The Historic Districts of Boat Quay, Chinatown, Kampong Glam and Little India are characterised by predominantly two- and three-storey shophouses, ranging from the Early Shophouse Style to the Art Deco Shophouse Style.
The Boat Quay Historic District, bounded by South Bridge Road, Circular Road, Lorong Telok and North Canal Road, 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.
The Chinatown Historic District, located south of 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, is known for its bustling street atmosphere and festive events.
Telok Ayer, bounded by South Bridge Road, Cross Street, Boon Tat Street, Stanley Street, McCallum Street, Amoy Street, Ann Siang Road and Erskine Road, is associated with long rows of shophouses and religious buildings along Telok Ayer Street, and hilly residential and club houses at Ann Siang Hill.
Bukit Pasoh, bounded by New Bridge Road, Keong Saik Road, Kreta Ayer Road, Neil Road and Cantonment Road, 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, 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, and the Thian Hock Keng Temple, Nagore Durgha Shrine and Al-Abrar Mosque in Telok Ayer.
The Kampong Glam Historic District, bounded by Ophir Road, Victoria Street, Jalan Sultan and Beach Road, was traditionally a Malay residential area with ethnic-based activities at the periphery and along Arab Street. Its unique characteristic 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 were 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.
The Little India Historic District, bounded by Serangoon Road, Sungei Road and Jalan Besar, is recognised as the hub of Indian community life in Singapore. It is well patronised by local Indians and people of other ethnic origins, and Indians from abroad. It was once used for agriculture and later for cattle trade.
The District’s historical value lies in its rich variety of buildings, streetscape and urban texture of its main streets, side roads, backlanes 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 use shall follow the Master Plan intention and the prevailing guidelines for the respective areas. Residential and institutional use can be considered for sites zoned Commercial.
In Chinatown, Kampong Glam and Little India, certain streets are located within the designated core area. The core area is the part of the historic district where the focal point of traditional activities are located. It is, therefore, important that the traditional ambience is retained.
The first storey in the core area has to be for activity-generating uses such as shops. Certain trades are not permitted in the Historic Districts and the core areas. New restaurants are not allowed in areas designated as Problematic Traffic Areas (refer to Incompatible Uses and Locations of Core Areas for more details).
For other information on the allowable use of the building, please refer to eAdvisor.
The allowable plot ratio shall be the resultant of the building envelope.
The original building height is to be retained.
The original building profile is to be retained. If it has undergone unauthorised alterations, the original profile is to be reinstated. For alterations carried out before the building was designated for conservation, retention of the existing profile with raised building height may be considered if:
Retention of existing profile with raised building height can be considered only for sites indicated on URA Space. As the original roof has already been raised, new jack roof is not allowed.
Land Betterment Charge (LBC) may be payable in respect of any development of the land or when there is a value enhancement arising from the proposed use or use changes on the building or part thereof on the land. More information on LBC is available on SLA's website. Taxable persons may elect to use the Valuation method in lieu of the Table of Rates method, by using a prescribed form at the above web link.
Exemption from payment of LBC, if applicable, is given in respect of the value enhancement arising from the proposed use or use changes on the gross floor area for the building or part thereof on the land to be conserved provided that such conservation is carried out in accordance with the approved plans and completed within a period of 2 years from the date of conservation permission.
Provision of car parks or payment of car park deficiency charge for a conserved building is waived if the conservation guidelines are fully complied with and the conservation works are completed in accordance with the approved plans.
Strata subdivision of shophouses in the Historic Districts is not allowed. In the Historic Districts, only Art Deco and Modern style conserved buildings can be strata subdivided if they have the following features:
(a) Original purpose-built compartmentalised common staircase designed to serve different floors;
(b) Staircase forms part of the external architectural expression; and
(c) Original reinforced concrete floors and structures.
Restoration Guidelines
Key Elements Subject To Mandatory Compliance
The following tables specify the design, location and material for all key elements. The fundamental principle, the "3R", is maximum Retention, sensitive Restoration and careful Repair. Where replacement is necessary, e.g. where building elements are found to contain asbestos, owners should seek URA’s clearance for one-to-one replacement, following the original design and materials. New installation/addition must not drastically affect the intrinsic character of the building.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Where applicable, the requirements of the relevant technical departments are to be complied with. Owners are also required to obtain the consent of the relevant parties for roof eaves, canopies and projections of any nature beyond the site boundary.
The majority of conserved shophouses have a pitched clay tile roof supported by timber roof structure.
Structural strengthening or supports like steel or reinforced concrete roof beams, if required to be added, are to be sensitively designed to minimize visual impact on the traditional timber system which is to be retained.
The original profile, pitch, height, party wall and eaves projection are to be retained and restored.
The traditional roofing materials provide contrast to the form, scale and texture of the cityscape. It is important that the authenticity of materials, form and construction be retained during restoration.
Traditional roofing material of small size, V-profile, unglazed, natural colour clay roof tile is to be used.
Flat, interlocking (“Marseilles”) clay roof tile and reinforced concrete can only be used if these materials were originally used for the roof. The underside of roof eaves can be exposed or covered with plasterboard.
For units with existing ornamental roof ridge, the ridge profile and ornamentation is to be kept. New jackroof is not allowed for such units. To refer to “Specific Restoration Guidelines” of the subject building.
Existing jackroof(s), if any, can be retained or removed.
New jackroof(s) can be added subject to compliance with the positioning, setbacks and maximum allowable dimensions.
See Figure 1 (PDF, 0.75 MB)
Roof tiles and pitch of the jackroof are to be identical to that of the main roof. The sidewall is to be solid and finished with plaster or timber/plasterboard.
Front and rear openings can be fixed or openable of any infill material. If metal is used, it is to be anodized or colour coated.
Dormer windows are not allowed.
Some conserved shophouses, particularly those of the Art Deco or Modern style, may have reinforced concrete flat roofs. The existing flat roof can be landscaped to add interest to the roofscape. It can also be converted into usable space as an extension of the existing building. Conservation Permission must be obtained for the change of use.
New structures can be added on the existing flat roof, subject to the following guidelines:
(a) Material, Roof Form & Storey Height
The structure can be of reinforced concrete or lightweight material with flat roof and single-storey in height not exceeding 3600mm. A higher height arising from agencies' requirements can be considered for lift shafts. The design and treatment are to be compatible with the architecture of the conserved building.
(b) Coverage
The total coverage of all existing and new structures on the flat roof, including skylights but excluding solar panels and moveable shelter like umbrella structures and retractable awnings, cannot exceed 35% of the flat roof area of the unit. All large service installations on the roof are to be grouped together and included in the 35% allowable coverage for structure on flat roof.
(c) Setback
The new structure is to be set back a minimum of 3m from the front and side street elevations so that it is not visually obvious from the street. Setback is not required from the backlane.
If the subject unit is higher than the neighbours, setback of the new structure from the common boundary with the neighbouring units is required.
If the subject unit is not higher than the neighbours, setback of the new structure from the common boundary with the neighbouring units is not required.
See Figure 2 (PDF, 0.79 MB)
(d) Railings
To meet technical agencies’ requirements, railings of compatible design and material set back a minimum of 1m from the front façade can be added.
(e) Security Fence
For security and privacy between common boundaries, a metal security fence (anodised / colour coated) or timber screen up to 1800mm from the finished floor level can be added.
The original size and ornamentation of the wall and gate are to be retained and restored. To refer to ‘Specific Restoration Guidelines’ of the subject building.
The original open spatial character of the forecourt should be kept.
Some shophouses still have traditional shopfront designs which could include demountable timber shutter boards, collapsible/sliding/folding timber or metal gates and display cases.
Changes to existing shopfronts are allowed except for:
(a) Selected street blocks such as the 32 units at Bussorah Street in Kampong Glam Conservation Area as shown in our Conservation Plan, where their Specific Restoration Guidelines stipulates that the existing traditional shopfronts are to be retained.
(b) Existing shopfronts which still have traditional transoms panels, vents, decorative mouldings or murals. Such traditional features are to be retained. Fixed frameless glass panels can be added behind the vents, if required.
A shopfront must not consist largely of blank wall which gives a passive character to the streetscape.
Some first storey frontages have doors which lead to the upper storey. If the doors have to swing out to meet fire escape requirements, they should be recessed so that, for pedestrian safety, they do not swing open into the five-foot way.
Residential Fronts are characterised by timber casement windows flanking a double-leafed timber door. All buildings with residential front which is existing and/or identified in the ‘Specific Restoration Guidelines’, regardless of land use zoning, shall be retained and restored.
The following guidelines are applicable to a conserved building allowed for non-residential use:
(a) The original 2 windows and 1 door first storey residential front can be changed to 2 doors and 1 window if the new door is required for direct access to the upper storey. The design and material of the new door are to match those of the original one. However, if there are ornamental features e.g. dado tiles below the windows, these are to be retained and the conversion of the window to a door is not allowed.
(b) If the original infill panel of the first storey casement windows and doors are plain without any design features, they can be replaced with clear glass. However, if the infill panels are carved with decorations, they are to be retained and cannot be replaced with clear glass. To refer to ‘Specific Restoration Guidelines’ of the subject building.
(c) Alternatively, fixed frameless or timber framed glazed panels can be added instead of secondary windows, and frameless or timber framed glass doors can be added as secondary doors while the original timber windows and doors are retained and restored. This gives owners another option to keep the original architecture of the conserved building while achieving greater transparency and climatic control of the internal space.
See Figure 3 (PDF, 1.65 MB)
If the doors have to swing out to meet fire escape requirements, proposals to recess the doors may be considered subject to evaluation, so that for pedestrian safety, they do not swing open into the five-foot way.
For units with residential fronts, existing traditional window screens, if any, are to be retained. To refer to ‘Specific Restoration Guidelines’ of the subject building.
New window screens can be added and the design is to be traditional. The frame is to be timber and the infill may be timber or obscure glass.
Metal security bars at windows and timber security gates at doors, if any, can be retained or removed. Similar new security bars and gates of traditional design and material can be added.
For units with residential fronts, the existing pintu pagar, if any, is to be retained. To refer to ‘Specific Restoration Guidelines’ of the subject building.
New pintu pagar can be added and the design is to be traditional. The frame is to be timber and the infill is to be of traditional materials i.e. timber and obscure glass.
The following guidelines are applicable to a conserved building with dado tiles:
(a) If the tiles are intact, the original tile panel is to be retained.
(b) If there are cracked or missing tiles,
(i) Replace the missing tiles with tiles matching the original tiles,
(ii) Leave the tile panel as it is, or
(iii) Patch the gaps with colour cement to match the colour of the tiles.
The doors, windows and vents in conservation buildings give the facade a sense of scale and added architectural expression. The original fanlights, windows, doors, vents, balconies and verandahs are to be retained and restored. To refer to ‘Specific Restoration Guidelines’ of the subject building.
The balcony or verandah is to be kept open and not enclosed with window or fixed glazing. The inner facade behind the balcony or verandah is also to be retained and restored. The windows of the inner façade can be changed to doors for better access to the balcony or verandah. The design and material of the new door are to match that of the original one.
New internal elements such as staircase landings, walls, partitions and false ceilings cannot abut the original windows, door openings and vents. If any new internal element is added near to such features, it is to be sufficiently set back so that the original architectural elements can still be appreciated. False ceilings are to be above the top of any key features, such as existing vents, transoms and ceiling-level cornices.
Existing mild steel frames of doors, windows and vents can be changed to powder coated aluminium frames of similar appearance as the mild steel frames.
Existing coloured glass in doors, windows, fanlights and vents cannot be replaced with clear glass.
The original balustrade for French window is to be retained and restored. Any proposal for modification arising from agencies' technical requirements should be submitted for evaluation. To refer to ‘Specific Restoration Guidelines’ of the subject building.
Most shophouses have air-conditioning to meet modern standards of comfort and user requirements. A secondary layer can be introduced to accommodate this change. New secondary casement, French or sliding window and door can be added subject to the design being compatible with those of the main window and door.
For conserved buildings with timber windows / doors, owners are encouraged to use timber frames as they are more compatible. If metal frame is used, it is to be anodised or colour coated. The infill can be of timber or glass. Tinted, coloured and obscure glass can be used.
Frameless fixed glass panels can be installed at the first storey windows. However, they cannot be used in place of secondary windows on the upper storeys of a conserved building as they will lead to difficulty in accessing and maintaining the original windows.
Frameless glass secondary doors can be used.
Traditional bat-shaped, circular or precast vents can be sealed with glass.
See Figure 4 (PDF, 0.95 MB)
The shophouse façade may feature decorative work such as ornamental plasterwork, faux tile render and cut-porcelain tile decorations. The original decorative features, if any, are to be retained and restored. To refer to ‘Specific Restoration Guidelines’ of the subject building.
The original tile canopy, if any, is to be retained and restored. To refer to ‘Specific Restoration Guidelines’ of the subject building. A new tile canopy can be added at 2nd storey floor level.
Traditional roofing material of small size, V-profile, unglazed, natural colour clay tiles identical to those of the main roof or green glazed Chinese clay tiles can be used.
See Figure 5 (PDF, 0.94 MB)
Retractable awning can be added at 2nd storey floor level. It is to be sensitively installed under or at the main beam, and not cover or block any key architectural features.
See Figure 6 (PDF, 0.77 MB)
They are subject to relevant technical agency’s requirements, e.g. Singapore Land Authority, Land Transport Authority, Fire Safety and Shelter Department.
(a) Paint & Plaster finish
Shophouses were originally rendered in lime plaster and painted with lime wash. In replastering or repainting historic buildings, lime plaster and lime wash or its modern day equivalents e.g. mineral paint, should be used. This is because historic brick tends to be porous and lime plaster and lime wash allows moisture to evaporate from the walls. Cement plaster and film-forming paint should not be used because they cannot perform this function and could eventually create moisture-related deterioration.
Spray-applied textured wall coatings are not allowed.
(b) Timber Surfaces
Timber surfaces can be either painted or stained.
(c) Shanghai Plaster Finish
For a building with existing unpainted Shanghai plaster finish, the finish is to be retained and restored.
If the Shanghai plaster finish is already painted over, the owner is to look into recovering the original Shanghai plaster finish.
(d) Fair-faced Brickwalls
For a building with existing unpainted fair-faced brickwalls, the fair-faced brickwalls are to be retained and restored.
If the fair-faced brickwalls are already painted over, the owner is to look into recovering the original fair-faced finish.
If the brick is soft and flaky, a materials specialist should be engaged to advise on appropriate treatment such as use of consolidant and/ or water-repellent finishes which are clear, colourless and breatheable (e.g. silane-siloxane-based products).
Traditional paint schemes and colours are to be used to recall the historic streetscape.
Generally the base colour of shophouses has a pastel hue. Where necessary, darker or lighter shades can be used to highlight selected features or decorative ornamentations. Black should not be used as a base colour as this hides the architectural features.
A paint scraping analysis can be carried out to determine the original colour of the building.
Original traditional painted murals and cut-tile decorations are not to be removed or painted over.
For buildings with distinctive colour, e.g. the “Gedung Kuning” (Yellow Mansion) in Kampong Glam, the same colour should remain. To refer to the ‘Specific Restoration Guidelines’ for the subject building.
A unique adaption to the hot and wet climate, the five-foot way is a continuous colonnaded covered walkway along the front and sometimes the sides of a shophouse block.
Some five-foot ways have original granite slab borders and/ or edging. If such original granite slabs are existing, they shall be retained and restored.
The retention or reintroduction of the traditional materials and finishes of the five-foot way is encouraged. Traditional materials and finishes of the five-footway contribute to the overall character of the conservation area. They include cement screed, terracotta tiles, clay tiles, cement terrazzo, mosaic, marble chip terrazzo or granite slab.
Where the existing floor finishes are not original, owners are strongly encouraged to reintroduce traditional floor finishes. The selection of the floor finishes should preferably match the architectural style of the shophouses.
The tiling material is to be non-slip for the safety of pedestrians. Highly polished gloss finish is not allowed.
The level of the five-foot way is to match the adjacent units and open walkway where possible. Where the difference in level is not more than 175mm, a ramp is to be provided. The gradient of the ramp cannot be steeper than 1:10.
As shophouses are typically under different ownership and restored at different times, an owner has the following options:
(a) Liaise with neighbours to level the ramp.
(b) Provide gradual ramps.
(c) Keep the existing step if the adjacent units are not restored.
See Figure 7 (PDF, 1.22 MB)
Where there is a significant level difference between the five-foot way and open walkway, safety railings can be considered subject to evaluation of its design. The design should be simple, porous and lightweight.
The design and placement of letter boxes along the five-foot way is to take into account pedestrian safety. They can be integrated into the design of the shop front or residential front.
Exposed upper floor structure of timber boards and timber joists is preferred. Existing exposed reinforced concrete floor above, if any, can remain.
False ceiling of timber frame and plaster /timber board, not lower than the front facade beam, can be added.
Variations in design and use of alternative compatible material can also be added at the main entrance.
For shophouses which abut a public road or lane, existing openings such as casement windows, doors and vents, if any, in the end gable wall can be retained or sealed up.
New openings, casement windows, doors and vents can be added subject to retention of the solid and void expression of the end gable wall, i.e. the wall space between the windows should have a minimum dimension equal to the new window opening width. They should align with the existing windows, if any, and the proportion should follow the existing windows.
The design and material of the new windows and doors are to match the original windows at the end gable wall, or those of the front facade upper storey windows. To refer to ‘Specific Restoration Guidelines’ of the subject building for the front façade windows.
Vents can be of any material. If metal is used, it is to be anodised or colour coated.
See Figure 8 (PDF, 1.15 MB)
New internal elements such as staircase landing, wall and partition cannot abut the window or door openings and vents, and are to be sufficiently setback.
No openings are allowed for gable walls which share a common boundary with a neighbouring property.
New canopies over doors and windows with a projection of not more than 450mm can be added. The frame is to be timber and the roof material, similar to that of the main roof.
See Figure 7 (PDF, 1.50 MB)
The original windows facing the rear court can be retained and restored, or changed to French windows subject to the design and material matching those of the front facade.
See Figure 9 (PDF, 0.69 MB)
New internal elements such as staircase landing, wall and partition cannot abut the window openings and vents, and are to be sufficiently setback.
Existing vents, if any, can be retained or removed. New vents of any material can be added. If metal is used, it is to be anodised or colour coated.
New canopies over doors and windows with a projection of not more than 450mm can be added.
The frame is to be timber and the roof material, similar to that of the main roof.
Existing windows and openings, if any, can be retained and restored. New casement windows with or without brickwall between windows, can be added subject to the design and material matching those of the front facade upper storey windows. Existing openings can also be infilled with grilles. If metal is used, it is to be anodised or colour coated.
See Figure 10 (PDF, 0.83 MB)
New internal elements such as staircase landing, wall and partition cannot abut the original window openings and vents, and are to be sufficiently setback.
New canopies over doors and windows with a projection of not more than 450mm can be added. The frame is to be timber and the roof material similar to that of the main roof.
A new roof can be added over the rear court, provided the roof is not higher than the 2nd storey floor level.
The new roof can be in reinforced concrete, light weight material or same roof material as the main roof. If metal is used, it is to be anodised or colour coated.
Reinforced concrete flat roof can be used as a roof garden. The rear boundary wall can be raised up to the sill height of the 2nd storey windows to form a parapet, not exceeding 1m in height. The space along the parapet can be used to house condensing units. Any screening above is to be kept minimal in height and is to be effective screening in the form of simple grilles or louvers. If metal is used, it should be anodised or colour-coated.
If condensing units are taller than the 1m parapet height, the level of the reinforced concrete flat roof on which the condensing units are housed is to be lowered such that the height of the condensing units does not exceed the parapet wall or 1m above the 2nd storey level.
See Figure 11 (PDF, 0.8 MB)
External staircases within rear courts are distinctive architectural features of the conserved buildings.
For selected streetblocks, the intact external staircases are to be kept and used as secondary access routes. These street blocks are Nos. 15 to 43 (odd nos. only) Tanjong Pagar Road in the Tanjong Pagar Conservation Area.
In other areas, owners are encouraged to keep the existing external staircase so as to contribute to the charm and character of the area.
If a new external secondary staircase in addition to the internal primary staircase is required to meet SCDF’s fire safety regulations, the location, design and material are subject to evaluation. If metal is used, it is to be anodised or colour coated.
The original height of the wall is to be retained, except:
(a) when the rear court is to be roofed over and the wall has to be raised up to the 2nd storey floor level to give sufficient headroom, and
(b) when required to meet the minimum parapet height for roof terrace over the rear court or for screening of condensing units (refer to item H1).
At upper storeys, new vents and casement windows can be added subject to the design and material matching those of the front facade upper storey windows.
At the 1st storey, only vents and high-level windows can be added.
Vents can be of any material. If metal is used, it is to be anodised or colour coated. The frames of high level windows are to match those of the upper storey front facade windows and the infill can be glass.
New internal elements such as staircase landing, wall and partition cannot abut the window openings and vents.
Existing door position can be retained or changed. The doorway can be enlarged subject to a width of not more than 1800mm. Timber or metal can be used. If metal is used, it is to be anodised or colour coated.
The original size and location is to be retained and restored.
A new roof can be added over the airwell, provided the roof is lower than the eave of the main roof. No other above ground structure, lift or floor can be added within the airwell space.
Light weight transparent or translucent roof covering is to be used. If metal framework is used, it is to be anodised or colour coated. The cover can be retractable or fixed.
See Figure 12 (PDF, 1.02 MB)
The original windows are to be retained and restored. New casement/French windows can be added subject to the design and material matching those of the front facade upper storey windows. To refer to ‘Specific Restoration Guidelines’ of the subject building.
Original decorative or ornamental features, if any, at the airwell are to be retained and restored.
The existing windows/openings in only one of the three sides of the airwell, excluding the existing party wall, can be fully walled up.
The majority of conserved buildings have timber floor boards on timber structure. The structure consists of the timber joists which span between the party walls. The timber floor boards are then laid horizontally on the joists and are usually joined by the tongue and groove method. Being one of the key architectural elements which contributes to the internal spatial quality and original character of the shophouse, it is important that the timber floor should be retained.
Horizontal and/or vertical structural supports, if required to be added, are to abut the party walls to minimize impact on the existing structural system which is to be retained.
For original reinforced concrete framed buildings, the original structural grids are to be retained. New columns, if required to be added, are to align with and respect the original grids.
Provided the structural integrity of the building is not compromised, flexibility to shift some columns to meet the specific operational/ functional requirements can be considered on a need-to basis.
The existing level, timber floor and structural system are to be retained and restored. If the original shophouse has reinforced concrete floors, the reinforced concrete floors can be retained.
Voids up to 25% of the floor area of each floor of the unit, can be introduced.
If the original shophouse has timber floors, localized areas can be changed to reinforced concrete floor for wet areas such as toilets and kitchen. An alternative solution is to add a composite floor above the existing timber floor for such wet areas. If subsequent works are carried out where the wet areas are no longer required, the timber floor is to be reinstated.
New basement is not allowed.
Party walls are principal load-bearing walls. They are either constructed of brickwork or of column-and-beam construction with non-structural infill walls. The load bearing walls are supported on continuous strip foundation whilst columns rest on brick footings.
Horizontal and/or vertical structural supports, if required to be added, are to abut the party walls to minimise impact on the existing structural system which is to be retained.
The first 3-metre length of the load-bearing party wall perpendicular to the 1st storey shopfront is to be retained to keep the fine-grained character of the shophouses. Slight reductions or variations within the first 3m can be considered on a need-to basis.
Openings in the load-bearing party walls can be introduced, provided the total width of the openings is less than 50% of the total length of the party wall within the building envelope.
For original reinforced concrete framed buildings, there is no control on party wall openings and the first 3-metre length of the party wall perpendicular to the 1st storey shopfront need not be retained.
Existing staircase can be retained or relocated with the original railings reinstated. Any proposal for modification arising from agencies' technical requirements should be submitted for evaluation.
If the building has timber floors, new staircase to replace or supplement the existing one is to be constructed in lightweight material, such as timber or metal. New reinforced concrete staircase is not allowed. The layout and railing design of the new staircase can vary.
New staircase cannot abut any door or window openings or vents at the front, side and rear facades, airwell, rear service block or end gable wall.
New roof mezzanine can be added within the building envelope. The new floor structure is to be set back:
(a) A minimum of 1500mm from the inner face of the front facade wall if it is not lower than the top of the window/fanlight at the front facade of the uppermost storey.
(b) A minimum of 2500mm from the inner face of the front facade wall if it is lower than the top of the window/fanlight at the front facade of the uppermost storey.
If the front facade has an existing balcony, it is not necessary to set back the new floor. The floor cannot abut any window/door or transom/fanlight.
Minimum headroom and floor area are subject to compliance with the requirements of relevant technical agencies.
Traditional material of timber floor boards on timber joists are to be used. Reinforced concrete can be used only if the original uppermost floor is of the same material.
See Figure 13 (PDF, 1.18 MB)
Uppermost Floor
Typically, the false ceiling is at or above the springing line. If the ceiling is lowered below the springing line, it is to be setback 1500mm or 2500mm following the roof mezzanine guidelines [refer to Item N(a) and (b)].
Lower Floors
Exposed upper floor structure of timber boards and timber joists is preferred.
If required, new false ceilings not lower than the original window openings or transom/fanlight/vents can be added.
Existing masonry flue, if any, can be retained, repositioned or removed. New flue can be added.
Repositioned or new flue is to be neatly located in either the rear slope of the main roof or the rear secondary roofs or abutting the wall of rear facade/rear service block within the rear court. It can also abut the rear service block wall of the adjacent unit.
The roof of the flue can be pitched or flat and is to be lower than the ridge of the main roof.
See Figure 14 (PDF, 1.00 MB)
All external walls are to be of plastered brick or plaster board, and the pitched roof to be unglazed natural colour clay tiles of profile identical to the main roof or of reinforced concrete.
Alternatively, metal flues can be exposed and painted the same colour as the background wall.
The use of electrostatic air cleaning system is encouraged.
Exhaust fan is to be placed at the rear facade or rear service block facing the rear court.
Any material can be used. If metal is used, it is to be anodised or colour coated.
Lifts can be added within the building envelope. However, if the shaft protrudes beyond the roof, it must be located at the rear slope of the main roof or on the secondary roof and lower than the roof ridge of the main roof. Lifts cannot be added within the airwell or at the rear court.
Mounting of rainwater downpipes and gas pipes on the surface of rear wall is to be minimised. Rainwater downpipes including gutters, if provided, are not to be in stainless steel.
Mounting of all other utility/conduit pipes on the surface of external walls is not allowed.
The use of piped gas is encouraged. Where the use of cylinder gas is required, the gas tanks are to be located within the property boundary, e.g. in a recess created within the rear boundary wall.
Condensing units are to be integrated within the building envelope at the rear in a recess created within the rear boundary wall, or an opening created within the roof of the rear service block. The opening is to be properly screened. If metal is used for the screening, it is to be anodised or colour coated.
See Figure 15 (PDF, 0.89 MB)
However, due to practical constraints in integrating the units within the building envelope and the differing needs of tenants and users, the condensing units can be neatly or compactly placed at the rear and lined along the parapet, party walls or rear service block walls. The units are to be screened unless they are small and not visible from the street level.
See Figure 16 (PDF, 0.88 MB)
Other locations for placing the condensing units can be considered on the merits of each case if there are particular site constraints, e.g. when the conserved building is “back-to-back” with another building.
Mechanical & electrical plants and rooftop services are to be visually screened from the top and all sides. If metal is used for the screening, it is to be anodised or colour coated.
The spacing of trellises, louvres or other similar types of construction used for screening are to be equal or less than the depth of its individual members.
The screening elements are to be orientated to cut off views of the services from the street level and surrounding buildings.
If perforated panels are used, the porosity (i.e. percentage of void-to-solid) of the perforated panels is to be equal or less than 25% and the size of openings cannot exceed 30mm in diameter.
New solar panel(s) can be added, subject to the following guidelines.
(a) Pitched Roof
New solar panel(s) can be added to or laid on top on the rear slope of the main pitched roof and on secondary pitched roof(s). The solar panel is to be computed as part of the 30% coverage allowable for skylights (See Item A4). Any metal supporting structure is to be painted, anodised or colour coated.
(b) Flat Roof
New solar panel(s) installed on existing flat roofs will be excluded from the 35% coverage control of new structures added on existing flat roofs (See Item A6). Such panel(s) can be elevated to not exceeding the existing roof parapet height. Solar panel(s) can also be installed on top of new structures added on existing flat roofs, and concession can be given for the installations to exceed the 3.6m height control for new structures.
See Figure 17 (PDF, 0.35 MB)
(c) Other Locations
Replacement of original roof or other building features with building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems is generally not allowed. Any proposal is subject to evaluation.
Murals can be allowed on end gable walls of shophouses. Murals at other locations of a conserved building can be considered but are subjected to additional evaluation. They should not obscure key architectural and heritage features of the conserved building. (For example, windows and doors are not allowed to be painted over as part of the mural design). They should not contain profanity, negative racial or religious implications. The murals must be appropriate to the character of the building and area.
The content of murals should not contravene prevailing policies and guidelines of government agencies.
Through mural art, there is also the opportunity to bring out the history and accentuate the uniqueness of each area or community. There is a need to balance between retaining the character of an area and promoting mural arts.
For Kampong Gelam Historic District, there are additional specific guidelines from the local community that are applicable regarding location and content. Please write in to URA Conservation for more details.
An application to URA is to be submitted online via:
URA e-Services (Apply for Category 3 Works for Conserved Buildings)
The submission must be endorsed by the building owner. Where appropriate, URA will also seek the views of relevant local community groups and agencies as part of evaluating the proposal.
• Figure 1: Jackroof (PDF, 0.75 MB)
• Figure 2: Allowable Structures on Existing Flat Roofs (PDF, 0.79 MB)
• Figure 3: Residential Front (PDF, 1.65 MB)
• Figure 4: Secondary Windows (PDF, 0.95 MB)
• Figure 5: Canopy (PDF, 0.94 MB)
• Figure 6: Retractable Awning (PDF, 0.77 MB)
• Figure 7: Five-Foot Way Floors (PDF, 0.85 MB)
• Figure 8: End Gable Wall (PDF, 1.15 MB)
• Figure 9: Rear Façade of Main Building (PDF, 0.69 MB)
• Figure 10: Rear Service Block (PDF, 0.83 MB)
• Figure 11: Rear Court and Rear Boundary Wall (PDF, 0.81 MB)
• Figure 12: Airwell (PDF, 1.02 MB)
• Figure 13: Roof Mezzanine (PDF, 1.18 MB)
• Figure 14: Flue (PDF, 0.98 MB)
• Figure 15: Condensing Units Integrated within Building Envelope (PDF, 0.89 MB)
• Figure 16: Condensing Units Placed at Rear Parapet and Walls (PDF, 0.88 MB)
• Figure 17: Solar Panels on Flat Roof (PDF, 0.35 MB)