The Secondary Settlements in areas like Balestier, Beach Road, Geylang, Jalan Besar, Jalan Jurong Kechil, Joo Chiat, Mount Sophia, River Valley, Tanjong Katong, Upper Circular Road and Tiong Bahru were largely developed between the 1900s and the 1960s as a result of outward movement of the population from the city centre.
Besides shophouses of various styles, some of the areas also have bungalows of the Early, Victorian and Art Deco Styles.
The Balestier Conservation Area is located along Balestier Road, between Thomson Road and Moulmein Road. The street blocks comprise a mix of two-storey pre-war shophouses as well as more recent three- to six-storey shop / flat developments.
The buildings reflect the evolution of physical development since the 1840s and serve as reminders of the history of the area. The shophouses range from the Early Shophouse Style to the ornate Late Shophouse and the more streamlined Modern Style built after World War Two.
Of particular visual interest are the ornate Late Style shophouses at the junctions of Kim Keat Road and Jalan Kemanan.
Other key landmarks are the old Balestier Market from the 1920s and the Gochor Tua Pek Kong Temple and Wayang Stage with history which can be traced back to the 1840s.
The Beach Road Conservation Area is located just north of the Downtown Core. It consists of buildings along Purvis Street, Liang Seah Street and Tan Quee Lan Street which are the roads linking the major thoroughfares of North Bridge Road and South Bridge Road.
The Beach Road Area was designated the European Town during the time of Raffles. It was located between the Commercial Quarter and Kampong Glam, and was the original seafront before reclamation. Its sea-frontage (which has since been reclaimed) made it the main European residential area as well as that of the wealthy Asians. The area is mainly dominated by two- and three storey shophouses built in blocks of identical architectural features and ornamentations, with each block being different from the other.
The Geylang Conservation Area is located 5km to the east of the city and stretches along Geylang Road and selected lorongs.
Historically, the area was probably a processing centre for local agricultural produce and fishing. Its history dates as far back as the 1840s when the British Government resettled the Malay floating village at the mouth of the Singapore River to this area. Today, the wide range of shophouses along Geylang Road; the combination of the low-rise bungalows and rows of shophouses along the lorongs provide a gentle contrast, giving this area a rich architectural heritage.
The Jalan Besar Conservation Area is located just outside the boundaries of the Little India Historic District and stretches along Jalan Besar and Foch Road, the upper portions of Tessensohn Road, Race Course Road and Tyrwhitt Road, along Cavan Road and Hamilton Road, parts of Serangoon Road, Lavender Street, Kitchener Road, Sam Leong Road, Maude Road. It also includes the ornate row of terrace houses along Petain Road.
The area was originally an estate of over six acres extending from Serangoon Road to Jalan Besar, where historically, sireh and nipah were extensively cultivated. The area is significant for its historic streetscapes created by buildings with a variety of vernacular architecture of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period in Singapore’s history when the elaborately decorated shophouses flourished.
The Jalan Jurong Kechil Conservation Area is situated at the junction of Upper Bukit Timah Road and Jalan Jurong Kechil. It consists of ten two-storey Transitional style shophouses and three Art Deco Style single-storey terraces which contribute to the streetscape experience of the Anak Bukit area.
Their pre-war architecture make the remaining row of shophouses stand out as an important landmark located at the entrances to the Anak Bukit area.
The Joo Chiat Conservation Area stretches along the entire main Joo Chiat Road, the upper portion of Onan Road, parts of Joo Chiat Terrace, Joo Chiat Place, Everitt Road, Koon Seng Road and Tembeling Road. It also includes the stretch of East Coast Road from Marshall Road to Telok Kurau Road.
The area was originally part of a coconut plantation which stretched inland from the coast to what is Geylang Serai today. The area is not only rich in architecture and history but is also a thriving commercial and residential node today. Joo Chiat, with rich historical links to the Peranakan culture, is a renowned food paradise. A wide variety of shophouses and bungalow styles which reflect the prevailing architecture at the turn of the century can be found within this area.
The Mount Sophia Conservation Area, located between the historically important areas of Fort Canning / Bras Basah, the Little India and Jalan Besar Conservation Areas, is an important part of the old inner city of Singapore since the turn of the 19th century.
The different shophouse styles which chart the evolution of developments along Selegie Road gave this important trunk road its signature streetscape. The largely intact terrace houses along Niven Road present a charming intimate streetscape while the shophouses along Mackenzie Road remain vibrant after many years. Marking the entrance to Mount Sophia are the Church of Christ of Malaya and Sophia Flats, both established landmarks of the area.
The River Valley Conservation Area is adjacent to the Robertson Quay area to the south of River Valley Road. It consists of buildings lining Mohamed Sultan Road from its junction with River Valley Road up to its junction with Kim Yam Road. The area also includes stretches of Tong Watt Road and Kim Yam Road near Mohamed Sultan Road and a group of buildings located at the junction of Kim Yam Road and River Valley Road.
The shophouses within this area played an important role in the early trading activities of Singapore which was centred on the Singapore River. These shophouses catered to the owners and workers of the godowns and warehouses along the river. The shophouses are mainly of the Late Shophouse and Transitional Shophouse Styles.
The Tanjong Katong Conservation Area is located along Tanjong Katong Road, between Dunman Road and Mountbatten Road.
The ornate Late Style and the more geometric Art Deco Style shophouses together with the more streamlined Modern Style shophouses built after the World War Two provide the critical mass that gives this historic road its sense of place and help anchor the social memory for both residents and visitors. Other landmarks along the road are the former Tanjong Katong Girls School, built in 1954 by the then Public Works Department. The Tanjong Katong Post Office and the Telecom Exchange Building are also prominent markers.
The Tiong Bahru Conservation Area is bounded by Outram Road, Seng Poh Road, Yong Siak Street and the Central Expressway.
Tiong Bahru estate, the first public housing in Singapore, is well known and valued by Singaporeans. The flats built by the then Singapore Improvement Trust mark an important period of public housing in Singapore before the formation of Housing Development Board. The estate is an illustration of the distinctive planning and architectural ideas prevalent in British public housing of the same period.
The two rows of shophouses within the area and the single-storey building located within the streetblock along Outram Road are closely associated to Tiong Bahru estate, being very much a part of its physical fabric. Fronting Tiong Bahru and Outram Road, they are highly visible to those who pass through the area.
The Upper Circular Conservation Area is bounded by Upper Circular Road, South Bridge Road, North Canal Road and New Bridge Road. It contains mainly three- to five-storey buildings built mainly in the 1930s to the late 1960s and are of different Modern architectural styles. They serve as important markers of what "Modern" meant to each generation and how architectural taste has evolved with the passage of time.
The plans in the section above show the respective boundaries of the Conservation Areas, the buildings to be conserved, national monuments to be preserved and the envelope control sites. For buildings to be conserved, the main shophouse building is to be restored in accordance with the conservation guidelines. Vacant lands and buildings not designated for conservation can be redeveloped subject to envelope control guidelines.
The building use is to follow the Master Plan intention and the prevailing guidelines for the respective areas.
The plot ratio shall be the resultant of the building envelope of the conserved building or part thereof to be conserved, as well as that of the new extension(s) if any, and subject to the maximum prescribed permissible plot ratio in the Master Plan for the respective areas.
Shophouse
The applicant can consider the following options:
i) to conserve the entire shophouse building.
OR
ii) to conserve the main shophouse building with a new rear extension as shown in Figure 1 (PDF, 1.07 MB). The new rear extension is subject to Development Control guidelines and the requirements of relevant technical agencies. The number of storeys allowable for new rear extensions differ from area to area (See Building Height).
For conserved buildings with asymmetrical main roofs where the rear slope is longer than the front slope, the length of rear slope can be adjusted to achieve a symmetrical main roof so that there is sufficient depth for a meaningful rear extension. The 600mm minimum gap between the main building and the new rear extension is still applicable.
For the Geylang Conservation Area, the new extensions are also subject to the Geylang Urban Design Guidelines.
For the Pre-war SIT flats at Blocks 55 to 59, 64 to 66 & 71 to 82 in the Tiong Bahru Conservation Area, the entire building is to be conserved. As such, option (ii) above does not apply. Please refer to the conservation guidelines for the pre-war SIT flats at Tiong Bahru (PDF, 3.69 MB).
For shophouses with 2 main buildings in the River Valley Conservation Area, both the main buildings are to be conserved. New rear extension is to be located beyond the 2 main buildings. Except for 301 to 309 (Odd Nos) River Valley Road, option (ii) is applicable. See Figure 1 (PDF, 1.07 MB).
Detached Building
For detached building, please refer to the Conservation Guidelines for Bungalows.
For both shophouses and detached buildings, the original profile of the building or part thereof to be conserved is to be retained. If it has undergone unauthorised alteration, the original profile is to be reinstated.
The original height of the building or part thereof to be conserved is to be retained.
The allowable height for new extensions is dependent on the Development Control Guidelines of the respective Planning Areas, and the development type.
Extensions to Landed housing will be subject to the three-dimensional limits under the Envelope Control Guidelines for Landed Housing, and shall not exceed the overall two or three-storey height control of their respective landed estates.
Up to 5 storeys
Up to 6 storeys (west of Kallang Paya Lebar Expressway)
Along the Lorongs: up to 8 storeys
Also subject to the Geylang Urban Design Guidelines (GUDG)
For units no. 241-259 (odd nos. only): up to 5 storeys
Blocks 55-59, 64-66, 71-82: Not applicable (conservation of entire building)
Minimally, the front 7.5m of the conservation building must be conserved. The rear portion of the site can be built up to a maximum of 6 storeys.
The above is not applicable for units 27, 29, 31 & 33 New Bridge Road where the entire main pitched roof is to be conserved. For the other units, conservation of the entire main building or main pitched roof is encouraged.
Under all restoration/development options, the rear is to be set back in compliance with the service lane widening requirements, where applicable.
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.
LBC, where applicable, shall be leviable to the new extension(s), as well as to any new floor areas e.g. roof mezzanines within the envelope of the building to be conserved.
Provision of car parks or payment of car parks deficiency charge for a conserved building or any part thereof that is conserved is waived if the conservation guidelines are fully complied with and the conservation works are completed in accordance with the approved plans.
The requirement for provision of carparking spaces under the Parking Places (Provision of Parking Places and Parking Spaces) Rules and any statutory modifications or re-enactments thereof for the time being in force shall be complied with in full for the new extension(s).
Strata-subdivision is allowed for conserved shophouses in the Secondary Settlements. Any proposed internal wall and partition in these shophouses must not abut window openings. However, the first storey space cannot be strata subdivided for sale as two or more units and must continue to be held under one single ownership.
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.
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 is 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.
Unglazed, natural colour clay roof tiles are to be used. They can be v-profile tiles or flat interlocking (“Marseilles”) tiles. Reinforced concrete roof can only be used if this was the original roof material.
The underside of roof eaves can be exposed or covered with plasterboard.
To facilitate the addition of a link or staircase and to reduce the fire-escape distance, a mono-pitched tile roof adjacent to the party wall can be added between the main conserved building and the new rear extension. The addition is akin to the typical roof form of a rear service block. As such, it is complementary to the architecture and character of a traditional shophouse.
See Figure 2 (PDF, 0.89 MB)
Existing jackroof, if any, can be retained or removed.
New jackroof can be added subject to compliance with the positioning, setbacks and maximum allowable dimensions. Roof tiles and pitch of the jackroof are to be identical to that of the main roof. See Figure 3 (PDF, 1.08 MB)
Sidewall can be finished with plaster or timber/plasterboard or glazed panels. Front and rear openings can be fixed or openable of any infill material. If metal is used, it is to be anodised or colour coated.
New skylight can be added on the rear slope of the main pitched roof, on secondary pitched roof and on the rear slope of new jackroof.
Skylight on the jack roof is to be located beyond the first quarter of the rear slope of the jackroof to keep the character of a typical jackroof.
See Figure 3 (PDF, 1.08 MB)
The skylight is to be on the same plane as the subject roof and the total area of the skylight cannot exceed 30% of the subject slope of the pitched roof. The protrusion of the skylight should not exceed 150mm beyond the roof tiles.
New skylight can also be added on a conserved building with flat roof. While the design, treatment and materials used can vary, the height cannot exceed 1m, which is the typical roof parapet height, so that the skylight is not visible from the street level. The skylight area is to be computed as part of the 35% coverage allowable for new single storey structure on the flat roof (see item A6).
The skylight is to be of transparent or translucent material on framework of timber or metal - painted or anodised or colour coated. The design, treatment and material used can vary. It can consist of glass louvres, retractable panels or even solar panels laid on the same plane as the roof. For solar panels, the metal supporting structure is to be painted, anodised or colour coated.
To minimise disruption to the roofscape, the skylight cannot be an opening or void without cover and is to be set back from the roof eaves and roof ridge.
Not allowed.
Some conserved shophouses, particularly those of the Art Deco or Modern style, may have reinforced concrete flat roofs. Existing flat roof can be landscaped and / or converted into usable space as an extension of the existing building. Conservation Permission must be obtained for the change of use.
For a fully conserved building without any new rear extension, 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 covers e.g. 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 party wall and 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 4 (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.
For forecourt with special features such as gateposts and ornamental forecourt wall, 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.
For forecourts with modular features, some modification can be considered for widening of the entrance in order to facilitate carparking within the premise. This is subject to evaluation.
For forecourts with no special features and to facilitate carparking within the premise, the entrance can be widened to a maximum of 3m and the forecourt lowered to be at-grade with the road. Retention of the original forecourt gate is encouraged.
If replaced, the forecourt gate is to be of a compatible design. The original open spatial character of the forecourt should be kept.
For 24 to 29 Mohammed Sultan Road, 301 to 309 River Valley Road (odd nos.), and 1 to 35 Martaban Road, widening of the forecourt entrance and lowering of the forecourt is not allowed.
Changes to existing shopfronts are allowed except for existing shopfronts which still have traditional transom 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. To refer to "Specific Restoration Guidelines" of the respective building.
A shopfront must not be a 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’.
(c) Alternatively, fixed frameless or timber framed glazed panels can be added instead of secondary windows, and frameless 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 5 (PDF, 1.67 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 front, existing traditional window screen, if any, is to be retained. To refer to ‘Specific Restoration Guidelines’ of the subject building.
New window screen 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 front, 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 façade 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 those of the original one.
New internal elements such as staircase landing, walls, partitions and false ceilings cannot abut the original windows, doors 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 glass secondary doors 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.
Traditional bat-shaped, circular or precast vents can be sealed with glass.
See Figure 6 (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.
Original tile canopy, if any, is to be retained and restored. To refer to ‘Specific Restoration Guidelines’ of the subject building.
New tile canopy can be added at 2nd storey floor level.
Roofing material of unglazed, natural colour clay tiles identical to those of the main roof or green glazed Chinese clay tiles can be used.
See Figure 7 (PDF, 0.95 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 8 (PDF, 1.00 MB)
They are subject to relevant technical agency’s approval, e.g. Singapore Land Authority (SLA), Land Transport Authority (LTA), Fire Safety and Shelter Department (FSSD).
(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 painted murals and cut-tile decorations are not to be removed or painted over.
For buildings with distinctive colour, e.g. the Red House at Katong, 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 running 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 preferably matches 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 9 (PDF, 0.85 MB)
Where there is 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-footway 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, reinforced concrete, or false ceiling of timber frame and plaster timber board, not lower than the front façade beam, can be added.
Variations in design and use of alternative compatible material can also be added at the main entrance of the building.
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 10 (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.
They are subject to relevant technical agency’s requirements, e.g. Singapore Land Authority (SLA), Land Transport Authority (LTA), Fire Safety and Shelter Department (FSSD).
Existing openings can be retained or sealed up, and new ones can be added. The resultant solid and void expression of the rear facade is to be compatible with the subject building. Design and material of doors and windows are to preferably match those on the upper storeys of the front facade. Metal vents are to preferably be anodised or colour coated. See Figure 11 (PDF, 0.70 MB)
New internal elements such as staircase landing, wall and partition cannot abut the window openings and vents, and are to be sufficiently setback.
If the existing rear service block is retained and restored, existing openings can be retained or sealed up, and new ones can be added. The resultant solid and void expression of the rear facade is to be compatible with the subject building. Design and material of doors and windows are to preferably match those on the upper storeys of the front facade. Metal vents are to preferably be anodised or colour coated.
See Figure 12 (PDF, 0.83 MB)
New internal elements such as staircase landing, wall and partition cannot abut the window openings and vents and are to be sufficiently setback.
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 it should be in the form of simple grilles or louvres. 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 RC 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 13 (PDF, 0.92 MB)
External staircases within rear courts are distinctive architectural features of the conserved buildings. For selected streetblocks where the external staircases are intact, they will be required to be kept and their function as secondary access routes can be retained.
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).
New doors, windows and vent openings can be added. The resultant solid and void expression of the subject wall is to be compatible with the subject building. Design and material of doors and windows are to preferably match those on the upper storeys of the front facade. Metal vents are to be preferably anodized or colour coated.
New internal elements such as staircase landing, wall and partition cannot abut the window or door openings and vents.
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.
Applicable to shophouse with 2 main buildings where the central airwell is to be retained. For shophouse with only 1 main building, the airwell need not be retained.
The original size and location is to be retained.
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 14 (PDF, 0.99 MB)
Design and material of windows are to preferably match those on the upper storeys of the front facade.
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 existing level is to be retained.
Voids are allowed up to 25% of the floor area of each floor of the unit, can be introduced.
Existing timber floor with timber boards on timber joists is encouraged to be retained and restored.
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.
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 floor level can be raised to meet minimum platform level required by relevant agencies.
Part of the existing level can be lowered by not more than 600mm for landscaping/ponds/lift pits.
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 minimize impact on the existing structural system which is to be retained.
The first 3-metre length of the load-bearing 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.
For the rest of the party wall, there is no control on the percentage of openings to be introduced in the party wall.
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.
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 fanlight/window 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 fanlight/window 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.
See Figure 15 (PDF, 1.14 MB)
Minimum headroom and floor area are subject to compliance with the requirements of relevant technical agencies.
New mezzanine floors of timber boards on timber joists are encouraged if the original timber floors of the main building are retained.
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.
For New Rear Extension, the following guidelines are applicable instead of items F, G, H, I and J.
Design and material can vary.
* In the Geylang Conservation Area, the roof forms of the new rear extensions are also subject to the Geylang Urban Design Guidelines.
Setback
The new rear extension that protrudes above the eaves of the main pitched roof is to be set back a minimum of 600mm clear from the main conserved building for articulation between the old and new buildings.
To give greater design flexibility in the treatment of the new rear extension, facade articulations of the new rear extensions such as fins, ledges and planter boxes, can be considered within the 600mm set back.
See Figure 16 (PDF, 0.58 MB)
End Gable Wall and Rear Façade Design and material can vary.
The approach for new rear extensions to corner shophouse units varies according to the context.
Adjacent to other low-rise conserved street blocks
For corner units fronting two roads, the pitched roof of the corner block is to be retained and restored. The new rear extension of the corner unit can only be built up to the height of the pitched roof ridge of the corner block.
For corner units with end gable walls, the new rear extension can be built up to the height of the eave of the main pitched roof of the conserved building.
For corner units with flat roofs, the new rear extension can be built up to the height of the flat roof of the corner unit.
Adjacent to high-rise development
For corner units fronting two roads, the new rear extension can start from the pitched roof ridge of the corner block which is to be retained and restored, and from the eaves of the main pitched roof of the conserved building.
For corner units with end gable walls, the new rear extension can start from the eaves of the main pitched roof of the conserved building.
For corner units with flat roofs, the new rear extension can start after the main conserved building and after the first structural grid of the side block.
See Figure 17 (PDF, 1.69 MB)
If there are distinctive architectural features such as stair cores, they are to be retained and restored, and the new rear extension is to be adequately set back from these elements.
Floor levels, including any basement and roof mezzanine, are to comply with Development Control guidelines*.
The floors of the new extension can be of any material.
* In the Geylang Conservation Area, the floor levels of the new rear extensions are also subject to the Geylang Urban Design Guidelines.
Carparking spaces, if required, are to be provided within the new rear extension. Ingress and egress are to be taken from existing/proposed rear service road.
Original 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 18 (PDF, 1.00 MB)
All external walls are to be of plastered brick or plasterboard 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.
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 19 (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 20 (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.
For Secondary Settlements within Central Area
For developments within the Central Area, all condensing units and rooftop M&E plants and services located on the new extensions or new developments are to comply with the screening requirements stipulated in the "Screening of Mechanical & Electrical Services and Car Parks, on Roofs and Building Facades Within the Central Area".
See URA’s Circular to Professional Institutes dated 6 Sep 2004 (Circular No: URA /PB/2004/29-CUDD) (PDF, 205 KB)
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 21 (PDF, 0.59 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.
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.
Click here to see Figure 1 to Figure 21 (PDF, 19.6 MB)
• Figure 1: Development Options for Shophouses (PDF, 1.07 MB)
• Figure 2: New Link (PDF, 0.89 MB)
• Figure 3: Jackroof and Skylight on Jackroof (PDF, 1.08 MB)
• Figure 4: Allowable Structures on Existing Flat Roofs (PDF, 0.79 MB)
• Figure 5: Residential Front (PDF, 1.67 MB)
• Figure 6: Secondary Windows (PDF, 0.95 MB)
• Figure 7: Canopy (PDF, 1.00 MB)
• Figure 8: Retractable Awning (PDF, 0.77 MB)
• Figure 9: Five-Foot Way Floors (PDF, 0.85 MB)
• Figure 10: End Gable Wall (PDF, 1.15 MB)
• Figure 11: Rear Façade of Main Building (PDF, 0.70 MB)
• Figure 12: Rear Service Block (PDF, 0.83 MB)
• Figure 13: Rear Court and Rear Boundary Wall (PDF, 0.92 MB)
• Figure 14: Airwell (PDF, 0.99 MB)
• Figure 15: Roof Mezzanine (PDF, 1.14 MB)
• Figure 16: Rear Extension (PDF, 0.58 MB)
• Figure 17: New Rear Extensions for Corner Shophouse Units (PDF, 1.69 MB)
• Figure 18: Flue (PDF, 1.01 MB)
• Figure 19: Condensing Units Integrated within Building Envelope (PDF, 0.89 MB)
• Figure 20: Condensing Units Placed at Rear Parapet and Walls (PDF, 0.88 MB)
• Figure 21: Solar Panels on Flat Roof (PDF, 0.59 MB)