Rumah Kechik in Malacca, Malaysia, is a project where three 200-year-old shophouses were restored and adapted for a hotel expansion called Baba House. Commissioned to Kaizen Architecture, the goal was to conserve these historic buildings while meeting new needs, like adding a restaurant on the ground floor and amenities upstairs.
The project blends modern requirements with the shophouses’ heritage, inspired by traditional Malaysian architecture. “The project, aptly titled “Rumah Kechik,” draws inspiration from a traditional context; where the existing hotel development is seen as the ‘Main Residences’. Through respectful insertion and subtraction strategies, the project seamlessly accommodates new programmatic requirements while paying homage to the structures’ history,” the design team remarks.
The layout follows a linear design from the front to a courtyard at the back. Structural steel frames were added to strengthen the shophouses, allowing for a dramatic entrance through a double-height courtyard. Internal walls were adjusted to improve lighting and connect spaces, especially for the restaurant. The restaurant’s design mirrors domestic settings, with varied seating arrangements for a comfortable dining experience.
The front of the shophouses was restored to its original look, while the rear facing the courtyard features modern interpretations of traditional timber screens for light and ventilation. Original brickwork was exposed and restored, showcasing its 200-year-old history and ensuring durability against the site’s water challenges. The interiors feature local materials like Peranakan tiles, terracotta blocks, pebble wash, and timber, along with custom lights and screens crafted by Malaysian artisans.
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