Singapore shophouses are narrow terraced buildings that mix shop and home, shaped by the 1822 Town Plan and protected by URA conservation since 1989. These guides cover their history, six architectural styles, key details and the restoration process.
Heritage · Architecture · Conservation
Singapore Shophouse Heritage
History, architectural styles, details and conservation explained.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Singapore shophouse?+
A narrow terraced building with a shop on the ground floor and living or office space above, usually with a covered five-foot way.
How many shophouse styles does URA recognise?+
Six: Early, First Transitional, Late, Second Transitional, Art Deco and Modern.
When did URA start conserving shophouses?+
URA's conservation programme began in 1989.