Home tour: A Japanese family’s art-filled penthouse in Kuala Lumpur

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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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 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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“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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