From its elevated perch in Damansara Heights, the 5,500-square-foot penthouse offers panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline. The residence provides sightlines toward the city's iconic architectural landmarks—a compelling backdrop that influenced many design decisions. What began as a partially fitted blank canvas has evolved into a precisely calibrated home for a Japanese family, their art collection, and the experiences they create together.

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Custom wood panelling and metallic console in the foyer featuring copper-accented waterjet marble flooring in the Japanese family’s luxury residence

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Contemporary storage solution with integrated marble countertop and collectible skateboards in this tailored family-friendly Malaysian luxury penthouse.

“We wanted to merge timeless elegance with playful, modern touches that reflect the family’s unique personality,” says Wendy Kang, Co-founder and Design Director of Solid Design Studio, who led the transformation.

“It’s a home that’s both curated and lived-in.”

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Santorini-inspired balcony with vertical green wall and suspended seating in this luxury Kuala Lumpur penthouse

The penthouse opens with an unexpected flourish: a custom waterjet marble floor inlaid with copper patterns. “The copper catches morning sunlight, reflecting a soft glow,” Kang explains.

“It represents prosperity and energy in Japanese culture—a meaningful detail for the clients.”

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Open-plan living area perspective revealing the relationship between spaces and consistent design language throughout the penthouse interior

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Media wall featuring custom shelving, marble accents and oak flooring in herringbone pattern in this penthouse by Solid Design Studio

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Elegant living room showcasing custom lighting, designer coffee tables and floating media wall in this Kuala Lumpur luxury residence

Beyond lies a gallery corridor that Kang describes as “a peaceful gallery walk, where the client could pause and appreciate his art collection.” This transitional space exemplifies the home’s balance between display and function. At its centre sits a cylindrical aquarium—an architectural feat that required specialised fabrication overseas and a professional sky lift to install.

“The technical integration was demanding,” Kang notes. “We had to plan for discreet housing of the motor, filtration system, and access points for maintenance, all while ensuring the aesthetics remained clean and seamless.”

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The living area is detailed with curated designer pieces, an Eames bird sculpture, and Hermès cushions in this penthouse renovation

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Living room with crystal chandelier, leather sofa and designer accent chair showcasing classic molding and contemporary furnishings in Damansara Heights

The living area showcases the owners’ discerning taste through Gamma leather seating and a Cattelan Italia Arena Keramik Bond coffee table. A striking slab of Patagonia marble anchors the space visually.

“We even cut out a special piece and reimagined it as a sculptural art installation beside the TV,” Kang says. “It creates a focal point that ties nature and art together.”

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Wider view of the dining area showcasing mirrored console, marble accents and wood panelling details in this Japanese family’s Kuala Lumpur residence.

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Elegant dining area with textured wood panelling, oval mirror and custom green glass pendant lighting in the Damansara Heights luxury penthouse

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Sophisticated dining space with marble table, sage green chairs and signature teal green hand-blown glass chandelier

The Damansara Heights dining area balances refined stone and timber textures. Above the Cattelan Italia Butterfly Keramik dining table hangs a custom pendant light in teal green, hand-blown overseas to Kang’s specifications.

“The clients expressed a deep appreciation for hand-blown glass,” she says. “We embraced this as both a creative challenge and an opportunity.”

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Statement cylindrical aquarium with vibrant coral and tropical fish, a central sculptural element in this penthouse interior

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Illuminated art shelves and collectible figurines display with a custom cylindrical aquarium in the gallery corridor of this Kuala Lumpur residence

Throughout the luxury penthouse, traditional elements appear in contemporary interpretations. “The clients adore classical wainscoting, but we wanted to give it a modern twist,” Kang explains.

“We introduced textured paint finishes and stainless steel hairline inserts for a cool, modern interpretation that feels both refined and current.”

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Monochromatic kitchen design featuring purple hand-blown pendant lights above a black dining table with mint green Eames-style chairs

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Contemporary kitchen featuring grey marble countertops against minimalist white cabinetry in this Malaysian luxury penthouse renovation

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Modern dining area with mint Eames-style chairs and striking purple hand-blown glass pendants

Environmental considerations shaped material selections in this Malaysian residence, with VOC-free glue and anti-VOC treatments applied throughout.

“Environmental health was a key concern for the clients,” Kang says. “We made conscious choices to align with the family’s values for a healthier living environment.”

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Sophisticated bedroom with channelled headboard and custom wall treatments

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Minimalist master bedroom featuring textured panels and fluted wainscoting in this Damansara Heights penthouse by Solid Design Studio

Perhaps nowhere is the studio’s imagination more evident than in the daughter’s bedroom of this Kuala Lumpur penthouse. “Initially, we envisioned creating a mini castle within the bedroom,” Kang says. “

We designed a double-story space with a mezzanine play area elevated by a staircase, complete with a rose gold custom slide leading down into a ball pool.”

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Living room featuring marble, copper accents and cloud-like Roche Bobois seating in this 5,500-square-foot Kuala Lumpur residence

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Designer living space with palm-motif Arte wallpaper and curated furniture pieces in this Japanese family penthouse

The room includes a fibre optic star ceiling above the bed and a reading nook scaled precisely for a child. “Every detail was thoughtfully considered—from the curved edges carved into the cabinetry to ensure safety, to the elements designed to grow with her,” Kang notes. “It’s a magical space where thoughtful design and parental intention come together.”

A piano room features a custom mural created by a local artist, depicting the couple’s daughter dancing with their poodle. The master bedroom combines Roche Bobois seating with Arte wallpaper to create a retreat with personality.

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Custom double-story children's bedroom with rose gold slide and ball pool in this Damansara Heights penthouse designed for family living

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Playful children’s space with a forest mural and a pink Panton chair

Even the outdoor spaces of the penthouse were reimagined with care. “The client wanted to grow bougainvillaea on the balcony, inspired by the beauty of Santorini,” Kang says. “Recreating this Mediterranean charm was challenging due to the limited sunlight exposure. We had to create a microclimate to help it thrive.”

From the panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur’s iconic skyline to the minutely considered details of daily life, the residence demonstrates how personalisation can elevate a space beyond mere luxury into something genuinely inhabited.

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Ballet room with custom mural depicting the daughter dancing, complete with inspirational text in this personalized Damansara Heights home

“The children often sing and play on the mezzanine floor, gazing out the custom louvred window like it’s their little fairytale tower,” Kang says. “Ultimately, that’s the highest compliment—seeing how the space reflects their lifestyle and brings them closer together.”

This Damansara Heights penthouse renovation exemplifies how thoughtful interior design can transform a standard luxury condominium into a profoundly personal family home that celebrates Asian design influences and contemporary European furnishings.

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