The heart of the condominium unfolds in an expansive open-concept space
Cover The heart of the condominium unfolds in an expansive open-concept space
The heart of the condominium unfolds in an expansive open-concept space

Nevermore Group have crafted a condominium in Marriott Residences Penang where bespoke details meet heritage district views

The Marriott Residence Penang, the island’s first branded residence, is located along Gurney Drive, Penang’s storied waterfront promenade, where luxury high-rises intermingle with the aroma of hawker stalls.

This prestigious address has long been synonymous with upmarket living, attracting those who seek the cachet of a hotel with the privacy of a home. The development combines world-class amenities with stunning sea views.

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Photo 1 of 3 A dramatic foyer where custom marble architraves set the tone for the home’s refined aesthetic
Photo 2 of 3 A dramatic foyer where custom marble architraves set the tone for the home’s refined aesthetic
Photo 3 of 3 A dramatic foyer where custom marble architraves set the tone for the home's refined aesthetic
A dramatic foyer where custom marble architraves set the tone for the home’s refined aesthetic
A dramatic foyer where custom marble architraves set the tone for the home’s refined aesthetic
A dramatic foyer where custom marble architraves set the tone for the home's refined aesthetic

Within this coveted development, a 3,000 sq ft condominium has been transformed into a study in modern luxury, where metallic finishes catch the tropical light and marble architraves frame doorways like art pieces.

The location offers residents the dual advantage of waterfront views and proximity to George Town’s Unesco heritage district, creating what the designers call “an ideal urban sanctuary.”

See also: Heritage meets modern luxury at Penang’s Noordin Mews

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Photo 1 of 4 The heart of the condominium unfolds in an expansive open-concept space
Photo 2 of 4 The heart of the condominium unfolds in an expansive open-concept space
Photo 3 of 4 The sintered stone island anchors the open-plan kitchen with its monolithic presence
Photo 4 of 4 The living area features bespoke marble architraves and metallic-finished surfaces that catch the natural light
The heart of the condominium unfolds in an expansive open-concept space
The heart of the condominium unfolds in an expansive open-concept space
The sintered stone island anchors the open-plan kitchen with its monolithic presence
The living area features bespoke marble architraves and metallic-finished surfaces that catch the natural light

“The client envisioned a contemporary luxury concept,” says Say Yang Chuah, creative director at Nevermore Group, who led the design.

His team responded with a material palette that includes sintered stone, natural marble, and metallic-finished laminates – choices that feel both current and timeless. “The project features a subtle feminine influence,” he adds, “tailored to reflect the client’s taste and personality.”

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Light-filled dining area where metallic accents meet natural stone
Above Light-filled dining area where metallic accents meet natural stone
Light-filled dining area where metallic accents meet natural stone

The design reveals itself in thoughtful moments throughout the home. A square-textured glass headboard creates an unexpected dialogue in the daughter’s bedroom with upholstered fabric panels.

“This was our first time incorporating such a large area of textured glass,” Chuah notes, “and it pairs beautifully with the fabric elements to achieve a harmonious look.”

Read more: Explore three distinctive heritage properties in Penang, Selangor and Melaka, Malaysia

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Photo 1 of 3 The sintered stone island anchors the open-plan kitchen with its monolithic presence
Photo 2 of 3 The sintered stone island anchors the open-plan kitchen with its monolithic presence
Photo 3 of 3 The heart of the condominium unfolds in an expansive open-concept space
The sintered stone island anchors the open-plan kitchen with its monolithic presence
The sintered stone island anchors the open-plan kitchen with its monolithic presence
The heart of the condominium unfolds in an expansive open-concept space

The common areas flow with quiet confidence, aided by a neutral palette of beige and cream that maximises natural light. Custom-designed marble architraves frame the doorways, adding what Chuah describes as “a sense of exclusivity” to the transitions between spaces.

The furnishings, sourced from premium Chinese suppliers, were carefully selected to complement the architectural elements without overwhelming them.

See also: Meet the award-winning Malaysian architect intuitively repurposing heritage buildings

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Photo 1 of 3 Bold meets beautiful with textured glass headboard design and upholstered panels creating a youthful yet sophisticated space
Photo 2 of 3 Bold meets beautiful with textured glass headboard design and upholstered panels creating a youthful yet sophisticated space
Photo 3 of 3 The built-in wardrobes feature seamlessly integrated shelving units in neutral beige tones
Bold meets beautiful with textured glass headboard design and upholstered panels creating a youthful yet sophisticated space
Bold meets beautiful with textured glass headboard design and upholstered panels creating a youthful yet sophisticated space
The built-in wardrobes feature seamlessly integrated shelving units in neutral beige tones

Working within the building’s constraints provided its own challenges. The existing sprinkler system demanded creative solutions for ceiling design, which the team navigated without compromising their vision.

“There’s room for improvement in every project,” Chuah reflects, pointing to the limited natural light in the master bedroom’s walk-in closet as an area he might revisit.

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A custom bedside lamp with a unique double-tiered shade in cream sits atop a built-in marble platform,
Above A custom bedside lamp with a unique double-tiered shade in cream sits atop a built-in marble platform
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Built-ins were designed with clean lines and premium hardware
Above Built-ins were designed with clean lines and premium hardware
A custom bedside lamp with a unique double-tiered shade in cream sits atop a built-in marble platform,
Built-ins were designed with clean lines and premium hardware

The renovation process focused on enhancing rather than overhauling the developer’s basic finishing. “Since the developer provided basic renovations, our work primarily involved customising and enhancing the space,” Chuah explains.

His team concentrated on removing unwanted elements, incorporating tailored carpentry, and reimagining the lighting scheme to complement the desired design theme.

Read more: Malayan shophouses: The architectural heritage of Singapore and Malaysia

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Photo 1 of 4 Neutral tones and custom lighting create a serene retreat with integrated design elements and premium textiles
Photo 2 of 4 Neutral tones and custom lighting create a serene retreat with integrated design elements and premium textiles
Photo 3 of 4 The walk-in closet features premium hardware in bronzed metal
Photo 4 of 4 Bespoke storage solutions complement the home's contemporary luxury concept.
Neutral tones and custom lighting create a serene retreat with integrated design elements and premium textiles
Neutral tones and custom lighting create a serene retreat with integrated design elements and premium textiles
The walk-in closet features premium hardware in bronzed metal
Bespoke storage solutions complement the home's contemporary luxury concept.

The interplay of textures throughout the home creates visual interest. The sintered stone’s cool smoothness contrasts with the premium laminates' warmth, while natural marble adds gravitas to transitional spaces.

In the common areas, the marble architraves do more than frame doorways—they create subtle demarcations between spaces without interrupting the home’s flow.

See also: Penang’s hidden gem: A studio tour of salvaged timber treasures

Tatler Asia
Walk-in closet features built-in wardrobe systems with premium bronzed hardware and integrated lighting
Above Walk-in closet features built-in wardrobe systems with premium bronzed hardware and integrated lighting
Tatler Asia
Marble surfaces and neutral finishes create a spa-like sanctuary
Above Marble surfaces and neutral finishes create a spa-like sanctuary
Walk-in closet features built-in wardrobe systems with premium bronzed hardware and integrated lighting
Marble surfaces and neutral finishes create a spa-like sanctuary

Sustainability plays a subtle role in the design, with eco-friendly materials like Lamitak laminates, which have been certified with the Singapore Green Label.

The neutral colour palette serves both aesthetic and practical purposes, reducing the need for artificial lighting during Penang’s sun-drenched days.

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