The Design Maverick On Uncharted Paths

Green has been on the upward trend when it comes to architecture and the home improvement industry. Across the globe, government bodies and independent agencies are putting their heads together to come up with codes and plans for energy efficiency and sustainable living, which would benefit the current and future generations. With these codes, it is hoped that the home improvement and construction sectors will be more creative and thoughtful when designing building .

While the international arena has names such as Peter Busby, Norman Foster, and William McDonough to name a few, closer to home we too have our own architects making waves in the green & sustainable living arena and one of them is Dr. Tan Loke Mun, a prominent award-winning architect who not only is the founder of his own design firm, DTLM Design Group, but also the Principal of DrTanLM Architect and Director of ArchiCentre Sdn. Bhd. With so many milestones achieved, one would think Dr. Tan is quite content to sit back and watch the industry flourish, but Dr. Tan continues to spearhead revolutionary design ethos that shapes the architecture realm.

Obtaining his architectural training from Deakin University and later his doctorate from the University of Melbourne, Dr. Tan who once learned the traits of the industry from Dato’ Kington Loo, one of the most celebrated figures in the architectural profession shares similar passion for the arts and environmental conservation. Dr. Tan expounded that their design ideas are founded on green solutions for the tropical climate, where inspiration for their architectural language is drawn from nature and the honest use and expression of materials.

“Our masterplans are characterized by setting communities and districts around public spaces which sits centrally on the most valuable portion of the land to be shared and enjoyed. Our buildings have green DNA imprinted into their tropical architecture,” said Dr. Tan. “We endeavor to also add a functional element of art into our projects which often ends up being a well-crafted staircase or a significant water feature,” he further added.

Often working from the basis of typologies, he has successfully interpreted and translated green regional metaphors into his architecture and masterplans and amongst his repertoire, the S11 House and Setia City sustainable city planning remain special to him. When probed, Dr. Tan explained that for the sustainable city planning Setia City is perhaps the closest Malaysia has gotten to build a new city center based on green principles around a large central park and water body. Imprinted with a network of elevated walkways to connect the buildings, the city alleviates the need to use motor vehicles to get around.

While the S11 House allowed him to carry out many experiments and test out green solutions that has since been applied in other residential projects such as S14 House, Clay Roof House, Fabric House, 8D Verandah House, 23 Terrace and House No.47. Cited as Malaysia’s first GBI platinum-rated work for domestic architecture, the S11 House is memorable to Dr. Tan as much of the demolished old house materials were re-used. From old crushed concrete roof tiles for gravel fill and old clay bricks re-used for feature walls to rainwater collected on the canopy roof that drains directly into a series of rainwater harvesting tanks, the house is a combination of rawness and natural finishing.

Some of the home’s highlights would be the stonework for bathrooms, driveway and ground floor living areas that come from project rejects, the modular book shelves that are made from recycled waste plywood off-cuts with low VOC coatings and water-based glue as well as the timber flooring and upper decks that are all Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified. The house is very much a tropical machine for living that is capable of being tuned and adjusted to improve performance and comfort.

Experience has taught Dr. Tan and his team that problem solving is an integral part of good design as each project is certain to pose a different set of issues that needs to be addressed and together with the team, Dr. Tan enjoys finding viable solutions to them. Respected as a leading innovator and creative thinker, Dr. Tan’s advice to young and upcoming architects is to be daring. Dare to dream. Dare to differentiate. Dare to define and lastly dare to continue doing and never give up

Dare to dream. Dare to differentiate. Dare to define and lastly dare to continue doing and never give up.

For more information please visit dtlm.com.my

AR DR TAN LOKE MUN

Ar. Dr Tan Loke Mun who was selected for the 100 Architects of the Year International Exhibition 2015 in Seoul did his architectural training at Deakin University, Australia. The multi-award winning architect then went on to obtain his doctorate from the University of Melbourne where he focused on self-help housing. The renowned architect who is the Principal of DrTanLM Architect and founder director of ArchiCentre Sdn Bhd and DTLM Design Group is a huge advocate of green and sustainable buildings.

AFTER HOURS

What’s your poison?
I try not to consume alcohol as it is said to be bad for health. But if forced to then I do fancy a double shot Campari soda earlier in the evening followed by some good Irish or single malt whisky after. Otherwise I would prefer plain water or green tea.
Favourite hangout spot?
I like to hangout in my studio office in Subang Jaya with my design team and work on sketches and drawings. On weekends I enjoy hanging out at home.
The place to go for authentic local cuisine?
I enjoy the best local cuisine served in simple “coffee shops” and frequent the same few on a regular rotation.

THE JETSETTER

Most memorable stay?
Anywhere in Venice
Biggest splurge?
Contemporary Art
Your holiday fashion?
Black round neck T Shirt