Cover In this Penang residence, the Mah Jong sofa by Roche Bobois, upholstered in hand-stitched Missoni fabrics with signature chevron patterns, dominates the minimalist living room alongside ten playful KAWS prints
In this Penang residence, the Mah Jong sofa by Roche Bobois, upholstered in hand-stitched Missoni fabrics with signature chevron patterns, dominates the minimalist living room alongside ten playful KAWS prints
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The Collector’s Reserve in Seri Tanjung, Penang showcases how thoughtful interior design can elevate a passion for art, rare wines, and exotic cars into a refined living experience
This residence is fittingly named The Collector’s Reserve, since it foregrounds the owner’s passion for fine art, rare wines, and exotic cars. Chuah Say Yang, founder and creative director of design practice Nevermore Group, explains that the brief was perfectly clear from the outset: ‘create a refined, quietly luxurious backdrop that would showcase the client’s prized collections rather than compete with them.’
Throughout the design process, it helped that there was a significant amount of trust. While Chuah and his team felt empowered by the client’s confidence, they were also inspired to live up to the pressure - ‘the kind of pressure that pushes you to dig deeper, design smarter, and deliver your absolute best.’ The result is this elegant yet dynamic bungalow in Seri Tanjung, Penang.
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Above The four-storey residence in Seri Tanjung, Penang, displays clean modernist lines and expansive glazing
Above Traditional Japanese stone lanterns create moments of contemplative calm in the zen garden, contrasting with the vibrant art collections inside
The four-storey residence in Seri Tanjung, Penang, displays clean modernist lines and expansive glazing
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On display
Soaring ceilings and abundant natural light characterise the main living area
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The main aesthetic approach was to situate bold touches within a finely-tuned, tailored context. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the living room, which is notable for the clean modernism of its architecture. The simple geometry, together with the muted white palette of the surfaces and the metallic detailing, makes for a space that can accommodate even the most vibrant conjunctions of art and furnishing. And the living room certainly does not disappoint in that regard.
Above A vibrant artwork becomes a focal point at the end of the corridor
Above A vibrant artwork becomes a focal point at the end of the corridor
A vibrant artwork becomes a focal point at the end of the corridor
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In pride of place sits the Mah Jong sofa by Roche Bobois. This modular low seating system is synonymous with the audacious glamour of the 70s and unashamedly dominates the entire living space. This particular iteration of the Mah Jong is dressed in hand-stitched Missoni fabrics: the fashion house’s signature chevron shapes contribute a kinetic energy, while the multiple colours jostle, hum and pop.
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The dining area features a dramatic black marble table that serves as both functional furniture and sculptural element, with soaring ceilings that showcase the home’s remarkable natural light quality
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Adding a further note of boisterous vivacity to the living room is a set of ten prints by pop artist KAWS. These framed pieces bring a sense of cheekiness with their cartoon-like visuals and glossy finish. Chuah points out that the KAWS set of prints might be playful, but they also bring ‘an iconic layer to the home’s collection’.
Wheel estate
Custom LED displays in the garage can be programmed to create personalised patterns
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Apart from the living room, the basement garage would have to rank as a central highlight. Chuah is especially proud of this part of the house because it manages to combine ‘functionality with dramatic flair’. Just as with the living room, the gleaming white surfaces of the garage serve as the perfect backdrop for the luxury items that are on display. In this case, the focus is on the client’s collection of high-end branded vehicles. Up to 10 cars and multiple motorbikes can fit into this generous amount of space.
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Motion-sensor activated lighting guides luxury vehicles into the basement garage, where up to 10 cars can be displayed
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Of course, the garage creates a particular mood to match its function. The overall futuristic feel is due not only to the clean lines and monochromatic palette, but also emerges thanks to the careful choice of materials. The walls are clad in brushed stainless steel panels with a subtle hairline texture. These panels are perforated, allowing integrated backlighting to illuminate an ultramodern pixelated pattern. Chuah explains how the whole display works: ‘when a car enters, motion sensors activate LEDs, subtly guiding the vehicle into place.’
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Spatial awareness
The family lounge features custom storage for collectibles and warm taupe finishes that create a gentler ambience compared to the stark living areas
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While the living room and the garage live up to their roles as eye-catching highlights, the house still functions as a coherent whole. In fact, the first thing that drew Chuah to this project was the site itself. The parcel of land in question stretches out to 7,600-sq-feet while the original structure boasts soaring ceilings, allowing for ‘remarkable natural light that permeates even into the basement - a rare architectural quality.’ These attributes made it even more of a given to opt for architectural restraint, thus allowing the space and light to speak for themselves.
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Above The master bedroom walk-in closet showcases “muted taupes and beiges” with integrated lighting and custom storage solution
Above The walk-in closet’s “soft glow of backlit mirrors” and curved seating elements create an intimate dressing area
The master bedroom walk-in closet showcases “muted taupes and beiges” with integrated lighting and custom storage solution
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Extensive renovation was required, Chuah explains, in order to ‘reimagine the home’s spatial flow while retaining its core structural shell’. With its four storeys, the house has been able to accommodate a full range of functionalities. Besides the 8 bedrooms, we also find a private theatre, a music room, and an entertainment lounge. A bubble lift provides that much more ease of accessibility.
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The rooftop entertainment area’s sophisticated lighting design makes it appear to float above the urban landscape
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A deliberate effort was made to distinguish the various spaces not just in terms of function, but also in terms of personality. Thus, the stark glass and steel of the rooftop bar contrasts with the gentler ambience of the bedrooms and walk-in closets, with their curvy seats, muted taupes and beiges and the soft glow of the backlit mirrors. Meanwhile, the electric zing of the sofa and art in the living room sets off the contemplative calm of the zen garden and koi pond.
Ultimately, the design as a whole not only met, but also exceeded, the client’s expectations. Chuah proudly shares: ‘what began as a weekend home has now become their permanent residence - that speaks volumes!’
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Credits
Photography: The Space Storyteller
