Design Description:
Loke Thye Kee Residences is situated in the heart of Georgetown Penang, one of 5 Malaysian UNESCO world sites rich in heritage. MOD’s design draws inspiration from this heritage and specifically the historic Loke Thye Kee restaurant, its 100-year-old namesake and neighbor. Harking back to the romance of the early 1900’s, Loke Thye Kee Residences recalls the spirit of a bygone era but adds its own contemporary twist to modernize the living experience. Designed amidst the footprint of the traditional shophouse courtyard and alleyway, each of the 5 suites is preluded by a lush garden forecourt and an intimate private balcony.
The suites are furnished with soaring pitch roofs and all suites are well appointed with living areas and full facility pantry spaces. The traditional meets the contemporary on several levels, traditional timber hardwood floors are contrasted with customized contemporary fixtures that are designed to appear as if levitating. The rough texture of the original brick walls are visually enlivened by hidden LED cove lighting and the typically enclosed vanity and wardrobe spaces are celebrated as transparent glass boxes which seamlessly extend into the rest of the room. MOD also designed all the branding and in-room collateral in order to provide a holistic experience, ranging from a quirky pillow menu, to a food map navigating the area’s street food, the room service menu, TV menu etc. The artwork was specially commissioned for the project and it reflects the spirit of historic Penang framed in a modern way.
Client Testimonial:
"Colin's enthusiasm and passion convinced us that he and his team were the right people to help us write this new chapter. MOD's balance of sensitivity to the heritage of the building, while not allowing this same respect to limit their ideas and concepts was key. The team put our concerns to ease by making themselves available on site substantially and effectively at the key planning and execution stages. We found their designs to be detailed and precise and that same eye for perfection can be seen in the completed product, which has received the stamp of approval from all our guests. MOD has also proven to be both a reliable and dependable partner. During the project, we faced some unforeseen administrative delays, but MOD hung in there with us and juggled their schedules to accommodate ours, a sign of a true committed designer.”
— Jonathan Foo, Founder & CEO, 1919 Global
Awards:
- Winner, Best Hotel, Malaysia, 2017 at BCI Asia Interior Design Awards, Malaysia
- Finalist, Interior Design of the Year - Suite, 2016 at Asia Hotel Design Awards, United Kingdom
