Nam Hoe Brickfields is more than a restored home. It is a private residence curated by Caleb Goh. The house preserves the warmth and character of traditional Malaysian homes. Originally a double-storey shophouse in Brickfields, it took five years to transform into a lived-in home. Caleb layered the space with carefully selected objects, soft lighting and thoughtful details. Each piece was chosen to honour the life the house had already lived. The result is a home that feels authentic, warm and deeply personal. It remains private, though visitors are occasionally welcome.
Preserving Malaysia’s architectural heritage is not simple. Historic shophouses and old family homes face pressure from urban development. Resources for upkeep are often limited. Unlike Europe, where historic buildings are often protected or reused, many Malaysian structures risk being lost. Nam Hoe Brickfields shows how heritage can coexist with modern living.
The move to Setapak marks a new chapter. Unlike the Brickfields home, which was rented and had previously functioned as a tuition centre, Caleb now owns the Setapak house. This gives him full control and a fresh canvas to shape its character. The house arrived empty, allowing him to curate every space according to his vision.
Balancing a full-time career as a lawyer with settling into a new home is challenging. Caleb spends a few hours each night unpacking boxes, arranging furniture and personalising the space. Despite these constraints, the Setapak home retains the warmth, authenticity and lived-in charm that made Nam Hoe Brickfields unique.
What makes Nam Hoe special is the balance between heritage and daily life. Past and present coexist. Objects and architecture are treated with care while the house remains fully lived in. Everyday details such as sunlit corners, the soft glow of ambient lighting and the natural flow of life give the home its character and warmth.
This philosophy continues in Setapak. The legacy of Nam Hoe endures. It is centred on memory, authenticity and the belief that heritage deserves attention and care. The house demonstrates that historic spaces can remain vibrant, lived-in and meaningful in a modern context.
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