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Designed and branded as a lifestyle oriented 'residence', Macalister Mansion consists of five F&B entities and eight hotel rooms. It has been conceived with a single holistic vision by Singapore based design agency, the Ministry of Design.
Housed in a 100-year-old historic mansion in Penang, Macalister Mansion is conceptualised as a quirky and sophisticated lifestyle destination where guests are treated to a series of experiences synonymous with the comforts of home
Each part of the interior adds to the overall experience but branded as distinct rooms typically found in a mansion, for example a Dining room, Den, Bagan Bar, Living room, Lawn and Bedrooms.
The name Macalister Mansion honours Penang's British Governor Colonel Norman Macalister and there are numerous references to this historic figure captured in specially-commissioned installation-art pieces throughout the grounds.
Set against the backdrop of a conserved mansion, the heritage spaces have been carefully adapted and key features infused with contemporary design, striking a good balance between the nostalgia of the past and a vision for the future.
Major infrastructural work was required to restore a colonial mansion, e.g. retaining and reinforcing original columns, staircases, archways; removing plaster to reveal original brick walls and wall cornices; repairing and soundproofing original windows for contemporary hospitality use.
As an extension of the grounds, Colin and his team also designed an event lawn where large-scaled parties can be hosted. Beside the lawn is a mosaic lap pool with a feature sunken ‘swim-up' pool bar at one end.
Guests of the hotel also enjoy additional gym and computer lounge and library. MOD also designed the sub-brand logos and menus for all F&Bs, art-directed the uniforms, and worked with the client to curate the artwork.
Macalister Mansion has recently made the design cut to join Design Hotel and is currently the only one in Malaysia.