Project

Built in 1925, this quintessential mansion on Beach Street has changed hands several times, with each owner making minor interior renovations to suit their business needs. Fortunately, the original facade has largely been preserved.

Rather than starting from a clean slate, the refurbishment focused on uncovering and celebrating the mansion’s character-defining elements. Layers of past alterations—embellishments, makeshift walls, false ceilings, and added floors—were carefully removed to reveal the building’s essence. Stripped bare and illuminated by natural light, the mansion’s original form and silhouette revealed its beauty, inspiring its preservation and showcasing as it was originally built.

On the upper floor, layers of paint from different eras created natural palimpsests, subtle watercolor-like hues shaped by temperature and humidity. To honor the building’s history, the upper portions of these walls were left untouched, providing a poetic backdrop for furniture displays, antiques, and the restored architectural details.

The store’s name, Mano+, meaning “hand” in Spanish, reflects its ethos of aesthetic simplicity and curated artistry. Every element—from tenants and products to furniture, food, publications, and home or garden items—is carefully showcased to highlight its intrinsic beauty. Common Penang features such as the thih hwa (wrought-iron “steel flower” gates) are reinterpreted with custom designs and subtle hidden details.

A tranquil color palette of blond timber and touches of oak was chosen for display cabinets and island shelves. The contemporary, minimalist tones complement the historic character while allowing products to stand out. Contrasts between old and new elements create a unique aesthetic that celebrates the passage of time.

Flexible, multifunctional spaces like Mini Cube serve as both display galleries and event areas, accommodating exhibitions, talks, and workshops. Furniture and display elements are designed for versatility, allowing the space to adapt to different needs while maintaining comfort and style.

From its stately facade to its airy interiors and thoughtfully curated displays, Mano+ Select Store seamlessly blends historic charm with modern design. The result is a space where the past and present coexist, and every detail—from architecture to product selection—tells a story.