- Shape
- Tall, narrow rectangle in a terrace row
- Must-have parts
- Parapet, shutters, five-foot way, pintu pagar
- Colour ideas
- Pink, teal, ochre and cream with timber browns
- Reference
- See the style and façade guides
Simple shophouse drawing: five steps
| Step | What to draw |
|---|---|
| 1. Box | A tall narrow rectangle for the façade. |
| 2. Parapet | A curved, stepped or ornamented top edge. |
| 3. Windows | Two rows of shuttered upper windows. |
| 4. Five-foot way | Columns and a covered walkway at ground level. |
| 5. Door | Central entrance with a pintu pagar half-door. |
Start with the box, then let the parapet and shutters carry the character.
Painting a Singapore shophouse: colour and detail
- Late style: pink, teal or ochre walls with cream trim and gold or red accents.
- Early style: muted cream and ochre with brown timber.
- Add tile detail on the five-foot way floor for authenticity.
Reference guides
Use the architectural styles page to match features to a period, and the façade and windows guide for detail.
