Design and Built
The history of Seri Mutiara dates back to 1888, when a decision was made to build the official residence of the Resident Councilor of Penang on the site in front of the Polo Ground in Georgetown.
The residence accommodates the family of the Governor as well as spaces for official entertainment. The interior design concept of the residence stayed true to the British Colonial character of the building with a few modern touches such as the kitchen and living spaces. Monochromatic tiles and marble juxtaposed against crisp white wainscotting and gold chinoiserie are just some examples of the restoration within this beautiful home.
A restoration project for the official Governors Residence in Penang, an important heritage building on the island
Seri Mutiara
2022
The ground floor of the residence is made for entertaining distinguished guests. Finely decorated with gold chinoiserie against intricate wainscoting, the interior spaces starting upper left and moving clockwise include reception, banquet hall, lobby and audience room.
Entertainment Areas
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The first floor of the residence is a place of rest and privacy away from the commotion from below. Accomodated for the Governor and his family the interior spaces starting upper left and moving clockwise highlights the family living/siting room, corridor, verandah, home office, and master bedroom.
Living Quarters
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Facade Design
The design approach was centered around preserving the existing structure and giving it a modern classical revamp on its interiors.
Working on the Seri Mutiara project was a great privilege, meeting and discussing with the Governor and his family. It was interesting to learn about the limitations and constraints set by the Heritage Institute that protects the culture and heritage of the building. Being able to elevate spaces with built-in cabinetry, wainscoting and chinoiserie was a refreshing experience as we are mostly designing for the modern contemporary client.
Designed with grandeur, it is a place of ceremony at which people who have been awarded honours and to receive their medals from the Governor himself.
Investiture hall
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My innitial design was the first design I got built up that was then remodeled due to poor workmanship and designed with alternative materials seen in the image above.