This meticulously restored shophouse in George Town shows off a classy and modern interpretation of Straits Eclectic design
Interior designer Raymond Lee was instantly intrigued when tasked by his client to create a modern, functional home out of a century-old shophouse in Kimberley Street in George Town, Penang. But merging the old with the new while preserving the property's history and heritage was not a straightforward process.
"I wanted to respect the architecture of the space, but then again I didn’t want to create a museum-like environment," says Lee, whose travels throughout Asia have given him first-hand experience in how historic properties can be lovingly adapted for the 21st century. "I wanted a home where my clients are able to enjoy traditional crafted spaces with all the modern day comforts."
See also: A Restored Bungalow In Petaling Jaya That Fuses Modernism With Tropical Charm
From the very start, it was clear that the home's transformation was down to a team effort, from a group of skilled craftsmen from China to an expert on Southeast Asian Chinese houses.
"When designing a heritage property such as this, it is imperative that one should work with a knowledgeable and respected conservation architect familiar with these types of structures. So for this project, I collaborated with Penang-based Tan Yeow Wooi, a specialist in this area." says Lee.
Soon, restoration works were fast underway, with careful attention given to ensure that the house's original character and style was preserved before the more modern touches could be implemented.
"When I first saw the house, it was a warren of small and pokey rooms, many without windows," recalls Lee. "The building’s history and provenance captured my imagination and I was inspired to create a space that would balance the past and present."
Related: A Walk Through Sri Lanka's Heritage Properties With Raymond Lee
