DOTY 2022 BTRA Profile – Ar Dr Tan Loke Mun

Dive a little deeper into the sensational designs that were honoured with DOTY 2022’s prestigious Building Transformation Recognition Award, courtesy of the ingenious minds responsible for their captivating beauty and renewed sense of purpose.

The Building Transformation Recognition Award (BTRA) recognises the dedicated initiatives taken in building restoration and transformation of an existing building as an effort towards sustainability, respecting the unique challenges tackled in doing so. It encourages the restoration of old buildings, preservation of heritage as well as the creative use of space and function. Receiving this invaluable accolade under the Designer of the Year (DOTY) Awards 2022, an illustrious event organised by ACG Media, are six of the following designers and architects who have made their mark across the Malaysian landscape with their uniquely spectacular designs which pay homage to the past, and at the same time, move boldly towards the future.

Ar Dr Tan Loke Mun

Founder

DRTAN LM Architect | www.dtlm.com.my

Project: House No. 16

“Heritage buildings are a very important part of our philosophy and we should try to keep as much of it as possible because it gives us a reference to the past. It is not only the right thing to do in terms of recycling and reuse but it also gives life to old structures, and new users for it,” remarks Ar. Dr. Tan Loke Mun. Living up to his firm’s philosophy which prioritises community, culture and innovative designs for a sustainable planet is the extraordinary transformation of House No.16, an old two-storey bungalow from the 1970s that now breathes life as a green resort home.

Following the homeowners’ desire to refurbish the existing structural elements and include brand new living spaces that accommodate their needs and connect them to the outdoors, DRTAN LM Architect conceptualised a clean, modern intervention into the old framework
whilst infusing it with a strong industrial vibe. The most prominent example of this approach is the newly incorporated, highly striking facade.

Using a medley of steel, raw brick and double-volume glass, the front section was extended to afford new interior spaces while the front yard was zoned into a car park and a private front lawn thanks to a horizontal brick wall. An additional standout is the 6-metre high retaining wall found on one side of the house, providing solitude and the chance to create a more flourishing garden. On that note, another indispensable design factor that allows the couple to soak in the refreshing outdoor greenery, and expand the line of sight in the process, is the sliding glass doors fitted on both the home’s side walls.