Shophouse
Architecture
 Though
often called ‘Sino-Thai architecture’, Phuket Baba buildings are
actually similar to those found in the former British Straits
Settlements, particularly Penang.
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Materials used were also similar, namely timber, terracotta tiles
and bricks, lime mortar, lime plaster and limewash.
The
word ‘shophouse’ comes from the Hokkien word ‘tiam-chu’
which is made up of two words meaning ‘shop’ and ‘house’.
 A
shophouse traditionally has a family-run shop in front, whereas
the rest of the house serves as living and storage space.
However,
the word shophouse can also refer to a terraced residence. In
some cases, shops and residences can be found side by side on
the same street.
The
front facades of the Phuket Baba shophouses are similar to those
found in Straits Settlements.
At
street level, a beautifully carved door is flanked by two windows,
with bat-shaped vents above and embossed glazed tiles at dado
level. Chinese calligraphy signage completes the building’s
entrance façade.
Houses
like these on Deebuk Road and Krabi Road are the private residences
of affluent Babas. Wooden or metal palisades across the front
verandah ensure privacy and security.
On
the upper floor, we find the typical tropical ‘French windows’;
these only rarely open out to balconies, but instead have railings
across the lower portion.
The
windows are composed of arched fanlights, louvred timber shutters
above and solid shutters below. Effusive stucco ornament is found
in the surrounding plasterwork.
The
stucco ornaments are similar to those in the Straits Settlements,
but in addition to Chinese, Malay and/or European elements, we
occasionally also find Thai expressions. The lotus flower, a Buddhist
symbol, is a favourite motif in Phuket.
This
heavily sculptured column resembles that found in Thai temples.
The
shophouse is designed according to principles of geomancy (feng
sui). Above this front door are a number of charms strategically
placed to deflect bad spirits or negative forces. The porch wall
gives privacy to the front hall, where the family altar is positioned
against a screen. The central screen allows passage on either
side. Its purpose is to deflect negative forces that rush in head-on.
The
shophouse provides flexible space, multi-functional spaces. The
front hall of this formerly residential shophouse has been converted
into a restaurant.
As
this is a family-run business, the space is also used by the family
as a dining room.
Within
the restaurant, the family altar still has pride of place.
 The
second hall is used exclusively as a living space. Light and ventilation
is provided by an airwell, which has an adjoining bathroom.
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A
masonry stove, which has been cemented over, stands in the traditional
kitchen.
The
backyard of this very long shophouse is a tranquil and picturesque
garden.
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