Early Shophouse Style (1840s–1900s)

The earliest conserved shophouse type: modest, practical and built for trade.

Early style at a glance

Element	Typical treatment
Façade	Plain, restrained plasterwork.
Windows	Timber, often with louvred shutters.
Plan	Narrow frontage, deep plot, air wells.
Roof	Pitched clay tile roof.
Where found	Older quarters such as Chinatown, Telok Ayer and Boat Quay.

Diagram of Early style shophouse features including roof, windows and covered walkway — Core features of the Early style.

Conservation considerations

Original timber and roof fabric are valuable and heavily regulated. Document existing condition before purchase. Read the buyer manual for the diligence checklist.

Row of Early style shophouses forming a continuous terrace streetscape — Early style rows form continuous streetscapes.

Schematic plan of an Early style shophouse showing air well and deep narrow layout — Deep plan with an air well.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Early shophouse style built?+

URA places the Early style at roughly the 1840s to 1900s.

Where can I see Early style shophouses?+

They are concentrated in older conservation areas such as Chinatown, Telok Ayer and Boat Quay.