A shophouse is a type of building that is both native and unique to Southeast Asia, especially in the urban areas. A shophouse is a hybrid building of duo-functionality: shop and house, hence, the shophouse. The shophouse is a common feature of the historical centres of most towns and cities in this region.

Pros and Cons of living in a Shophouse

A shophouse can consist of two to three storeys. A shophouse usually has a shop area on the ground floor with living areas on the upper floor. The ground floor of this shophouse contains a semi-public function. In more recent times, this shop area of the shophouse could easily be a food and beverage outlet, a service provider, an industrial activity or a community place.

The upper floor of the shophouse is meant to accommodate one or more families. Popular belief holds that the shophouse was initially occupied by a single family unit, with their private living areas above and the more public family business running below. As time passes by, the family grows to an extended family, with all living in the shophouse, under one roof. However, it is possible that both spaces of the shophouse can be used by unrelated persons or groups, who may be tenants or resident owners.

One of the most unique features of the shophouse is the use of open spaces to allow natural sunlight as well as fresh air into these long and otherwise tenebrous and stuffy building. These open spaces may be backyards, small airwells or most commonly, internal courtyards. These couryards make great landscaped spaces for quiet reflection, places to dry laundry, family gatherings and children play areas.