19-05-2025
Inside Peninsula House: The transformation of a Penang art deco landmark
Above The interplay between preserved architectural features and new interventions creates a restaurant space that respects the building's Art Deco heritage
Above The hallways of India House has seen an evolution from HSBC branch to US Information Service to Peninsula House
The design team responded creatively: 'We decided to create platforms to delineate spaces, as we had the volume to play with heights,' says Ken.
The solution resulted in three distinct levels of dining experiences with deliberate shifts in elevation that address both client requirements and spatial dynamics. These varying planes create different perspectives throughout Peninsula House, transforming what could have been an overwhelming space into areas of visual interest and controlled intimacy.
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Above Varying elevations create distinct dining experiences throughout the formerly sparse interior
Above Custom sliding doors honor architectural heritage while providing modern climate control
Preserving the building's architectural integrity while introducing contemporary elements required precision. 'The most important elements were the facade and the details of windows and doors,' Ken explains.
The team maintained the original metal framework but replaced the blue-tinted glass with a combination of textured and clear panels. Custom sliding doors were designed to allow balcony access while maintaining climate control – a practical solution that honours architectural heritage without sacrificing modern comfort.
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Photo 1 of 3 A key feature of Peninsula House was how the original metal framework was preserved with thoughtfully updated glass panels
Photo 2 of 3 The original Art Deco window framework has been carefully preserved while introducing warm wooden furnishings
Photo 3 of 3 This space exemplifies Wunderwall Design's approach of creating controlled intimacy within the formerly sparse interior through deliberate elevation changes and a warm, neutral palette of whitewashed timber and bone-white lime paint
The material palette reveals careful consideration: bone-white lime paint, whitewashed timber, patinated wood, stone, and metal create textural contrast. The furnishings combine custom-designed pieces with vintage discoveries.
'We wanted similar contrasts in the built works and the loose pieces, hence the mix of vintage and new,' Ken elaborates. One remarkable find was a jewellery desk repurposed as a bar, exemplifying their adaptive approach.
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Above Custom fixtures and carefully preserved architectural elements ensure that even utilitarian spaces contribute to the cohesive design narrative
Above A repurposed jewellery desk finds new life as Peninsula House's bar beneath the loft-like ceiling space
Craftsmanship was central to Peninsula House's success. Ken highlights their collaboration with local stainless steel artisans who created pendant lights and candle holders using innovative polishing techniques. 'It was something new to them as well, but they were very willing to explore,' he adds.
The entrance portal to Peninsula House, constructed from reclaimed Kaya timber, presented unique challenges. 'We had to navigate our design details, sizes and height with the limitations of working with solid timber,' Ken notes. 'The outcome is a majestic entrance portal.'
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