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In Singapore’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, the shophouse stands out — a heritage treasure with timber louvres, ornate plasterwork, and narrow yet deep interiors. Once bustling with merchants and families, these historic buildings are now prized by private owners and boutique developers for their rare charm and investment potential.

At Loren Ng Designs, we blend history with modern comfort — preserving architectural character while making these homes functional for contemporary living.

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Why Singapore Shophouses Are Worth Preserving

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Shophouses are more than real estate; they are cultural artefacts. Their façades, courtyards, and five-foot ways reflect a unique blend of Chinese, Malay, and European influences that make them irreplaceable in Singapore’s architectural landscape.

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Challenges of Renovating a Conserved Shophouse

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Renovating a shophouse means balancing creativity with compliance. Unlike typical properties, conserved buildings require approvals for even minor changes

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URA Conservation Rules Every Owner Should Know

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• Façades, rooflines, and key architectural features must be retained.
  
  
• Works require Conservation Permission from URA, and structural changes need BCA approval.
  
  
• URA: Your Shophouse – Do It Right

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Common Structural and Layout Limitations

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• Narrow layouts with limited natural light and ventilation
  
  
• Steep, narrow timber staircases
  
  
• Uneven floors, non-standard ceiling heights
  
  
• Outdated plumbing and wiring

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Technical Guide to Shophouse Renovation in Singapore

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URA Conservation Permissions & A&A Works

To alter a conserved shophouse, you need URA Conservation Permission. If your works affect structure, you must also get Building Plan and Structural Plan approvals from BCA.

→ URA Conservation Guidelines

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BCA Guidelines for Structural Safety

Engage a Professional Engineer (PE) to assess load-bearing elements and ensure stability during works.

→ BCA Building Works Approval

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When Works Are Exempt from Plan Submission

Certain minor renovations qualify as “insignificant building works” — but always confirm with your QP or PE to avoid compliance issues.

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Design Strategies That Respect Heritage and Add Value

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1. Honouring Original Features

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We restore original features not just as decorative elements, but as narrative anchors:

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• Repurposing timber shutters into statement art pieces
  
  
• Retaining Peranakan floor tiles in key areas
  
  
• Preserving decorative plaster cornices and wrought-iron grilles
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This keeps the space unmistakably a shophouse, even as modern comforts are introduced.

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2. Introducing Purposeful Modern Interventions

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• Use glass partitions, skylights, and courtyards to improve light and ventilation
  
  
• Conceal modern services like air-conditioning ducts and electrical runs
  
  
• Maximise space with built-in storage and multi-functional furniture

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3. Blending Old and New for Timeless Appeal

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The magic lies in the mix:

• Raw brick and sleek cabinetry
• Heritage greens and terracottas with minimalist fixtures
• Traditional motifs balanced by contemporary lighting

This fusion creates interiors that are timeless, yet distinctly modern.

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From Heritage Shell to Coveted Asset

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For owners, a well-designed shophouse enhances both liveability and long-term value. For boutique developers, it creates a product that stands out in a competitive property market.

At Loren Ng Designs, we merge conservation expertise, technical precision, and design vision — turning historic shells into modern, market-ready spaces.

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📖 Related Reading:

Want to know how a well-executed renovation can directly increase your property’s value? Read our upcoming guide: How Quality Renovation Adds Value to Your Property in Singapore — complete with market data, case studies, and ROI insights.

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📩 Contact us or visit lorenngdesigns.com to start your transformation.

✉️ ask@lorenngdesigns.com

📷 @loren_ng_designs on Instagram

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