Cover Natural marble defines the dining surface, complemented by a Bang & Olufsen sound equipment
Natural marble defines the dining surface, complemented by a Bang & Olufsen sound equipment
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Vault Design Lab’s seaside Penang penthouse with custom marble patterns, retail-inspired spaces, and meticulous craftsmanship offers an unparalleled coastal luxury experience
Twenty-nine floors above the coastal enclave of Tanjung Tokong, Penang, a residence transcends conventional notions of condominium living. At The Penthouse—a development limited to 22 dwellings—volume and restraint coexist in unexpected harmony.
The 5,000 sq ft residence belongs to an entrepreneur whose international travel informed her residential aspirations. Mixy Ooi, managing director of Vault Design Lab, translated these aspirations into physical form.
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The lift lobby’s wood paneling creates a composed entrance experience
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“The owner and I have collaborated before on her commercial projects,” Ooi says. “This time, I’m designing her new home with her partner, which makes it a more personal undertaking.
She’s an independent and successful businesswoman with refined taste and high standards for her living environment. Creating the perfect space was challenging, but we share the same adventurous spirit in design exploration.”
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The Minotti Roger Set sofa anchors the living space, where steel chrome elements create visual tension against veneer paneling
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Floor-to-ceiling windows reveal the sea, while Burmese hardwood and marble establish the foundation. The layout includes a 4+2 bedroom configuration, with each room positioned to capture the surrounding vista.
These “sky bungalows” redefine high-rise living with expansive spaces rivaling landed properties, but with superior perspectives of the coastline.
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Above Close-up of the Minotti Roger Set sofa showing refined upholstery details and precise proportions
Above This detail of the living room highlights the material interplay that defines the penthouse's aesthetic
Close-up of the Minotti Roger Set sofa showing refined upholstery details and precise proportions
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“We aimed to create an atmosphere of mystery, where details hide within material connections,” says Ooi.
“Another influence was bringing a VIP retail experience into the home, making everyday living feel like an exclusive shopping environment. Her lifestyle is dynamic—she travels extensively and experiences world-class hospitality in luxury hotels. We had to elevate our approach, transforming a conventional home into a bespoke living experience.”
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The dining area flows into the dry kitchen, where marble surfaces create visual continuity between both spaces
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The material selection is deliberate: natural veneer warms the paneling, marble defines the dining and kitchen surfaces, and stainless steel chrome provides counterpoint.
“The reflective quality of steel creates tension against the wood veneer,” Ooi observes. “This opposition generates a visual dynamism. We carefully selected a few key materials to bring coherence to the project—each with a purpose in the overall composition.”
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Above The dining table’s surface reveals the deliberate material contrast central to the residence's design philosophy
Above The open bar cabinet has illuminated shelving displays curated spirits against reflective backing,
The dining table’s surface reveals the deliberate material contrast central to the residence's design philosophy
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The design team’s attention to proportion proved critical in managing the expansive space.
Large sliding doors open to balconies strategically positioned to maximise views, while exquisite finishings—including jacuzzi bathtubs—elevate daily routines to sensory experiences.
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Meticulously refined through multiple iterations, the kitchen island showcases precise material proportions
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In the living room, a Roger sofa set from Minotti, sourced from XTRA Furniture, anchors the space. Bang & Olufsen audio equipment maintains dual purposes—sound quality and visual presence.
The careful curation of furnishings reflects the owner’s global perspective and appreciation for craftsmanship.
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Above A corner of the balcony offers unobstructed views of Tanjung Tokong's coastline
Above Evening lighting transforms this balcony corner into an intimate outdoor retreat
A corner of the balcony offers unobstructed views of Tanjung Tokong's coastline
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The walk-in wardrobe emerges as the residence’s conceptual centre.
“The wardrobe reveals the owner’s personality and recreates moments from luxury retail,” Ooi explains. “We organised it with seasonal racks and varied accessory displays. It functions beyond storage — it’s where one might drink champagne while selecting outfits for upcoming events. Every detail is crafted to enhance the experience, making it more than just a wardrobe—it’s a personal boutique.”
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In this bedroom, horizontal planes of natural veneer create a sense of expanse
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The master bathroom employs experimental techniques and unusual finishes. A custom marble pattern substitutes for traditional rugs in both the shoe area and bathroom.
“Carpets define areas effectively, but present maintenance concerns in certain spaces,” says Ooi. “We developed a marble pattern that integrates with the flooring while creating distinction.”
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Inspired by luxury retail environments, the walk-in wardrobe features seasonal display systems and curated accessory presentations
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Another detail of note is the curved fixed glass panels on both sides of the vanity.
“This small yet thoughtful design choice enhances the visual flow,” Ooi notes. “It ensures the space feels open and connected inside and outside. Sometimes, the subtle elements make the most significant difference in elevating a space.”
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Above The walk-in wardrobe combines display and storage functions with precise lighting that highlights the owner’s collection
Above The Louis Vuitton trunk contrasts with the sleek bathtub visible beyond
The walk-in wardrobe combines display and storage functions with precise lighting that highlights the owner’s collection
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Despite the effortless results, the project presented spatial challenges. “In expansive environments, proportion becomes more complex,” Ooi admits.
“The kitchen island required extensive refinement—we adjusted repeatedly to achieve the correct relationship between elements. Since we had expanded the original floor plan, finding the perfect balance required multiple rounds of discussions and adjustments. Ultimately, all the effort transformed it into a key highlight of the space.”
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The oversized marble sink in the master bathroom combines functionality with visual impact
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In the master bedroom, a Louis Vuitton trunk marks the entrance, representing the owner’s appreciation for objects with narrative significance.
“The owners find the space effective,” Ooi concludes. “They use it for gathering friends in an environment that balances darkness and comfort. They especially enjoy hosting in this moody yet cosy atmosphere, making it the perfect setting for intimate gatherings.”
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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.
