Award PAM Awards 2024 – Silver, Adaptive Reuse & SDG Categories


Penang Night Shelter · 2023 · Penang

Penang Night Shelter.

Year

2023

Location

Penang

Architect

Johnny Ooi Architect

Type

Institutional / Social Impact

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Project Summary
Year
2023
Location
Penang
Type
Institutional / Social Impact
Architect
Johnny Ooi Architect
Developer
Penang State Government
PBM SKUs
VB 3914.100
Project Overview

Dignity through adaptive reuse and passive design.

The Penang Night Shelter is a community-driven facility dedicated to providing temporary shelter for the homeless in George Town. Designed with sustainability and dignity in mind, the project balances privacy, comfort, and natural ventilation, creating a safe and welcoming environment. The architectural design reimagines an existing structure, converting it into a multi-functional space with minimal environmental impact.
Led by Johnny Ooi Architect, the design embraces passive design strategies and a modular layout that allows flexibility, natural airflow, and daylight penetration. It was commissioned by the Penang State Government, developed by Aspen Vision Development, and constructed under a CSR initiative.
Use of PBM Ventilation Blocks
PBM’s VB 3914.100 blocks form a key architectural feature on the building façade, applied in a vertical orientation to promote air circulation while preserving visual privacy. Their rhythmic, textured layout contributes to the building’s tropical-modernist expression and sustainability goals.
Additionally, VB 402.125 blocks are creatively repurposed as part of custom-built outdoor benches located in the small garden in front of the shelter—showcasing PBM’s product adaptability beyond façade use.
Project Gallery

Installed and photographed on site.

On-site photography · 2023 · Penang

A thoughtful adaptive reuse project that restores dignity and provides sustainable refuge through honest materials and climate-responsive design.

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