Shophouses of Singapore: Beyond the Facade

Shophouses of Singapore: Beyond the Facade

by Kissa Castaneda (Author), Xinying Hong (Author)

What lies behind the colorful shutters and ornate tiles of Singapore’ s shophouses?

Shophouses of Singapore: Beyond the Facade profiles 30 standout buildings, pairing stunning exterior photography with an exclusive look inside. Through the lens of the architects and designers shaping these spaces, the book explores how heritage architecture can become a canvas for contemporary living, work, and creativity.

Shophouses of Singapore takes readers into beautiful homes, historic landmarks, hotels and restaurants in popular neighborhoods as well as lesser-known enclaves. The book also includes interviews with the architects and designers who actively preserve them.

Chronicling 30 standout subjects across Singapore—from intimate residences to landmark projects such as Temasek Shophouse, private members’ club Mandala Club, and boutique hotels like 21 Carpenter and Duxton Reserve — the book highlights the architectural influences at play in different neighborhoods and the people actively ensuring these gems remain alive: the architects, designers, entrepreneurs and homeowners.
– By Kissa Castañeda, Travel & Leisure (June 2026)

About the Author

Boundless curiosity drives globetrotting editor Kissa Castañeda. Previously Regional Editorial Director – Travel and Design at Tatler Asia, she now divides her time between Europe and Asia, covering creative people, places and projects for Forbes, Travel + Leisure, CNA Luxury, Vogue, Telegraph Travel, Centurion and more. The art of telling a good story lies at the heart of Hong Xinying’ s passion as a writer and editor. A Singaporean currently based in Kyoto, she was formerly regional editor of Tatler Homes, a luxury design magazine that profiles the most creative interiors across Asia.