Cover The interior of Ashtana Tela boasts Janda Berhias-style timber walls
The interior of Ashtana Tela boasts Janda Berhias-style timber walls
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From a restored kampung house to a rejuvenated pre-war townhouse, take an inside look into three distinctive heritage properties across Malaysia
Modernity is an attractive prospect—especially when it comes to architecture. Old buildings can be problematic and outdated, often struggling to accommodate the needs of contemporary occupants and lacking essential amenities and efficient infrastructure.
Yet adapting heritage buildings offers numerous benefits that extend far beyond mere preservation. Apart from honouring the rich history and cultural significance of these structures, this practice which is often less convenient than building from scratch, preserves a community’s unique character and charm. Additionally, repurposing buildings promotes sustainable development by minimising the environmental impact associated with new construction.
Malaysia is fortunate to have more than its fair share of heritage buildings. From a traditional Malay house to a Peranakan townhouse and a boutique hotel which celebrates its context, these three projects have created new architectural treasures that celebrate their past while creating a culturally rich future for generations to come.
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Ashtana Tela, Selangor
Above The entrance sets the scene
Above Grand lighting adds a luxurious touch
The entrance sets the scene
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Originally built in 1879 in the traditional Rumah Limas Bungkus style, Astahana Tela reflects the Dutch and British influences found in the Riau group of islands at that time.
The vernacular house was recently relocated from Kuala Terengganu to Batang Kali, Selangor, as part of the Warisan Astahana Tela initiative, a 1.5-acre estate comprising similar buildings founded to showcase traditional Malay residential architecture design, and hospitality.
See also: Muji Base Kamogawa: A sustainable retreat in a 100-year-old Japanese house
The interior boasts Janda Berhias-style timber walls
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The house was upgraded by adding a new anjung or entrance porch and an ensuite bathroom.
A grand entry staircase adorned with traditional sword-like peleh profiles leads to the semi-enclosed serambi or verandah. Beyond lies the elevated Rumah Ibu, where an open-floor layout blends colonial aesthetics with modern comforts.
Don't miss: Home Tour: An Updated Kampung House In Ipoh
The main bedroom has a romantic feel with a carved four-poster bed
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The interior, which boasts intricate Janda Berhias-style timber walls, was brought to life by IDent-3, who cleverly juxtaposed the elegance of wood construction and carvings with contemporary classical furnishings.
Natural light and cool breezes flow through carved screen panels, a reminder of how vernacular architecture champions cross-ventilation.
Read more: Home Tour: A Minimalist Kampung Retreat in Janda Baik, Malaysia
Ashtana Tela has modern bathrooms within its traditional envelope
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The main bedroom, accessed through the Selang, exudes elegance with an intricately carved four-post bed and a modern ensuite bathroom featuring traditional black and white mosaics.
Despite its historical charm, Rumah Tela embraces modern sensibilities with carefully curated decor and period-correct furnishings. Through preservation and enhancement, Astahana Tela offers a glimpse into the rich traditions of Malay architecture and design.
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Heeren Mansion, Melaka
The intricately restored facade with traditional cut and paste method shardwork
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Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock in Melaka, once called Heeren Street, was dubbed Millionaires’ Row due to its affluent Straits-born Chinese residents in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The homes on this street looked deceptively modest from the front but concealed large interiors, which the affluent inhabitants did up in grand style.
An experienced interior designer, Jennifer Ker fulfilled her dream of owning a property on this historic street when she and her husband breathed new life into a former café and dried foodstuff warehouse, envisioning the house in its heyday splendour.
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This Middle-Eastern inspired courtyard features Spanish tiles and aquamarine Moroccan pendant lamps
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Working within Unesco heritage site regulations, they tackled structural challenges with a skilled contractor.
Despite limited salvageable materials, Ker meticulously sourced authentic architectural details from around the world, blending colonial aesthetics with modern comforts like air-conditioning.
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The inviting pool is located in the back of the house
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Retaining the ground floor’s heritage charm, albeit with a small pool tucked in the back, the upstairs bedrooms received a contemporary touch, adorned with vibrant colours, antique pieces, and luxurious amenities.
The interiors boast a curated collection of artwork and antiques, showcasing Ker’s personal touch and attention to detail.
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Striking colours are in line with Peranakan aesthetics
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The completed space, now known as Heeren Mansion, epitomises the extravagance of Peranakan culture, with plans to open its doors for private events and villa rentals.
Featuring a bar and a baby grand piano, Heeren Mansion offers a glimpse into Melaka’s rich past and the promise of being a vibrant party venue.
Read more: Penang’s Michelin-starred Aunty Gaik Lean’s new interior is a feast for the senses
The George, Penang
Above The facade is inspired by Penang’s colonial past
The facade is inspired by Penang’s colonial past
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While not a conservation reuse project by any means, one would be forgiven to think that The George boutique hotel was the sympathetic adaptation of a block of pre-war shophouses.
Set in the heart of Penang’s Unesco Heritage Core zone, The George is a classically inspired building adhering to the guidelines of the Rules & Regulations of Heritage and situated at the confluence of four historical streets: Penang Road, Leith Street, Chulia Street, and Argyll Road.
See also: 4 Luxury Resorts in Unesco World Heritage Sites in Southeast Asia
George Bar is elegantly appointed and has details inspired by Chinese medicine cabinets
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The vision of KH Tan Architect sparked the transformation of an empty parking lot into a building that pays homage to its historical roots.
Unfortunately, the original two-story shophouse had been demolished in the early ’90s, but it saw a revival through meticulous curation and attention to detail by KH Tan Architect.
Don't miss: Meet the award-winning Malaysian architect intuitively repurposing heritage buildings
The central atrium bathes the pool with natural light
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The resulting structure boasts a facade adorned with elements reminiscent of its predecessors, paying tribute to its past lives as the Australian Hotel, then Teik Bin Chinese Dispensary and finally, a kopitiam.
The building’s staggered form was created to preserve the scale of the streetscape, while the elongated Central Atrium serves as both a source of light and ventilation, reminiscent of an internal street or back alley.
Read more: Home tour: A modern classic Penang home imbued with quiet luxury
The bedrooms have modern furnishings
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Every corner of The George Hotel has a narrative, from the restaurant that evokes memories of dining in an old kopitiam to the George Bar, inspired by antique Chinese medicine cabinets.
The interior design, crafted by Blu Water, boldly incorporates cultural influences and pays homage to the building’s facade, creating a seamless blend of local Peranakan aesthetics.
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Credits
Photography: The Space Storyteller (Astahana Tela), David Yeow Photography (The George), Lin Ho (Heeren Mansion)
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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.
