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Decorative Elements of Traditional Malay House: Comparative Study of

Rumah Limas Bumbung Perak (RLBP) and Rumah Limas Johor (RLJ)
To cite this article: M S Ab Rashid et al 2019 IOP Conf. Ser.: Earth Environ. Sci. 385 012022

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ICRMBEE 2019 IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 385 (2019) 012022 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/385/1/012022

Decorative Elements of Traditional Malay House:

Comparative Study of Rumah Limas Bumbung Perak (RLBP)
and Rumah Limas Johor (RLJ)

M S Ab Rashid1, M N Baharuddin 1, K Alauddin 1 and I A H Choo 1

1Knowledge & Understanding of Tropical Architecture & Interior (KUTAI) Research Group, Faculty of
Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Perak Branch, Seri Iskandar, 32610
Perak, Malaysia

mohds637@uitm.edu.my

Abstract. In traditional Malay architecture, decorative elements are defined as non-structural

elements and as “additional member” of the building that contributes to aesthetic and
functional aspects of the architecture. Its ornamentation, form and pattern particularly in
woodcarving and bamboo weaving reflect the uniqueness of local craftsmanship and the master
carvers. There are at least 16 (sixteen) decorative elements of the traditional Malay house that
have been identified by previous researcher. Architecturally in Malaysia traditional houses
were categorised based on roof design, spatial organization and geographical setting which
finally this categorization was named after the states. Each traditional house is in the state of
Malaysia signifying particular style and architectural characteristics of that particular state.
This article discusses the study of those decorative elements on the traditional Malay houses in
the state of Perak known as Rumah Limas Bumbung Perak (RLBP) and traditional house from
the state of Johor known as Rumah Limas Johor (RLJ). With the objective is to investigate the
type, terms and characteristics of decorative elements site observations were done on selected
twenty-five (25) of RLBP houses and another twenty-five (25) of RLJ houses. The analysis on
visual data and verbal data were carried out to established architectural terminology and
typology based on form and style of every decorative element. The study found that nine (9)
decorative elements come to be the major characteristics of RLBP whilst seven (7) for RLJ;
some with different name, form and style from other states. These similarity and dissimilarity
contribute to the extension of the aesthetical theory and philosophy of the Malay traditional
house in Malaysia.

1. Introduction
Decorative elements in Malay traditional architecture are a manifestation of the understanding of
integration between functionalism and aesthetics. It represents the uniqueness and beauty of Malay
symbols, arts, philosophy as well as great design work by local craftsmanship or carpenter. In fact,
according to Ezrin [1], despite of traditional architecture being treated as primitive or outdated, it has
always been the main source of references in the social and cultural studies by architects, historian and
anthropologists. Thus, the term of ‘architecture is the manifestations of the society and their cultural
practise’ will reflects the society’s way of life, their belief and philosophy; ‘all encompassing; forms
important components in the uniqueness of a culture’. The existence of decorative elements in
traditional Malay houses represents the integration between functionalism and aesthetics of
architecture. Its ornamentation, form and pattern particularly in woodcarving and bamboo weaving
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ICRMBEE 2019 IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 385 (2019) 012022 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/385/1/012022

reflect the uniqueness of local craftsmanship and the master carvers. According to Nursuriani and
Ismail [2], a decorative elements or architectural elements in Malay Traditional House were designed
intentionally to facilitate and express the respect for Malay culture through the design structure of
ornamentation.

An Overview of Traditional Malay House (Rumah Limas Bumbung Perak)

The development and expansion of the traditional Malay villages and towns at Perak during the
colonial era outlined an interesting collection of architectural study. Architectural study along Sungai
Perak established two types of architecture which are:

a) Traditional Malay architecture

The traditional Malay architecture found along the riverbank of Sungai Perak is mostly in the
form of old Malay palaces, traditional houses including Rumah Limas Bumbung Perak
(RLBP) and Rumah Kutai (RK) or Rumah Bumbung Melayu and mosques. Based on study
by Anuar [3], Norhasandi [4] and Mohd Sabrizaa [5] found that RK were the earlier
architectural style of the Perak Malay houses in comparison to RLBP. Apart from the
timeline, the roof design and construction detail also mark the different between the two
houses. The earliest house of RLBP found was built circa 1900s and continue until 1970s
with certain architectural design development.

b) Colonial architecture
Colonial architecture are mostly located in several towns along the river such as Kuala
Kangsar, Parit, Bota, Pasir Salak, Kampung Gajah and Teluk Intan where many houses,
schools, offices, rest houses, mosques and hospital still stands and in use to this day.

An Overview of Traditional Malay House (Rumah Limas Johor)

Majority of ‘Rumah Limas Johor’ were architecturally influence from the Riau-Lingga in Indonesia,
Dutch and English style Mastor Surat et-al [6]. The people of Bugis were migrated after the arrival of
the Dutch East India Company in 1669 with the goal of monopolising the spice trade. Apart from that,
more Bugis migrated to the other parts of Indonesia and other countries including Malaysia. Hence,
most of the architectural styles in Johor were affected based on their history.

Several of traditional and hybrid Malays house can be classified mainly by their basic roof shapes
Mastor Surat et-al [6]. They further explain that there are two (2) categories of Malays Traditional
House which are:

a) Rumah Bumbung Panjang

The most common houseform is the bumbung panjang, characterised by a long gable roof.
The bumbung panjang houses are the oldest identified in Peninsular Malaysia, many of them
being over a hundred years old and still in good condition. It has a simple gable roof,
supported by kingposts. The most common roofing material used for the bumbung panjang is
the attap (a thatch made from nipah and other palm trees found in the local natural
vegetation) Mastor Surat et-al [6].

b) Rumah Bumbung Lima and Limas

It was transformed from Rumah Bumbung Panjang over the years. The roof shapes of
Rumah Berbumbung Limas was architecturally derived from pyramidal concept and fitted
with ‘V’ shape ‘tebar layar’ at the top of the roof as to allow natural ventilation to coolest the
house.

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IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 385 (2019) 012022 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/385/1/012022

2. Literature Review
A few studies have been done on decorative elements of traditional Malay houses. With reference to
Diagram 1, they were listed sixteen (16) decorative elements and further explain in detail in Diagram 2
within a particular traditional Malay house which is:

Figure 1. Decorative
Elements of Traditional Malay House
Source: Mohd Sabrizaa and Sufian [7]

Decorative Elements at Malay Traditional House

a) Tunjuk Langit (literally means pointed to the sky)

It is a piece of decorative element in an upright position at the tip of the gable end; commonly
used in houses and palaces in Peninsula Malaysia. In general, this type can be further categorised
into few basic types; i. batang (rod), ii. bulat (rounded) iii. silang (cross) and iv. bunga (floral).
The batang type is a piece of decorative timber or rod and is commonly used for Bumbung Limas
roof. It has been observed that the rounded and floral is commonly used on bumbung perabung
lima or pyramidal type of roofing and is positioned in the middle top of the roof. Most are made
of carved timber solids but of late there has been practices found to have used the concrete mix
similar to the one used for the Malay gravestones. Commonly called buah buton in Kelantan and
buah gutung in Terengganu

b) Sisik Naga (literally means dragon fin)

Sisik naga refers to the decorative carvings along the ridge of a roof (perabung and rabung atap).
Sisik naga are decorative architectural elements can be found in palace architecture, residential
and religious buildings in Malaysia, Indonesia and Indochina. Other names are kemuncak, naga-
naga, puncak rabung.

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IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 385 (2019) 012022 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/385/1/012022

c) Sulur Bayung
Sulur bayung refer to a decoration on the corner of a roof edge. Other names are sulo bayung, sayap
layang-layang, sayap layangan, ekor Itik, anjong balla’, som. In the traditional architecture of Bugis
Makasar it is also called anjung balla, representing the creeping plants, Mohd Sabrizaa and Sufian [7].

1 2 3 4 5 Diagram2.
Decorative Elements
in Traditional Malay
Architecture

1. Pemeleh
2. Sisik Naga
3.Tunjuk Langit
13 4.Tunjuk Bumi
5. Lebah Bergantung
1 6. Gerbang Pintu
7. Kekisi
8. Ande-ande
9. Kepala Cicak
10 Kepala Pintu
11. Pagar Musang
12 12. Kepala Tingkap
13. Ekor Itik

11
1
10 9 8 7 6
1

Figure 2. Decorative Elements of Traditional Malay House

d) Ande-Ande
Ande-ande is the term used in Kelantan and Terengganu for fascia board also known as papan
manis is the horizontal decorative timber roof eaves covering the timber rafters (kayu kasau).
Other names ande-ande are papan meleh, papan pator, papan cucuran atap, papan kaki atap,
kening, papan tumpu kasau, papan cantik. There are at least two types of ande-ande which are the
single piece type with carvings on a single long timber piece and multiple pieces) with carvings
on multiple timber pieces arranged side by side, Mohd Sabrizaa and Sufian [7].

e) Pemeleh
Other names for kayu pemeleh are peles, pemeles, papan layan. Kayu pemeleh is actually a pair
of timber pieces located on two fascia ends of a gable roof (tebar layar). The ones covering kasau
lintang or kasau jantan is called peles or pemeleh in Kelantan and Terengganu but called papan
layang elsewhere. Kayu pemeleh or peles is shaped slightly curving and sharpens towards the top
as a sign of strength in the design language of houses in Kelantan, Terengganu on the East coast
and also in Cambodia and Pattani in Thailand, Yusoff and Rashid [8].

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IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 385 (2019) 012022 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/385/1/012022

f) Kepala Cicak (literally means lizard head)

Hanafi [9] identified kepala cicak as a type of end decoration to tumpu kasau or papan meleh.
There are two types of kepala cicak which are the “L” type with the end timber pieces positioned
abutting to one another at corners of the roof eaves (bucu atap) and the “I” type with a single end
timber piece positioned on chamfered corners of roof eaves.

g) Tiang Gantung (literally means hanging column)

Other names for tiang gantung are saka bentung, tiang guntung, tiang sotoh. In traditional houses
of Negeri Sembilan it looks like a small carved hanging column positioned at the tip of the alang
that is supporting the main kasau jantan serambi and is called tiang guntung. Also called saka
bentung in the traditional Javanese architecture and on the house of Negeri Sembilan it is known
as tiang sutoh.

h) Lebah Bergantung (literally means hanging bees)

Halim [10] , Norhasandi et. al [11] and Jahn et. al [12] uses lebah bergantung to describe it in his
narration of Rumah Kutai(RK) houses in Perak; as a style of hanging column at the end of alang
panjang, rumah ibu, that is constructed as a set (left and right) on the bottom of the gable end of
the roof (tebar layar). It is round in shape the size of the local water vessel (labu air) looking very
similar to the bees nest.

i) Kekisi (other names Kisi-kisi, kekipas, jeriji, jeruji, terali)

Decorative piece of timber or rod used at the opening of a window function as window grill.

j) Gerbang (Archway)
Decorative piece of timber as an arch at entrance of a house or used for dividing space usually
between Anjung and Rumah Ibu of the main house.

k) Gerbang Pintu (Arch door)

Decorative piece of timber as an arch at entrance of a house or used for dividing space usually
between Anjung and Rumah Ibu of the main house.

l) Sesiku Keluang
Decorative piece of timber normally in shape of triangle fix to the column and sometime function
to support the beam. Otherwise it is for decorative purpose.

m) Pagar Musang
Balustrade In the form of timber rod or timber plank often beautifully carved and arranged to
decorate the window opening. It is function as safety features apart from its aesthetical role. The
other names also known as Jeriji, Jerejak, Pagar Tinggalung.

n) Kepala Pintu (literally means door head)

This is a decorative piece of timber on top of the door. Normally carved with floral pattern,
Quranic verses calligraphy or simple motif of jejala (lattice work). Apart from aesthetical reason
its function is to allow sufficient cross air ventilation to flow into the house.

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IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 385 (2019) 012022 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/385/1/012022

o) Kepala Tingkap (literally means Window head)

A decorative piece of timber located on top of the window. Normally carved with floral pattern,
Quranic verses calligraphy or simple motif of jejala (lattice).

p) Lubang Angin (literally means air hole)

A ventilation hole or panel located mostly at two locations such as wall and roof. Lubang Angin
at roof area is actually located at gable’s end whilst Lubang Angin of the wall is commonly found
at the upper level of wall in the form of carving or latticework known as jejala.

3. Research Methodology
This study aims to investigate the existence of decorative elements at RLBP and RLJ. As discussed,
RLBP are located in the state of Perak whilst RLJ in the state of Johor at the southern of the Peninsula.
The selection of RLBP and RLJ were done based from previous study by the author and the research
team member. An exploratory research was carried out through site observation on traditional villages
at both states during the previous study by Mohd Sabrizaa et al. [13] and current study. Thirty (30)
RLBP and twenty seven (27) RLJ were observed and documented from that particular. For the purpose
of this study twenty-five (25) houses were selected from each state for RLBP and RLJ. The selection
was done based on their best level of authenticity, architectural type, current physical condition,
accessibility and geographical factor. All the houses than were coded accordingly. Many houses were
found have done major renovation by the owner and has lost its ingenuity in terms of traditional
architectural style. Few houses also found to be abandoned and left over by the owner and make it
difficult to access for the study. Many houses were found heavily damaged and ruined. These are some
of the factors that contribute to the limitation of the scope of the study. Documentations of visual data
were collected using EOS DSLR Canon 6D camera whilst semi-structured interview were done to
collect verbal data from the owner of the house or the occupancies. Both data were used to investigate
and identify the existence of the type of decorative elements at selected RLBP and RLJ. Results were
discussed based on the visual tabulation and inventory analysis produced from the study.

4. Discussion and Analysis

This research is intended to execute a Comparative Study of Decorative Elements of Rumah Limas
Bumbung Perak (RLBP) and Rumah Limas Johor (RLJ) as a main subject matter. Hence, before
proceed to the analysis of the decorative elements; identifying a location of the houses is critical.
According to Mohd Sabrizaa et al. [13], the best of twenty-five (25) of RLBP were selected for this
study and were coded as (Table 1) while this study observation identify the best of twenty-five (25) of
RLJ house and were coded as (Table 2).

Table 1. RLBP location and GPS Positioning

CODE House Address Area GPS
195A, Jalan Besar Utara Selatan, Kampung Bendang Susur, 33000, Kuala Kuala
PLH1 (4.797586, 100.947479)
Kangsar, Perak. Kangsar
Kuala
PLH2 5460, Jalan Besar Utara Selatan, Kampung Kuala Chempias, 33000, (4.787324, 100.942841)
Kangsar
Kuala Kangsar, Perak.
5460, Jalan Besar Utara Selatan, Kampung Kuala Chempias, 33000, Kuala
PLH3 (4.791505, 100.944878)
Kuala Kangsar, Perak. Kangsar
Jalan Besar Utara Selatan, Kampung Kuala Chempias, 33000, Kuala Kuala
(4.791723, 100.944916)
PLH4 Kangsar, Perak. Kangsar
Jalan Besar Utara Selatan, Kampung Kuala Chempias, 33000, Kuala Kuala
PLH5 (4.792849, 100.944893)
Kangsar, Perak. Kangsar
17, Jalan Besar Kampung Bendang Kering, Kampung Kuala Sayong Hulu, Kuala
PLH6 (4.769046, 100.964989)
33000, K.K. Kangsar
Jalan Besar Utara Selatan, Kampung Padang Ampang, 33000, Kuala Kuala
PLH7 (4.809263, 100.953140)
Kangsar, Perak Kangsar

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IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 385 (2019) 012022 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/385/1/012022

Jalan Besar Utara Selatan, Kampung Padang Ampang, 33000, Kuala Kuala
PLH8 (4.810440, 100.954338)
Kangsar, Perak Kangsar
Jalan Besar Utara Selatan, Kampung Padang Ampang, 33000, Kuala Kuala
PLH9 (4.810744, 100.954491)
Kangsar, Perak Kangsar
Kuala
PLH10 Kampung Sayong Lembah, Kuala Kangsar, Perak (4.771876, 100.948547)
Kangsar
PLH11 2010, A3, Kampung Suak Petai, 33800, Manong, Perak. Manong (4.595965, 100.881981)
PLH12 2010, A3, Kampung Suak Petai, 33800, Manong, Perak. Manong (4.601509, 100.880867)
PLH13 A3, Kampung Ulu Piul, 33800, Manong, Perak. Manong (4.572912, 100.874680)
PLH14 A17, 32800, Parit, Perak. (Jalan Parit) Parit (4.443276, 100.905777)
PLH16 A17, 32800, Parit, Perak Parit (4.454128, 100.907036)
PLH17 Jalan Parit, Kampung Senin, 32800, Parit, Perak. Parit (4.386045, 100.901413)
PLH18 Jalan33A, Siputeh, Parit, Tanjung Ara,32800, Perak Parit (4.474646,100.913315)
PLH19 Jalan Parit, 32600, Bota, Perak Bota (4.336138, 100.895859)
PLH20 Jalan Parit, 32600, Bota, Perak. Bota (4.363739, 100.892860)
PLH21 Jalan Parit, 32600, Bota, Perak. Bota (4.364304, 100.893463)
PLH22 Jalan Parit, 326600, Bota, Perak. Bota (4.363926, 100.893311)
PLH23 Jalan Teluk Intan, Kampung Padang Changkat Bota, 32600, Bota, Perak. Bota (4.324942, 100.907959)
PLH24 5A, Jalan Teluk Intan, Bota Kanan, 32600, Bota, Perak. Bota (4.346352,100.884758)
8089, Jalan Bota Kiri-Teluk Sena, Bota Kiri, 32900, Lambor Kanan, Lambor
PLH25 (4.348048, 100.874062)
Perak Kanan

Table 2. RLJ location and GPS Positioning

Code Owner’s of Traditional House Location GPS
RLJ 1 En Mokhtar Masnot Muar 1 1.9839767217636108,102.62134552001953
RLJ 2 Hj Hassan Bin Ali Muar 2 1.9896643161773682,102.6170883178711
RLJ 3 Hj Adnan Hj Kasan Muar 3 2.010014295578003,102.63230895996094
RLJ 4 Hjh Mastijah Hj Hashim Muar 4 2.0694141387939453,102.57777404785156
RLJ 5 Rumah Perjumpaan Dato’ Onn Muar 5 2.0673136711120605,102.57295227050781
RLJ 6 Hj Sirat Bin Wongso Muar 6 2.074946403503418,102.56961822509766
RLJ 7 Mohd Noor Bin Mumba Muar 7 2.047588, 102.597622
RLJ 8 Tn Hj Ismail Bin Sharif Muar 8 2.0516326427459717,102.57233428955078
RLJ 9 Hjh Tangkak 1 2.1494321823120117,102.5612564086914
RLJ 10 Hj Ali Haji Husin Tangkak2 2.1592586040496826,102.5587387084961
RLJ 11 Hj Hamzah Hj Hassan Tangkak3 2.1592586040496826,102.5587387084961
RLJ 12 En Johari Abdul Rahman (OKU) Tangkak4 2.1644864082336426,102.55673217773438
RLJ 13 Hj Yusof Abdullah Tangkak5 2.0862557888031006,102.53794860839844
RLJ 14 Tn Hj Bakar Hj Harun Tangkak6 2.0826587677001953,102.54164123535156
RLJ 15 Kakak Jaafar Onn Tangkak7 2.0796127319335938,102.5452651977539
RLJ 16 Hj Rostam Hj Abd Kadir Benut 1 1.6430389881134033,103.29680633544922
RLJ 17 Hj Abd Rahman Kasan (Kini En Zaki Hj Yusof) Benut 2 1.6880640983581543,103.28093719482422
– Yg bagi Kayu Ukir
RLJ 18 Daeng Marpunah (Kini En Mohamad Noor Bin Benut 3 1.6742193698883057,103.22491455078125
Daeng Marpunah)
RLJ 19 Parit Karimun Benut 4 1.6798202991485596,103.23563385009766
RLJ 20 Parit Makueseng Benut 5 1.623819351196289,103.2294692993164
RLJ 21 Hj Omar Abu Hasan BatuPahat 1 1.8820103406906128,102.78423309326172
(Kini Hj Md Noh Bin Hj Omar)
RLJ 22 Maan Bin Ahmad BatuPahat 2 1.8837379217147827,102.78175354003906
RLJ 23 Isnin Bin Ujan (Kini Khairul Rizal Bin Ibrahim BatuPahat 3 1.8789409399032593,102.78873443603516
Bin Isnin)
RLJ 24 En Rosli Bin Latif BatuPahat 4 1.8784593343734741,102.78955841064453
RLJ 25 Mat Som Hj Ahmad (Kini Fatimah Bt Mat Som, BatuPahat 5 1.870325, 102.801342
KL) – sebelah Z&D Homestay

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IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 385 (2019) 012022 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/385/1/012022

A Comparative Study of RLBP and RLJ

Table 3. RLJ location and GPS Positioning

Nos Decorative Elements / House Code House Code
Coding Code Rumah Limas Bumbung Perak Rumah Limas Johor
(RLBP) (RLJ)
A Tunjuk Langit (literally 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
means pointed to the 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
sky) / TL 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
B Sisik Naga (literally
Not Available Not Available
means dragon fin) / SN
C Sulur Bayung / SB
Not Available Not Available
D Ande-Ande / AA 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
E Pemeleh / P 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
F Kepala Cicak (literally 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
means lizard head) / 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Not Available
KC
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
G Tiang Gantung
(literally means
Not Available Not Available
hanging column) / TG
H Lebah Bergantung
(literally means Not Available Not Available
hanging bees) / LB
I Kekisi (other names 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Kisi-kisi, kekipas, jeriji, 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
jeruji, terali) / K 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
J Gerbang (Archway) / G 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
K Gerbang Pintu (Arch
Not Available Not Available
door) / GP
L Sesiku Keluang (other
Not Available Not Available
names Tupai-tupai)/ SK
M Pagar Musang / PM 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
N Kepala Pintu (literally 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
means door head) / KP 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
O Kepala Tingkap 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
(literally means 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Window head) / KT
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

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IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 385 (2019) 012022 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/385/1/012022

5. Findings

This study established and highlighted the existence of decorative elements on both RLBP and RLJ.
The aim of this study is to look into the architectural characteristics by investigating the similarity and
differences of decorative elements of both types of houses (refer Table 3). Based on inventory analysis
and comparative analysis done on both type of houses it can be concluded that:

A) Most of the decorative elements studied were found on both types of houses. There were 9
decorative elements that found on RLBP and 7 decorative elements on RLJ. 2 decorative
elements which do not exist at RLJ are Kepala Cicak (KC) and Tunjuk Bumi (TB). This
indicates that KC and TB are two major decorative elements that shape the characteristic of
RLBP.

B) Kepala Tingkap (KT) was found at both RLBP and RLJ. As discussed earlier the existence
of KT was not only for aesthetic reasons but also function for air flow. This indicates that both
types of houses produce good cross ventilation by maximizing wall openings. This study found
that the designs of KT at RLBP are slightly different from RLJ. Both have the semi-circular or
fan like shape with different composition.

C) Both RLBP and RLJ were built on stilt which elevates the house from the ground. This is
common for a vernacular house in the tropical climatic zone. This study found that most of
RLBP are much higher from the ground (around 2 – 2.5m) compared to RLJ (around 1.5m). The
lower part of the house at the ground is called Kolong. For RLBP this space is used as a place to
relax during daytime. This study found that decorative fan was used to cover the bottom part of
the house called Pagar Musang (PM) or Kekisi (KK) for RLJ. It is also known as Banji. This
decorative element enhances the architectural characteristics of RLJ.

D) The window design for both RLBP and RLJ is called Tingkap Labuh (literally means long
window) simply because it is a full height opening from floor level to the above. Both RLBP
and RLJ used Pagar Musang (PM) as decorative elements and function as balustrade to protect
people from falling down. This study found that 4 inches to 5 inches width of carved timber
piece were used at RLJ compared to carving array used at RLBP.

E) Openable louvred timber window is popularly used as Daun Tingkap or the window piece
used at RLJ. This compared to RLBP that used solid timber plank as their window piece. These
elements contribute to the characteristics of RLJ.

F) The used of Gerbang only can be found at RLBP. This element become one of the major
characteristics of RLBP

As discussed earlier decorative elements were considered or defined as additional or extra elements of
the more functional structure elements. As a traditional architecture decorative element play important
role in shaping the characteristics and identity of a particular house. This study contributes to the
development of the aesthetical theory and concept of the Malay architecture especially the RLBP and
RLJ.

Acknowledgement
I would like to acknowledge and extend heartfelt gratitude to The Ministry of Higher Education and
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) for funding this study under the Fundamental Research Grant
Scheme (FRGS). Research code FRGS/1/2017/SS/11/UITM/02/6. My sincere thanks to all KUTAI
members for their support and provided valuable comments of this article.

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ICRMBEE 2019 IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 385 (2019) 012022 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/385/1/012022

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