Home tour: A transformed 1950s home for siblings in Penang

Veritas Design Group transformed a 1950s house into a modern home for a pair of siblings

In the heart of Penang’s Cantonment Road, Veritas Design Group transformed a 1950s house into a home which serves the needs and suits the personalities of the siblings living in it. Known as the Cantonment House, it features a prominent roof overhang and steel detailing known as Vierendeel truss.

The distinctive feature not only adds architectural flair but also connects the original house to two new components, embodying the concept of three homes in one.

The 1950s house had a deep personal connection with its current owners, renowned theatre director and educator Chee Sek Thim and his academician sister, Heng Leng. This house belonged to their aunt and was where the siblings had grown up after their parents passed in an accident. The decision to rebuild arose from a desire to revive the familial haven, preserving its essence while embracing a modern transformation.

Above The original 1950s house was kept

To undertake this, Chee looked to renowned architect Lillian Tay, group vice president of the Veritas Group, who had worked together with him on the multiple award-winning Sinkeh, a boutique hotel and arts space in George Town.

The original house comprised a single-storey bungalow with approximately 2,500 sq ft build-up. It intended to create separate enclaves for Chee and Heng Leng and her husband and share common space with the family and other siblings when they returned to Penang.

An open-air family kitchen is located in the central shared area

Above The villa

Above Embracing indoor and outdoor living

Tay engaged in thoughtful conversations with the Chee, identifying the most cherished aspect of the old house—the living room. The decision was then made to retain the original living room as the focal point and extend from there. This gave rise to the dual character of the new structure, comprising a “floating” loft and a grounded, quiet villa.

“This architectural duality reflects the diverse personalities of the siblings who inhabit the house. The loft, reminiscent of New York’s industrial lofts, creates an open, flexible space suitable for Chee, who used to live in New York and worked in the performing arts. At the same time, the villa offers a grounded, traditional retreat for Heng Leng and her husband, who enjoy a quiet book-ish life,” explains Tay.

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Photo 1 of 2 Ample natural light in the villa

Photo 2 of 2 A spiral staircase

The commitment to sustainability echoes throughout Cantonment House. Recycled timber sourced locally forms a significant part of the structure, showcasing the architects’ dedication to environmentally conscious design.

The decision to use recycled materials extends beyond sustainability; it adds character and history to the living space, seamlessly integrating the old with the new.

Above Generous overhangs

Above Unadorned materials were favoured

Cantonment Road is nestled between Penang Hill and the sea, and the new multi-level house boasts an impressive third-floor pool deck which offers panoramic views that unexpectedly captivate visitors, revealing the geographical beauty of the surroundings.

Tay emphasises the importance of future-proofing the home, incorporating a lift and an outdoor kitchen as the heart of family gatherings. The thoughtful design ensures a space that evolves with the changing needs of its residents.

Above The soaring roof of the loft has a beautiful view

The construction of Cantonment House faced its share of challenges, from the disruption caused by the pandemic to the unfortunate passing of the original contractor. Despite these hurdles, the architects persevered, ensuring the vision came to fruition. Tay’s acknowledgement of the craftsmanship and dedication of the builders adds a layer of appreciation for the labour involved in bringing this home to life.

Cantonment House invites us to appreciate the imperfections inherent in the construction process, showcasing the authenticity of handcrafted features like fair-faced concrete. Tay admits that achieving perfection in every detail can be challenging but underscores the value of embracing the unique character that results from these imperfections.

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Photo 1 of 2 The loft affords an amazing view of the surroundings

Photo 2 of 2 Open plan living in the loft

Now complete, Cantonment House not only narrates the story of its owners but is also an inspiring expression of sustainability and modern living. Its residents have made the home their own by populating it with inherited furniture and objects salvaged and repurposed from the family’s old shop house.

Tay concludes: “Chee has a knack for keeping these momentos from the past and finding a way to make it part of his present day life and environment. It's not just recycling but also keeping and respecting the family's history. So even though you see this industrial structure, there are many things in it that have a connection with the family's past.”

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Credits

Photography

Lin Ho

Topics

Home Tour Malaysian Architectre Veritas Design Group PAM Awards Designinspo

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