DOTY 2022 BTRA Profile – Ar Fabian Tan

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 Fabian Tan

Principal

Fabian Tan Architect | www.fabian-tan.com

Project: Makio House

A lover of ancient structures, the man who dreams of bringing a medieval modern castle to life as his own private sanctuary fully believes that “form must follow intention because there should always be an intention behind every design we do.” Take the fascinating yet functional work of art that is the centrepiece of Makio House a.k.a the prominently positioned stairway, for instance; it’s no wonder that this was the very first thing that Fabian Tan noticed upon entry.

Initially perceiving its positioning to be awkward, a thorough study of the layout quickly changed his view, leading to the wise decision to retain the staircase and enhance it as an ascending sculpture. Funnily enough, he actually took on the project because of the possibilities of transforming the double volume living room into something utterly unique … mission accomplished, we’d say.

The concept behind the entire design circled around how the material and elemental components like columns, beams and struts contrast beautifully with the current existing space. Most of the building, especially the facade, were maintained but the master bedroom was enlarged for the purpose of comfort. As the windows of the living area could not be changed, the team designed a spine
corridor and built-ins to correspond with the space in a way that is most natural and proportionate. Following the client’s request for a rooftop deck, Fabian Tan Architect took the essence of a living room and extended its aura into the space by designing an L-shape external seat, complete with a steel floor lamp.