Designing a Multi-Generational Pavilion Damansara Condo: Thoughtful Interiors for Aging Parents & Family Togetherness

artist impression of living and dining

artist impression of bathroom for elderly wheelchair friendly

Top: Our Artist impression wheelchair friendly design for a modern and safe bathroom for elderly

We’re currently designing a high-floor unit at Pavilion Damansara for a beautiful multi-generational family. It’s not a typical home. Our clients who consisted of professional well-heeled siblings who don’t live here — but this space will become the family’s base for everyone to gather. A home for their elderly parents.

A weekend gathering spot. A festive reunion place. And a long-term anchor for their family legacy.

When you design for multi-generational living — especially with elderly parents in mind — every detail matters.

Not just the big things like space planning, but the quiet decisions: How wide is the walkway? Can the drawers be pulled open easily? Is the light too harsh at night?

Here’s how we approach a home like this:

1. It Starts with the Flow — But Not Just Open Plan

The unit opens into a compact foyer, but we designed it to feel calm, elegant, and welcoming. The idea is to build a sense of arrival — not overwhelming, but warm. Then the layout opens up into living, then dining — like a quiet reveal. We think of this as a journey, not just a floorplan.

For the dining and kitchens we explored multiple iterations — island combined with dining? Or kept separate? We even walked through scenarios: what if their mom is using the drawer below the island? Is t he handle ergonomic enough? Can it be opened easily?

These are not just “kitchen questions.”

They’re lifestyle questions.

2. Bathroom Replanning for Safety and Dignity

Designing for elderly parents means rethinking bathrooms entirely.  We removed all level changes to make it wheelchair-friendly, allowed for turning radius, and widened door openings. The materials are non-slip, soft underfoot, and easy to maintain. We added built-in bench seating, recessed shampoo niches, and grab bars placed with ergonomic intent — not as an afterthought. We even allowed extra floor space — anticipating a future caregiver if needed.

3. Lighting that Layers, Not Blinds

Many people associate “bright” with “good lighting,” but for older eyes, too much contrast or stark white LED can feel clinical or uncomfortable. We layer light in zones:- Warm ambient lighting for comfort  - Task lighting at key areas like the kitchen and wardrobe zones  - Accent lighting to bring subtle drama and draw the eye without glare  The result is a home that feels clear, calm, and easy on the eyes, no matter the time of day.

4. Materiality That You Can Feel

The touch of materials is just as important as how they look.We curated a palette of:- Soft-touch timber laminates (instead of hard glossy panels)  - Matt-textured stone countertops that are tactile but easy to clean  - Fabric-wrapped headboards instead of cold surfaces  - And yes, even wallpaper with subtle textures to add warmth and rhythm to certain zones. This is not just about luxury — it’s about comfort and human connection to materials.

5. Plug Points, Clearances & Function — All Matter

When designing for multiple users and older family members, ergonomics is everything. We curated:- Switch and plug points at accessible heights  - Enough clearances between furniture and circulation paths  - Soft-close drawers and light-weight fittings  - Even storage zones that don't require overreaching or kneeling

We tested multiple layouts to find the best combination of comfort, practicality, and refinement.

6. Personalised Spaces Still Belong in a Shared Home

One of the siblings is an aircraft model collection enthusiast — so we’re designing custom display cabinetry to showcase collectible model planes. Each piece has been measured precisely and integrated into the joinery design. These are the details that make a high-end home feel personal, lived-in, and grounded — even in a family base shared by many.

Final Thoughts 

Designing this Pavilion Damansara condo isn’t about making a statement.  It’s about creating a stage for the family’s life to unfold — now, and years to come.

From architectural details like barrier-free bathrooms and zoning for movement, to subtle moments like the texture of the wallpaper when you run your fingers across it, every layer of the home holds intention.

And when you design for aging parents, the goal is simple:  Make the home dignified, comfortable, intuitive — and quietly beautiful.

By: IDr. Mak Mil Yung 

Interior Architect , Founder, Storyteller of Spaces