Makio House: Where Simplicity Meets Serenity by Fabian Tan
Makio House was designed to be a minimalist and comfortable home that suits the family’s needs and personality. To achieve this, Fabian Tan combined maple, marble, and white tones with the existing architectural elements and natural surroundings. This thoughtful interplay creates a balanced and serene environment, offering both simplicity and elegance.
Embracing the potential of the existing site
The abundance of natural light and lush greenery visible through the high windows of the existing space inspired Fabian to adopt it as a core design concept. The spaces were reconfigured to fully embrace the natural light and surrounding views, enhancing the spatial experience through the use of carefully selected materials. The garden has been recreated into a tranquil rock sculptured sanctuary, providing a serene and inviting refuge amidst nature’s beauty.
Transforming an obstructing staircase to focal point
While the prominently positioned existing stairway on site might initially appear as an obstacle, Fabian saw it as an opportunity to transform a potential weakness into a striking centerpiece of the house. The idea revolves around integrating the original architectural elements by enveloping solid timber panels, thus establishing a seamless connection from the staircase to the first-floor mezzanine. This approach not only visually unifies the various areas of the home but also infuses the space with a sense of warmth and natural charm.
Extending material continuity to the upper mezzanine galleria
The continuity of the material was carried through to the upper mezzanine with an addition of a galleria that extends the existing floor plate to wrap around the periphery of the double volume living spaces. This galleria serves a multifunctional purpose, acting as a walkway adorned with shelves, windows offering picturesque views, and storage options. Tucked away in a cozy nook at one end is a daybed/study area, strategically positioned to offer a serene vantage point overlooking the treetops.
Master bedroom walls designed for light infiltration
The master bedroom underwent expansion, achieved by incorporating the space from an adjacent bedroom, embracing an open-concept design. Purposefully, the interior walls in this area were constructed to be below ceiling height, strategically allowing natural light to permeate and diffuse throughout the entirety of the room. This bright atmosphere amplifies the expansion perception of the space.
Reimagine kids bedroom into a multi-level playground
The children’s bedroom was reimagined into a playground, resembling a hide-and-seek adventure of varying levels. It now features a unique 3-tiered bunk bed arrangement, complete with a pull-out bed for added versatility. Additionally, an alcove was incorporated into the design, allowing little ones to peek out into the neighborhood through an existing clerestory window. This playful setup not only encourages creativity and exploration but also maximizes the use of space, providing a cozy and interactive environment for children to enjoy.
Steel stairway and rock garden pairing
A steel stairway has been installed within the lightwell, providing access to the rooftop level. To complement this feature, a minimalist rock garden has been introduced, extending the design aesthetic established by the ground floor’s outdoor rock sculptured garden.
A raised platform extends over the roof, creating a viewing deck that captures the essence of an outdoor living room, showcasing panoramic views of the city skyline. With comfortable seating arrangements, this elevated space provides a serene retreat where residents can unwind and appreciate the surrounding urban landscape.
| Location | Kuala Lumpur |
| Area | 4376 sqft |
| Year | 2020 |
| Designer | Fabian Tan Architect |
| Photographer | Bricks Begin |
| Landscape Design | Sputnik Forest |
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