1,700 SQM, BUILT 2012
8 KEYS, MEMBER OF DESIGN HOTELS
QUASI-HISTORIC NARRATIVE_ Designed and branded as a lifestyle oriented ‘residence’, the Macalister Mansion and the multiple F&Bs and Hotel entities that comprise it have been conceived as a single holistic vision. The design differentiates itself from the local boutique hotel scene by its intimate scale, daring design and impeccable attention to details. Set against the backdrop of a conserved mansion, the heritage spaces have been carefully restored and infused with contemporary design - allowing the project to strike a balance between the nostalgia of the past and a vision of relevance for the future.
In a bid to be contextually sensitive, much attention has been paid to the fine details which add to a layered experience – including the original filigree window grilles and decorative red and white tiles in the Living Room, and the preserved galvanised spiral stairs in the bedroom which lead to a viewing tower.
"It ticks all the boxes in its own market, offering unbelievable facilities for just eight rooms. The interior creates a real buzz and feeling of exclusivity. Unique location and building... Specially commissioned artwork is delightful. A class of its own."
The Macalister Mansion is a pioneer project under an initiative called ‘Heritage Redefined’ which aims to demonstrate that old colonial buildings can be restored and revived to become useful, practical spaces so that they can be preserved for future generations. The dramatic transformation of Macalister Mansion certainly proves the point.
Colin’s role as a visionary provided the hotel with an important overarching concept that synergized the heritage with the new, the landscape & pool with the existing house. Paired with tremendous rigor and dedication, Colin and his team also showed great attention to detail, and professional responses to each situation. I was pleased with the wit and sophistication they brought to the interiors and art curation, and appreciated that the team did not rely on previous projects or convention, each solution was fresh new and contextual to Macalister Mansion. I am very pleased with the multiple AWARDS in the 1st year
"Penang just got a whole lot hipper with the opening of this little house of treasures: Macalister Mansion really raises the bar for boutique hotels with its holistic concept."
Claus Sendlinger, Design Hotels CEO 2012
Macalister Mansion has garnered 19 international design awards:
1. Winner, Best Luxury Hotel, 2013 at Gold Key Awards, USA
2. Winner, Best Small Hotels Award, 2013 at Asia Pacific Property Awards, United Kingdom
3. Winner, Best Hotel, Annual Hotel Awards, 2013 at Modern Decoration, China
4. Winner, Best Design Award, 2015 at IAI Design Awards, China
5. Winner, Interior Design, 2014 at Golden Pin Design Award, Taiwan
6. Winner, Best Luxury Hotel Design, 2013 at HDF Luxurious Projects Asia Awards, Singapore
7. Winner, Silver, Hospitality & Leisure, 2013 at Design for Asia Award, Hong Kong
8. 1st runner up (Highly Commended), Hotel Category, 2013 at World Architecture Festival, Singapore
9. Certificate of Excellence, Hotel Category, 2013 at Perspective Awards, Hong Kong
10. Honorable Mention, Commercial Category, 2014 at International Design Awards, USA
11. Finalist, Design of the Year, 2013 at President’s Design Award, Singapore
12. Finalist, Best Hotel, 2013 at FX International Interior Design Awards, United Kingdom
13. Finalist, Best Hotel under 50 rooms, 2013 at International Hotel & Property Awards, United Kingdom
14. Finalist, Best Hotel / Retail, 2012 at WAN Retail & Leisure Awards, United Kingdom
15. Finalist, Relax and Consume, 2013 at Frame The-Great-Indoors Award, Netherlands
16. Finalist, Interior Architecture Category, 2013 at Singapore Institute of Architecture Design Awards
17. Hottest 154 hotels, selected from 1,000 hotels, 2013 by Condé Nast Traveler’s Hot List
18. “IT List”, Hottest 63 hotels, 2013 by Travel & Leisure Best New Hotels
19. Destination, 2013 by Destination Luxe List
