A homecoming project
For Soo K. Chan, the founder of award-winning firm SCDA Architects, Soori Penang, the follow-up to the flagship Soori Bali, is deeply personal. Situated in the oldest part of George Town, the UNESCO-designated historic heart of Penang, the extraordinary undertaking reinvents a collection of Khoo clan shophouses, where the architect was born and raised, into an intimate 15-key luxury boutique hotel.
Heritage reinterpreted
Centuries-old craftsmanship shines throughout, reflecting an unwavering reverence for the past, thoughtfully reinterpreted through a contemporary mindset. The one- to three-bedroom suites are imbued with heritage details, from motifs inspired by the ornate Khoo Kongsi temple to carved stone and onyx lanterns, complemented by custom-designed furniture and latticed shutters. Inner courtyards with reflective pools offer tranquil retreats between excursions.
Intimacy as a signature
With just 15 keys, Soori Penang embodies a wider luxury trend that favours intimacy, authenticity and a deep sense of place over scale. By converting heritage buildings rather than building anew, the property turns architectural and cultural legacy into a powerful hospitality narrative, appealing to travellers who seek meaning, craftsmanship and a genuine connection to their destination.
Source: wallpaper.com
