Cover A glimpse through louvred windows reveals Studio 11’s refined renovation of the Mews rooms, where olive green accents and rattan details complement the serene neutral palette
A glimpse through louvred windows reveals Studio 11’s refined renovation of the Mews rooms, where olive green accents and rattan details complement the serene neutral palette
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Explore this Penang boutique hotel’s thoughtful renovation blending Straits Eclectic architecture with contemporary design
In the heart of George Town’s Unesco World Heritage site, a 1920s shophouse and former mews have been transformed into one of Penang’s most thoughtfully restored boutique hotels. Noordin Mews, celebrating its 12th year as a hospitality landmark, has recently unveiled a meticulous room refurbishment spearheaded by local architecture firm Studio Eleven that honours its historical roots while embracing contemporary comfort.
The hotel’s architecture tells the story of Penang’s rich cultural tapestry, combining two distinct traditions: the ornate Straits Eclectic shophouse style, reflecting the Peranakan community’s blend of Malay, Chinese, and European influences and the more humble mews, which once housed horses and carriages for the area’s wealthy residents. This architectural duality creates what the designers call “a space within a space,” where the ornate shophouse and simpler mews create an intriguing historical dialogue.
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Above The hotel’s striking facade exemplifies Penang's Straits Eclectic style
Above The central courtyard is populated with vintage furniture and the patterned tiles below speak to the property’s 1920s origins
The hotel’s striking facade exemplifies Penang's Straits Eclectic style
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“I sensed the walls whisper ‘green’ when I was in the rooms,” says Neoh Kim Hin, lead designer from Studio Eleven.
This intuition led to a carefully curated palette of olive greens, off-whites, and dark woods that pay homage to the building’s original elements while creating a serene retreat from George Town’s bustling streets.
See also: Malayan shophouses: The architectural heritage of Singapore and Malaysia
The hotel’s dining space retains its classical arched colonnade and traditional tiled floors while featuring modern rattan seating and vintage-inspired tiffin carriers that nod to Penang's culinary heritage
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The renovation presented unique challenges, particularly in the hotel’s fourteen distinctively shaped rooms, including three described as “shoebox-like.”
Rather than viewing these quirks as obstacles, the design team embraced them as essential elements of the building’s character. Original features, from uneven walls to wooden beams and rafters, were preserved and enhanced, creating an authentic dialogue between past and present.
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Above Architectural details of the former mews reveal the building's equestrian heritage
Above The tranquil courtyard pool area has contemporary furnishings in crisp whites and soft blues
Architectural details of the former mews reveal the building's equestrian heritage
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Local artisanship plays a central role in the hotel’s new identity. Penang-based furniture maker By Hogen created bespoke pieces using locally sourced materials, including the distinctive Mews bench and Corbel lounge chair.
These elements are complemented by carefully selected lighting fixtures, including Anglepoise ceramic table lamps and a graceful Foscarini Le Soleil pendant light.
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Original Peranakan floor tiles with intricate geometric patterns remain preserved in the hotel’s common areas, showcasing the building's authentic 1920s craftsmanship
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The hotel’s commitment to local craftsmanship extends beyond furniture to partnerships with local artisans, including Buttersage, Bungkus, and AE Coffee, ensuring guests experience authentic Penang culture from the moment they arrive.
The street itself carries historical significance, once home to the popular Wembley Cinema of the 1960s and its surrounding entertainment district, which included dance halls and billiard parlours that served as social hubs for locals.
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Each renovated guest room showcases By Hogen’s locally crafted furniture, including mint green benches, set against a backdrop of herringbone floors and paneled walls
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“We had to first and foremost define a clear vision of what to keep and what to enhance,” explains Neoh. This philosophy guided every decision, from preserving the hooks once used to tether horses to introducing modern amenities that complement rather than overshadow the building’s heritage.
The designers took particular care with the courtyard, featuring a charming halaman (pocket garden) that serves as a tranquil centrepiece connecting the property’s distinct architectural elements.
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Thoughtful design elements converge in the Mews rooms: herringbone parquet flooring, contemporary rattan furniture, traditional black shutters, and modern amenities like the Le Soleil pendant light, creating a sophisticated dialogue between old and new
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The renovation process involved thoughtful architectural interventions, such as using timber panels to address uneven walls while intentionally leaving adjacent surfaces in their original state.
This juxtaposition of refined and raw elements creates a visual narrative that spans centuries of Penang’s architectural evolution.
Read more: Explore three distinctive heritage properties in Penang, Selangor and Melaka, Malaysia
Above Studio Eleven's attention to detail is evident in the carefully chosen textiles and furniture
Above The newly renovated guest rooms reflect the hotel’s blend of heritage and contemporary comfort.
Studio Eleven's attention to detail is evident in the carefully chosen textiles and furniture
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As Penang continues to evolve as a destination that bridges past and present, Noordin Mews is a poetic example of thoughtful preservation. It offers visitors more than just accommodation; it provides an immersive experience in the cultural heritage that defines this historic port city, ensuring that each stay contributes to the ongoing story of Penang’s rich artistic legacy.
From the morning aroma of locally roasted coffee to the carefully preserved architectural details, every aspect of the hotel bridges the island’s storied past and its vibrant present.
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Credits
Photography: Lobach
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Jennifer Choo is Regional Managing Editor of Tatler Homes, covering architecture, interior design, and art across Asia. Based in Malaysia, she oversees regional content on luxury residential design and contemporary art collections. Legally trained but choosing to pursue her passion for design, she previously led notable design publications and worked as an interior stylist and art consultant for property developers, design firms, and private clients.
