Located in the heart of the conservation area of Ipoh old town, the Oldtown Heritage Centre stands as a living testament to the rich history and enduring values of Oldtown White Coffee. This architectural gem not only chronicles the brand’s founding journey through an immersive museum gallery but also highlights its dedication to ethical coffee-making and sustainability across the entire food chain.
Stepping inside, visitors are transported into a world where heritage, innovation, and sustainability seamlessly intertwine. Inspired by Southern Chinese shop-house typology, the centre’s design reflects an eclectic fusion of modern classic architecture, preserving the character of Ipoh’s historic streetscape.
The centre embodies a strong classical architectural character, with a large ornamented glass façade that balances between tradition and modernity, echoing elegant detailing found in Ipoh’s historical streetscapes while maintaining a refined contemporary expression.
OldTown Heritage Centre masterfully preserves architectural heritage through adaptive reuse, refined detailing, and sustainable interventions, creating a dignified civic landmark that bridges historical integrity and contemporary relevance.
The floors are connected through a central courtyard with a skylight, providing daylighting and ventilation. The entrance, as a double-height space, reflects colonial shophouse architecture, serving as a contemporary reinterpretation of historical design language. A mezzanine level with louvred windows overlooks the main space, evoking the classic inner courtyards and verandah of heritage shophouse.
Within the courtyard stands a sculptural staircase guiding visitors to navigate through spaces. Further celebrating the city’s heritage, the building’s façade reinterprets traditional sunscreen louvres that seamlessly blend the past and present. Recycled timber used in full-length louvre shutters, coupled with low-e glass, has contributed to the building’s achievement of GreenRE Silver Certification, aligning with OldTown’s commitment to sustainability in the food chain.
