.Modern Shophouse Style: Cavenagh House

If traditional is too stuffy and contemporary is too out there, Cavenagh House along Petain Road might be perfect for you. Bringing together traditional elegance and contemporary lines, we let the furniture do the talking. Come home to a comfortable Lawson leather sofa or laze on the chaise lounge. The wooden floor, earth-toned rugs, and varied upholstery bring a tasteful coziness to the space. Cross the indoor pond to the dining area with a large marble table and high ceiling above. Both perfect for hosting friends.

This is an iconic and beautifully conserved Late-style shophouses along Petain Road. While the facades feature ornamental European architectural styles and motifs of the East. Thus, the interiors are an eclectic mix of styles that feel unique and personal.

19.Dicot House

Modern Shophouse Style: Featuring an easy, no-frills design with some textures to mix things up. Decked with modular everyday furniture that is loose and flexible. You can easily move the pieces around for a different layout that suits your needs. Plywood and steel give an industrial feel, complemented by warm and soothing colors. Smaller rooms with shared bathrooms are perfect for those who want to keep their resting space simple and minimal and use common areas for work and leisure. All rooms have a study desk and chair.

20.Modern Shophouse Style: Kongsi House

Kongsi House, named in a nod to the idea of clan organizations and social clubs for Chinese immigrants originating from the same province. In the past, they helped the newly arrived overcome economic difficulty and social ostracism. Today, kongsi continue to symbolize a deep spirit of cooperation and the consideration of mutual welfare. This house pays homage to the entrepreneurial spirit of Ong Sam Leong. Its address’s namesake, and a prominent member of several kongsi. Imagining a home fit for the industrious businessman who lived in the late 19th century. A brooding, serious-minded space ripe for both living and working – provided the vision for the house.

The high-ceilinged communal lounge on the first floor is airy and functional. Featuring a sitting area and a long dining table perfect for both formal meetings and casual gatherings. Also, a cozy corner banquette for more private affairs. The lattice panels along the upper walls are a decorative take on Chinese folding screens, a subtle nod to Ong’s orient roots. Fully furnished and self-sufficient, the rooms in the home are true studios. Besides an ensuite bathroom and kitchenette, washing machines also found within each private living space for members’ personal use.

As with the communal space downstairs, each studio features dark wood furniture in vintage silhouettes. Special thought was put into selecting the study desk and chair. Not only are they handsome and eminently usable. But, they are also unique so no two rooms share the same furniture piece.

21.Library House

Modern Shophouse Style: Designed in 1916, this terrace house was once owned by an investment banker. Inspired by this, we’ve created Library House, combining a cozy work and study area, fully-furnished studios, restful views, and lots of books. The common living area fitted with cozy armchairs and side tables, perfect for meetings, phone calls, or just a quiet read. Shelves of books on photography, art, and travel are available for Figment members’ perusal, courtesy of the owner.

The long dining table can also turn into a workspace, with a printer and fridge nearby. An additional bar table facing the bonsai tree is also available for those who prefer smaller nooks. With ensuite bathrooms and a kitchenette in every room, you can also choose to stick around your own private space. The Centrepoint is a 5-minute walk away if you want to head outside.

This corner house and those from 64 to 72 Emerald Hill designed by Johannes Bartholomew (Birch) Westerhout for Puey Soo Keng. Renovation works done from 1991 to 1992 included the addition of a new rear extension, which earned the Good Effort Award in 1994. The precursor of today’s esteemed Architectural Heritage Awards.

22.Modern Shophouse Style: Monochrome House

32 Petain features a minimal retro feel. White walls and furniture are met with pops of color. Framed movie posters hang from the living and dining room walls. Wooden doors with gold knobs reminiscent of old-school elevators make an inviting entrance with a hint of personality. Besides, this is an iconic and beautifully conserved Late-style shophouses along Petain Road. While the facades feature ornamental European architectural styles and motifs of the East, the interiors are an eclectic mix of styles that feel unique and personal.

23.Monocot House

Modern Shophouse Style: Featuring an easy, no-frills design with some textures to mix things up. Decked with modular everyday furniture that is loose and flexible. You can easily move the pieces around for a different layout that suits your needs. Plywood and steel give an industrial feel, complemented by warm and soothing colors. Smaller rooms with shared bathrooms are perfect for those who want to keep their resting space simple and minimal and use common areas for work and leisure. All rooms have a study desk and chair.

24.Modern Shophouse Style: Still House

Located on Singapore’s ‘most colorful street’, STILL HOUSE is a respite from the eclectic neighborhood of Joo Chiat. Restfulness and simplicity are at the core of this pastel pink terrace house. Playing with shape and form, Studio Juju worked with rounded edges, a muted color scheme, and natural materials. Hence, create a pleasant and welcoming abode that is gentle on the senses. Accents of color added on doors and in the choice of wall art, including pieces by Wu Yanrong and Enzo Mari.

25.Sturdee House

For those who enjoy neutrals and wood tones, Sturdee House is a delight. Probably dating to the 1950s, this Modern Shophouse Style uses concrete with no decorative tiles, presenting a more minimal facade. For example, inside, greys, browns, and black choose for the white brick, accented with rugs, throws, and different wooden furnishings. Enjoy a clean and cozy feel in your studio with your own desk/workspace. Or, head to the ground floor for some alfresco dining.

Inspired by the natural tones of Sturdee House, it furnished with a variety of wood. Also, the suites also named after wood found in the region. Binjai and Angsana suites have open-air bathrooms and the balcony of Angsana faces the street. Tembusu and Seraya have large windows, while Banyan offers great privacy up in the attic. Source: figment

26.Urban-bohemian, Loft-inspired Conservation Shophouse

Modern Shophouse Style: Masculine lines and a neutral palette create a city retreat in this conservation shophouse in River Valley. Designed by Irene Toh of Spacious Planners, the home has an urban-bohemian, loft-inspired style to it. Homeowners Sarita Sies and her Slovak husband Michal Tyles decorated with paintings from Indonesia to jazz up the neutral palette. A happy mix of wood and plastic seats surround the dining table, adding variety to the decor. The couple also opted for maximum simplicity with their sparse stainless steel kitchen.

27.Multi-million Dollar Peranakan Style Conservation Shophouse

Rented by Elizabeth Acland and her fiance, this conservation shophouse is every bit as beautiful inside as it is outside. Situated along Emerald Hill, it retains some of its Peranakan heritage in fixtures and architectural features. The spacious living room is bright and airy, with high ceilings and light-colored finishes. Soft furnishings and fabrics beautify the home further. In addition, a focal point is the beautifully-carved display cabinet built into the wall, which the couple now uses to store their stemware collection.

28.Refurbished Shophouse with A Japanese-Scandi Theme

Modern Shophouse Style: In a corner of Joo Chiat rests this 3,000sqf conservation shophouse. Home to Tsok Wui Chong and Catherine Ong Ling of Md. Ma Design Consultants. The double-storey estate revamped to give it a contemporary zest without compromising on the beauty of its original architecture. The result: a cross between Japanese and Scandinavian decor amidst vintage tones. Besides, rocky slabs of bricks and pebbled ground introduce some vibrancy to the quaint corner garden. Rustic bamboo strips add to the Oriental style of the space, and nostalgic, geometric floor tiles balance out the modern finishes.

29.Two-storey Restored Shophouse with Lots of Character and Vintage Knick-knacks

This Joo Chiat shophouse has a clean and contemporary design, layered with organic vintage pieces and decorated with quirky knick-knacks. Despite having vastly different tastes (one being partial to contemporary and colorful. The other preferring vintage), homeowners Eng Kwee and his wife Hwee Min reached a happy compromise with the design of the house. A highlight of the home is the spot beside their pool, lit by gorgeous daylight and cooled by natural ventilation.

30.Elegant Colonial Shophouse with Modern Interiors

Modern Shophouse Style: The well-balanced look in this colonial shophouse creates a sense of formality, tradition, and visual harmony. Restored by local studio Pencil Office, it takes on a decorative and stylish feel. Behind a wooden screen with a chic zig-zag pattern lies an open-concept living room with screed concrete floors and industrial-style brick walls. The living area, which used to be an open-air courtyard. Also, furnished with the original sculptural murals and wall paneling, coated entirely in white for a modern look.

Also part of the original structure is the brick wall, which the homeowners turned into an art wall. The imposing look of the heritage building further enhanced by a live-edge wooden table, complemented by vintage-style lamps.

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URA Shophouse Guidelines: Key Elements of the Shophouse

The conservation guidelines for shophouses and terrace houses relate to the key elements of the typology of the building. Constructed between 1840 and 1960, these simple buildings are two- to three- storeys high. Built-in contiguous blocks with common party walls. In fact, the design and material of the shophouses and terrace houses vary according to the architectural style of the building. Singapore shophouses fall into six styles. They are the Early Shophouse, the First Transitional Shophouse, the Late Shophouse, the Second Transitional Shophouse, the Art Deco Shophouse, and the Modern Shophouse.

1.Roofs

URA Shophouse Guidelines: Roofs pitched and finished with overlapping V-profile or flat natural color unglazed clay tiles. Besides, laid on timber battens, and bonded with mortar. Where the tiles end at the edge of the front and rear shophouse roofs, they often covered with a timber fascia complete with galvanized iron gutters and downpipes. In fact, roofs waterproofed using bituminous asphalt, galvanized iron flashing, and copings.

2.URA Shophouse Guidelines: Party Walls

Party walls are principal load-bearing walls that demarcate one shophouse from its neighbor. The party walls normally protrude approximately 30cm above the roof of the shophouse and break the continuous length of the shophouses into individual lots. Besides, party walls are constructed of bricks laid out in continuous stretcher bond courses. The internal surfaces of the party walls are usually unpierced and unadorned. To ensure structural stability, the base of the party wall is thickened. Hence, transfer the dead-load to the base of the foundation.

3.Timber Structural Members

URA Shophouse Guidelines: The timber structural members include the main timber beams, the secondary timber beams, the timber floorboards, and the timber rafters. The main timber beams are key horizontal structural members that run parallel to the facade, spanning from one party wall to the other. In fact, they are usually made of chengal, a hardwood timber that is resistant to the dead-load transferred from upper floors.

Besides, the secondary timber beams supporting the timber floorboards for the upper floors serve as horizontal structural members to evenly distribute the dead and live load from the upper floors to the party walls. The timber floorboards are thin horizontal structural members laid horizontally on the secondary beams and joined to one another by the traditional tongue and groove method. Timber rafters inclined structural members supporting the pitched roof. Thus, they are in turn supported by timber purlins or roof beams spanning between the party walls.

4.Air wells

URA Shophouse Guidelines: Air wells positioned between sections of the tiled roofs. They open directly to the sky to provide natural ventilation and lighting to the interior. Hence, the air wells lend interest to the spatial experience of shophouses by offering alternating naturally-lit spaces.

5.URA Shophouse Guidelines: Rear Court

The rear court is an open space at the back of the shophouse bounded by the rear boundary wall, the service block, the rear facade of the main part of the shophouse, and the party wall. The juxtaposition of these elements produces several different rear court configurations.

Besides, the windows in the walls facing the rear court allow light to penetrate into the interior of the shophouse. They are normally casement windows of a design compatible with the windows on the front facade. The existing doors on the rear facade are either timber doors or original metal (mild steel) doors.

6.Timber Windows

URA Shophouse Guidelines: Shophouse windows include the timber windows of a French or casement design. French windows, found on the upper storey façade, are full-height, side-hung and double-shuttered. And, may feature transom windows or fanlights above them. The timber post and rail or cast-iron balustrades are part of the original design of the French windows. However, casement windows are only half the height of French windows, with openings starting at the balcony rail height. Casement windows on the first storey, unlike those on the upper storeys that swing outwards. It always open inwards and recessed to allow for the installation of security devices.

7.URA Shophouse Guidelines: Timber Staircase

Internal staircase arrangements vary between shophouses and range from straight and dog-leg designs to curved quarter and half-turn designs. Besides, balusters and newel posts often ornately detailed and reflect early Dutch influences. Handrails made of polished hardwood.

8.Front Facade

The shophouse facade has six distinct elements:

(i)URA Shophouse Guidelines: Upper Floor

The Upper Floor that projects over the five-foot way to form a covered pedestrian arcade.

(ii)Columns

The Columns at the front of the building that form the five-foot way colonnades and support the upper floors.

(iii)URA Shophouse Guidelines: Five-foot Way

URA Shophouse Guidelines: The Five-foot Way which serves as a sheltered space for social activities and for circulation. It is an important element that contributes to the experience of walking through a conservation area. Besides, the elements that contribute to the experience are the floor, colonnade, residential or shopfront, and the ceiling. In order to retain the traditional character of the five-foot way. The original height of the covered walkway, the design, and the size of the columns to retain.

In addition, the retention or reintroduction of the traditional materials and finishes of the five-foot way encouraged. Traditional finishes for the five-foot way floors. Such as cement screed, terra cotta tiles, clay tiles, cement terrazzo, mosaic, marble-chip terrazzo, or granite slab. The five-foot way often features granite edging parallel to the roadside drain and granite steps. Tile patterns used on the five-foot way sometimes repeated on the front wall of the shophouse. It is either ending as a skirting or under the window to form a decorative wall.

Where the existing floor finishes are not original, traditional materials are to consider. The selection of the floor finishes preferably matches the architectural style of the shophouses. For instance, it is common for Early Style shophouses to have red-colored cement. Such as screed with gridded rope indentations and granite edge slabs. Art Deco shophouses may have marble-chip terrazzo finish in a variety of colors or mosaic finish. Therefore, it is untraditional for five-foot ways to finish in ceramic tiles or slate.

(iv)Timber Windows

The Timber Windows on the upper storeys evenly spaced across the facade. Also, they are either French windows or casement windows with timber shutters, louvred shutters hinged on the timber window frames.

(v)URA Shophouse Guidelines: Roof 

URA Shophouse Guidelines: The Roof finished with natural color unglazed V-profile or flat clay tiles. It is complete with a timber fascia and galvanized iron gutters and downpipes. The pitched roofs supported by timber purlins which are set onto the load-bearing party walls.

The Shophouse Styles comprise the Early Shophouse Style, First Transitional Shophouse Style, Late Shophouse Style, Second Transitional Shophouse Style, and the Art Deco Shophouse Style. The shophouse facade features one of these six basic styles.

(vi)First Storey

URA Shophouse Guidelines: The First Storey may be a residential front or an open shop front. Residential fronts characterized by a double-leafed timber door flanked on both sides by timber casement windows. Or, by two double leafed timber doors and a timber casement window. The main door often has a pair of half-doors, known as ‘pintu pagar’, which often intricately carved. Besides, the timber-framed windows usually have timber paneled shutters, which open inwards, and vertical iron security bars.

Shopfronts have a range of traditional features. For example, demountable timber shutter boards, timber or metal sliding and folding doors, or glass display cases. Access doors incorporated into the shopfronts and these may be single or double-leafed. Besides, glazed or timber-paneled, louvred, or of rail and stile design.

(vii)URA Shophouse Guidelines: Forecourt

Some residential terrace houses also feature a Forecourt. In fact, the forecourt is an important feature that gives spatial and green relief to the usual narrow street lined with traditional houses. Some forecourts feature ornamentation on walls and gateposts and have decorative gates and entrance arch with lamps. Source: URA

Conservation Guidelines

In the Singapore context, conservation guidelines applied in different degrees to the different groups of conservation areas taking into consideration their historical significance. The context of the surrounding developments, and the long-term planning intention for each area.

• Historic Districts: For example, Boat Quay, Chinatown, Kampong Glam and Little India
• Residential Historic Districts: Blair Plain, Cairnhill, and Emerald Hill
• Secondary Settlements: For example, Balestier, Beach Road, Geylang, Jalan Besar, Jalan Jurong Kechil, Joo Chiat. Besides, Mount Sophia, River Valley, Tanjong Katong, Upper Circular Road, and Tiong Bahru

This document provides the conservation principles, planning parameters. Also, restoration guidelines for conserved shophouse and bungalow building typologies. Besides, as well as planning parameters and envelope control guidelines for new buildings within conservation areas. Owners, architects, and engineers intending to carry out restoration works or development within conservation areas. They required to comply with the guidelines accordingly. For other building types, which do not conform to the standard shop house or bungalow typology. These will be evaluated on a case by case basis in accordance with conservation principles1.

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1.Colorful Shophouses In Singapore: Baba House

Built around 1895, 157 Neil Road is a three-storey townhouse located in Singapore’s historic district of Blair Plain. A Peranakan* heritage house with exhibits just as vibrant as its bright blue exterior, NUS Baba House is a fantastic journey into the early 20th century home of a prominent Straits Chinese family. Once the ancestral home of a Peranakan Chinese family, namely the Wee family, the property acquired by the National University of Singapore (NUS) in 2006 with funds donated by Ms Agnes Tan in memory of her late father Tun Tan Cheng Lock, a Malaysian businessman and community leader.

In 2007, a project undertake to restore 157 Neil Road for presentation as a heritage house that contextualizes Peranakan Chinese material culture and aesthetics within a domestic setting. The interior setting takes visitors on an experiential trip into a Peranakan Chinese family home of the early 20th century. NUS Museum, NUS Department of Architecture, the Urban Redevelopment Authority, and The Peranakan Association of Singapore were the main partners in the conservation project. The house renamed NUS Baba House when it reopened in September 2008. NUS Baba House is part of the NUS Centre For the Arts and managed by NUS Museum.

Careful Restoration

After a two-year restoration, NUS Baba House opened in 2008. Today, it managed by the university, which sent in researchers to preserve its exterior and interiors architecture, including furnishing and household wares. Archaeologists and art historians from the university had the opportunity to carry out excavations and a study on the iconography of the building’s ornamentation.

Rich Glimpses

You’ll find these artifacts among the more than 2,000 Peranakan antiques and decorative items displayed on the first and second floors. Don’t miss the temporary exhibitions on Peranakan themes at the gallery on the third floor.

Tip: Visits to NUS Baba House, are strictly by appointment, and visitors required to sign up in advance for a heritage tour.

2.Chinatown Heritage Centre

Colorful Shophouses In Singapore: Located within three beautifully-restored shophouses on Pagoda Street. The Chinatown Heritage Centre is a time capsule that holds stories of Singapore’s past. Dedicated to documenting and recreating the lives of Chinatown’s earliest residents. The space comprises six galleries, conserved living spaces, and a range of immersive experiences.

Colorful Shophouses In Singapore: A Step Back In Time

At the heritage centre, you’ll be able to step back in time and gain insight into the lives of the traders, laborers, and immigrants who called Singapore. Also, the bustling Chinatown district—their home. Facets of these pioneers’ lives are rendered in painstaking detail. Besides, ranging from their humble ‘eight by eight’ living quarters to objects that tell stories of love, sacrifice, and triumph. Visitors to Chinatown Heritage Centre will be able to retrace the journey of those who left their villages in China. Furthermore, escaping famine, flood, and civil unrest to find a better life in Singapore. Their journeys and their lives in Singapore can be experienced through a range of multisensory exhibits and interactive narratives.

Multi-sensory Experiences

Visitors will be able to step into the shoes of iconic Chinatown characters from the 1950s. Also, engage in seasonal craft workshops and explore the centre with multimedia guides. The guides are available in English, Mandarin, French, and Japanese. Olfactory displays of pungent opium and fragrant spices will bring you a whiff of the past, while larger-than-life photography props provide explorers with a fully immersive experience.

Besides its exhibits, the space holds various workshops and story-telling sessions for visitors who are on their own voyage of discovery. Those looking to bring home a memento or two can pick up a range of books, postcards, and prints by local artists like Patrick Yee and Francis Wong Hooe Wai.

3.Colorful Shophouses In Singapore: Clarke Quay/ Boat Quay

Boat Quay is one of the major nightlife spots in Singapore, but this was not always the case. Located between tourist-magnet Clarke Quay and the largely residential Robertson Quay. Boat Quay is the social waterfront directly in front of the Central Banking District’s banking and financial towers. Currently, Boat Quay is undergoing a massive revamp that is scheduled to complete at the end of the year. Also, will result in a significant amount of waterside seating available to the public. As opposed to being forced to patronize the bars and restaurants that previously occupied the riverbank.

These days, the only boats that you will see on the Singapore River are the bumboats that run tours and serve as river taxis. The old shophouses and warehouses are now home to popular restaurants, bars. And, other entertainment venues that are frequented by the professionals that work in the CBD area, and tourists. Their colorful facades serve as a reminder of the importance of Boat Quay in Singapore’s history.

4.House of Tan Teng Niah

Colorful Shophouses In Singapore: This vividly colorful house constructed in 1900 by a local businessman named Tan Teng Niah. At the time, the neighborhood was an industrial zone. Tan’s candy and rubber factories were located nearby. Besides, many of Singapore’s ethnic-Chinese businessmen lived in similar villas.

Amid Singapore’s rapid economic growth and social change during the 20th century. The neighborhood evolved into what is now known as Little India. Most of the old merchant houses razed to make way for modern commercial buildings and sleek skyscrapers. However, the Tan Teng Niah house survived. And during the 1980s, it underwent a full restoration to what people see today. Believed to be the last such house in existence, it now preserved under landmark status from the National Heritage Board.

Colorful Shophouses In Singapore: Colorful Historic Villa

Although the house’s historical background is interesting, the key to its popularity among locals and visitors is its current appearance. The exterior painted in a rainbow riot of vivid colors, with every element. Each individual slat, molding, panel, and pilaster—in a different hue than its neighbor. An array of sky blue, avocado green, traffic-cone orange, highlighter yellow, and nail-polish pink shades adorn the house. Further embellishments beyond the psychedelic color-palette include gilded Chinese calligraphy, intricate floral lunettes, and a bamboo-tiled roof.

The house now used as a commercial space. And recent tenants have included a pharmacy and a business training school. Quite the ordinary activities, within one of the most extraordinary buildings in Singapore. The house of Tan Teng Niah is located at 37 Kerbau Road, a block away from Little India MRT Station.

5.Kampong Glam/ Arab Street

Historically one of Singapore’s oldest urban quarters. Kampong Gelam is a neighborhood where age-old traditions and trendy lifestyle come together in a heady blend. The word ‘kampong’ means “compound in Malay, while “gelam” refers to the long-leaved paperbark tree. It commonly found in the area and used for boat-making, medicine, and even as a seasoning for food. The district has a history that dates back to Singapore’s colonial era. The era when Sir Stamford Raffles allocated the area to the Malay, Arab and Bugis communities. Since then, the area has evolved into a haunt for hip travelers and connoisseurs of culture alike.

A world of culture and heritage

As you explore this historic district, let the golden dome of the majestic Sultan Mosque be the landmark that guides you along its busy streets and bustling byways. Built-in 1824 by Sultan Hussein Shah, this magnificent place of worship is one of Singapore’s most prominent religious buildings. Tours of the mosque’s grounds are available in a variety of languages.

For a deeper dive into the district’s history, pay a visit to the Malay Heritage Centre. This institute of Malay heritage sits on the grounds of a former palace and boasts six permanent galleries. Also, as well as a range of exciting cultural activities. Get a glimpse into the intricacies of seafaring and traditional Malay seafaring vessels. Besides, learn about Kampong Gelam’s status as a regional printing hub. Also, admire a range of beautifully-preserved artifacts once used by royalty. Street art aficionados in search of inspiration should also consider a visit to Gelam Gallery. Our island’s first outdoor gallery is home to 30 works of street art and wall murals by local and international artists.

6.Colorful Shophouses In Singapore: Koon Seng Road/Joo Chiat

Colorful Shophouses In Singapore: The culturally-rich Joo Chiat and Katong areas are a gem to explore. Also, their highlights include these colorful shophouses which are bursting with character. Take your Instagram game to the next level with the iconic shophouses along 7 Koon Seng Road. Originally built in the 1920s, these pastel-colored structures were once inhabited by Peranakan Chinese. Peranakan are Straits-born people of Chinese and Malay/Indonesian heritage. The colorful shophouses which can be seen in the intricate detailing, motifs, and tiles adorning each home. Known to feature some of Singapore’s prettiest houses, this street has attracted an international audience. Hence, you may get the chance to rub shoulders with other photographers and tourists alike while you’re there. Step onto the five-foot way for a closer look at the intricate motifs and oriental flourishes. Source: Travel_Instinct

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1.Shophouse Investment In Singapore: Strategic Location

Shophouse Investment In Singapore: So you’re a hard-nosed property investor, who not swayed by things like historical value or clever, ironically-named cafes. Well if you go back to the root of property value – location – there’s no denying shophouses have it. Shophouses along Katong are located in the middle of a gentrifying food paradise, and shophouses in the Holland Village area have quick access to nightlife, retail, and dining. Meanwhile, shophouses in places like Boat Quay are, as we’ve pointed out above, in the heart of Singapore.

There are so many shophouses located in a well built-up or central area, that it’s hard to go wrong when picking one. You can look up shophouses in prime locations, but act fast – a shophouse (especially ones with conservation status) tends to sell quickly once it becomes available on the market.

2.Many Shophouses Are Protected

Shophouse Investment In Singapore: Many shophouses have been given conservation status. Historic districts with conserved shophouses include Boat Quay, Chinatown, Kampong Glam, Little India, Blair Plain, Cairnhill, and Emerald Hill. For conserved shophouses, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has put in place certain restrictions and rules on renovations, such as having to seek clearance before any air-conditioning can be installed. Although this can prove a hassle for shophouse owners and tenants, it’s overall a positive thing for investors. When the government takes back land for roads, MRT stations, or other use, they have an obligation to try to leave the conserved shophouses untouched.

3.A Lot Of Space, Despite Being In Built-up Areas

Shophouse Investment In Singapore: When you think of living or working spaces in built-up areas, such as the CBD, Chinatown, or Joo Chiat, you’re probably thinking of small spaces. There aren’t many new developments that can be crammed into these already packed areas. The good news is, shophouses in this area long before they got so packed. That gives you a lot of room (often at least 1,200 square feet) despite being close to major amenities.

4.A Conserved Shophouse Happens To Be Very Rare

Shophouse Investment In Singapore: There are only around 6,500 shophouses under conservation in Singapore. If you’re considering the more ornate shophouses with ornamentation and elaborating tiling, there are even fewer of them standing. What this means is that the shophouses have scarcity value (there’s a reason gold costs more than steel). And as time goes by, scarcity value can only increase, reflecting the sense of prestige and privilege in owning a sizeable piece of national history.

5.Many Shophouses Are In Central Locations

Shophouse Investment In Singapore: In places like Chinatown, Telok Ayer, or Amoy Street, shophouses often used as an alternative office space. They especially favoured by startups or small companies that want a location within or near the Central Business District (CBD) but cannot afford the higher rental rates of conventional offices. Most shophouses provide a rental yield of between 2.5 to 2.7% according to Colliers International; but there are occasionally boutique firms – such as design agencies – willing to fork out more for units that flow with their unorthodox, hipster-ish vibe.

Investors have long been aware of this. Hence, there has constant demand for shophouses within or near the CBD. Case in point: In 2010, a row of five shophouses (112 to 116 Amoy Street) sold for $24.5 million. In 2011 – yes, that’s one year later – the same units sold for $34.3 million. And that’s not the end of it: 8M Real Estate bought the same shophouses for $50 million in 2014 — more than double the 2010 price paid.

6.Shophouse Investment In Singapore: Shophouses Can Hold Their Value

Much like fine wine or art, shophouses provide a cultural value that’s not always easy to quantify. Moreover, a combination of the prestige that comes with owning a shophouse. Along with the scarcity of these properties, helps them to hold value even during downturns. For example, in 2015, when the property market was still in a slump. Spanish tycoon Ricardo Portabella Peralta paid around $2,600 psf for two shophouses near the Telok Ayer MRT station. The total price ($18.2 million) is still one of the highest recorded transactions in the area. This proving that shophouses can hold their value even in a weak market.

7.Shophouses Give Presence To A Business Entity

Shophouse Investment In Singapore: It’s not usually hard to find a business tenant for a shophouse, because of its unique character. The location of a business reflects on its philosophy and character (it’s the “flavour” of the business, if you like). And, it’s hard to pull that off in some locations. Malls and office buildings tend to have a standardized, modern-looking design and interior.

To understand the boost a shophouse can give to businesses, consider the famous Chye Seng Huat Hardware (a deliberately misnamed cafe-eatery located in a shophouse). The establishment’s retro-industrial image would be hard to pull off authentically in a shopping mall. Even if that had been possible, some stone-faced mall manager would probably take issue with the name and disallow it. In terms of homes, shophouses let you create living spaces that are harder. Or sometimes impossible, to achieve with cookie-cutter condo units. If you like the loft aesthetic, for instance, you can create it easily with a shophouse.

8.Shophouse Investment In Singapore: One-of-a-kind Architectural Features

Some shophouses have an open front or rear courtyard. This is an architectural boon that provides a perfect setting for family gatherings. Some might also have an air well in the middle of the shophouse. Besides allowing natural light to enter and optimizing air circulation (essential before the days of air-conditioning). Owners can also implement unusual features such as an indoor Zen garden or a giant water feature. One thing’s for sure, your interior designer will be as excited as a kid in a candy shop. Source: 99.co

Recent Trends In The Shophouse Market

In general, prices of shophouses have remained stable, with a few stand-out assets traded at higher price points. In recent years, there are more shophouses put up for sale by families who have owned these properties for generations and are looking to divest and redistribute the funds. Most of these families had used the premises either as residences or offices. After moving or selling the business, they would be looking to make better use of their funds by cashing out as they no longer need the premises.

There also appears to be a major shift in tenant profiles in shophouses, with strong demand from established F&B tenants and businesses keen to explore non-conventional office layouts and who like the feel of being in a low-rise heritage building. Owner-occupiers also like the flexibility of being able to operate their businesses 24/7 out of a shophouse as well as the convenience of surrounding amenities. Shophouses in the CBD continue to remain popular with buyers due to their prime locations. That said, there is growing interest in shophouses in city-fringe locations. Such as Jalan Besar, Kampong Glam, Little India, and in the east. Specifically along East Coast Road and Joo Chiat Road.

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Old Shophouses In Singapore: Kreta Ayer

The Malay name Kreta Ayer (or Niu Che Shui, 牛车水) comes from the ox-drawn water carts that used to deliver water to the area. In the 19th century, this predominantly Cantonese area known for round-the-clock entertainment with a concentration of teahouses, opera theatres, and brothels. Today it is best known for its Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn celebrations, street market and bustling atmosphere.

1.Former Great Southern Hotel 旧南天大酒店

Address: 70 Eu Tong Sen Street

This former hotel designed by architectural firm Swan & Maclaren and was once regarded as the Raffles Hotel of Chinatown. Popular with high society including celebrities from Hong Kong and China, it was once the tallest building in the area and was the first Chinese hotel in Singapore to boast a lift service.

2.Old Shophouses In Singapore: Former Majestic Theater 旧大华大戏院

Address: 80 Eu Tong Sen Street

This was originally a Cantonese opera house built by philanthropist Eu Tong Sen in 1927 for his wife after she reportedly refused admittance to an opera performance elsewhere. A highlight of this Art Deco building is its decorated façade of hand-painted tiles depicting opera characters and flying dragons.

3.Former Lai Chun Yuen 旧梨春园

Address: 25 Trengganu Street

Built-in 1887, this three-storey former theatre building with unique cantilevering wooden balconies was the centre of entertainment in Kreta Ayer until it badly damaged during World War II. Its popularity was such that surrounding streets colloquially named after the theatre itself. Smith Street was Theater Street, Temple Street
was Theater Rear Street, and Trengganu Street was Theater Side Street.

Old Shophouses In Singapore: Telok Ayer

Old Shophouses In Singapore: Telok Ayer, Malay for Water Bay, is the oldest sub-district. It started to develop in the 1820s and remained as the key Chinese commercial district until the late 19th century. The population in this area was predominantly Hokkien. The area often associated with the laid-back atmosphere of Ann Siang Hill, and the religious buildings along Telok Ayer Street.

1.EU YAN SANG 余仁生

Address: 267 to 271 South Bridge Road

Built-in 1910, this is the first Eu Yan Sang outlet in Singapore set up by Eu Tong Sen. Besides dealing in the retail
of traditional Chinese medicine, it used to offer money remittance services to China. The building designed by
Alfred Bidwell from the firm Swan & Maclaren. He was also responsible for the design of the Raffles Hotel and
Victoria Memorial Hall.

2.Old Shophouses In Singapore: Clan and Trade Associations

Address: Ann Siang Road and Club Street

Clan and trade associations were important institutions for mutual assistance in 19th and early 20th century Singapore as they helped new immigrants from China settle down and looked after their welfare. Along Ann Siang Road and Club Street are numerous clan and trade associations were stepping into one, time seems to stand still. Some still retain their meeting halls filled with portraits of members from the past and century-old furniture. Some of these associations can found. For example, at 17 (Ching Yoon Wooi Kwoon) and 25 (Kwong Wai Siew Li Si She Shut) Ann Siang Road, and 84 Club Street (Nam Sun Wui Kun).

Old Shophouses In Singapore: Bukit Pasoh

Bukit Pasoh developed at the turn of the 20th century as an extension of the already densely populated Telok Ayer and Kreta Ayer areas. Its name means Pot Hill in Malay, referring to its origins as a place where earthen pots made. Its charm lies in its gently sloping and curving streets fronted by shophouses that house a mixture of institutional and commercial activities.

1.Poon Yue Association 番禺会馆

Address: 281 New Bridge Road

Old Shophouses In Singapore: The association founded in 1879 at Upper Cross Street with financial assistance from Hoo Ah Kay. A well-known community leader from the Whampoa district in Guangdong province. The association relocated to New Bridge Road in 1917. The building is a hybrid of NeoClassical and Art Deco styles which were popular with Chinese developers in the past who wanted to project a modern image. To the Chinese, New Bridge Road colloquially referred to as Da Po Er Ma Lu, Mandarin for Greater Town’s Second Road. In fact, the first road referred to in this instance
was South Bridge Road.

2.Old Shophouses In Singapore: Kong Chow Wui Koon 冈州会馆

Address: 321 New Bridge Road

This Cantonese clan association was established in 1839 at Upper Chin Chew Street and moved in 1924 to the present building, designed by Westerhout & Oman. During the Japanese Occupation, the custodians volunteered the building as a clinic and hence its antique interiors remained intact. The association is well known for its lion dance
troupe and martial arts. This is one of Chinatown’s first community museums and entry is free.

3.Ee Hoe Hean Club 怡和轩俱乐部

Address: 43 Bukit Pasoh Road

Old Shophouses In Singapore: The club founded in 1895 by a group of Hokkien community leaders for the wealthy Chinese elite. More than a social and business club, its members actively involved in the political development of China in the early 20th century. It supported the 1911 Xinhai Revolution which overthrew the Qing Dynasty, leading to the establishment of the Republic of China. In fact, during World War II, it was the headquarters of the antiJapanese China Salvation Movement in Southeast Asia. The ground floor Pioneers’ Gallery is open for visit and entry is free.

4.Old Shophouses In Singapore: Chin Kang Huay Kuan 晋江会馆

Address: 29 Bukit Pasoh Road

This association established in 1918 by immigrants from Jinjiang County in southern Fujian, China. The current building contrasts with its ornately decorated neighbors. Besides, the use of straight lines, concrete ledges, and mild steel-framed windows are typical of the Modern style that was popular from the 1950s to the early 1970s. During World War II, the building used by the Overseas Chinese General Mobilisation Council which helped the British in supplying laborers and volunteers for the defense of Singapore.

Old Shophouses In Singapore: Tanjong Pagar

Tanjong Pagar in Malay means Cape of Stakes, a name which reflects its origin as the site of a fishing village. It was with the opening of docks nearby in the mid-19th century that accelerated the development of the area due to its location between the docks and town. Today, the area is popular with eateries, entertainment joints, and wedding boutiques.

1.Former Eng Aun Tong 旧永安堂

Address: 89 Neil Road

Eng Aun Tong (Hall of Everlasting Peace) built by Aw Boon Haw in the 1920s as a factory to produce the internationally renowned Tiger Balm. This is one of the few flat-roofed buildings from before World War II. On the roof is a six-sided pavilion, a reference to the six-sided glass bottle that Tiger Balm sold in.

2.Old Shophouses In Singapore: 9 Neil Road

Between 1987 and 1988, 32 dilapidated shophouses of a hybrid Hokkien-Teochew style restored by the Urban Redevelopment Authority. The first-ever project undertaken by the government to demonstrate to the private sector that it was technically possible and commercially viable to restore Singapore’s heritage buildings to their former glory. The first unit to restore – 9 Neil Road and converted into a teahouse which hosted Queen Elizabeth II on her State visit in 1989.

3.Jinrikisha Station 人力车站

Address: 1 Neil Road

The building built in 1903 by the Municipal Council as the administration centre for rickshaws, a form of
transportation imported from Japan via Shanghai in the 1880s. It is of the Edwardian style, where the exposed
brickwork contrasted with white plaster moldings. Look out for the crest of the Municipal Council at the front of the building, featuring a lion standing on an island with a palm tree.

4.Old Shophouses In Singapore: Former Jing Hwa Cinema 旧金华戏院

Address: 1 Tanjong Pagar Road

Old Shophouses In Singapore: Together with the Majestic and the Oriental, Jing Hwa Cinema. Built-in 1958, was one of Chinatown’s three famous cinemas. It designed by local architect Wong Foo Nam in the Modern style and was the first to have a basement carpark and extensive floor-to-ceiling windows. It remembered fondly by many as the venue of romantic first dates and holiday treats.

5.Murray Terrace

Address: 2 to 28 Murray Street

Built-in 1929, this Art Deco street block has exposed brickwork and unique lion head rain spouts. In 1977, instead of urban renewal through demolition and rebuilding, the Urban Redevelopment Authority pioneered the rehabilitation of the then State-owned property for adaptive reuse. Along with other rehabilitation projects at Tudor Court and Emerald Hill, these buildings were the forerunners of Singapore’s conservation program that was to start in 1989.

6.Old Shophouses In Singapore: Former Custom House

Address: 32 Maxwell Road

This Neo-Classical style building with unique sun-ray molded panels and staggered corner built-in 1932 to house the Department of Customs and Excise, Film Censor’s Office, and Maxwell Road Post Office. When the Singapore Customs moved out in 1989, it put to commercial use and renamed the White House, a name many Singaporeans still remember the building by. Source: URA

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They were built by Singapore’s pioneers and showcased the many cultural influences of the early builders who bought land from the East India Company. They were built for sale or rented to new immigrants seeking their fortunes. From the 1840s to the 1960s, shophouses moved through many different styles, from the Early and
Late Shophouse to the Art Deco and Modern Shophouse. These traced Singapore’s evolution from a trading port into a city as they moved from their glorious early days to a deteriorated congested state. With the conservation efforts of owners, many of them have been rejuvenated today. In this article, you will get to know in detail about the History Of Shophouses In Singapore.

A Little History of Shophouses

History Of Shophouses: Shophouses are a part of Singapore’s colonial history, stretching all the back to the 18th century. As Singapore started to grow in the 1960s, many Shophouses flattened for new developments. Understanding the importance of conserving some of its heritage, the 1970s and the start of the 1980s saw a change in policy. State-owned shophouses along Murray Street and Tudor Court were renovated and restored to their original state which brought with it a change in perception as to the value of these pre-war buildings.

The 1980s brought with it a renewed interest in preservation and conservation. A good example is the pedestrianization of Emerald Hill Road in 1981. In 1986 the URA unveiled their Conservation Master Plan to renovate and restore Singapore’s historical areas. Starting with 9 Neil Road in 1987, it was a catalyst for increased restoration of Shophouses throughout the Tanjong Pagar precinct and other areas too.

Heading towards the late 1980s, over 3200 building earmarked for conservation in 10 historical districts across Singapore. The districts were: Chinatown (Telok Ayer, Kreta Ayer, Tanjong Pagar, and Bukit Pasoh), Little India, Kampong Glam, Singapore River (Boat Quay and Clarke Quay), Cairnhill and Emerald Hill. To date, conservation status has been given to over 7000 buildings in more than 100 areas.

History Of Shophouses: Singapore Shophouse

Shophouses first appeared in Singapore when the Town Plan of Sir Stamford Raffles dictated the subdivision of the land into smaller regular lots. They were narrow, long terrace houses with varied facades, creating an attractive unified streetscape. The shophouse built to be flexible, either to use entirely as a home or a home upstairs with a shop downstairs. It can think of as the original ‘home office’!

The conservation guidelines for shophouses and terrace houses relate to the key elements of the typology of the building. Constructed between 1840 and 1960, these simple buildings are two- to three-storeys high, built-in contiguous blocks with common party walls. The design and material of the shophouses and terrace houses vary according to the architectural style of the building. Singapore shophouses fall into six styles. They are the Early Shophouse, the First Transitional Shophouse, the Late Shophouse, the Second Transitional Shophouse, the Art Deco Shophouse, and the Modern Shophouse.

Shophouse Styles

History Of Shophouses: Through the years, shophouse styles evolved to reflect the changing needs, influences, and prosperity of the country and its people. According to the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), shophouses in Singapore can be categorized into six architectural styles. Each style had a set of defining characteristics influenced by trends of the era.

The origins of the Singapore shophouse trace back to China, particularly the Guangdong and Fujian provinces where a majority of early immigrants to Singapore came from. The first shophouses, known stylistically as the Early Shophouse Style (1840s-1900s), were constructed during the mid-1840s at the southern end of the Singapore River along South Bridge and New Bridge Road. Such houses would lay the foundations for the various styles that would develop in the years to come.

1.Early Shophouse Style (1840-1900)

This style is typified by a low and squat two-storey building with one or two windows on the upper floor façade. The rectangular windows and doors are timber-framed with shutters of boards, panels, or louvres to aid ventilation. It is characterized by minimal ornamentation, usually of an ethnic nature.

2.First Transitional Shophouse Style (Early 1900s)

Windows and doors are usually timber-shuttered although small plates of glass in the shutters became increasingly common. There are often two windows on the upper storeys and transoms are flat-arched or semi-circular. Vents are squares or diamonds between windows. In line with Singapore’s growing affluence, the First Transitional Shophouse Style projects a lighter expression and is more vertically proportionate than its predecessor. Decorations using plaster and tiles used, while the addition of small glass panels into the windows became increasingly common. A trademark of First Transitional shophouses is their elegant simplicity and relatively restrained ornamentation.

3.History Of Shophouses: Late Shophouse Style (1900-1940)

This is the most spectacular style, particularly in its extensive use of decorative moldings, pilasters, carved wood-work, and imported glazed tiles on the facade. The design and craftsmanship represent a successful fusion of the East and West in architecture. Often hailed as the most spectacular and vibrant of all shophouses, the Late Shophouse Style displays striking, varied, and eclectic ornamentation, such as decorative wall tiles, framing of windows with columns and pilasters, as well as the introduction of cultural influences such as roof eaves (Malay) and decorative tiles (Peranakan) to the building. After the late style, there was a move towards simpler ornamentation and a more streamlined design that culminated in the Art Deco Shophouse Style.

4.Second Transitional Shophouse Style (Late 1930s)

This has a simple and streamlined design as the designers and builders began to simplify the ornamentation.
Late style motifs such as ornately carved transoms and colorful ceramic tiles often combined with Art Deco
elements such as cross-braced glass window panels and simple geometric balustrade designs. Bridging the Late and Art Deco Styles is the Second Transitional Shophouse Style, with mixes some Late Style decorative elements (such as wall tiles) with Art Deco motifs (such as geometric designs). Simple and streamline were two key components of this style, reflecting the economic situation of the time. The beginnings of Art Deco elements such as cross-braced glass window panels start to emerge.

5.History Of Shophouses: Art Deco Shophouse Style (1930s-1960s)

The Art Deco Shophouse Style distinguished by streamlined motifs (such as column orders, arches, and keystones) and the lesser use of decorative wall tiles. Often, this style of shophouse emphasizes proportion and composition of an entire grouping of similar buildings, with a special focus on the street corners. A typical feature of the Art Deco Shophouse Style is a visible plaque bearing the date of the building’s construction. Hallmarks of this style are the simple geometric design on the facade. It is also typified by the streamlining of classical motifs such as capitals, arches, and keystones.

6.Modern Shophouse Style (1950s-1960s)

As the Modern Shophouse Style emerged, elements from earlier styles began to omit. The five-foot way and party walls remained, but modern materials such as concrete used. In line with the international move towards a more utilitarian perspective at that time, modern shophouses were built to be functional and austere. The Modern Shophouse Style’s façade features thin concrete fins and air vents (as decoration) alongside mild steel windows and flat roofs to complement its geometric façade. This features the innovative use of very thin concrete fins and air vents on the building facade that are functional as well as decorative. The windows well proportioned and complement the geometric design of the facade.

History Of Shophouses: Key Elements of a Shophouse

Shophouses share certain defining features, no matter the era they built-in. Here are some of their key elements.

1.The Five-Foot Way

The upper storey of a shophouse supported by columns. It protruded forward to create a covered porch in front of the shop. The neighboring units similarly built, and stood side-by-side, separated by party walls. Together, they formed a continuous covered path quintessentially known as the “five-foot way.” It so-named because that was the minimum width regulated by Sir Stamford Raffles in his town plan for the fledgling settlement of Singapore. Five-foot ways were always a bustling area full of activity. Street barbers, cobblers, and numerous other vendors and hawkers would ply their trade here. In fact, this often congested the five-foot ways and streets outside, sometimes even leading to chaos and conflict amongst the merchants and with the authorities.

2.The Shop

History Of Shophouses: The front room on the ground floor would open up directly to the five-foot way and street. Merchants would display their merchandise on shelves and cabinets within. More often than not, however, their wares usually spilled out onto the five-foot way as well. Chinese merchants would inscribe the name of their business in large Chinese characters on a wooden signboard over the door.

3.History Of Shophouses: The Sky well

A sky well, or airwell, is a little patch of open space inside the shophouse for letting in light and ventilation. Before air-conditioning, this was a very effective way of cooling the interior whilst the warm, humid Singapore weather blazed outside. This concept was a key feature in traditional Chinese architecture. The rich often used the sky well as a fountain or fishpond as well, feeding-in rainwater directly from the roof. For example, the Chinese consider fish and flowing water to be auspicious. Also, such sky wells were a spot of tranquility from the bustling streets.

4.The Rear Court

The rear court was an open space at the back of the shophouse on the lower level. In the early days, it functioned as a service area and usually where the outhouse situated.

5.History Of Shophouses: The Windows

On the upper storeys of a shophouse, the windows were either French full-length windows with internal railings or casement windows with timber shutters. Earlier shophouse styles featured simple windows without much embellishment. Later on, however, shophouse owners added more decorative elements to the windows as well.

6.Floor Tiles

The ground floor of shophouses and their five-foot ways usually paved with terracotta square tiles. However, wealthier neighborhoods had Victorian-style tiles manufactured in Europe. These boasted much more elaborate geometric and floral patterns.

A glimpse of History Of Shophouses: The Shophouses in Singapore Back

1.Chinese Style Shophouse – Circa1880-1900

The earliest kind of shophouse embellishment involved mainly traditional Chinese decorative elements. It took the form of stucco reliefs and painted decorative panels depicting traditional themes and auspicious characters. Such as flowers, fruits, birds, acts of filial piety, scenes from folk tales, literature, and Chinese opera. Chinese style canopy roof over the verandah was another popular feature. Besides, they were typically surmounted by a decorative frieze comprising a mosaic of colored ceramic shards cemented. Also known as “chien mien”, meaning literally “to cut and paste”.

2.Chinese Baroque Style Shophouse – 1895-1910

By the turn of the 19th century, these Chinese decorative features superseded by European Classical elements.
What has come to be known as the “Chinese Baroque shophouse”. Besides, it represents one of the high watermarks of shophouse architecture. European influences first begin to make an appearance in the shophouse in the form of Classical details lifted from colonial architecture. For example, Doric pilaster at the ground floor level, Ionic pilaster for the floor above. Also, Corinthian pilaster for the upper storey.

This basic configuration rapidly developed, reinvented by local Singaporean architects. The end result was a very singular style of architecture. The spirit of inventiveness, the richness of embellishments, and the reinterpretation of the Classical repertoire is quintessentially Baroque. Hence, we can refer to this style of architecture as Chinese Baroque.

3.Rococo Style Shophouse – 1916-1929

It wasn’t long before the shophouse façade literally erupted into a dazzling display of surface ornamentation.
Fluted pilasters surmounted by Corinthian capitals divided up the façade into bays, while elaborate architraves framed the window openings. The Classical repertoire gave local artisans plenty of scope for their creative imaginings. For example, swags and garlands, festoons and medallions, egg-and-dart, and acanthus leaves were all joyfully seized upon and reproduced. The general idea is to cover every square inch of the façade with as much ornamentation as possible. It was like a mixture of coral, seaweed, scallop-shells, and stylized foliage. The Classical influence morphed into a kind of “wedding cake” style of architecture that put even the Baroque style in the shade. Ultimately Rococo is probably the more appropriate term.

4.History Of Shophouses: Chinoiserie 1920s

This era, characterized by this high interest in surface ornamentation will end in apotheosis with the Rococo Chinoiserie. In the 1920s, there was a revival of enthusiasm for traditional Chinese imagery with shophouse façades almost overwhelming in some instances by a profusion of animal and plant motifs. As an ensemble, this riot of surface ornamentation was quite extraordinary. For example, these Chinese decorative elements include flowers, vases with peonies, birds, cranes, peacocks, bats, dragons, phoenixes. The 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. Each with its own auspicious significance. The Rococo style remained in vogue until the end of the 1920s. It is at which point in time it began to overtake by more modern influences. Besides, the rise of suburbs between the wars saw the introduction of a more subdued Rococo style. The style which at times bordered on the Neo-Classical.

5.Blair Plain Refined Rococo Style – 1920s

In the interwar years, there was one small area that lent itself to residential development. That was the neighborhood known today as Blair Plain – Spottiswoode Park, Everton Road, and Blair Road. Most of the houses on Blair Plain date from the early 1920s. Together they constitute some fine example of the more refined Rococo townhouse style.

6.East Coast Peranakan Style – 1920-1935

There is one place. The place where you can find Rococo style shophouses continuing to be built well into the 1930s is on the East Coast. The enclave of streets laid out between Joo Chiat Road and Still Road (Koon Seng Road, Everitt Road). Furthermore, they contain many fine examples of late 1920s and 1930s terrace houses in a range of contemporary style. Such as Neo-Classical, Peranakan, Rococo with a dash of Chinoiserie. For the most part, the style is quieter than the full-on Rococo found in Little India. Source: Nathalie LAOUE

Singapore Conservation Programme

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) is the national planning authority for Singapore. Its active involvement in conservation started as early as the 1970s. In addition, with the rehabilitation of some state-owned properties for adaptive reuse. To date, conservation status has been given to 94 conservation areas involving over 7000 buildings throughout the island. Conservation of our built heritage is an integral part of urban planning and development in Singapore. The restoration of our historic areas add variety to our streetscapes and modulate the scale of our urban fabric. Hence, creating the visual contrast and excitement within the city while protecting the important reminders and representations of our past. In addition, it adds to the distinctive character and identity of our city. Thus, giving it a sense of history and memory of place.

Historic Districts

History Of Shophouses: The Historic Districts of Boat Quay, Chinatown, Kampong Glam, and Little India characterized by predominantly two- and three-storey shophouses. Also, ranging from the Early Shophouse Style to the Art Deco Shophouse Style.

1.Boat Quay

The Boat Quay Historic District, bounded by South Bridge Road, Circular Road, Lorong Telok, and North Canal Road. In fact, it was traditionally the centre of trading activities along the Singapore River. Located next to the Downtown Core. Its shophouses and warehouses, which lined the river, give it a unique charm and character. Today, it is an area with predominantly commercial premises of retail and eating establishments.

2.History Of Shophouses: Chinatown

The Chinatown Historic District, located south of the Singapore River, is the original settlement of the Chinese community in Singapore. It is a largely intact area of shophouses with original texture and fabric. Depicting the simple lifestyles of the early immigrant community. The District comprises 4 subdistricts, each with a distinctive character. They are:

• Kreta Ayer. Bounded by New Bridge Road, Park Road, Upper Cross Street, South Bridge Road, Sago Street, Trengganu Street, and Smith Street. Known for its bustling street atmosphere and festive events.
• Telok Ayer. For example, bounded by South Bridge Road, Cross Street, Boon Tat Street, Stanley Street. Also, McCallum Street, Amoy Street, Ann Siang Road, and Erskine Road. Associated with long rows of shophouses and religious buildings along Telok Ayer Street. And, hilly residential and clubhouses at Ann Siang Hill.
• Bukit Pasoh. Bounded by New Bridge Road, Keong Saik Road, Kreta Ayer Road, Neil Road, and Cantonment Road. It provides the setting for a mixture of residential, association, and commercial activities.
• Tanjong Pagar. Bounded by Neil Road, Maxwell Road, Peck Seah Street, Wallich Street, Tanjong Pagar Road, and Craig Road. It features winding streets and a mixture of residential and commercial activities.

There are altogether five national monuments within the Chinatown Historic District. They are the Sri Mariamman Temple and Jamae Mosque in Kreta Ayer. Also, the Thian Hock Keng Temple, Nagore Durgha Shrine and Al-Abrar
Mosque in Telok Ayer.

3.Kampong Glam

The Kampong Glam Historic District, for example, bounded by Ophir Road, Victoria Street, Jalan Sultan, and Beach Road. Besides, it was traditionally a Malay residential area with ethnic-based activities at the periphery and along Arab Street. Its unique character lies in the contrast between its streetscape. With its low and uniform scale, and the large open spaces of the palace grounds. It is largely an area of shophouses with original texture and fabric. The presence and influence of the Arabs in the early 1910s registered by the names allocated to its streets. The Sultan Mosque and the Istana Kampong Gelam, both national monuments, are located within the Kampong Glam Historic District.

4.History Of Shophouses: Little India

The Little India Historic District, bounded by Serangoon Road, Sungei Road, and Jalan Besar. It recognized as the hub of Indian community life in Singapore. Besides, it well patronized by local Indians and people of other ethnic origins, and Indians from abroad. Moreover, it was once used for agriculture and later for the cattle trade. The District’s historical value lies in its rich variety of buildings, streetscapes. Also, the urban texture of its main streets, side roads, back lanes, and open spaces. Most of its built fabric of the late 19th century or early 20th century is still largely intact. The Abdul Gaffoor Mosque, a national monument, is located within the Little India Historic District.

The NUS ‘Baba House’: Richness of Straits-Chinese Architecture Restored

Once the ancestral home of a Straits-Chinese family, the NUS ‘Baba House’ located at No. 157 Neil Road. It is an example of an architectural beauty that has been carefully restored by the URA. Hence, it illustrates conservation best practices. It is one of the last few untouched Straits-Chinese Houses in Singapore. Not only has its façade been revived with original ornamental details. Besides, the restoration also showcases the 1920s domestic culture of the Straits Chinese community in Singapore.

Welcoming visitors to the Baba House are the wooden half doors or pintu pagar. It is a typical cross-cultural feature that used to be common in Singapore’s historic residences. The main hall features elaborate and intricately carved structures of floor to ceiling screens and partitions. The Baba House is representative of the visual interest that a well-restored shophouse can provide to our urban landscape. And at the same time, remind us how these shophouses are representative of Singapore’s unique cultures and aesthetic tastes.

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1.Shophouses Features: ATRIA ARCHITECTS

This shophouse is a relaxing, bohemian respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. The preserved façade features original, coloured window panes. Stepping in, the ground floor has a wide wall expanse to accommodate the hanging of artwork. With a sheltered terrace in the rear for al fresco dining and some peace and quiet.

A small pond tucked under the stairs, whilst a skylight lets in daylight in abundance. Both onto the central staircase shaft and into surrounding rooms with rustic, exposed brick walls and old timber floors. A quiet terrace in the master bedroom faces a greenfield. It is ideal for reading your papers leisurely on a Sunday morning. Or, enjoying the sunset with an evening drink in hand.

2.LIU & WO ARCHITECTS

Shophouses Features: A play on lightness/transparency and a motif of connectedness permeate this shophouse. The historically-rich façade has been carefully preserved, as have been the old timber floorboards. Supplemented where necessary with beautiful, authentic timber from kelongs.

The ground floor of the house centred around a pond. In conjunction with a reintroduced central air well which allows natural airflow. And, it connects occupants with the environment as it ‘rains in the living room’. Care is taking to ensure that the rainwater contained within the pool, with the rest of the space remaining dry. Surrounding wooden decking invites alfresco dining and pool parties, within the comfort of one’s own living space.

The main staircase—hung on steel rods, made of perforated metal—preserves lightness. As one is able to see through it down to the pool. A small terrace links the front and rear of the house on the second level. Ensuring flexibility and privacy for both shared tenancy or an entire family. This airy verandah overlooks the pool, and adjacent planters maximized to introduce lush foliage into the void. The one where natural rainfall passes through into the pool below.

3.Shophouses Features: HYLA ARCHITECTS

This shophouse is a Zen-Esque oasis where clean lines meet a muted palette of whites and greys. Care has been taken to preserve the old timber floorboards, joists, and peephole. Centred around a 4-storey light well overlaid by a glass and steel trellis. This shophouse enjoys much natural light and ventilation. Occupants are able to look up at a large piece of the sky, whilst fully-sheltered and protected from the elements.

A large pond, which spans almost the full width of the shophouse, also reflects the sky as seen through the glass trellis overhead. With the benefit of full sunlight. There is much potential here to create a lush floating landscape with aquatic plants such as water lilies. An island kitchen divides the living room and dining room. The latter sited next to the pond, where diners can enjoy contemplative views of the water. Making for an ideal entertainment space.

An elegant study in juxtaposition also presented: a suspended, angular steel spiral staircase hovers over the kitchen. Contrasting with the heavy, sensual curves of the red dragon-esque steel spiral staircase above the pond. In the void of the light well. A large, open roof terrace lies in wait at the top of the sculptural spiral stairs. The perfect setting for residents to install a luxurious, standalone jacuzzi. Or simply, to take in the surrounding rooftop views awash in the sunset.

4.LEKKER DESIGN

Shophouses Features: This shophouse is an exercise in careful sculpting of space from massing, where modern sophistication meets the preservation of tradition. Old timber boards, joists, and the peephole have been preserved. The conservation front portion housing the living room swiftly opens up into the dining room. A massive, double-height volume space with an angled feature ceiling. Conceived as a ‘living gallery’, the wide walls of the dining room are suitable for large art pieces. Whilst the tall heights accommodate grand installation pieces. This creates the intimate sensation of dining in an art gallery. The one place in which food and drink have always been strictly forbidden.

The feature stairwell is canyon-like, irregularly shaped, sculptural. Created by large slanted walls, with windows allowing surrounding rooms to look in. It is lit naturally via a large skylight at the top. The entire rear block above the dining space twisted at an angle, and the rooms above hover over this void. Most bedrooms designed with double-height ceilings; all have adequate natural light to feel bright and airy. The introduction of pocket garden spaces throughout the house. It also ensures most rooms have a view of or a peek at some greenery.

A bathroom shower opens up into an unbarred, yet private garden space. As well as a roof terrace with surrounding views all the way to Marina Bay Sands. The simplicity of white finishings abound in this unit, with stylish contemporary details keeping things interesting. Laser-cut patterned screens for the rear windows. Geometrically-patterned dark granite paving for the dining room/gallery.

5.Shophouses Features: THE POOL SHOPHOUSE BY KD ARCHITECTS WITH FARM

This shophouse is an honest, spacious reinvention of the shophouse form, injected with spatial fluidity and airy brightness, which run contrary to the notion of the narrow darkness of the traditional shophouse. The archetypal length on the shophouse visually accentuated by the long, heated lap pool on the ground floor. Replete with deck chairs. Take a morning dip, or do evening laps, in the indulgence of the interior of your own home. A gradual ascent up platform stairs takes one into the dining room. With an emphasis made on the open fluidity of the space, with the pool below.

The dining room-cum-entertainment area and open plan kitchen receive full daylight. And, fresh air from a full wall of windows at the rear. Creating an atmospheric, expansive experience perfect for both leisurely weekend brunches and quick weekday meals. The proximity of the pool and the visual linkage between the living and dining spaces. Allow full-swing poolside parties right in the comfort of one’s own home.

A large skylight in the middle of the unit continues this fixation of light and space. Allowing light down into nooks and crannies. All bedrooms designed to receive adequate natural daylight and ventilation. A series of stairs loop the length of the shophouse on various levels. Facilitating the dialogue between old and new.

Elegant finishings and features abound in this home. A luxurious double-height master bathroom reaches all the way to the jack roof. Allowing light to filter down to the tub. The classy roof terrace is large, with much potential for various interpretations—a lush rooftop garden? Sheltered daybeds? The spacious terrace affords great views. And, it is perfect for barbecue group parties or evening drinks for two under the stars.

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1.Singapore Shophouse Artwork

The ‘Singapore Shophouse‘ print created by Louise Hill Design as a fun and vibrant representation of the famous and much-cherished heritage shophouses dotted around the city. The artist incorporated the traditional Peranakan colour palette into this design with the use of various vintage detailed embroidered fabrics, tiles, tea flasks, and tiffin carriers that the artist has collected over time and photographed. Can you see the ‘beaded bird’? The artist found him as a detail on an old Peranakan ladies purse whilst hunting for props alongside the pretty pink and gold hand-painted bowl nestled amongst the tiles at the bottom of the print. This print is available for purchase at this link.

2.Singapore Shophouse Art: Emerald Hill Shophouses

The Peranakan Shophouses of Emerald Hill are one of Singapore’s best addresses, formerly Plantation land, it was wealthy Chinese Peranakan Spice Merchants or Straits Chinese who inhabiting these ornate buildings just off Orchard Road. The decorative style is also calling as Chinese Baroque. Emerald Hill flanked with Shophouses on either side and the fronts feature decorative plasterwork, painted shutters, and decorative Peranakan tiles. The heavy scented Frangipani & Tropical Sealing Wax Palms in the gardens complete this charming look of Singapore’s heritage past.

3.Amoy Street Shophouse Sketches

The shophouse that the artist intended to sketch in Mosque Street closed on Sunday which forced a rather pleasant stroll through the backstreets to the north of Chinatown. Amoy Street completely deserted and provided plenty of shade from the rain and sun under the ‘five-foot passages’ of the shophouses on each side of the road. Having recently flicking through Mrs M’s ‘Singapore Shophouse’ book by Julian Davison. The artist really enjoying analyzing the different styles. The friezes and characters on the wall of 115 Amoy Street are typical of the early Chinese style. The somewhat isolated building at 51 Amoy Street looks like the Baroque style with the distinctive triangular shapes on top of the two-stage classical pillars.

4.Singapore Shophouse Art: Singapore Symphony

A fictional perspective of life on Boat Quay. An orchestra of people, music, sights, and smells. Satay men fan their cuisine, whilst Mah Jong and fishing add content to this composition, creating a Singapore symphony for all to enjoy.

5.Joo Chiat Shophouses

These vibrant shophouses of Koon Seng Road, Joo Chiat are a historical source of delight and nostalgia. Shophouses are an instantly recognizable building style in Singapore. Their head-turning features, bold use of colour and fancy tiles, as well as the eclectic mix of Chinese, Malay and European elements, make them favourite icons of both tourists and locals alike.

6.Singapore Shophouse Art: Clarke Quay Shophouses

Clarke Quay district of Singapore is now a vibrant nightlife area. The Singapore River is part of Singapore’s trade route when spice merchants would bring nutmeg, mace, and cinnamon which store in and sold from the pastel-coloured Shophouses buildings in Singapore, a trade route in Asia. This painting brings to the viewer a synergy of Singapore’s vibrant neighbourhoods and heritage architecture.

7.Blair Plain Refined Rococo Style Shophouses – 1920’s

The Rococo Style remained in vogue until the end of the 1920’s, at which point in time it began to overtake by more modern influences. Most of the shophouses on Blair Plain date from the early 1920’s. They reflect an eclectic mixture of Chinese, Malay, and European design elements like the Chinese roof eaves, the Malay style shaped air vents, the European tiles. Together all these shophouses constitute some fine example of the more refined Rococo townhouse style.

8. Singapore Shophouse Art: Baba House

157 Neil Road, namely Baba House, is a three-storey townhouse located in Singapore’s historic district of Blair Plain. Once the ancestral home of a Peranakan Chinese family, it has since become a heritage house and you can visit to experience a typical Peranakan Chinese family home of the early 20th century. It also facilitates research into architectural conservation, urban and social history, and cultural hybridity.

The Peranakans were the Chinese-Malay traders who brought spices from the Orient into Singapore, and the much-renowned Shophouses in Singapore were their live/work units. The artist loves this building because it painted a vibrant ultramarine blue. The Peranakan culture is highly decorative and this elaborate design can see in their decorative tiles, clothes, and food. The phoenix and the peony are common symbols in Peranakan design and textiles and the artist has incorporated these elements into the piece.

9.Kitchener Road Shophouses

The artist quite pre-occupied with drawing shophouses. The type that’s built decades ago when traders from China and India set up Southeast Asia’s first brick-and-mortar retail establishments. We don’t have ancient places of worship, old cobbled roads and pavements, ancient giant walls to keep out enemies….we have lots of modern city buildings like Malls and towers in the CBD areas. And, we have the ubiquitous and humble shophouses found all over Malaysia and Singapore. So humble shophouses that have provided for nearly everything such as food & beverage, groceries, toys, clothes, etc in the artist’s growing years feature largely in the artist’s artwork.

The above is a watercolour and ink work that completed by the artist when taking a break from playing with acrylics. This row of shophouses can find along Kitchener Road, in the vicinity of Little India. The motifs on the building are decidedly Peranakan or Straits-Chinese. See the wriggly ink on the walls that are supposed to be flowers. And, nothing is opening given that it is mid-afternoon. A couple of bars and restaurants will open for business a few hours later. A woman walks by, taking shelter from the sun which was hiding by the clouds anyway. A man awaits his Uber ride. It was a very warm and balmy afternoon. And, the artist snapped a photo on the iPhone. As the artist couldn’t possibly do this ‘en plein air’ as many accomplished artists do!

10.Singapore Shophouse Art: Chinatown Shophouses In Singapore

The artist loved creating this vibrant image combining all the elements. The one that makes up the unique visual feast of Chinatown Singapore. Chinatown is one of the most vibrant neighbourhoods to visit in the little red dot. A riot of colour is everywhere from the buildings to the cakes, trinkets. And, beautiful lanterns on sale in the shops and night markets. And, together with the sizzle and aroma of street food on Jalan Makalan. It is part of the sensory Chinatown vibe. One of the artist’s favourite places to visit. Especially when the artist had family or guests in town is The Chinese Opera Teahouse. A showcase for the traditional dance form where you can see up close the exquisite detail of the make-up. And, the costumes of the talented dancers.

Shophouses are prevalent in Chinatown, traditionally these are the live-work units of Chinese Peranakan Traders. They paint a variety of colours but many are red and cream or red and white. The most prominent building in Chinatown is of course The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. A Buddhist temple and museum complex built in the Tang Dynasty architectural style which houses a molar of Gautama Buddha. And, there is an impressive giant prayer wheel at the roof terrace. The one where you can send your wishes out into the universe. At celebration time especially in the lead up to Lunar New Year. Spectacular dances of the Dragon to ward off spirits. And, the Lion to bring in an auspicious year is a focus of street life in Chinatown.

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