Fabian Low’s story of leaving behind academic pressures in Singapore to find peace and purpose in a tiny house in New Zealand.
In ‘Singaporeans Abroad’, we share the stories of locals who—thanks to living in a globalized world—have found success in different corners of the globe. Whether financially, romantically, or for the pure joy of adventure. We’ve recently heard from Jing Rui, who battled severe eczema and topical steroid withdrawal to set up her skincare clinic in the UK. Then, Chef Nora Haron, who’s making waves in the food scene of California with Nusantara cuisine.
Now, we bring you Fabian Low, whose early struggles with identity while living in Singapore guided his search for self-understanding, ultimately leading him to create a home in a tiny house in New Zealand.
All Images courtesy of Fabian Low unless otherwise stated.
Fabian’s tiny house, measuring 10 metres by 3 metres, has gained more attention than he ever imagined. The house’s design, inspired by shipping containers, has a sleek black-and-white facade that stands out against the surrounding green pastures.
He worked with a builder in New Zealand to bring the exterior to life, spending NZ$220,000 (S$185,140), with an additional NZ$30,000 (S$25,250) for the deck. The two-storey home features a fully-equipped kitchen, a cozy living area, and a bedroom with a projector for entertainment.
“I’ve always believed in having a small house and being content with what you have,” Fabian explains. His philosophy is aligned with the Tiny House Movement, which values simplicity, freedom, and sustainability—values Fabian has embraced throughout his 44 years.
With a background spanning community-building, music, and gardening, Fabian has never been one to be defined by a single profession. Currently, he’s pursuing part-time studies in counselling while working as a mental health practitioner in Auckland. His focus is on narrative counselling, where he helps people understand the stories they tell themselves and how these shape their identities.
While living in his tiny house, Fabian has learned to appreciate the freedom and satisfaction it offers. However, his journey to owning this house has been far from easy.
Leaving Singapore
Fabian’s parents saw the move to New Zealand as an opportunity for a fresh start, especially given Fabian’s struggles with academics in Singapore. Attending Anglo Chinese School, he found little enjoyment in his studies, often feeling overshadowed by his sister’s academic achievements.
The decision to move to New Zealand in 1994 at the age of 14 seemed like an escape from Singapore’s overwhelming academic pressures. However, Fabian soon realized that leaving Singapore did not bring the relief he expected.
Finding a Place to Belong
In Christchurch, Fabian faced racism, which made him feel like an outsider once again. Locals often mistook him for being from China, and his accent made him stand out even more. Despite his best efforts to blend in, Fabian struggled to find acceptance in New Zealand as well.
It wasn’t until he returned to New Zealand years later, with a renewed sense of self, that Fabian found the sense of belonging he had longed for—this time, through his tiny house.
The Burning Man Experience
After graduating high school, Fabian moved to Auckland, then later to Vancouver in 2014, where he embarked on a journey of self-discovery. His interest in spiritual themes grew, particularly through learning about Maori culture and Native American traditions.
One life-changing experience was attending the famous Burning Man festival in Nevada. The event’s emphasis on community, self-expression, and sustainable living resonated deeply with Fabian. It shaped his approach to life and contributed to his decision to create a tiny house as a space for self-expression.
Think in Circles, Not Blocks
During his time in Vancouver, Fabian also participated in the Sun Dance ceremony, a sacred Native American ritual. It was here that he received advice from a Sun Dance Chief, White Standing Buffalo, who taught him to “think in circles, not blocks.” This advice challenged Fabian’s structured, efficiency-driven mindset from Singapore, encouraging him to see life beyond logic and embrace a more holistic view of the world.
This wisdom led Fabian to appreciate the interconnectedness of life and understand that sometimes, the most important things cannot be explained by logic alone.
All That Glitters Is Not Gold
In 2017, Fabian returned to New Zealand with a renewed sense of confidence and a desire to build his own tiny house. He found a piece of land through a local website promoting the tiny house movement and entered into an informal agreement with the landlord.
Building his tiny house came with challenges, particularly in connecting the house to basic utilities. Yet, through a strong DIY culture in New Zealand and the support of friends, Fabian made his dream home a reality.
A Place to Call Home
Fabian’s tiny house is more than just a place to live; it represents his journey toward self-acceptance. The house is filled with personal touches, including shells from Singapore that remind him of childhood moments spent with his father.
Outside, Fabian tends to his garden and farm, where he grows produce that allows him to live sustainably. Llamas and goats roam the pastures, and fresh eggs from the chickens he raises contribute to his meals. For Fabian, his tiny house is not just a physical space, but a manifestation of his identity and values.
Tiny House, Larger Than Life
Despite the sacrifices and challenges along the way, Fabian cherishes the home he has built for himself. His tiny house represents a space where he can truly be himself, free from the societal pressures that once weighed him down.
“I hope Singaporeans can find a space for themselves to paint their personalities on a canvas,” Fabian says. “Even if you’re constrained within a box, you can also think outside the box within the box.”
