Heritage shophouses are emblematic of Penang and provide the island with a distinct old-world charm. Their colourful mosaic tiles and old-school window frames have been a particular source of inspiration for the Singapore-headquartered company, EDL, the leading specialist of high-pressure laminates in Southeast Asia. After a successful experience-led gallery in Kuala Lumpur, the company is eager to expand its artistic network, with Penang and its thriving design scene emerging as the natural next step.
In collaboration with local design firm Empt Studio, a restored heritage shophouse along Jones Road in George Town was transformed into an immersive material showcase. EDL’s full range of materials—which includes laminates, compact worktops, module wall panels, and Viefe handles—creatively furnishes the building, interacting exquisitely with original pieces of tile and plaster. Alluringly tactile, the gallery’s focus on feel highlights a desire for browsers to meaningfully connect with their environment.
A focus on locality is embedded in EDL’s brand DNA, which results in a pattern of working with specialists who live within the area it expands into. “We champion local designers who understand their cultural and architectural context,” says EDL marketing director Eleanor Lim. Consequently, authentic elements of Penang are literally built into the gallery’s foundation. As a design practice sought after for its tactual, subtly expressive work, Empt Studio was the perfect fit, and contributed to what Lim calls “a collision of ideas (in a good sense!)”.
EDL’s legacy of experiential journey-making met inventive alternatives to material application, culminating in an encounter that fuels you with inspiration. “Every surface has been crafted with our materials, so visitors are not just looking at samples but also living with them as they move through the space,” Lim adds.
Upon entry to the building, individual sections of the gallery unfold in intentional layers. Each display exudes a specific mood, which adds to the immersion. When asked about the display she was most excited about, Lim responds easily—the Yellow Core installation.
Comprising laminates made of yellow kraft backing rather than the usual dark kraft paper, the finished product has a mellowed translucent colour, and boasts join lines that blend into the material, which are barely visible. It’s a thrilling subversion. “Because laminates are usually never used on their own—they’re usually applied onto a substrate such as plywood—it shows how it can be used in a surprising way for creative expression,” Lim explains.
Additionally, the company expresses pride regarding its custom furniture crafted from Compact, a structured, double-sided panel manufactured under high temperature and high pressure. This makes it resistant to stains, impact, heat, moisture, and scratches and suitable for a broad range of spaces. “It pushes the material beyond surfaces into forms, showing its strength and versatility in unexpected ways,” Lim says.
Lim asserts that the gallery isn’t just a place for home design enthusiasts to gawk at. “It is also a space for the design community to come together,” she says. “Whether through workshops or events, it’s meant to inspire, educate, and connect. It is this blend of community that sets our gallery apart.”
EDL Gallery Penang is located at 10 Jalan Jones, 10350 George Town, Penang.
Opening hours
Weekdays: 8:30am to 5:30pm
Saturdays: 8:30am to 1pm
Closed on Sundays.
