HOTEL MOKOZOYO Share this professional

Interior Design Project Info

Situated in the heart of the Georgetown UNESCO World Heritage site, Hotel Mokozoyo is designed to marry industrial rawness with the timeless charm of Penang's heritage architecture. The incorporation of galvanized steel, fair-faced concrete, along with wood, antique furniture pieces, terracotta tiles, and a colour scheme inspired by Penang's heritage establishes a truly distinctive and welcoming ambiance.

The design effectively evokes the legacy of traditional craftsmen from the past by incorporating bamboo exterior blinds in the hotel's hallway, a feature commonly found in Penang's heritage shophouses, serving the purpose as an effective sun- shading device. The choice to use red and green as the primary colours for the hotel room doors is influenced by elements such as the red terra cotta tiles, the green tint of glazed air vents, and the ceramic floral patterns on glazed tiles, all of which are reminiscent of the architectural details found in many historic shophouses.

The hotel's industrial design aims to capture time not only through the use of heritage elements but also expresses the craftsmanship on the formworks of the carpenters, evident in the fair-faced concrete finish. The detailing of the customized vertical galvanized balustrade enhances the verticality of the void space against a wall of squared vent blocks. Custom-shaped Corten steel planter boxes symbolize the passage of time, echoing the aging process of Penang's heritage shophouses.

The wooden chairs, wood slabs, and brown leather in the hotel rooms are employed as a warming tonal palette, often beautifully offset by the cool greys of concrete and cement finishes on the walls. This intentional juxtaposition not only creates a harmonious balance of textures but also adds a touch of rustic elegance to the industrial design. The natural warmth of the wood and leather elements serves to soften the starkness of the concrete, fostering a cosy and inviting atmosphere within the space. This careful interplay of materials enhances the overall aesthetic, contributing to the hotel's unique blend of contemporary industrial style with the timeless allure of Penang's heritage architecture.

Incorporating elements of the Straits Eclectic style, the upholstery in the hotel room for bedheads, pillows, and bed scarves embraces the colour yellow ochre, reminiscent of the traditional limewash wall plastering finish found in heritage shophouses. The overall industrial design exudes a clean and minimal style, enriched with heritage accents.

Numerous brass hooks are affixed to the mild steel bar, allowing guests to hang clothes, bags, and even foldable tables when unused, creating a more spacious living environment for the guests. Sliding doors double as full-height mirrors, while full-height tempered glass windows facing the toilet introduce natural light and a sense of openness to the standard-sized hotel room. An automated motorized blind ensures privacy when needed.

In an environmentally conscious move, the hotel design introduces two void spaces for passive cooling along the corridors. The introduction of tropical landscaping throughout the hotel has greatly lowered the overall temperature of the hotel space. Throughout the hotel's common areas, rooms, and corridors, numerous old furniture pieces, antique chairs, and stools are carefully curated and serve as functional furniture for the hotel guests, which is one of the sustainable approaches for the hotel. The entire hotel is also equipped with a rainwater harvesting tank for watering the plants and landscaping on the premises.

Hotel Mokozoyo is more than just a place to stay; it's a harmonious blend of old-world charm and contemporary design that pays tribute to Penang's rich heritage while embracing sustainability and functionality.

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