Penang Shophouse Styles

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The research on historic shophouse styles is copyrighted to Tan Yeow Wooi and Dr. Gwynn Jenkins.
Research on the style of the shophouses is continuing. Any theorization is contingent upon the level of
understanding at a particular moment.
For more about Penang Shophouse, see www.penangshophouse.com.my

Early Penang Style 1790s-1850s
Indian and Chinese artisans were
brought in to build the early shophouses,
initially with timber and attap, later
using timber, brick, lime plaster and clay
tiles.
Photo: Tan Yeow Wooi Culture & Research Studio | Illustration: Tang Yeok Khang
Early town was predominantly settled
by Indians and Malays.

1790s ~ 1850s
Early Penang Style
Photo: Tan Yeow Wooi Culture & Research Studio
Photo: Arts-ED
Terracotta
U-shaped
roof tiles
Continuous row of
timber paneled or
louvred shutters &
solid timber
windows
Overhanging
pitch roof
Wood panel
doors & square
timber window
granite edge
block & step
Research on the style of the shophouses is continuing. Any theorization is contingent upon the level of understanding at a particular moment.

“Southern Chinese” Eclectic Style 1840s-1900s
Photo: Tan Yeow Wooi Culture & Research Studio | Illustration: Tang Yeok Khang Photo: Tan Yeow Wooi Culture & Research Studio | Illustration: Tang Yeok Khang
Southern Chinese architectural details and
building materials introduced by Chinese
masons began to make an impact on the
cityscape.
Influx of Chinese labour from South China
to work in George Town and tin mines in
Perak, Malaysia.

Low wall with
Chinese ceramic
air vents
Wooden louvred
shutter windows
Butterfly-shaped Chinese
air vents
Timber windows
with iron bars Carved timber
ventilated door
Terra cotta
U-shaped
roof tiles
Brick wall
Granite edge block
& granite step
1840s ~ 1910s
“Southern Chinese” Eclectic Style
Terracotta
floor tiles

“Early Straits” Eclectic Style 1890s-1910s
Education and exposure to European
culture resulted in the import of
decorative styles and materials of Western
architecture.
Wealth from the tin boom enabled
occupants to upgrade their decorative
facades.

Row ridge with a variety
of Chinese gables end
Full-length louvred
windows (Venetians)
Terra cotta
U/V- shaped
roof tiles
Chinese air vents
Carved timber
ventilated window
with iron bars
Carved timber
ventilated door
Geometric pattern
cement floor tiles
Plaster arches and
central keystones
1890s ~ 1910s
“Early Straits” Eclectic Style
Granite edge block
& step

“Late Straits” Eclectic Style 1910s-1940s
Material catalogues and shipping allowed
the import of decorative building
materials such as glazed tiles and cast
iron from Europe.
Rubber boom further encouraged more
elaborate decorative façade.

Granite edge block & step
10
Terra cotta
U/V-shaped
roof tiles
3-dimentional
decorative plaster
wall with intensive
use of both Chinese
and European
decoration
Full-length louvred
windows (Venetians)
with fanlights
Carved timber
ventilated door
Majolica ceramic
wall tiles on dado
facade
Geometric pattern
cement floor tiles
Overhanging eave
and ceilings (soffit)
1910s ~ 1940s
“ Late Straits” Eclectic Style

Art Deco Style 1930s-1960s
The hybrid Shanghai Art Deco Style was also
popularized by Chinese cinema.
Some commercial shophouses replaced their
facade with the fashionable Art-Deco style.
Wealthy local businessmen influenced by
their overseas schooling and exposure to
Western popular culture (cinema)
popularized Art-Deco style architecture.

Strong horizontal
& vertical lines
Date of building
in the center
Stepped parapet
wall
Metal frame
panel door
V-Shaped/Marseille
roof tiles
Flagpole
Shanghai plaster
wall finish
Sea-green glass
windows with
metal frame
1930s ~ 1960s
Art Deco Style

Early Modern Style 1950s-1970s
Influx of European and overseas-trained
architects who were influenced by
functional style of the modern movement.
Introduction of new building technology
and materials enabling corner buildings
and balconies to be curved.
Post-war economic recovery resulted in a
building boom. To meet popular demand,
Early Modern Style was simple in design,
economic in materials and fast to build.

Horizontal & vertical
R.C. shading fins
Flat/pitched roof
hidden behind
parapet wall
Five-footway
without pillar
Sea-green glass
windows with
metal frame
1950s ~ 1970s
Early Modern Style

Researched and produced by:
Community-based Arts & Culture Education
and
Copyright © 2009-2014
No part of this presentation can be reproduced without permission from Arts-ED and CHAT
Email: penangshophouse@gmail.com
Website: www.penangshophouse.com.my

Penang Shophouse Styles

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