Irrawaddy House Private Residence

Irrawaddy House Private Residence

Irrawaddy House Private Residence is an exemplary architectural renovation project that transformed a traditional pre-war terrace house into a luxurious modern dwelling, demonstrating innovative spatial design and sophisticated material selection. This residential masterpiece, completed in 2018 in Penang, Malaysia, showcases a harmonious blend of contemporary aesthetics with classical opulence through its thoughtful incorporation of ebonized wood, gilded accents, and dramatic marble stonework against a pristine white canvas. The 2,850-square-foot residence features a revolutionary open-plan layout achieved through careful structural engineering, including I-beam steel reinforcement and strategic repositioning of load-bearing columns. A striking entrance is marked by a dramatic veined marble bar surface, while a floating minimalist black staircase leads to three ensuite bedrooms. The design's centerpiece is a sophisticated dining area positioned beneath an innovative pyramid-framed skylight, creating a seamless connection between interior and exterior spaces. The renovation successfully addresses the challenges of spatial constraints in pre-war architecture through superior air ventilation and intelligent space planning, resulting in a residence that feels expansive and contemporary while maintaining its historical context. The project, which earned recognition with an Iron A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design category, exemplifies excellence in modern residential design through its meticulous attention to detail, innovative use of materials, and successful integration of luxury elements within a historically significant structure.

private residence, luxury renovation, pre-war architecture, modern interior design, spatial transformation, architectural innovation

— Adam Dawson