Rackson House: Old Meets New in a Stunning Refurbishment

Transforming an Old Building into a Modern Corporate House

The project began in 2021 in Penang, Malaysia and was completed in December 2021. Situated on Jalan Bagan Jermal, George Town, Rackson House sits humbly amidst a 2640m2 land area surrounded by a landscaped garden. The design team's goal was not only to rejuvenate the existing building but also to create a space that seamlessly integrates old and new elements.

The existing building and the new extension are made up of two interlocking programmatic blocks. The existing block, with its closed character, maintains the heritage roof and houses the main programmatic spaces. In contrast, the new block consists mostly of servicing spaces and is developed with an open character, featuring a glass roof that seems to merge into the sky.

The design team took great care to preserve the building's original heritage and flavor. Elements such as verandahs, bay windows, and stairs that remind us of the building's history are retained in the floor plan. The old walls are kept intact, showcasing the details and traces from past times and interventions.

One of the standout features of Rackson House is the contrast between transparency and texture. Volumes and components made of new materials like steel and glass are inserted into the existing building without touching the original walls. This creates a visual narrative between the old and the new, exposing the beauty of both.

A calm reflective pool, which extends to the base of the glass building, mirrors the site and blends harmoniously with the golden shower tree, heritage building, and new annex. This captivating feature holds the viewers' attention and adds to the overall ambiance of the space.

The design team's approach was not only focused on aesthetics but also on functionality. The new extension houses servicing spaces, while the existing building accommodates the main programmatic areas. This separation allows for a seamless flow and efficient use of the space.

Rackson House has received recognition for its outstanding design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category in 2022. This prestigious award acknowledges the project's creativity, resourcefulness, and contribution to improving the quality of life.

Mei Ee Architect and the entire design team, including Mei Ee Loh, Ni Fei Lim, Yong Rong Ooi, Chiang Teik Koay, Nur Amalina Binti Fuad, Zi Lin Chew, Ming En Lim, and Chee Twan Ng, have created a truly remarkable space that seamlessly blends old and new. Rackson House is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and the beauty of preserving history while embracing innovation.