Rumah Kechik, Malacca

19 februari

Thoughtfully restored and reimagined by Kaizen Architecture for Baba House, Rumah Kechik sits in the heart of historic Malacca and began as a conservation project. Formed from three deteriorated 200-year-old shophouses, the space is a beautiful meeting point of architectural preservation, local craftsmanship, and the warmth of Malaysian timber. Architect Ar. Melvin Keng of Kaizen Architecture and Mr. Zach Lee, owner of Baba House and Rumah Kechik, shared with us how these elements come together to shape a fresh, natural space that still feels deeply rooted in its origins. For Zach, the goal was to create an experience that captures both the Peranakan heritage and the character of the hotel itself. Rumah Kechik was also recently nominated for the 2025 ArchDaily Building of the Year Awards.

Rumah Kechik is an extension of Baba House, a hotel treated as a living space tucked into the narrow streets of Malacca. The idea behind the restaurant was to create a place that reflects Peranakan flavours through a modern lens. Peranakan culture is a mix of Chinese and Malay heritage, known for its rich traditions, colourful details, and distinctive cuisine. For many guests, it’s not only the food that stands out, but the atmosphere, striking a quiet balance between nostalgia and contemporary comfort.

Timber plays a key role in shaping that feeling, both in material and mood. Resak, a locally sourced hardwood that is readily available in Malaysia, was used predominantly on Rumah Kechik, from the timber ceilings to the customised screens, and even the fascias applied to the new steel structures. Alongside that, 200-year-old reclaimed timber found in the existing beams and roof rafters was retained, preserved, and repurposed as part of the shophouse conservation efforts, keeping the building’s original story present within the new space.

As Zach explains, “Our guests often comment on how the timber makes the space feel lived-in and familiar.” What makes Rumah Kechik especially interesting is that it embraces the beauty of natural aging, rather than aiming for a perfectly polished finish. Throughout the restaurant, you’ll notice intentionally unfinished touches and raw material moments that highlight warmth and texture. The earthy tones of the wood add depth to the ambience, and as Zach puts it: “As the wood ages and greys, it gains even more character.”

For Ar. Melvin Keng, this sense of authenticity is exactly what makes timber so special. Imperfection isn’t something to hide, it’s where the beauty lives, and what gives a space its uniqueness. “Every timber species behaves differently, and that unpredictability is exactly what gives it soul,” he shares.

Timber has a way of grounding people and reconnecting spaces with nature, even in the middle of a dense urban setting. For a long time, wood was seen as risky or high maintenance, but with modern treatments and engineered timber products, it has become incredibly versatile and reliable. Walking through Rumah Kechik, the old brick walls, the timber textures, and the light filtering through the screens create a calming interplay between relaxation and modernity a space that feels both preserved and alive, inviting people to slow down and come together.

For questions about certified, sustainable Malaysian timber species, availability, or suitable applications, feel free to contact the Malaysian Timber Council via the question section below. We will be happy to provide further information! Or just tell us what you think of this project.

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timber malaysia, June 2025

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alternatief tropisch hardhout circulair interieurarchitectuur resak timber duurzaambouw architectuur duurzaamdesign maleisie tropischhout maleisiëhout

Malaysian Timber Council

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Staat van realisatie Onbekend

Start ontwerpproces 2023

Start bouw 2024

Oplevering 2024

Plaats Melaka

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ArchitectKaizen ArchitectureProjectarchitectAr. Melvin KengOpdrachtgeverBaba HouseEigenaarMr. Zach Lee

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OverigMalaysian Timber Council

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