Within the serene streets of Kuantan, Malaysia, the Hock Bee Brothers Building stands as a reflection of the town’s rich architectural legacy. For over five decades, this iconic structure has captured the hearts of locals, its unique design serving as a timeless emblem of Kuantan’s multicultural heritage. With its expansive 40-foot-wide front facade adorned with geometric prism windows, the building’s aesthetic appeal is matched only by its historical significance.
In a noteworthy development, the Hock Bee Brothers Building welcomed a new tenant in 2022: Ms. Elliot, a café restaurant that has seamlessly integrated itself into the fabric of the town’s urban heritage. Rather than imposing a radical redesign, Ms. Elliot’s approach to renovation honors the building’s original charm, celebrating its inherent beauty. Notably, the café’s reception coffee bar, fashioned from onyx tiles discovered in a nearby stone yard, serves as an evidence to the establishment’s commitment to sustainability and reverence for the past.
Inside the revamped interior, visitors are greeted by a symphony of architectural symmetry and thoughtful design elements. Thick entryway walls guide patrons into intimate dining spaces, where restored vintage wood panels evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth. Meanwhile, a double-height dining hall bathed in natural light offers a captivating ambiance, with every detail meticulously curated to pay homage to the building’s storied past.
Behind this transformative endeavor is JUJURWORK, an architectural design studio known for its dedication to contextual sensitivity. Through their approach, JUJURWORK has not only revitalized the Hock Bee Brothers Building but also reaffirmed its status as a cherished landmark within the community. From adaptive reuse projects to urban planning initiatives, the studio’s work exemplifies a profound understanding of the intricate interplay between history, culture, and architecture, leaving an indelible mark on the built environment of Kuantan.
