ABSTRACT

The traditional Malay house represents the richest components of Malaysians

cultural heritage. The purpose of this study is to understand and analyse
traditional vernacular Malay house which has been modernized and the
effects of modern material applied. As the modernisation process transforms
and changes the materials, the significance genuine or the origin building
pattern and its architectural form, functions, decorative element and purposes,
and cultural importance is preserved to its local context.
Many literature reviews has been made based on various sources regarding
the traditional vernacular Malay house are referred, as well as interviews of
the house owner will be conducted. To uplift the research, the Malay houses
in Alor Setar, Kedah were randomly selected as the prime example of the
vernacular Malay house.
























Introduction

Malay architecture was very plain and minimalistic to provide their families
livings as they have very simple tools and facing low standard economy at
that period. The are easily exposed to the natural disasters, wars, the
expansion of their own inheritance and also the finding of a source of food
and economy for the Malays which was relentlessly changing. Thus the
houses is built to protect themselves from the weather, rain and sun and also
to get easily moving when there is need. But later on, they became more
intellectual and imaginative and realised that their house has a potential
development in their construction to suit their ever changing lifestyles, culture
and needs. From there they invented many new more useful and complex
tools that was meant to built more stable, bigger and more radiant houses.
Therefore, many new styles and shape of the architecture was born, which
can clearly be seen in Malay States such as Malaysia and its surrounding
Indonesia and Brunei.




















1) General concept of the traditional vernacular Malay house
Malaysia has tropical climatic country due to its geography location
which is located in Southeast Asia at the central part. The roof has its own
significance design which was steep and elevated is to sustain the monsoon
rain season in Malaysia. Because of its warm climate, many Malay houses
occupied with large openings on the sides and grilles are added at the top
roof ends and so the building were raised up are meant for ventilation
purposes.
There are three major elements of traditional Malay house are known
and which is in modern context, called the roof, window and pillars. The
internal sections of the house are varies which differentiate and categorized
each type of traditional houses. This vernacular houses are aim to fulfil the
traditional lifestyle even though the time has changed now it has been built
with modern construction materials while maintaining, the cultural and
traditional design of Malay house. Now, the use of traditional materials has
diminished. Sadly, these sustainable qualities of Malay house have
remodelled. There are many advantages and disadvantages using modern
construction materials in traditional Malay house. While one illustrate a detail
cultural significance, the other is an prompt feedback to the advance
environment. It is fascinating that we found many aspects of architectural
designs and its usage were discovered through this case study research.

It can be seen that the traditional Malay house uses mainly ventilation and
solar radiation control devices to provide climatic comfort for the house. These
are the most effective means for climatic comfort in a house in the warm and
humid Malaysian climate.














In the early stages of a traditional Malay house house-shaped base called home a
bunch of bananas. Home design is changed according to the time which then came
the house on stilts with floor standing high above the ground, and contains space
and walls. It has Roof shape like the letter V inverted form was introduced. At the
peak of the roof cover is separated by a support of stucture called ridge roof
structure. The kitchens roof is lower than that of the main house which make the
whole structure looks like an elephant suckling her young.




The buildings were built using all local materials mainly like timbers, bamboo
with using local building techniques skills. In the process of design and
construct, the householder are the main participant in it which allow them to
present their own aesthetic design skills of the Malays. The site layout
planning of the house based emphasizely on Islamic beliefs and its
environment. The layout will be splitted into two parts, front and back yards.
Certainly, the welcoming guest area will become the front part and they will
decorate and fill with various types of flowers and plants. The Backyard
compound are closely connected to kitchen and washroom and it is placed
near water supply as water usage is intensely used by kitchen. The marital
status also reflected the architectural design of the building because of the
Islamic beliefs.

Malay racial group vitally depends on the environment. Even there is a single
traditional Malay house, a village called Kampong may established and
other additional houses followed later forming into a large community area.
Most of the houses that built closely together were usually formed by close
relative nearby family members. No clear geometric layout instead the layout
is determined by the social relationships and the culture lifestyle of the
villagers.







Most houses are spaced far apart from each other to allow for future
expansion but the distance privacy will keep preserved. There are markings
and boundaries between houses. The borders usually simple and covered by
simple bush and coconut tree that would signifies the boundary without
fences. The kampong area are well shaded with coconut trees, this enable
the public compound to be visible for purposes during day and night.







This house form had been developed and modified over a long period to
satisfy most of the cultural, occupants necessities and circumstances
condition. The traditional Malay houses are made from bamboo or timber and
the houses are raised on stilts using timber material. Moreover, it can prevent
the space in the house flooded in the event of flooding. It is also ensure
safety from potential attack by wild animals such as wild boars,
snakes and insects in the compound of the village.

The building use post and lintel structure system either with timber or
bamboo walls and a thatched gabled shape roof. The building are
accompanied with many large openings on the each sides which meant for
the building to promote good air ventilation which can circulate around the
house. In this point of view the traditional Malay house seemed to have
bonding and fuse naturally together with the environment.


The large gabled shape roofs, covered the low walls and with divertive
orientations and sizes to create an attractive view pattern. The Malay house
use low thermal capacity materials to corporate with the local climatic factors
by various sorts of ventilation. Besides the good integration with the
environment, the design are flexible because it is required to fulfil the needs of
occupant. They emerge a building system called prefabricated.

Kitchens are usually distant apart from other living spaces, but are
feasible within the house. Unlike toilet/washing rooms and shower zone are
not attached to any part of the house and disarray from the house, because of
the excessive usage of water which they must have a closer range to the well
or river for water supply. The well and river are also places women do their
laundry activity and washing of clothes.The building has advanced a practical
addition system which allows the building to be conveniently extended
according to the need of occupants.

Various type traditional Malay house formed in Peninsular Malaysia. The type
of house are classified based on their shapes of roof. The basic forms of
Malay house are called the bumbung perak, bumbung limas, bumbung
panjang, bumbung lima. What differentiates each type of traditional houses
are the interior elements which categories and represents their own
uniqueness.


















































Early Malay Architecture

Early Malay architecture was very influenced and diversified due to its two
divisions in the Malay community which is the Pro-Malays and the Deutro-
Malays.
The Deutro-Malays lived further inland thus limiting their contact with other
people as many chose to travel by sea at that time. The Pro-Malays lived at
the seaside thus being exposed to foreign influence as many came to explore
the lands.
This caused a great gap between the Pro-Malays and the Deutro-Malays as
the Pro-Malays were getting more and more modern, leaving the Deutro-
Malays behind with several thousands years less of technology.
This Megalithic culture of the Pro-Malays and the Deutro-Malays caused
many inventions of architecture being framed by Animism. They had prayed
to their ancestors who had died for respect and also for their "protection"
under the care of their ancestors.

Factors Influencing Malay Architecture

Climate

The climate greatly affects the shape of the architecture of the Malays. The
high temperature and also heavy rain greatly shapes the designing and the
building of the houses. This had caused many Malay houses to have
balconies and verandahs with the floor high above the ground. They also
have greatly sloping roofs, as a result of heavy rain flowing easily to the
ground.

The greatly sloping roof would help in the flowing of the rain water as when
heavy rain occurs. If the roofs were parallel to the ground, the roofs would not
be able to withstand the immense pressure of the rainfall, thus causing the
roof to easily break as it is usually made of leaves and wood. The sloping
roofs decreases the pressure of the rainfall letting the water flow to the
ground.

The balconies and the verandahs are for the relaxation of the Malays as the
internal parts of the house would be so much hotter in a sunny day. They are
able to enjoy the air and the coolness outside rather than inside.

The elevated floor would help to keep the water out due to heavy rain and
also not allow any small animals to go into the house such as snakes and
rats.






Religion

Malay houses and architecture are also greatly influenced by their religion.
A Malay house would be built to be orientated with their direction of their
prayers as they must pray facing towards the Mecca in Saudi Arabia. They
had strictly obeyed their religion and had many distinct features to show that
they were Muslims.
They was also a division between the sleeping quarters of the men and the
ladies.
There are also many engravings on the wooden walls and windows in Arabic
of their beliefs and their religion which is Islam.
The Future of Malay Architecture

In many different parts of the world, there have been many different forms in
the different Malay States due to their different lifestyles, slightly different
climate and also different economies. But all the houses had two things in
common and that was to have a sloping roof and was being elevated from the
ground.
Thus the art of the Malay architecture was clearly distinct to their economy
and their religion. But now, many are not interested in reviving the art of
Malay architecture due to modernization thus we should try to preserve some
of these priceless heritage before they are gone.


























3) Case study for Rumah bumbung panjang, Kedah Long-Roofed
House.











The most typical design of the traditional Malay house form is bumbung
panjang that represented with a simple long gable roof, supported by the main
posts. In this longhouse roof type house, it is almost the same shape with the
exception of the long house Perlis than a difference in the arrangement of the
space only. The geographical location of Kedah and Perlis which is next to
each other generates the same and identical design and shape of the Kedah
Long Roofed House and Perlis Long Roofed House except for the interior plot
of the sections in the house. The layout and arrangement of the Kedah Long
Roofed House is rather extended and has a lengthy horizontal roof with gable
ends at the ends.

The kitchen roof is always lower than that of the main house and we can see
the whole structure uses elephant suckling her young pattern design. The
house divided into two sections. The verandah and the elongated verandah
located at the front. The kitchen are located at the back while the central
section, inner verandah, and room. The Kedah Long Roofed House are raised
up to higher level from ground supported by stands on a numerous amount of
posts or stilts of which the main house could even have more than 20 posts.
The materials used are Cengal, Meranti and Damar Laut wood and
bamboo since the raw material are easily be found in this peninsular.

Cengal Meranti

stilts


Damar laut

The bumbung panjang is the most plain and the simplest one out of the
four roof shapes and it is also known an oldest and most identified in
Malaysia. The bumbung panjang form had claimed the most popularity
building house used on the Malay house especially among the poverty as
they built the buildings by themselves.



Long roof house Kedah has the elongated shape, it can be seen in
horizontal view of the triangular bamboo in shape of the alphabetical letter 'v'
in reverse. The kitchen roof slightly below the roof mother-like roof looks like
feeding elephants found in Penang. The roofs are propelled to drain the large
amount of water delivered by heavy rainfalls. Floors are raised high above the
ground on stilts to protect the occupancy from floods. Raised floors also
integrate the air ventilation of the houses by creating cool air pockets
movement under the house. The hot air will rise into the attic which has been
blown away by winds controlled by ventilators on the gable boards the
followed by cooler air is then sucked into the house.

This Kedah longhouse roof consists of several space of flat space and
space located in front of the household, while the hall, foyer, just ride, room
and separate kitchen located at the back. This house has a lot of columns and
usually more than 20 poles are used in his mother's house. Home building
materials used for this house are Cengal, Meranti, marine resin and bamboo
and the roof is made of Ruko, Nipah and Senggora.


















Because of it has the simplicity form, they have the most efficient roof shape
for the building. The material used for the roof or bumbung panjang is attap.
Attap is a collection of dried leafs and act as thatch covered and tied together
with Nipah and others palm trees that can easily found anywhere in local
area. The roof covering is formed by many collections of dried leaves
collected from sago and Nipah palm and Senggora tiles. The walls are made
from flattened bamboo strips interwoven into a pattern.























Columns and poles
Interwoven pattern
Tebar Layar - Spreading flat-shaped sunshine grilles. On the sides are decorated
with floral carvings and bamboo shoots.




This is the interior view of the long roofed house. The pattern of the roof can
be seen and also part of the wall in dark brown colour. As we can see the
interwoven criss-crosses are evident on the wall of the house. The tiling of the
roof can also be seen from this angle. The roof is constructed at highest point
and it allows maximum ventilation in the room so that it would not be cramped
even allowing large capacity for many people in the house at the same time.

The funnel shape of bumbung panjang roof is a very capable and
effective in ventilation properties. Because of the properties and characteristic
of the dried plant material, the roof cools down the house efficiently with the
advantage of using the ventilation grilles at the ends of the gable called
Tebar Layar and the ventilation joints which binds perfectly and cooperates
together to run the airing flows smoothly.












The 'tebar layar' or gable ends of a typical Malay house, serve to direct wind
into the house to cool the roofing space. Cross ventilation is achieved with a
parallel arrangement of windows as well as the placement of high louvers on
the internal walls .
Houses are made with all open plans and traditionally curtains are a
must and used as zone dividers. Doors to rooms in the Long Roofed house
are only seperated by curtains and if it is drawn, others will take it as the
owners of the rooms wants privacy and will not intrude their rooms. The
bedrooms are simple in the furnishing as there is only a bed and a closet in it.



These zones are not rigidly fixed in their purposes and can be used for any
functions, within the boundaries imposed by their culture.



There are many spaces area inside this internal traditional Malay
houses. Since the size of the house varies depending on the family members
quantity, the spaces area are divided into front part and back portion.
Therefore, the core house (rumah ibu) or main area must located at the front
and the kitchen (Dapur and Rumah Tengah) area will be situated on the back
sections of the house.

The dapur (kitchen) is always situated at the back of the house, and is
on the lowest floor level. Modern kitchens in new Malay houses are often
dropped to the ground level where floors are cemented. Preparation of food,
cooking, eating and washing are all done here. The womenfolk also often
group here to chat.
In every house there must be a hall way, thus, the selang is a closed
walkway covered by leaves and used to be a linking way for the front section
to connect to back sections. Sometimes it is found to be roofless. The selang
also provides good ventilation and allow good lightning from the sunlight to
enter the house. It is also known as a pelantar, a roofless platform, or a
selang Besides the location of the side entrance to the kitchen, it is also a
zone area for womenfolks make socialize and held their daily conversation
since malay culture has a lively group communities interaction.























Anjung
There will be a covering porch called the anjung that acts as a transit place
between the private and public spaces. The purpose of anjung is a meeting
place to entertain any passer by. It is also act as a leisure place and shelter
for the occupant to chat and rest. Its floor was measured approximately 0.5 to
1.0 meter lower than the rumah ibu floor level.
-The selang is a closed walkway which connect the kitchen and
the rumah ibu together.








After the anjung, there was a special feature in this house, they also built a
hanging verandah known as Serambi Gantung . It is a one step down from
the main house about 15 centimetres. Most of the guests will be entertained
here as well. It consist the largest openings along serambi gantung that
provide good views to outside and main entrance for airing and ventilation to
take as the place oftenly used for daily activities. It is the place where feature
the malay handicraft embellishments like carving and grill of openings,
balustrades and wall panels observed at the serambi gantung area.
This is serambi gantung. It is known as the smallest space among the other
spaces. In this twenty posts house, this space usually regulates a quarter of
the house, and the floor level are lower than the rumah ibu floor level. The
shape of the serambi is usually rectangle and sometimes it is built in
particularly long narrowed and also in wide space.















The porch






The space is constructed with or without perimeter walls depends on house
owner, It is also optional. It represents a semi open-air space with unlimited
lightning by daytime from the openings. It is also shaded by roofs and a place for
cooling since the area is not fully walled. The picture shows the location of
serambi space The serambi in the house is built with walls.

The purpose of the serambi is to serve as the first greeting space for guests
after entering the house. In this house, serambi can be built in random positions
but normally can be seen from the front. The serambi are meant to be the place
for social interaction within the visitors, neighbourhood, and for parents to
monitor their children playing in the yard in the evening.




Rumah Ibu
Futhermore deeper is Rumah ibu which is preceeded next to the serambi
gantung. It is the main area and it has the largest space area among all zone.
It is defined as multi purpose and public area for household members as most
of activities are carry out here and not privately belonged to any member of
household. The rumah ibu floor level was lifted at the highest level zone while
the kitchen (dapur) was the built at lowest level.
Lighting criteria in this zone is lessen to provide coolness. Moreover, this
space also has an comprehensible furniture arrangement




Major activities such as sleeping, sewing, praying, ironing, studying and even
feasting (kenduri) are usually held also marriages ceremonies and other
festivals, all carried out here. Since the Malays are all pious Muslim, they also
use the main zone to perform group praying in the house as Muslims are
offered to pray five times a day. Besides praying, the main room is used for
general meeting and discussions with family members and relatives. The
significance of the Rumah Ibu is indicated by the floor level of being the
highest part in the house.











Dapur
The second deeper section is the kitchen and it is called as dapur, it is
situated at the back of the house. The purpose of this space area for cooking,
washing and eating. The basic layout of this Malay house will include a dapur
within the rumah ibu, the dapur will be linked with the roofless platform, or the
selang.
Although the dapur is the last corner section in the house, it can holds the
multipurpose function for family gatherings where dining takes place together
among family members. Therefore, the dapur has larger space, It is considered
the second largest in a Malay house. It has behind door which this space serves
as second entrance for females during a ceremony and also is an enclosed
space that serves as a path and walkway exit door from other neighbourhood.










Bilik basah
This space is the considered as wash room and the wet zone of the house
where the washing, drying, laundy and toilet areas are located. It is often
beautifully decorated with flowers and plants on its surrounding. It is a
favourite resting place for the users. Sometimes, informal guests, especially
ladies, are also meet up here and have leisure time. House that located near
river are most delicate and children and family are likely to do water activity
like swimming or fishing.

The bedroom

Each family member will received each bedroom according to the house
masters plan. Some are shared bedrooms which are arranged and dedicated
for spouse couple, and huge family members with a number of childrens. The
bedroom is considered to be the privacy room among all rooms to each
households member. Opening such as windows are limited due to the privacy of
the room with presents of curtains which covers the openings. The room is used
for sleeping, resting and changing clothes. The privacy of family members at
home is fundamental. The location of the bedroom doors is right next to the
living area, which reduces
the privacy of residents















This traditional Malay house with its large roof and plenty low windows tends to
be underlighted. This gives a psychological effect of coolness as strong light
is often mentally associated with heat. the traditional Malay house uses indirect
sources of light like internal and external reflected light are used in. They are at
its best forms of natural lighting that suits the climate as they minimising heat
temperature and glare. Direct source lightning are used for daylighting and they
are accompanied by thermal radiation.


























4) Seni tangan Rumah Melayu

The art of wood carving is an art craft that has long existed among
Malaysians especially the Malays. These works of art are presented through
this same wood material other carvings differ only in terms of methods and
carving techniques. Art is vastly growing since Malaysia is a country that has
a plentiful yield sources of timber where there are about 3000 species of
timber in the country. In addition, wood is a natural material that is ideal for
engraved and can be varied uses.
In Tanah Melayu, the activity was famous sculpture in states like Kelantan ,
Terengganu, Kedah and Negeri Sembilan . This is because these states have
never had a close relationship with the Pattani state is the central activity of
the famous sculpture the past. The relationship between some of the state
have influenced the development and pattern of sculpturing .
In the construction of this traditional houses , wood carvings are not only pure
decorative element , but has another function that is integrated in the houses .
Such as carving decorative punch used in ventilated areas as surface
element that separates the space in outer space . In addition, these
sculptures can produce interesting patterns when viewed from outside and
inside the house.
Carving patterns are also divided into several types, a common pattern ,
punched and engraved patterns . Motifs used in these patterns has some
specific meaning and nothing to do with the spiritual . In Tanah Melayu,
carving motifs are more likely to art appreciation based on Islamic principles
and are also oriented plants, geometry and calligraphy.
Many have beautiful carvings and allow light into the house. The triangular
shape called 'tumpal' structure relates to the Malay-Islamic cosmology, as
characterized by 'pohon hayat'. It symbolises the balance harmony between
the ontological (vertical ascend) relationship between humans and their
Creator (Habloominallah); as well as the epistemological (in the view of
diagonal and horizontal descend) relationship between humans
(habluminannas). It is more to realistic element and some design can be
related to 'radiant thinking' as it is found in this luminous pattern as well as
many patterns found in nature.










It is also crafted in arranged
vertically on the bottom of the
screen in the form of horizon
sunrise. This type of roof designed
called as Pola Papan Meleh.


This type is named as
Pola Papan Layang, it is
implemented to cover the
long wood on the side of
the zinc roof and next to
the Tebar Layar. It is one
of the porch (anjung)
attached to the Rumah
Ibu.




This pattern are called as Pola
Papan Kepala Cicak which are
installed at every corner at the
edge of wallboard side which is
known as Papan cantik .




This is roof board pattern is called as Pola Papan Layang. It is shaped like
two deers engaging head to head battle.



This pattern are implemented at
each balustrades of the house.
This carving art design is called
as Tebuk Terus. The details of
carving using pieces of stacked
boards. The engraving is also
mounted on the grilled windows
and on the balconies.




This is known as Alang . It is
one of the stilts and has criss
cross wall panel that divides
sections of the house or grills, it
features white fabric covered at
the upper position to the joint
stilts. The bottom of the timber
beams are shaped like net to
allow air flows in and out.


This grill balustrade pattern is
called as Pola Papan Jerejak
tingkap. It is installed under
windows and the carving design
are direct perforated.









The windows are using lumped
board and at the bottom of the
wooden windows lays criss cross
net-shaped pattern which allow air
flows.





The pattern are various sometimes in round disk-shape as well.









The door section always using
lumped board. It is carved in
rectangular shape.







The walls that divides each
section of the house. The wall
are made up by The walls are
made from flattened bamboo
strips interwoven into a pattern
that are long-lasting and hard
to disperse away.



Tiang Seri are a compulsory traditional
customs pole/stilts .
It is functioned as the main stilts/pole and is
implanted first while constructing this house
before other stilts followed by.




The base of stilts is commonly layered by
cement or hard stones.







The base foot of the stilts/ pole will be
implanted about metres into the
ground. It called as Kaki Tiang












Rasok
This is called as Rasok. It is made of
wood and categorised into long beam,
short beam and girder, which combine
with wedge. It will be neatly wedged in
into the pole/stilts without nails.








Stairs are called as tangga. This stair
systems using bowknot and
overlapped rabbet joint. It is made from
round wooden shape.









Rabbet joint system by punching
method.
This hinge system are made by punch
then wedge in with other wooden
beam.









Overlapped rabbet

A hinge structure
system by edge-knot
and overlap rabbet.
Girders and beam
are made from
rounded wooden shaped.







Ladder Staircase
Stair with ladder system using the
same rabbet joint and nail made from
round woods which is strong and firm.






Long stairs
Wooden staircase with
reciprocation staircase
supported by the lattice. They
are in the front of the Rumah
Ibu



The house are measured
manually also gave the opportunity to observe
(and critically analyse) the houses architectural
details. For example, the walls of Rumah Tok Su,
which consists of a frame and wall covering. The
houses are entirely builf with wooden wall
framing system as well as the wall covering.


kerawang













One of example of Kedahs long
roofed traditional house that set as
example.

Joint made using with tanggam
technique
Kerawang tebuk
Kerawang timbul
The ceiling obscured the view of the
roof frame, the house did not have a
blueprint, the roof frame structure of
Rumah Tok Su was covered by a
timber ceiling . However, it is also
similar to Bumbung Limas Potongan
Belanda traditional house.
Wall frame





The 3D model of Rumah Tok Su





Rear view of the house







Another beautiful carving found in
Rumah Tok Su, they use combination
of kerawang tebuk and kerawang
timbul.





Like other typical Malay traditional
home, this type of house are designed to adapt the tropical climate, we
certainly notice the directions are at best providing excellent ventilation
throughout the home. This upstairs living room for example, ornately crafted
from the outside, has wide windows even with louvers. Their upper sections
are covered with panels with motifs of varied design. These air holes are
neatly crafted and the design are at the finest.







By taking a closer look around the house, more floral or motif designs are
seen that are implemented on every corner of the house. The facial-board
fringing for the whole house enhances the beauty and pain staking care of the
original owner and craftsmen or tukang rumah had taken in earlier time.
The white painted frame built up half-way at the opened window. While
providing safety, it also promotes inflow of fresh air when the windows are
opened wide.















Techniques and Styles
Wood carving can be done by many kind of techniques and each type of
techniques depends on the ability and skill of woodworking skills. Three main
techniques and styles in Malay carvings which are known as directed piercing
(tebuk terus), half piercing (tebuk separuh) dan popped up piercing (tebuk
timbul). There are also three carvings designs that are singular (bujang),
complete (lengkap), and framed (pemidang),






Singular design (bujang)
This type of design represents shape that stand alone on its own, separated,
loosen which is not bound or continuously attached to anything. For example
this type of design features motif like moon, stars, sun, a flower or a fruit.
Framed design (pemidang)
This shape features motif that visualize medium motion and non-tangled
shape. This design has frame.

Carved wooden sculpture
This carved sculpture design are crafted in shape of living organism and
there are shape form that has been given names like itik pulang petang,
badak mudik, setampuk manggis and others. Commonly frame design are
bind together and features with this sculpture and used for wall panelling
and also other object that is found in the house such as betel quid,
wardrobes and wooden tray.

All-form design (bentuk Lengkap)
This form of shape combines the framed type with the singular type design.
This design emphasized elements of plants,
including roots, stems, berries, branches,
leaves, buds and roots.


Malay wood carving motifs are divided into
several types ; Motif of any spirits or animals,
for example chicken , ducks and rhino (ayam berlaga, badak mudik dan itik
pulang petang)
The motive of the sky, space or the cosmos promote endless cloud picture
like the star, the sun,the moon and the hill (bukit). They also include motif of
Geometry featuring a circle and triangle shapes that are arranged in rows .
Sometimes this triangle shape combined with climbing plants shape or vines.
Typically , the motifs are found on pottery tools , sheath , betel-leaf and
copper goods .

They also presents Calligraphic motifs or
calligraphy using the Arabic writings and this motif
is found on the doorstep of many homes,
mosques and prayer as well as in religious
devices like -rest .
The art of wood carving in the Malay community
not only to homes but the embodiment and its
application are always seen in kings' palaces ,
mosque and pulpit , prayer , gazebos , gates, toys
, leisure traditional musical instruments , furniture
such as wardrobes , beds, chairs, tables , and
head boats are called egrets, fire arms , cooking utensils, equipment and
transport craft traditions such as boats , chariots and bullock carts . Malay
carvings reveal the values and philosophy in the minds of the Malays in the
community is full of symbolic
statement when they create
a motif , pattern and form in
a work of sculpture.


















This skill has been passed down from
generation to generation, the craft is divided into
two types that are ukiran halus (fine carving)
and ukiran kasar (literally meaning rough
carving). Ukiran Halus usings element of the
carving of relief patterns, hilts of keris (short
Malay dagger), bed heads and also cupboard
tops. While the Ukiran Kasar, featured on the
carvings on larger objects like furniture, pillars,
windows, room portions and eaves of roofs.












It has basic design behind this Malay woodcarving which is called the awan larat
(extending clouds). Its usage in a framework and is driven by these four
principles. First, the design element must be evenly distributed in the
composition. Secondly, the empty spaces or uncarved areas should be the
same as carved areas. Thirdly, animals or humans should never be depicted.
And the fourth, when there is a central motif, the other secondary design
elements are to be repeated around it. Apart from the awan larat, other common
inspirational elements include holy verses from the Quran and plants such as
bean tendrils, ground leaves, and leaves of the water lettuce.

The Wood/ material used
Cengal is the preferrable wood for building houses and boats as it has durability
and firm properties. They are expensive since other woods such as balau or
perah (which is slightly softer than cengal) might be used for the rafters, or
floorboards to the house or for use for making prow for a boat. Other types of
wood such as Merbau and Rengas are avoided as the Merbau are believed to
be the shelter of evil spirits while the Rengas secreted poisonous sap.

The Carving
The carving process comprises four stages. First, the design must be traced and
transferred to the object for example like a panel. Later on, they will chisel the
outline of the design. Thirdly, the unwanted parts are then removed and
dispersed away. The final and most tricky part is the physical carving method.
These being completed using abundance of carving tools and equipment to
pare, chisel, shave, drill and dig to bring the design more realistic. The final
outcome is the carving then polished using emery paper or the dried skin of the
stingray or the leaf of a wild plant known as Mempelas was used before.












5) External environment layout of Malay house;

The progression of outdoor landscaping are initiated by designing and planning the
layout. The landscape must fit in with the environment and the arrangement of the
elements that must be included in an area to form and organize the space according to
the principles of design. The design is required to improve the quality of human life and
also to improve human relationships with the natural surroundings. It gives people the
opportunity to take the best out of their environment by establishing a balance between
man and nature through the justification function , ecology and aesthetics . The
justification was used as criteria to determine the success of a landscape design. With
these designs, quality of life can be improved .

Landscape elements are frequently employed in the landscape is that plants (soft
landscaping ) , building materials (hard landscaping) , water , human / animal (wildlife) ,
and terrain . The function of plants are to provide color and form , climate control , noise
control , pollution control , erosion control, control view , frame view , divide the area ,
directing , focusing , and softens the hard structure that much .








The use of building materials is to make the landscape more interesting . Because the
use of building materials are the characteristics that could not be found in plants ,
usually durable, more malleable , easy maintenance, and can be designed different
types and forms .
Water can provide interesting effects . It can be in the form of waterfalls, fountains,
ponds and so on . Its function is to cool the air, prevent noise , add activities and
unwind.


Humans and animals are the living compound of a landscaped area . Research on
human activities and other wildlife in the area is necessary to assist in determining the
design of an area.
The terrain can be seen in forms such as
mountains, hills, valleys, slopes or land. The
use of various forms of terrain can provide
diversity in the landscape to avoid boredom.
Living in the landscape is important for users
to experience the environment. A room can be
designed to allow movement and gives create
pleasant emotions where household can
move conveniently, feel safe or otherwise, feel
sheltered or exposed. In the landscape, space
can be formed using the plant or structure.
Any room can plant walls , floor by grass , tree
canopy ceiling (pergola), windows, empty
space between the plants , while furniture consist of park benches , fountains or
decorative lighting .

























SITE
Compound site serves as a residence and a complementary symbol of the
occupancys lifestyle. The attractive element are created through various
concepts preferred way for families to relax and breathe fresh air. The design
indeed represents their identity to be disclosed in accordance with the
functions of various concept site and continuity of design patterns organized
the site briefly. Idea park concept , appear attractive with natural decoration
concept used to complement the site .
Construction lounge like a gazebo or wood-based endowment is very
important in creating a tranquillity scenery. The unlimited width of the
compound give the advantage of the site to be divided into two parts, the front
page or the top and side. Compound site is usually a family's personal space
to relax or dine at the end of the week. The uniqueness of wood carved in the
arts enhance the beauty of the garden withits own aesthetic value and
suitables for all ages.


FORWARD
This space is located at the front space of the home and is spacious and has
elements of aesthetics . At front, children can play happily and comfortably.
The spaces are free for the passage of vehicles and pedestrians are allowed
to pass by . This front space is use to entertain guests during gatherings like
marriage ceremonies and circumstances , Quran recitation and others . It is a
space that represents the atmosphere of joy and a sign of welcoming guests .
Soft landscaping
In the front room , soft landscape serves as a cooling effect to the compound .
Soft landscape is termed as the elements that binds with natural landscape
elements . It consists of a diversity of plant species from various categories or
types. Soft landscape elements , which typically have a high tendency used
as decorations among Malay community. It consists of ornamental plants ,
herbs , and the other crops that were not dispensed as water plants , vine
plants , orchid plants , exotic plants and seasonal plants .

In the context of ornamental crops in this study is intended cover crops
consisting of plants , shrubs, bushes shrub crops also termed as exotic
decorations. Decoration plants are characterized in terms of color , smell ,
shape, size and flower. Ornamental plants also included crops grown on soil,
plants in pots, hanging plants as well as aquatic plants .

In addition, shade plants are plants that are consist of large trees both in
category type of ' over story trees or moderate " understory trees . These
trees serve as shade and provide the root system to provide support to the
area. Among other things, the big trees are typically a fruit trees like durian
trees , Rambutan trees , mango trees , as well as Banyan , Casuarina , and
has higher tendency to be planted by the Malays .

They will design the second rest area such as benches , swing and hut as a
place of rest and during group activities and so on . Paddy plantation here is
common and a source of earning to the life in the village. In old tradition,
coconut tree symbolises to the other as a marker for each birth where for
each newborns they will be plant near the compound of house. Whilst like
eating nuts used in the custom with eating betel palm leaves also proves that
serves the community Malay since ancient times. Therefore , these plants are
adapted more easily in a landscape design Malay community.


Hard landscaping
Hard landscape is the result of man-made designs which are taken from the
idea from surrounding environment. It is the design of an additional element
that complements the design of a landscape. At present , more and more
people tend to use this approach as a hard landscape appeal to their
landscape .
Hard landscaping consisting additional construction like hut and gazebo are
designed to give shade to the user. Users can rest, perform prayer here. The
presence of gazebos with oriented wood carving art sculpture design shows
the ability of the self-produced by the best skills .
Landscape design or traditional Malay woodcarving highlights the floral
design particularly such as spinach , peas, and spring flowers. For pergola,
it is an open roof girdles and was designed as a pathway for users while
support the vine type of plants to creep on it . Usually pergola are made of
concrete columns and strong wood that can withstand any weather condition.
Bollards are designed to prevent vehicles to pass through the area. The
usage of bollards are limited to pedestrians only. Bollard can be made of
concrete or hard surfaces such as concrete, wood , tile and so on . In addition
, one of the hard landscape elements in the sculpture . Sculpture usually
designed to introduce something like a culture or place of origin of the name
of the venue. Sculptures can be made of concrete or wood . Overall, the
landscape is flexible work to provide convenience to the occupancy and
household members. Hard landscape structures is designed to be fuse the
harmony element with nature .

SIDE
One of the Spacious zone and is located on the left side and right side of the
rumah Melayu. The space serves as a passage that connects the front and
back yard. Depending on the overall size of the house compound layout , a
side yard is also a play area for children.

BACK
Traditional backyard space is the space that connects with the Malay kitchen
and the standard location for wet core zone to carry out activities such as
bathing, washing and cooking . This space is wide and colloquial to performed
any activity. Sometimes , the backyard is a place for a gathering for women
during feasts, cleaning dishes place and social activities. The kitchen section
is also considered as a part of privileges and confidential zone and not too be
so opened to general .

This can be seen in the placement of the back kitchen plants home . Crop
which is grown in the kitchen are clustered on the importance of
Remembrance crops other than decorative purposes as well as food . This
plant is usually ditanaman based tips predecessors like betel leaf cultivation ,
child -bearing trees , cassia tree , seperi lemongrass, pandan , ginger , cekur ,
ginger, curry tree , kaffir lime , ginger , senohong , selum , pennywort , and
other other again .

This plant also includes cover crops are grown for the purpose of cooking or
food sources such as vegetables , fruits and salads known as kitchen crops .
Crops are usually planted near the kitchen door of a home kitchen Malay
community. Although the plant was needed in everyday cooking, yet , it is
only kept for his personal views in the space usually smaller than the space
front page home decor .

Shelter hut
Act as gazebo or a small shelter hut that was built outside the house. This is
called as Pangkin. Malays will usually perform activities outside of the home
during evening and daytimes . These activities will be carried out either under
the house or within the house compound. For the activities in the house ,
usually in connection with the guests and also the bed. Pangkin commonly
used to relax and also do daily activities such as sewing, sleeping, weaving
ketupat and others.













This is relevant to the practice of Malay cultural and gives significant identity
to the other communities. The practice of Malay customs resting on the hut is
associated with Malay culture. The bench is also a place for the Malay
community , talking and waiting for the time to clean himself after returning
from field work . This is consistent with the concept of Islam as practiced by
the Malay community, keep clean and work .

Crock
Crock is kept outside to store water for drinking and cooking. The sources are
varied, water are obtained from the well and also river. Futhermore, it is also
placed in the front or below the stairs of the house. This is meant for washing
the feet before stepping into the house . Hygiene is importance in the Malay
customs because the Malay community is a society that devoted to the
teachings of Islam .







Poultry Pens and coops
Chicken coops and bird cages are very common and kept in the compound
because farming livestock are custom practised among the Malay community.
The Malay culture usually has been taught moral value and show respect to
the nature by implicating prudence and moderation in their life . Maintenance
is a daily routine to feed and fill up the livestock requirements, and also to fill
up their free time than do nothing. Chickens and birds will be kept as a source
of food for each of the Malay community to the principle of " barely making ,
ends meet ."

Shed
Barn cottage are built
and it is served as
storage. It is formerly
used to store firewood .
Currently, the use of
the barn was raised
again as a safe store of goods and also shed to repair home appliances.


6) Construction process of Kedah long-roofed house

The process are consistent with the changes and developments in technology
house building construction methods have develops. In the initial stage , the
system set up the house just by tied-knot joint. The system was then
subsequently upgraded and punched system method is introduced. It is then
developed into using wood nailing and stapling to strengthen pre-constructed
framework of the house. At early stages, round pole and rattan is used to
strengthen the joints . The dovetail joints are then introduced, made by tiding
each column next to the edge of the stilts and wooden beams are punched
with other beam to allow them to be wedged in. Using tools such as gauge,
saws and drill and punching tool allows the floor and walls of the house to be
smoothen and supporting the timber beam that has been sawed. Then came
in the usage of board for wall and floor that were introduced to strengthen the
structure even firmer and neater. The arrangement of joints for walls that is
known as sambungan tindih kasih and sambung berlidah allowed the wall
structure to be arranged in horizontal, vertical and also oblique position.
External cultural influences, especially from the Malay Archipelago as Pattani,
have influenced architecture of this home design.










ROOF STRUCTURE


















STAIRCASE































Structural Components
It consist and made of lightweight timber structure, a posts and a lintel timber
structure. Upon the concrete or stone footings where lies the posts that rest to
support in without any foundation needed. It consists of posts braced by floor
joists and roof girders as the structural framework for the house. The
constructions are very flexible since all the components are made and
assembled using prefabricated construction methods on that particular site
that permits the house to be demolished and reassembled easily in different
part of location.





























This shows that any basic Malay house construction started by placing the first column
at the middle of the house, which is known as a tiang seri. While posts, girts
other structural components are laid in their correspondent positions. After the posts
and girts have been elevated and reinforced, king posts and top girts are then set up at
each sides. The roof ridge is then followed by which is supported by king post is placed
through, and subsequently the roof structures such as principal rafters, purlins
and common rafters are put up. Lastly, the non-structural components are placed
to make the house shaped into an enclosed structure.
























The non-Structural Components

The non-structural components are consist of panels and window as well for
the floors, walls, stairs and roofs adjusted between the frames. The window
components are divided into three feasible sections, the top, middle and
bottom. The top section which is known as ornamentation is a fixed ventilation
panel that is usually beautifully designed and carved.
The floor is then nailed on the floor beam, and they will leave gaps between
the planks to simplify activities of cleaning like sweeping, mopping and
washing also used for religious urgency for example to bath any family
members whom deceased. The gap-floor area location are located at the
space of rumah ibu.






















Column will be erected to indicated the site. Next, a traditional method
measurement called depa is use to determine any measurement.













Construction Process
The materials used in traditional Malay houses are usually those found locally
in the forest. Woods are collected and it was one of the main job in the village.
The basic building materials are usually timber or bamboo, in which timber
usually became the main structures while the bamboo is used for the walls
and thatched roof. These materials actually promote coolness in the house
due to its low thermal capacity. As for the structure wise, Malay house uses
the post and lintel structures. Below is a rough sketch of the basic
construction of traditional Malay house. Usually, certain components are first
made on the ground before assembling them on site.
























During those days, nails are not available. Instead of the metal nails, wooden
dowels were used to lock down the columns and to connect joints.

Future Extensions
Even in the old days, the people has an eye at the future. Right from the
beginning while the villagers first build their house, they foresee their family
growing bigger and expanding. Hence, the houses are built in such a way
where future extensions are possible and easy. The house is built with a
smart addition system which allows it to be extended anytime, suiting the
needs of each family. Below is a diagram on common addition sequences in
the traditional Malay house.














This is one of the example of the floor plan of the house.
































Lastly, the expandability and the flexibility of the traditional Malay house could
be a potential factor to learn from. As compared to the present static planning
the intricate structure of expandibility in the Malay house could be adapted to
modern day living to enable a more time base spatial relationship.












REFERENCE

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Appleton, J. (1980) Landscape in the arts and the sciences, University of Hull, UK.

Nurhanani Abdul Rahman (2003) Kajian Pengaruh Halaman Terhadap senibina
Melayu. Kajian Topikal, UTM.

Asmah Haji Omar (1983) The Malay Peoples of Malaysia and Their Languages.
Kuala Lumpur: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka.

Asmah Haji Omar (2002) Malay Sense of Geographical and Environmental Space.
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Lumpur.
Asmah Haji Omar (2003) The Genius of Malay Civilisation. Tanjong Malim, Perak:
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Awang Sariyan B. Litt (1980) Sejarah Kebudayaan Melayu: Catitan Ringkas, TAT.
Bryan, P.W. (1979) Mans Adaptation of Nature: Studies of the Cultural Landscape.
University of London Press, London.
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Carter, Margaret (1983) Researching Heritage Building. Ottawa, Ontario: Department
of Environment.

"Rumah dan Peralatan Pertukangan Tradisional Melayu Kedah- Pengenalan Seni Hiasan Rumah-
Rumah Tradisional "MEMORI 2014). PERBADANAN PERPUSTAKAAN AWAM KEDAH ;
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accessed: 13/2/2014

Dr. Kamarul Syahril Bin Kamal "Lukisan Terukur Rumah Melayu Tradisional di Malaysia
"building conservation 2014). Journal blogspot;
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