A shophouse is a building type serving both as a residence and a commercial business. It is defined in dictionary as a building type found in Southeast Asia that is "a shop opening on to the pavement and also used as the owner's residence", and became a commonly used term since the 1950s.

The term “ shouse ” is a blend of two words: shop and house, occasionally called “shop house.” At its core, it is a unique concept that combines a personal workshop and/or storage space with a dwelling.

A shouse—also referred to as a “shop house” or “shome”—is an abode constructed with metal or wood pole frames that connects to a large workspace. Many shomes are open-concept, with high ceilings, large windows, and often oversized garage doors.

Last updated: April 18, 2023. When looking at barndominium designs and ideas, you may come across the word “shouse.”. A shouse is a shophouse (shop + house = shouse). It is essentially a workshop or storage space connected to a living space. Many of the first barndominiums were shouses.

A house, also known as a shophouse, is a metal building structure that combines living quarters with a workshop or garage. Compared to traditional brick and wood houses, houses are less expensive. It is because the metal sheets used to construct the exterior cover more surface area, making the construction process quicker and more affordable.