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Cheah Kongsi

The Cheah Clan association is one of the oldest Hokkien Kongsi and was formed in 1810 but along the way underwent renovation, alterations and additions, to which some of the building elements may not be historically appropriate. The major restoration works commenced in the year of 2013 and concluded in 2015.

LOCATION

Georgetown, Penang

CLIENT

Cheah Kongsi

YEAR

2015

TEAM

Ar. Mei Chee Seong
Ho Chin Keng

STATUS

Completed (Restoration)

AWARD

2016 PAM Awards 

Prior to the restoration, a comprehensive study was conducted to meticulously document and justify every element of the temple, capturing its intricate details with utmost accuracy. The subsequent restoration works were executed under stringent supervision, ensuring strict adherence to heritage restoration guidelines to preserve the temple's historical and cultural authenticity.

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The architectural and structural integrity of the temple was restored by using traditional materials and reconstructing the features such as gold leaf, Jian Nian (cut-and-paste shard work) and Cai Hui (ancient Chinese architecture painting). Breathable clay brick and terracotta floor tiles were used in this project to allow ground moisture inside to cool the rooms. Other materials used in the restoration process include granite - for decorative and structural element and to build a  solid base with floor tiles to support a timber structure.

Besides the face-lift, the temple was also re-purpose into an Interpretation Centre to accelerate the efforts of research into the history and culture of Chinese Society in Malaysia. The restoration marked and the effort made and put into restoring it has recognized and awarded with Best Public Service Architecture in Malaysia by International Property Awards a year after its completion.

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