Double Storey Terrace House Renovation in Sungai Ara, Penang
The project uses a contemporary grey-and-white palette, clean cabinetry lines, mirrored details and warm metallic handles to create an organised home that feels modern, comfortable and easier to maintain.
A terrace house renovation designed around organised daily living
A double storey terrace house needs to support different family routines across bedrooms, shared living areas, bathrooms, entry spaces and outdoor zones. This project uses purpose-built carpentry to increase storage without filling the rooms with excessive loose furniture.
Full-height cabinets make better use of vertical wall space, while integrated mirrors and dressing areas combine several daily functions into one coordinated installation. The restrained grey, white and black palette also helps the different rooms feel connected.
Design principle: residential storage should be planned as part of the room architecture, with dimensions, access and daily routines confirmed before carpentry fabrication begins.
What did this double storey terrace house renovation need to achieve?
The project needed to improve practical storage and daily convenience while maintaining a consistent contemporary residential identity.
Increase practical storage
Full-height cabinets, overhead compartments and integrated drawers use the available wall space more efficiently.
Improve bedroom routines
Wardrobes, mirrors, open shelves and vanity functions are combined into coordinated bedroom installations.
Create a calm visual direction
Grey cabinetry, simple panel lines and limited decorative detailing keep the rooms contemporary without feeling crowded.
Connect exterior and interior
Exterior upgrading and interior carpentry are treated as connected parts of the same residential transformation.
An updated exterior creates a more contemporary first impression
The refreshed façade gives the house a neater residential character before entering the upgraded interior. Light wall surfaces, grey accent sections and simple linear detailing produce a clean appearance suited to a double storey terrace property.
Exterior renovation should also address practical matters such as rain exposure, existing wall condition, roof and canopy drainage, lighting, gates, floor levels and access for future maintenance.
- Review existing cracks and weather-exposed surfaces
- Coordinate canopy edges with rainwater discharge
- Maintain safe vehicle and pedestrian access
- Select exterior finishes suitable for outdoor exposure
- Plan lighting and electrical points before finishing
A sheltered side area improves everyday residential use
The covered side space extends the usable area of the home and provides greater protection from Penang’s sun and rain. The dark ceiling treatment creates contrast against the lighter exterior walls while concealing a practical lighting and fan arrangement.
Covered outdoor areas should be planned around floor falls, drainage channels, roof discharge, waterproof junctions, electrical safety and ease of cleaning. These technical decisions are as important as the visible design.
Outdoor planning priority: a canopy should improve comfort without directing water toward doors, neighbouring properties or areas that are difficult to maintain.
Entry storage designed to keep the arrival area organised
The entrance storage uses the full available wall height to accommodate household belongings without reducing the main circulation route. A combination of closed compartments, drawers and an illuminated feature section allows functional storage to remain visually refined.
Entry cabinets should be designed according to the family’s real habits. Shoe quantities, bag storage, keys, umbrellas, charging requirements and frequently used items should be considered before the internal compartments are finalised.
Useful entry-storage zones
- Low-level shoe storage with suitable ventilation
- Accessible drawers for keys and small daily items
- Tall compartments for bags or household equipment
- A practical surface for temporary item placement
- Concealed electrical points where charging is required
Mirror panels make built-in storage feel visually lighter
Mirrored cabinet panels add a practical full-length viewing surface while reflecting daylight through the interior. This can help a compact transition area feel brighter and less enclosed.
Mirror placement must still account for door movement, fingerprints, edge protection and nearby circulation. Combining reflective panels with solid cabinet doors also prevents the installation from becoming visually excessive.
Practical consideration: mirrors should be positioned where users can stand at a comfortable viewing distance without blocking a doorway or main walking route.
Full-height wardrobes make better use of bedroom walls
Full-height wardrobes increase storage capacity without occupying more floor area. Upper cabinets can hold seasonal bedding, luggage and less frequently used items, while the main sections remain available for everyday clothing.
The grey finish allows the large installation to blend with the room rather than appearing as a separate piece of furniture. Warm metallic handles introduce contrast and make the long cabinet doors easier to operate.
Details to confirm before wardrobe fabrication
- Finished wall and ceiling dimensions
- Bed position and walking clearance
- Door swing and drawer opening space
- Window, curtain and air-conditioning access
- Required hanging, folded and accessory storage
- Electrical points concealed behind or beside cabinets
An integrated vanity improves convenience without adding loose furniture
The bedroom arrangement combines a full-height wardrobe, open shelves, drawers, a mirror and a compact vanity surface. Joining these functions into one installation creates a clearer daily routine and a more consistent visual result.
The vanity height, mirror position, drawer depth and lighting should be planned around the intended user. Socket locations are also important for hair appliances, charging and other personal-care equipment.
- Mirror positioned at a practical seated height
- Drawers for smaller personal-care items
- Open shelves for frequently used belongings
- Dedicated electrical outlets near the vanity
- Clear knee space and comfortable seating access
A neutral bathroom continues the modern residential palette
Grey wall and floor surfaces create a calm wet-area environment, while the black-framed shower screen and dark vanity top introduce stronger visual definition. The large mirror helps reflect natural light from the existing window.
Bathroom refurbishment must be coordinated around more than appearance. Waterproofing, floor falls, drainage positions, pipe access, shower-screen dimensions and ventilation affect the long-term performance of the space.
Important bathroom checks
- Existing water supply and drainage condition
- Waterproofing extent and substrate preparation
- Floor gradient toward the drainage outlet
- Shower-screen clearance and door movement
- Natural or mechanical ventilation
- Maintenance access to concealed plumbing fittings
How this Sungai Ara project reflects a design-and-build workflow
Residential renovation becomes easier to manage when design, site conditions, carpentry and finishing work are reviewed through one connected project direction.
| Project Component | Role in the Home | Coordination Required |
|---|---|---|
| Site Assessment | Identifies the condition of existing walls, floors, services, exterior surfaces and wet areas. | Property access, measurements, existing defects and concealed-condition limitations. |
| Space Planning | Organises storage, furniture, circulation and daily family use. | Room dimensions, door movement, furniture placement and household requirements. |
| Interior Design | Establishes the grey contemporary palette and consistent material direction. | Lighting, maintenance, material compatibility and visual balance. |
| Custom Carpentry | Provides wardrobes, vanity units, entry storage and mirrored cabinets. | Site dimensions, internal storage needs, hardware, electrical points and installation access. |
| Exterior Works | Refreshes the frontage and improves covered outdoor areas. | Weather exposure, drainage, existing structures, finishes and neighbouring boundaries. |
| Renovation & Finishing | Connects building work, wet areas, carpentry, painting and final detailing. | Work sequence, protection, material lead times and the confirmed project scope. |
The exact materials, authority requirements, structural scope, electrical work, plumbing work, specialist services, timeline and responsibilities for a new project must be confirmed after reviewing the property and formal quotation.
A practical workflow for renovating a double storey terrace house
Early confirmation of the property condition, household requirements and budget priorities helps reduce uncertainty after renovation begins.
Understand the household brief
Confirm the family size, rooms to renovate, storage requirements, preferred style, budget direction and target completion date.
Inspect and measure the property
Review room dimensions, existing finishes, electrical and plumbing points, exterior exposure and visible defects.
Prioritise the renovation scope
Separate essential repair or technical work from aesthetic upgrades and optional features.
Develop the design direction
Coordinate layout, carpentry, colour, materials, lighting and exterior improvements around the confirmed priorities.
Align quotation and responsibilities
Confirm included work, exclusions, material specifications, specialist responsibilities and payment stages.
Coordinate execution and handover
Manage the agreed work sequence, record approved changes and review completed work before final handover.
Why use a design-and-build contractor for a terrace-house renovation?
A landed-home renovation may involve existing-condition assessment, design decisions, exterior work, carpentry, electrical points, plumbing, wet areas and final finishing. These elements need to fit the same property and work sequence.
C PRO Design is a Georgetown, Penang-based design-and-build company providing interior design, renovation, refurbishment, custom carpentry and construction-related services for residential, commercial and industrial properties.
Planning a double storey terrace house renovation in Penang?
The suitable service scope depends on the property’s existing condition, the areas being renovated, storage requirements, technical upgrades, design preferences and available budget.
One-Stop Design & Build
Suitable for homeowners who want planning, renovation, carpentry and project execution coordinated through one main direction.
Explore Design & Build Solutions →Interior Design Services
Connects layout planning, material selection, lighting, storage and furniture with the family’s everyday needs.
View Interior Design Services →Renovation & Refurbishment
Supports existing landed homes requiring repairs, layout upgrades, new finishes, wet-area work or a more complete transformation.
View Renovation Services →Custom Carpentry & Cabinets
Covers wardrobes, vanity units, entry storage, kitchen cabinets and built-in furniture made around actual site dimensions.
Explore Custom Carpentry →What should homeowners prepare before requesting a renovation quotation?
A clear initial brief allows the renovation team to identify site limitations, missing information and priority work before developing a proposal.
- Property location and property type
- Existing floor plan, if available
- Current site photos and video walkthrough
- Rooms and exterior areas to be renovated
- Known leaks, cracks or maintenance problems
- Required wardrobes and built-in storage
- Preferred interior style and material references
- Items that will remain in the property
- Target completion or move-in date
- Estimated budget range and main priorities
Double Storey Terrace House renovation FAQ
These answers provide a practical starting point. Final requirements depend on the actual property, design and confirmed quotation.
Looking for a terrace house renovation contractor in Penang?
Send C PRO Design your floor plan, current site photos, renovation areas, storage requirements, preferred style and target completion date. The project can then be reviewed around layout, existing conditions, exterior upgrading, technical works and custom carpentry.
In summary, this Double Storey Terrace House renovation in Sungai Ara demonstrates how exterior improvement, practical storage, full-height wardrobes, mirrored cabinets and integrated bedroom furniture can create a more organised and contemporary family home.
