Although work was carried out prior to the designation of the core of George Town as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2008, the front facade was not altered.

Its interior, however, was transformed into a loft-like contemporary residence with the ground floor opened up to create a seamless living, dining, and kitchen area with a timber screen entrance.  The master bedroom was relocated to the rear, and a two-story window brought in natural light and ventilation. 

Read more here

See also: Studio tour: A creative couple’s bohemian studio in Penang

Chris Ong, hailing from a Straits Chinese family in Penang, pursued a successful career in investment banking in Australia for 20 years.

In 2006, he returned to Penang, acquiring properties and establishing the enchanting Seven Terraces and Muntri Mews. He now leads the George Town Heritage Hotels (GTHH) Group. 

Ong’s own house on Lebuh Muntri, a former grocery store, underwent restoration to resemble his grandfather’s home. The layout was reconfigured to its earlier state, and a new garden court was created at the rear, replacing the area destroyed during World War II. Bathrooms were added, skillfully integrating modern amenities while preserving its heritage charm.

Yet beyond the physical building work, the most spectacular transformation is the integration of Peranakan carved and gilded timber screens, lacquered wooden doors and the exposure of original floor tiles, together with Ong’s extensive collection of authentic period furniture, porcelain and other memorabilia.

Read more here

Don't miss: The Most Expensive Condominiums and Penthouses in Penang

Art gallery owner Lim Wei-Ling and her husband Yohan Rajan purchased a charming holiday home in Penang’s Unesco Heritage Zone for their 20th anniversary.

Their chosen location offers a perfect blend of old-world charm and privacy even though the heritage shophouse, initially a swiftlet farm, required extensive restoration to preserve original elements while modernising facilities.

With a contractor experienced in heritage buildings, they created a master bedroom and two bedrooms with ensuites, added a bathroom, and retained the dividing wall between the living and dining areas. Salvaged terracotta tiles from Lim’s father were used for the flooring, and an antique marble-topped bar counter now serves as a unique kitchen island.

A striking juxtaposition of classic and modern furniture coexists harmoniously with contemporary art pieces, spanning various mediums. The couple’s curated collection includes a multi-panel Sean Lean series and Diana Lui’s captivating photography.

Read more here

Read more: Meet the award-winning Malaysian architect intuitively repurposing heritage buildings

Interior designer Raymond Lee took on the challenge of transforming a century-old shophouse on Kimberley Street into a modern and functional home while preserving its heritage.

Working with a team of skilled craftsmen and conservation architect, the late Tan Yeow Wooi, Lee carefully restored the property, blending past and present. 

Vintage furniture and antique pieces from the client’s collection were thoughtfully incorporated, reflecting the beauty of Southeast Asian craftsmanship.

The dining room boasts an imposing 26-seater table with vintage kopitiam chairs, while the bedrooms exude swanky boutique heritage hotel vibes with Italian marble and custom-designed four-poster beds.

Read more here

See also: Studio Tour: Sputnik Forest's Lush Penang Studio

Interior designers Chuah Say Yang and Chong Su Min collaborated to transform a pre-war terrace house in Georgetown, Penang, into a sleek, light-filled home.

They combined their respective styles, creating an open-concept space with skylights to maximise natural light. The first floor houses the living room, kitchen, dining, and open bar area, while the upper floor features three bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. 

The home boasts Arabescato Orobico marble and solid teak wood flooring, with high-quality fittings in the modern kitchen. The elegant furniture, sourced from their suppliers and accented with designer pieces, reflects their shared love for design.

The project won the couple their first international award at the British SBID International Design Awards 2018.

Read more here

NOW READ

Cover Story: Su Kim Hock of Michelin-starred Restaurant au Jardin is Tatler Dining's Chef of the Year

7 coolest coworking spaces in Penang

Home tour: A luxurious coastal Penang penthouse