Maca Hotel-9A Jalan Macalister
In the heart of Penang’s bustling George Town, a modest architectural project has taken shape at 9A Jalan Macalister. Maca Hotel, a 19-room budget accommodation, exemplifies the potential of adaptive reuse in transforming outdated commercial structures into functional, contemporary spaces. Originally a four-storey commercial lot with office spaces, this building has undergone a thoughtful renovation to meet the demands of modern hospitality while adhering to stringent safety regulations.
The original structure—a typical mid-20th-century commercial building—presented both opportunities and challenges. Its four-storey configuration, with office spaces stacked above a ground floor, was a relic of Penang’s evolving commercial landscape. After being presented with the brief, the design team opted for adaptive reuse rather than demolishing the building, a strategy that aligns with sustainable architectural practices by reducing waste and preserving embodied energy. The result is a compact, budget hotel that caters to travelers seeking affordability without sacrificing basic comfort.
The renovation process involved a careful reimagining of the interior layout. Each of the 19 rooms was designed with external windows—a critical feature for natural ventilation and daylighting, particularly in Penang’s tropical climate. This not only enhances guest experience but also adheres to fundamental passive design principles, reducing reliance on mechanical systems. It also serves as a reminder of how existing fenestration can dictate spatial planning in retrofit projects, turning a potential limitation into a design asset.
The original building featured a single staircase at the front but the floor plates shortened at the Ground and 1st floor, giving rise to space constraints once a new elevator, catering to the elderly, was added to the layout. Rather than extensively modifying the preserved staircase, the design team chose to retain it while constructing a new, code-compliant staircase at the rear. This solution highlights a pragmatic approach to regulatory challenges, ensuring a safe egress for all occupants while freeing the front area to serve functionally with the new lift lobby.
Beyond its physical transformation, Maca Hotel embraces modern operational efficiencies with a fully digital check-in system, eliminating the need for a traditional reception desk, a space-saving move that is particularly advantageous in a building with a limited floor area.
This project is a microcosm of the challenges and rewards inherent in adaptive reuse. Its modest scale belies the complexity of retrofitting an aging commercial building for a new purpose. As Penang continues to evolve, projects like Maca Hotel underscore the role of architecture in bridging past and present. Adapting an unremarkable commercial lot into a functional hospitality space, has also enriched the architectural fabric of Jalan Macalister.