Cover A seating area on the balcony of this Penang condominium includes a curved sofa and planters, and the balcony is at a high level, offering views across Penang
A seating area on the balcony of this Penang condominium includes a curved sofa and planters, and the balcony is at a high level, offering views across Penang
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Nevermore transforms a sprawling Penang condominium on Gurney Drive with warm timber tones and a distinctive curved island counter that anchors the open-plan living space
On Gurney Drive, one of Penang’s most prominent addresses, a young family of four occupies what may be the largest unit in the 8 Gurney development. At nearly 10,000 square feet, the Penang condominium presented Chong Su Min, design director of the Penang-based practice Nevermore, with a particular brief: a large residence that needed refinement rather than reinvention.
The family reached out to Nevermore through social media. “The size and layout of the unit immediately caught our attention,” Chong said. “It’s rare to find such a large, open canvas for design in this location.”
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The living room faces the media wall with the spirits cabinet visible in the distance
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The condominium has four bedrooms and a substantial open-plan living, dining, and dry kitchen area. A private pool sits on the balcony, facing the city. The layout was already functional, so Nevermore left it largely intact. The firm focused instead on materials, visual continuity and how the family would use the space.
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A symmetrical view of the curved display area shows matching shelving on both sides. The central pedestal table holds a floral arrangement beneath the pendant light
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Above A detail of the curved timber shelving shows the ribbed backing and floating display surfaces with objects on the backlit shelves
Above A fluted pendant light hangs above a cylindrical pedestal with a floral arrangement
A detail of the curved timber shelving shows the ribbed backing and floating display surfaces with objects on the backlit shelves
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Chong led the conceptual work, and the approach centred on what she described as “visual flow, soft tonal transitions and tactile materials”. This meant considering how spaces connected and how finishes would read across long sightlines.
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Above A curved sofa sits in the living area with the backlit spirits cabinet visible in the distance, and floor-to-ceiling sheer curtains line the exterior walls
Above A cylindrical column in the living area includes a recessed timber niche with candle holders
A curved sofa sits in the living area with the backlit spirits cabinet visible in the distance, and floor-to-ceiling sheer curtains line the exterior walls
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The view from the kitchen area shows the full length of the open-plan area, with the curved counter and the living and spirits visible
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The curved island counter in the kitchen extends into the dining table. It is both functional and architectural, anchoring the open area. “It’s striking, practical and encourages interaction even in such a long space,” Chong said. The counter follows the natural curve of the unit itself, a detail that extends throughout the condominium.
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The open-plan space shows the relationship among the kitchen cabinetry, the curved counter, and the living
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Working with that curve was one of the project’s main challenges. The building’s architecture dictated certain parameters, and Nevermore had to ensure that every feature, from wall panels to ceiling lines, responded to the existing structure. “We made sure every feature followed the natural curve of the unit,” Chong explained. “The flow feels organic and harmonious, making the whole home calm and cohesive.”
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Above The curved spirits display cabinet stands near the living area. Floor-to-ceiling curtains line the exterior walls, which open to the balcony pool
Above The hallway includes integrated display shelving with marble backing and timber storage
The curved spirits display cabinet stands near the living area. Floor-to-ceiling curtains line the exterior walls, which open to the balcony pool
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Warm timber tones run through the main living area. The Penang condominium’s ceilings, which are not particularly tall, received texture paint rather than a flat finish. This added depth. Coordinating contractors to apply large-format finishes while maintaining balance required close supervision, Chong noted. “Especially in dividing materials proportionately so the space feels balanced,” he said.
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Above A seating area on the balcony includes a curved sofa and planters, and the balcony is at a high level, offering views across Penang.
A seating area on the balcony includes a curved sofa and planters, and the balcony is at a high level, offering views across Penang.
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Above The balcony prep area shows the relationship among the sink, timber storage, and the glass railing
Above The balcony pool features tiled steps with a glass barrier, while the white mosaic tiles line the pool structure, which overlooks the cityscape
The balcony prep area shows the relationship among the sink, timber storage, and the glass railing
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The condominium benefits from its position in the building. At a high level with large openings to the balcony, it stays naturally cool. Nevermore did not introduce major environmental systems. The design relied on cross-ventilation and natural light. “The unit is naturally very cooling,” Chong said. “Our focus was to keep the layout open and airy, letting the natural breeze and light do most of the work.”
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Above The master bedroom features a padded headboard, curved timber storage and brass wall sconces
The master bedroom features a padded headboard, curved timber storage and brass wall sconces
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Above A decorative cabinet features black mesh panels with curved metal detailing set within timber cabinetry
Above A bedroom wall detail shows a brass-and-glass sconce beside curved timber panelling with a marble shelf that sits below the light fixture
A decorative cabinet features black mesh panels with curved metal detailing set within timber cabinetry
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The balcony doors near the dining area of the Penang condominium are fixed, a constraint imposed by the developer’s original design. “If only the balcony doors near the dining area could be opened fully,” Chong said.
Furnishings came from two sources. Nevermore introduced pieces from Timeless Furniture Penang, while the family imported other items directly from China.
A central vanity unit with double basins, brass fixtures and floor-to-ceiling mirrors
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Since completion, the family has spent most of their time in the open living and dining area. Feedback has been positive, from both clients and online viewers.
Nevermore’s intervention was measured. The firm took an already generous space and gave it coherence through material consistency and attention to the unit’s geometry. The curved island counter remains the most visible element, but the project’s success lies in other decisions: the texture of the ceiling paint, the proportions of the timber finishes, and the way spaces connect.
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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.
