Rackson House is a refurbishment project to transform an existing old building into a Corporate House. The existing building sits humbly amidst a 2,640 sqm landscaped garden in Georgetown, Penang. The lack of maintenance, as time goes by, resulted in a building in a state of disrepair. The refurbishment project began in 2021 to transform the then-vacant building into a Corporate House through the addition of a new multi-purpose annexe hall, rejuvenating both the internal spaces and the external compound.
The project exemplifies old architecture meeting the new, maintaining a sense of continuity between the old and new by borrowing historic design elements and languages and reinterpreting them in modern ways. The architect wanted to ensure that they were not simply adding an extension but instead building something original that respects the existing site.
The architect wanted to ensure that they were not simply
adding an extension but instead building something
original that respects the existing site.
The old building with ‘good bones’ and character was carefully restored to be given a new lease of life. The new annexe designed in steel and glass playfully contrasts the heritage building. Through new skylights and courtyard spaces, the interior spaces of the old building bathes in an abundance of natural lighting.
Inserted beside the old building without touching the existing walls, the glass annexe possesses its contemporary spirit and comes into the design naturally, finding its way into the plan. Its steel and glass volume seems to merge into the sky, while the contrast between the transparency and texture exposes the narrative between the old and the new.
A reflective pool that comes right up to the base of the glass building mirrors itself, the heritage building, and the site with its golden shower tree, blending them harmoniously to hold the viewers’ attention.
Meanwhile, the large garden embracing the building is an essential component of the existing architecture as it allows the internal space to connect with the exterior and ensure a sense of unity. The fencing at the front of the site is removed, and in its place, a field of carefully grown grass is planted. Together with the bending branches of the trees, it welcomes the public to enter within.
Inserted beside the old building without touching the existing walls, the glass annexe possesses its contemporary spirit and comes into the design naturally, finding its way into the plan.
