Research Seminar | Asian Architecture

CHENG HOON TENG: CHALLENGES IN RESTORING TIMBER IN TERMS OF CULTURAL VALUE AND SUSTAINABILITY OF TIMBER

INTRODUCTION Cheng Hoon Teng Temple (Originally established in 1673 by Kapitan Li Wei King) is one of the oldest temples in Malaysia and is culturally significant to the Chinese community of Malacca. It has stood throughout the ravages of time, preserved by the faith of the devotees in passing down a piece of their heritage.

METHODOLOGY .

Internet Resource

Book Reference

Source :( Cheng Hoon Teng, u.d.)

Source :( Richard.A.E, 2007) Source :( Loh.L, 1997)

Source :( Shannon.Y, 2018)

Cheng Hoon Teng received UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards at 2002 for the Restoration of Main Temple

Significance of Cheng Hoon Teng in Malaysia Historical Significance

One of the oldest edifices of formal worship for Chinese immigrants in Malaysia.

Architectural Significance

Malaysia’s earliest example of Hokkien temple architecture, reflecting the skills of artisans from Fujian and Guangdong provinces in China.

Social Significance

An important spiritual and social centre for Chinese immigrants.

Source: ("Asia Conserved", 2018)

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: WORSHIP PLACE OF CHINESE IMMIGRANTS Cheng Hoon Teng was established by Kapitan Lee Wei King.

This stone inscription was set up to record the historical and significant development of that time.

Stone inscription that recorded the development of Cheng Hoon Teng.

2nd Kapitan in Melaka. Li Wei King also known as Li Kap.

Source (From left to right) : 1. Shannon Yeong 2, 3. ("Welcome to Cheng Hoon Teng Temple", 2018)

4th Kapitan in Melaka.

Chan Ki Lock rebuilt the temple at the current site.

ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE: Traditional Construction Method Malaysia’s earliest example of Hokkien temple architecture, reflecting the skills of artisans from Fujian and Guangdong provinces in China.

Chuan-Dou System

A timber hand carved male lion statue in main temple hall.

Diagram illustrates the traditional Chinese timber frame structure system of Cheng Hoon Teng.

Source (From Left to Right) : 1. Aqil Azli 2. Cheng Hoon Teng Report, 2018 3 . Lim Zhao Yin 4. Terrence Thia

Dou-Gong System

SOCIAL SIGNIFICANCE: Religious Activity Cheng Hoon Teng provides a platform to serve the spiritual needs of the Chinese community in Malacca.

Source : ("Chinese New Year Prayers @ Cheng Hoon Teng Temple Malacca", 2014)

Source : Shannon Yeong

Prayers are praying at there before Chinese New Year, that is one of the peak time for them to pray.

CHALLENGES IN RESTORING TIMBER IN TERMS OF CULTURAL VALUE AND SUSTAINABILITY OF TIMBER

Maintain eligibility of Unesco Restoration Merit Award

Limitation of Competent Craftsmen

Authenticity of Timber

Usage of Traditional Technique of Treatment

How to maintain Unesco Merit Award for restoration eligibility in the conservation and restoration of Cheng Hoon Teng?

FUNDING THROUGH PUBLICITY

SETTING WEBSITE Donation from public is the main way to fulfil financial needs for conservation and restoration. After Cheng Hoon Teng win the Unesco Merit Award for Restoration in the Asia-Pacific Heritage Conservation Awards 2002, it gets the fame and attention.

To maintain the concern of public, Cheng Hoon Teng uses website to spread information regarding the history, architecture and decorative arts; organization and management; religious activities and festivals; and an account of the restoration project. It can help Cheng Hoon Teng to attract people, increase the fame of temple and easier to get fund.

Source : ("Welcome to Cheng Hoon Teng Temple", 2018)

FUNDING THROUGH PUBLICITY

SETTING INFORMATION BOARD They have installed a lot of signage and information boards for Cheng Hoon Teng as a service to disseminate the history of Chinese religious.

Besides, they have installed way findings to lead users into temple.

Location: Prayer pavillion, Source :Shannon Yeong

Location: Entrance of Cheng Hoon Teng, Source : Shannon Yeong

PROVIDING LONG TERM PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT

PROVIDING LONG TERM PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT DURABILITY Cheng Hoon Teng has provided constant repair, maintenance and restoration to ensure the durability of material without alterations, additions or removal of any integral parts of the building.

PROVIDING LONG TERM PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT

The algal on the wall is considered as one of the building fabrics and finishes that need to be painted.

BUILDING FABRICS, FINISHES AND UTILITIES

Source : Terrence Thia

Restoration of building fabrics and finishes include plaster repairs, timber repairs, gold leaf overlay retrieval, stone masonry cleaning, tiling works restoration as well as painting works.

Old electrical switches.

Restoration of utilities include electricals, fire alarm provisions, water, anti-termite treatment, bird control and commemorative for posterity.

Source : Tan Yang

How the limitation of competent craftsmen can have an effect in maintaining the values and sustainability related to the cultural significance of timber in Cheng Hoon Teng?

Craftsman Artistically-oriented craftsmenornamentations Structurally-oriented craftsmen-bracket post and beam construction technique

Location: Timber carvings at Main temple Hall of Cheng Hoon Teng (Source: Azli A., 2018)

(Source: Conservation of Historic Timber Structures, Knut Einar Larsen ) Location: Timber bracket carvings at Prayer pavilion of Cheng Hoon Teng (Source: Azli A., 2018)

Cheng Hoon Teng ’s architecture reflects the skills of migrant builders and craftsmen from China's southern provinces, mainly Fujian and Guangdong (Source: Welcome to Cheng Hoon Teng, Cheng Hoon Teng)

Location: Timber carving on altar at Main temple Hall of Cheng Hoon Teng (Source: Azli A., 2018)

REASONS of competent craftsman shortage

Construction work is often seen as low-status work which could be done by anyone. Construction work is not regarded as something for which particular competence is required.

(Source: Conservation of Historic Timber Structures, Knut Einar Larsen )

Negative Perception of the industry

The younger generation stem from a cultural lack of respect for blue-collar work.

(Source: The Skilled Labor Shortage: Where is the Next Generation of Craftsmen?, HomeAdvisor )

REASONS of competent craftsman shortage

Lack of professional exposure and education Insufficient experienced craftsman to transfer their knowledge and skills to prepare young workers

(Source: The Skilled Labor Shortage: Where is the Next Generation of Craftsmen?, HomeAdvisor )

Declining Demand The decreasing demand for traditional building products and services causes craftsmen to leave their skills aside.

(Source: The Skilled Labor Shortage: Where is the Next Generation of Craftsmen?, HomeAdvisor )

Lack of Practice The knowledge of the traditional techniques of craftsmanship is extremely difficult to revive and retrieve once it is lost. Continuous practice is the only way to preserve such knowledge.

(Source: Conservation of Historic Timber Structures, Knut Einar Larsen )

IMPORTANCE of competent craftsmen in maintaining the values and sustainability related to the cultural significance of Cheng Hoon Teng

Consultant in restoration The knowledge of the properties of the materials was based on experience inherited from previous generations.

Experience (Source: Conservation of Historic Timber Structures, Knut Einar Larsen )

Visual-fading of significant ornaments

CARVING AND STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS Ornamentation Carving

Timber frame structure

Location: Gold-gilded decorative bracket at auxiliary. Building, source: Azli M.

Location: Decorative human carving at Prayer pavillion, source: Azli M

(Location: Timber structural framework of Outer Prayer Pavilion Cheng Hoon Teng temple., source: Azli M.)

ORNAMENTATION RESTORATION TECHNIQUES DIRT REMOVAL / LIGHTENING (piāo bái 漂白) The surface of the wooden carving was covered by deposit of dirt that primarily was a mix of greasy dust and residues of cobweb.

The layer of lacquer was stable and there was no need to stabilize it. Dirt removal was performed with mild detergent.

Source: Wooden carvings of the Old houses at Dongyang, Zhejiang province

References:: A to Z: Restoring chinese wood carvings, wooden screens and carved architectural elements., The Specialists guide to Chinese Antiques

REPAIRS TO CARVING

Source: Wooden carvings of the Old houses at Dongyang, Zhejiang province

Repairing damaged sections of the wood carving. Typically this involves scraps of the same or similar wood which are then pegged and glued over the damaged areas (known as bu mutou 补木头). Once pegged and dried, the damaged sections can be carefully re-carved, sanded and detailed to match. Depending on the shape and structure of the carving other repairs to joinery may be required as well.

References:: A to Z: Restoring chinese wood carvings, wooden screens and carved architectural elements., The Specialists guide to Chinese Antiques

TOUCH UP

Source: Wooden carvings of the Old houses at Dongyang, Zhejiang province

After any damaged sections of the antique carving have been repaired, if the screen was painted, then replaced sections will need to be carefully hand painted to match the original color and style.

References:: A to Z: Restoring chinese wood carvings, wooden screens and carved architectural elements., The Specialists guide to Chinese Antiques

‘Authenticity’

Principles of Restoration under Conservation Constraints in Cheng Hoon Teng

1

2

Deteriorated architectural elements shall be repaired rather than replaced.

All original building materials shall be preserved in Cheng Hoon Teng.

Wherever possible, material tests should be conducted to determine material composition.

6

The original built form and style of the architectural design shall be strictly preserved

5

Distinctive stylistic features of skilled craftsmen and artisans shall be preserved

3

The original structural system shall be preserved.

4

Traditional methods of construction shall be used

How the authenticity of timber is linked to the cultural values of Cheng Hoon Teng?

Principles of Restoration under Conservation Constraints in Cheng Hoon Teng

1

2

Deteriorated architectural elements shall be repaired rather than replaced.

All original building materials shall be preserved in Cheng Hoon Teng.

Wherever possible, material tests should be conducted to determine material composition.

6

The original built form and style of the architectural design shall be strictly preserved

5

Distinctive stylistic features of skilled craftsmen and artisans shall be preserved

3

The original structural system shall be preserved.

4

Traditional methods of construction shall be used

Importance of Originality of Timber to Cheng Hoon Teng -

Maintaining Balance The Original Material has been well-tested and well-proven

Importance of Originality of Timber to Cheng Hoon Teng

Maintaining Balance In many cases, when we add or change new materials, the balance that once existed between traditional materials is distorted or destroyed.

EXAMPLE YELLOW CRANE TOWER WUHAN, CHINA

TIMBER

CONCRETE

To completely restore historical appearance of Yellow Crane Tower in China. Its original timber

frame structure was replaced by reinforced concrete structure due to repeatedly rebuilt and destroyed of the structure.

(Chen, 2012)

Yellow Crane Tower in Wuhan, China (Dreamstime, 2013)

● It has lost its historical integrity ● It serves as a wrong example in Heritage Conservation ● Become just an imitation of an ancient building

Importance of Originality of Timber to Cheng Hoon Teng

The Original Material has been well-tested and well-proven

STRENGTH OF THE ANCIENT BUILDING MATERIALS Lies at the fact of

well-tested by the harsh weather over the centuries

Sufficient guarantee of their reliability and durability.

EXAMPLE East Palace of Foguang Temple SHANXI, CHINA

East palace of Foguang Temple, Shanxi, China (Sina, 2017)

(Sina, 2017)

●

Built in year 875.

●

Rediscovered by Liang Si Cheng in year 1937.

●

The last restoration of the building carried out at the end of the Qing Dynasty. It has been about 100 years since then.

LIMITATION IN RESTORATION OF ANCIENT BUILDING

AVAILABILITY OF ORIGINAL BUILDING MATERIAL

CONSTRUCTION FUND

High quality dry wood are running scarce, especially the large volume of dry wood is even more deficient.

New wood contains higher water content which is not suitable for building’s durability.

it is difficult to guarantee the quality of building restoration by replacing new materials.

When replacement is inevitable ...

similar material with similar composition shall be utilized.

(Dilapidation Report, 1997)

Shortage of Wood’s Types & Dimension Wood of the required dimensions proved to be scarce. Therefore, hardwood substituted by Merbau.

New beams were fashioned in a temporary workshop in the temple theatre compound across the road.

Before the new beams could be used, they had to be certified by Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) experts as being sufficiently dry and meeting standard timber specifications.

(Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, undated)

12 inch timber square columns

9 inch diameter timber round columns with spans up to 25 feet

REPLACEMENT OF SIMILAR SPECIES (HARDWOOD) The replacement part should be as original as possible, ie, in species, dimension, colour, grain and texture.

(Dilapidation Report,1997)

BALAU

Replaced by

MERBAU HAVE BETTER ROT RESISTANCE AND WORKABILITY (CHENG HOON TENG REPORT, 2018)

REPLACEMENT OF SIMILAR TIMBER WITH SIMILAR COMPOSITION BALAU

MERBAU

COLOUR: from a pale straw color, to a darker reddish brown

COLOUR: darker reddish-brown

GRAIN: sometimes interlocked

GRAIN: straight to interlocked

TEXTURE: coarse

TEXTURE: coarse

THE SIMILAR COMPOSITION BETWEEN BALAU AND MERBAU(WOOD DATABASE, 2008)

EXAMPLE Termite infestation was found out on the collapsed timber purlin in 1997. It must be replaced with appropriate hardwood with correct size and also adequately dried due to severe damage.

Remnants of purlin showing infestation and damage in Cheng Hoon Teng (Dilapidation Report, 1997)

Why the usage of traditional techniques of treatment on timber is crucial to the restoration of Cheng Hoon Teng?

Principles of Restoration under Conservation Constraints in Cheng Hoon Teng

1

2

Deteriorated architectural elements shall be repaired rather than replaced.

All original building materials shall be preserved in Cheng Hoon Teng.

Wherever possible, material tests should be conducted to determine material composition.

6

The original built form and style of the architectural design shall be strictly preserved

5

Distinctive stylistic features of skilled craftsmen and artisans shall be preserved

3

The original structural system shall be preserved.

4

Traditional methods of construction shall be used

Traditional treatment on timber: Ta Chi (lacquer) Natural lacquer liquid

Properties Hard

(Source: "From lacquer to wood wax oil - ideal paint road", n.d.)

Sumac tree. It will only produce liquid lacquer after more than eight years

Durable

High-quality natural coating

Soil resistance

Corrosion, acid and alkali resistance

Moisture- proof insulation

High temperature resistance

Comparison between Traditional Lacquer and Modern Paint

("From lacquer to wood wax oil - ideal paint road", n.d.)

Comparison between Traditional Lacquer and Modern Paint Traditional Lacquer

Chemical Lacquer

(Source : Tan. 2017)

(Source : Zhu,2017)

Feeling of luster Grain: Clear and smooth Resistance:

Relatively fake and has certain taste Grain: Rough after some time

Traditional treatment on timber: Ta Chi (lacquer) Lesser application range of lacquer

low labor productivity

advent of modern chemical coatings

low degree of massification

high cost

LIFE SPAN

EFFECTIVE

ECO - FRIENDLY

It is certainly the traditional restoration and preservation techniques used which have helped to increase the durability of the extant temples. The traditional preservation which was used for centuries and proved effective was prepared and its efficacy.

Applying Ta Chi on timber during restoration Traditional Chinese Lacquer, Ta Chi, originated from China. The earliest lacquer dates from the Hemudu culture in Zhejiang province and is approximately 7000 years old. Traditional chinese lacquer aims to express the beauty of paint and life span of timber. Cheng Hoon Teng manage to use it to enhance the durability and historical value of its timber structure and ornamentations.. ("From lacquer to wood wax oil - ideal paint road", n.d.)

(Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Updated)

CONCLUSION .

●

Timber works are not merely supporting elements in Chinese architecture but also a symbolic elements of aesthetics and chinese identity.

●

Timber is vulnerable when it encounters moisture, fire, insects, and the ravages of time; Only a few number of ancient Chinese buildings manage to survive throughout the centuries.

●

Cheng Hoon Teng, a four-centuries edifice which has successfully restored timber works and conserved their historical and cultural value by emphasizing on restoration rather than replacing the materials according to principles of restoration in Cheng Hoon Teng.

●

Cheng Hoon Teng also provide constant repair on materials to maintain their eligibility of UNESCO Restoration Award.

References .

Maintain the Eligibility of UNESCO ●

.Chinese New Year Prayers @ Cheng Hoon Teng Temple Malacca. (2014). Retrieved 12 May 2018, from https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8YIRrJ6LqJk/maxresdefault.jpg

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Welcome to Cheng Hoon Teng Temple. (2018). Retrieved 12 May 2018, from http://www.chenghoonteng.org.my/

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Centre, U. (2018). The Criteria for Selection. Retrieved 12 May 2018, from https://whc.unesco.org/en/criteria/

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Tan, R. (2018). A sacred place: the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, 25, Temple Street, Malacca, Malaysia : a study of the impact of tourism on a heritage place of worship and suggestions for its management through interpretation. Retrieved 12 May 2018, from http://hub.hku.hk/handle/10722/40005

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Loh, L. (1997). The Cheng Hoon Teng Main Temple. A Dilapidation Report.

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Peio. (2018). Retrieved 4 June 2018, from http://wp.peio.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Conf4_Frey-Pamini-Steiner-17.12.2010.pdf

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Unesco. (2018). Retrieved 4 June 2018, from http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0015/001557/155754e.pdf

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Asia Conserved. (2018). Retrieved 4 June 2018, from http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0015/001557/155754e.pdf

Authenticity of Timber ●

Asia Conserved. (2007) (pp. 26, 211-216). Bangkok.

●

Chen, F. (2012). 木制古建，如何“修旧如旧”. Retrieved 12 May 2018, from http://epaper.syd.com.cn/sywb/html/2012-07/10/content_824442.html

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Cheng Hoon Teng Temple. Retrieved 12 May 2018, from https://www.chenghoonteng.org.my/p1structure.html

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Wang. (2016). 古建筑木结构的保护与修复. Retrieved 5 June 2018, from http://www.tinzi.net/aspcms/news/2016-4-13/481.html

Usage of Traditional Technique of Treatment ●

Preservation of Timber - Methods and Materials for Timber Preservation. (2017). Retrieved 18 May 2018, from https://theconstructor.org/building/preservation-of-timber-methods-materials/17324/

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(2016). Retrieved 18 May 2018, from http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/110647/12/12_chapter6.pdf

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Preservation of Timber and Wood. Its Methods, Materials. - CivilGuides. (2017). Retrieved 18 May 2018, from https://civilseek.com/preservation-of-timber-wood/

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从大漆到木蜡油——理想涂料之路. (2011). Retrieved 21 May 2018, from https://www.douban.com/note/173993177/

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(2017). Retrieved 21 May 2018, from https://zhuanlan.zhihu.com/p/28987281

Conclusion ●

Ancient Chinese wooden architecture - SHINE. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.shine.cn/feature/art-culture/1802250806/

●

Famous Ancient Chinese Wooden Architecture: Pagoda, Palace or Temple. (2018).

Retrieved from https://www.topchinatravel.com/china-guide/ancient-chinese-wooden-architecture.htm

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Cheng Hoon Teng Temple | Local Heart, Global Soul. (2018). Retrieved from https://kiwidutch.wordpress.com/tag/cheng-hoon-teng-temple/

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Chinese Traditional Architectural Craftsmanship For Timber Framed Structures. (2018).

Retrieved fromhttps://www.chinatravel.com/facts/chinese-traditional-architectural-craftsmanship-fo r-timber-framed-structures.htm

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Art, T. (2018). Chinese traditional architectural craftsmanship for timber-framed structures.

Retrieved from http://www.unesco.org/archives/multimedia/?pg=33&s=films_details&id=336