Many residences in the Emerald Hill Estate have as part of their exterior design, a traditional 5 Foot Way. This type of architecture is unique to Singapore, Malaysia, and other parts of Southeast Asia. Historically its construction as part of the original shophouse concept and use was designed to provide relief from the tropical sun and monsoon rains of our region.

In the Emerald Hill Estate, the 5 Foot Way provides not only an important part of the architectural integrity of the estate, but further has an indispensable role in the ease of pedestrian flow from one end to the other of the Estate.

The 5 Foot Way

• If plants are put along the 5 Foot way Inner Wall, they should not protrude out into the walkway.

• If plants are placed along the street side of the 5 Foot Way, they should be located so as to be within the 5 Foot Way Itself. In other words, under the eaves, between the overhang of the building and the street.

• The owner / tenant is responsible for the removal of damaged or dead plants and ensuring that no stagnant water situations occur.

• If furniture is placed along the 5 Foot way it should be either on the inner wall or on the street side, under the eaves. Not on both sides of the 5 Foot Way or blocking walk through pedestrian flow.

• One-third of the street facing side of the 5 Foot Way is to be kept clear of furniture or other items at all times.

Guidelines for use:

• The repair and maintenance of the 5 Foot Way is the responsibility of the owner of the dwelling or commercial property.

• The 5 Foot Way is restricted to being open to the public, as a walkway to provide protection from rain and tropical sun, it is not to be used for the preparation of food, storage of unused items, or overnight accommodation.

• The 5 Foot Way is to be kept open at all times as to the free flow of pedestrian traffic. Both directly from the street and between dwellings. There can be no restriction of pedestrians using the 5 Foot Way for transit.

• Furniture, plants, and other obstructions are not allowed to interfere with or block pedestrian flow along the 5 Foot Way

• The 5 Foot Way is gazetted as a no-smoking area, including the prohibition of the use of flammable materials.

The following regulations govern the use of such facilities and may evolve over time: