Kedah report

METHODS OF DOCUMENTATION AND MEASURED DRAWINGS (ARC60305) RUMAH SUNGAI ULAR, KULIM & SURAU HAJI ABDUL RAHMAN BIN ABDULLAH KEDAH STATE MUSEUM, LEBUHRAYA DARUL AMAN, KAMPUNG LUBOK PERINGGI, 05150 ALOR SETAR, KEDAH JANUARY - MARCH 2017

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DECLARATION OF SUBMISSION RUMAH SUNGAI ULAR & SURAU HAJI ABDUL RAHMAN BIN ABDULLAH KEDAH STATE MUSEUM, LEBUHRAYA DARUL AMAN, KAMPUNG LUBOK PERINGGI, 05150 ALOR SETAR, KEDAH

We, Team Kedah Traditional House as a group, hereby declare that all content, information and works within this report is of original sources and are appropriately referenced when necessary. Written permission has been granted by any copyright holders therefore the copyright laws are not compromised.

This assessment is the record proof of our completion for this project and holds relevant information necessary to the project. With this declaration, we affirm that this report of data and information carried out during the field trip to Kedah State Museum from the date 20th January 2017 to 25th January 2017 is submitted for the module Methods of Documentation and Measured Drawing (ARC60305/ARC1215) of the course Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture from Taylor’s University to obtain 5 credits for Practicum 1.

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It is a group effort by: Wilson Tan Wui Xiang

0321128

(Team Leader)

Angela Wee Kah Man

0322970

Melvyn Poh Ern Meng

0322653

Chang Huey Yi

0322898

Mohammad Daniel Bin Mazlan

0321409

Cham Zheng Chee

0322317

Muhammad Faidh Bin Mohamad Nawawi

0323712

Cicilia Solomon

0326877

Muhammad Mirza Qayyum Bin Mohd Shariff

0324031

Cindy Lee Zi Ying

0320435

Ng Jer Vain

0326969

Dana Kan Jia Torng

0323648

Ng Ji Yann

0323713

Hong Shi Lik

0322081

Ng Kwang Zhou

0322802

Iddin Hafizi Bin Ahzali

0325595

Ong Von Wan

0323364

Ignatius Jee Shao Iang

0320069

Quinn Liew Min Yee

0324525

Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Architecture) February 2017 Taylor’s University

Supervised by: Dr. Nor Hayati Hussain Mr. Mohamed Rizal Mohamed

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ABSTRACT Based on the module, Methods of Documentation and Measured Drawings, we were tasked to collect data and information of our given building regarding its culture, history, construction and architecture. In a group of 19 students, we have measured, drawn, and researched on our buildings, the Traditional House and Traditional Surau. This report includes the data collected throughout our 6 days of on-site fieldwork for both the Traditional House and Surau located at Kedah State Museum. The two buildings are located in the premises of the museum as they were donations to the museum by the owners of the respective buildings.

The Traditional House is known as Rumah Sungai Ular previously located in Kulim. The house was donated by owner Encik Saman Bin Saad. It is currently closed to public and only used for research purposes. It showcases the typical traditional house found in Kedah, from the details and layout of the building to the tools and furniture.

The Traditional Surau is known as Surau Haji Abdul Rahman Bin Abdullah, this building was originally a house before the owner decided to teach the Al-Quran, thus transformed the house into a surau. After donating it to the museum, it still functions as it is to the public.

Both buildings have similar style in construction and layout. They were both deconstructed on their previous site and reconstructed in the premises of the museum.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The assignment could not have been made possible without the grace and guidance of our tutors and the hard work and cooperation from our fellow teammates. Not to mention many others who have helped guide and contributed to the completion of this assignment. So, as Team Kedah Traditional House, we would like to take this opportunity to formally express our sincere gratitude to all that have supported and facilitated us both directly and indirectly.

First and foremost, a very heartfelt appreciation to our module coordinator and tutor that have given us this opportunity to work together and experience this assignment. To our module coordinator, Dr. Nor Hayati Hussain and all that aided with the coordination of this module, we thank you for preparing this module for us to further develop our skills with practice and experience. Our sincere gratitude to our tutor, Mr. Mohamed Rizal Mohamed for his guidance and considerations throughout the duration of the assignment.

And extending our thanks, we wish the best to the owners of the buildings, Encik Saman Bin Saad and Dato’ Mursyid Diraja Haji Abdul Rahman Bin Abdullah for granting us this opportunity to measure and experience the buildings. To the director of the museum, for allowing us permission to research and document the buildings in so little notice and under such rushed circumstances. To En Zulkifli, who provided us with the interview to get more insight and knowledge on the respective buildings. And to all other staff members that provided us with any kind of gestures that eased our burden.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE

TOPIC Declaration of Submission

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Abstract

iii

Acknowledgements

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Table of Contents

v-viii ix-xxviii

List of Figures Chapter 1: Introduction

1 2-3

1.1

Introduction to Research

1.2

Aims and Objectives

1.3

Equipment and Methodology

1.4

Limitations

14

1.5

Significance of Study

15

Chapter 2: Culture & History

4 5-13

16

2.1

History and Culture of Malaysia

17-24

2.2

History of Malay Architecture

25-30

2.3

The Culture of Malay Architecture

31-39

2.4

History & the Culture of Kedah

40-48

2.5

History & the Culture of Alor Setar

49-55

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TABLE OF CONTENTS TOPIC

PAGE

Chapter 3: Architecture & Design

56

3.1

Site Context

57-67

3.2

Orientation of the Buildings

68-73

3.3

Design Concept

74-79

3.4

Spatial Organisation & Spatial Experience

80-86

3.5

Design Feature

87-105

3.6

Ornamentation & Details

106-113

3.7

Visual Experience

114-120

3.8

Comparison Analysis

121-127

Chapter 4: Building Materials

128

4.1

Introduction

4.2

Tools & Materials for Construction

132

4.3

Traditional System for Measurements

133

4.4

Building Material - Timber

134-141

4.5

Building Material - Atap Rumbia

142-144

4.6

Building Material - Iron Bar

145

4.7

Building Material - Concrete

146

129-131

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TABLE OF CONTENTS TOPIC

PAGE

Chapter 5: Building Constructions

147

5.1

Basic Construction and Structure of a Malay House

148-150

5.2

Foundation / Column Construction

151-152

5.3

Timber Floor System

153-157

5.4

Wall System

158-159

5.5

Roof Construction

160-164

5.6

Staircase Construction

165-167

5.7

Windows

168-169

5.8

Doors

170-171

Chapter 6: Defects and Dilapidations

172

6.1

Timber Defects

173

6.2

Column Defects

174

6.3

Woodcarving Defects

174

6.4

Window Defects

175

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TABLE OF CONTENTS TOPIC

PAGE

6.5

Roof Defects

176

6.6

Staircase Defects

176

Chapter 7: Conclusion

177

7.1

Reflections

178

7.2

References

179-183

7.3

Glossary

183-186

7.4

Appendices

xx

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LIST OF FIGURES CHAPTER 1 FIGURE Figure 1.1 Bosch GLM 80 Professional Digital Laser Distance Meter (Bosch, 2017) Figure 1.3 8-meter measuring tape (Stanley, 2017) Figure 1.4 R 60 Professional Tool (Bosch, 2017) Figure 1.5 Canon DSLR with Stand (Canon, 2017) Figure 1.6 Ball of string (Dreamstime, 2017) Figure 1.7 Foldable ladder (Pepperfry, 2017) Figure 1.8 Extension ladder (Werner, 2017) Figure 1.9 Platform Crane (Iddin, 2017) Figure 1.10 Measuring with crane (Iddin, 2017) Figure 1.11 Measuring with ladder (Iddin, 2017) Figure 1.12 Measuring with measuring tape (Iddin, 2017)

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LIST OF FIGURES CHAPTER 2 FIGURE Figure 2.1: The way of living of the past. (prepcue, 2017) Figure 2.2: The strategic spot at Malacca brought success to Srivijaya. (konfrontasi, 2017) Figure 2.3: Parameswara and his followers exploring the foreign land, which is named Malacca after that. (kttahun5sksl, 2017) Figure 2.4: Portuguese was defeated by the force of Johor and Dutch. (holidaymapq, 2017) Figure 2.5: Francis Light colonized Penang and his contribution has made Penang one of the strategic locations for trading purposes. (surakit, 2017) Figure 2.6: Rubber estate was one of the rising industry during the colonization of British. (Iumwmalaysianstudies, 2017) Figure 2.7: Japanese entered Malaya with great power. They’ve shown cruelty and were constantly spreading propaganda. (mahaguru, 2017) Figure 2.8: Tunku Abdul Rahman, the first Prime Minister during Malaysia’s Independence Day. (merpatiputih88, 2017) Figure 2.9: The major racial argument and violence. (pinterest, 2017) Figure 2.10: The iconic Twin Tower located at Kuala Lumpur. (inspireholidays, 2017) Figure 2.11: Malaysia, a country filled with multicultural individuals that lived in peace and harmony. (emaze, 2017)

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LIST OF FIGURES CHAPTER 2 FIGURE Figure 2.12: The warriors of the country, that protected the land shall always be remembered, with the build of National Monument. (oxfordpoetryelection, 2017) Figure 2.13: The absence of boundaries around houses, openness and intimacy were still retained. (srikanditunteja,2017) Figure 2.14: The friendly environment, that allows people to visit one another freely. (remembersingapore, 2017) Figure 2.15: A basic shelter to complement the simple living without neglecting the consideration of the environmental factors.(sda-architect,2017) Figure 2.16: A conventional traditional Malay house is mainly supported using the post-and-beam system, which can be seen clearly. (Quinn, 2017) Figure 2.17: The map above shows the Peninsular Malaysia and the definite location of each states.(ngsoongwenn, 2017) Figure 2.18 & 2.19: The basic design of a traditional malay house. (pinterest,2017) (flickriver, 2017) Figure 2.20: Hardwood that are commonly used to build the house is cengal wood.(manchestertimbermerchants, 2017) Figure 2.21: Nipa palm leaves used to create atap roof. (dreamstime, 2017) Figure 2.22 & 2.23: Examples of Rumah Dangau/Teratak. (pecidasase,2017) Figure 2.24: Carvings and ornamentation that are incorporated in traditional Malay houses. (pinterest, 2017)

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LIST OF FIGURES CHAPTER 2 FIGURE Figure 2.25: Carvings that are used to decorate the house are usually inspired the natural environment. Flora patterns are one of the commonly used patterns.(jadhomes, 2017) Figure 2.26: The overall view of the Surau. (Quinn, 2017) Figure 2.27: The South Elevation of the Surau. The cylindrical shaped object is called the Beduk. It was used during the prayers. (Quinn, 2017) Figure 2.28: The East Elevation of the house. The entrance was the staircase that leads the path towards the Anjung.(Quinn, 2017) Figure 2.29: The Rumah Ibu, which is also the space where family members rest. (Quinn, 2017) Figure 2.30 & 2.31: The surrounding environment of the traditional Malay houses are filled with vegetation. (theodora, 2017) (cheeseburgerbuddha, 2017) Figure 2.32: The well serves as an essential feature to the lives of the people, serving water for their daily usage. (123rf, 2017) Figure 2.33: The joist that contributes to the support of the floorboards and the weight of the building. (Quinn,

2017) Figure 2.34: The layer of atap leaves are tied up together and used to attached with the roof. (Quinn, 2017) Figure 2.35: The steep roof with the rafters at the back of it supporting the whole roof structure. (Quinn, 2017) Figure 2.36: The base of the columns are made up of concrete, with timber post to support and elevate the floor level. (Quinn, 2017)

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LIST OF FIGURES CHAPTER 2 FIGURE Figure 2.37: The staircase that leads to front and back entrances of the house. The form of the house that responds to the climate conditions is also shown. (eficienciaenergtica, 2017) Figure 2.38: The clay water vessel (Tempayan) (kaskus, 2017) Figure 2.39: The water gourd (Gayong) (northerndipper, 2017) Figure 2.40: The division of space in a traditional Malay House.(archfullstop, 2017) Figure 2.41: The possibilities and flexibility of expanding the traditional Malay house. (shirleysia-dissertation, 2017) Figure 2.42: The indication of the staircase leading to the Anjung (Covered Porch). (rumahkereda, 2017) Figure 2.43: The Serambi fits as a welcoming space for visitors. (keywordsking, 2017) Figure 2.44: The Rumah Ibu is where the privacy of the family members are retained. (adesibank, 2017) Figure 2.45: The stairway to acces the roof attic.(rumahwarisanrabiahmatklebangbesar, 2017) Figure 2.46: The roof attic.(ujie, 2017) Figure 2.47: The kitchen (kosmo, 2017)

Figure 2.48: The Pelantar (An open platform) (mycuteshoppe, 2017) Figure 2.49: An extension at the kitchen area. (mycuteshoppe, 2017) Figure 2.50: An ample space under the house to store items. (Quinn,2017) Figure 2.51: An example of a sugar cane clamp stored under the house, utilizing the empty spaces as a storage. (Quinn, 2017)

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LIST OF FIGURES CHAPTER 2 FIGURE Figure 2.52 : Kedah state flag. (libra1002, 2017) Figure 2.53 : Maps of Kedah. (instant2travel, 2017).

Figure 2.54 : Pedu Lake of Kedah. (flickr, 2017) Figure 2.55 : Graph of Kedah climate throughout the year. (en.climate-data.org, 2017) Figure 2.56 : Picture show paddy field of Kedah. (prezi, 2017) Figure 2.57 : Traditional Malay House around Malaysia.(prezi, 2017) Figure 2.58 : Traditional trading in Malaysia. (pinterest, 2017) Figure 2.59 : Picture shown is Gagak Sura. (ipedr, 2017) Figure 2.60 : Picture shown flora craving on wood. (pinterest, 2017) Figure 2.61 : Picture shown calligraphy craving. (prophetpbuh, 2017) Figure 2.62 : Picture shown geomertry style craving. (Quinn, 2017) Figure 2.63 : Picture shown cosmos theme on the wood craving. (Quinn, 2017) Figure 2.64 : View of Alor Setar city. (anotherbrickinwall, 2017) Figure 2.65 : Climate of Alor Setar during the day. (tripmondo, 2017) Figure 2.66 : Table shown table of ethnic group in Kedah. (pinterest, 2017) Figure 2.67 : Picture shown was Sultan Abdul Hamid Shah. (kungfukindom, 2017) Figure 2.68 : Picture shown is Tradtional Silat. (members, 2017)

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LIST OF FIGURES CHAPTER 2 FIGURE Figure 2.69 : Ornament of Traditional Malay House. (pinterest, 2017) Figure 2.70 : Common Malay House in Kedah. (ilusidanfantasi, 2017) Figure 2.71 : Picture shown traditional Malay House roofing. (aldeeny, 2017) Figure 2.72 : Picture shown traditional support construction of roof. (prezi, 2017)

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LIST OF FIGURES CHAPTER 3 FIGURE Figure 3.1: Aerial view of the site surrounding. The site is facing to Darul Aiman Highway, sitting by the banks of Kedah River. (GoogleMap, 2017) Figure 3.2: Aerial view of the site surrounding. The site is facing to Darul Aiman Highway, sitting by the banks of Kedah River. (GoogleMap, 2017) Figure 3.3: The aerial view of the stadium. (Google, 2017) Figure 3.4: Entrance view of the stadium.(Google, 2017) Figure 3.5: The elevation of Leong Say Tong. (Google , 2017) Figure 3.6 : The entrance view of the temple. (GoogleMap, 2017) Figure 3.7: Interior of the temple. (Google, 2017) Figure 3.8: MBAS swimming pool. (Google, 2017) Figure 3.9: Kedah State Museum is a 3 storey high building. (Google, 2017) Figure 3.10 : Front facade of PSMCK (GoogleMap, 2017) Figure 3.11: Palm trees behind Kedah house. (Google, 2017) Figure 3.12 : Mango tree at the site compound. (Ng, 2017)

Figure 3.13 : Banana trees beside the Kedah house. (Ng, 2017) Figure 3.14 : Banana trees beside the Kedah house. (Ng, 2017)

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LIST OF FIGURES CHAPTER 3 FIGURE Figure 3.15 : Kampong’s orientation. ( Google, 2017) Figure 3.16 : Kampong’s organic layout. ( Google, 2017) Figure 3.17 : An example of a kampong communal activity being held. (Google, 2017) Figure 3.18 : Aerial view of the Qa’bah ( Google, 2017) Figure 3.19 : Location of Mecca (Google, 2017) Figure 3.20 : Surau in Kampong. (Google, 2017) Figure 3.21 : Surau Haji Abdul Rahman. (Quinn, 2017) Figure 3.22 (Top) : Aerial View of the site (Google map, 2017) Figure 3.23 (Bottom) : View of the buildings from parking lot (Quinn, 2017) Figure 3.24 : Pureness of Materials ( Quinn, 2017 ) Figure 3.25 : Vernacular Architecture ( Quinn, 2017 ) Figure 3.26 : Thermal Diagram.( Google, 2017 ) Figure 3.27 : Roof Details on Sheltering.( Iddin, 2017 ) Figure 3.28 : Air Circulation through the house (Google, 2017) Figure 3.29 (Top) : Ventilation Ornamental Gaps (Google map, 2017) Figure 3.30 (Bottom) : Ventilation on the Window (Quinn, 2017) Figure 3.31 : Ventilation Ornament 1 (Quinn, 2017)

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LIST OF FIGURES CHAPTER 3 FIGURE Figure 3.32 : Ventilation Ornament 2 (Quinn, 2017) Figure 3.33 : Ventilation Ornament 3 (Quinn, 2017) Figure 3.34 : Example floor plan of Malay house from Negeri Sembilan (Google, 2017) Figure 3.35 Floor plan of Kedah traditional house. (Measured Drawing Team Kedah Traditional House, 2017) Figure 3.36 : Stairs leading up to the anjung. (Ng, 2017) Figure 3.37 : Serambi Gantung. (Quinn, 2017) Figure 3.38 : The dim lighting in the room are achieved by lesser window and openings. (Iddin, 2017) Figure 3.39 (Top) : Kitchen (Iddin,2017) Figure 3.40 (Below) :Cooking utensil. (Iddin, 2017) Figure 3.41 : East Side of the house (Quinn, 2017) Figure 3.42 : East Side of the house (Iddin, 2017) Figure 3.43 : West Side of the house (Iddin, 2017) Figure 3.44 : South Side of the house (Iddin, 2017) Figure 3.45 : North Side of the house (Iddin, 2017)

Figure 3.46 : Gable Screen ornament (Quinn, 2017) Figure 3.47 : Roof Ornamental Detail(Quinn, 2017) Figure 3.48 : Foundation of the House (Quinn, 2017)

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LIST OF FIGURES CHAPTER 3 FIGURE Figure 3.49 : Horizontal Wall (Iddin, 2017) Figure 3.50 : Timber Wall Placing (Iddin, 2017) Figure 3.51 : Windows at Traditional House (Iddin, 2017) Figure 3.52 : Staircase from South Side of the House (Iddin, 2017) Figure 3.53 : Bedroom Space and ambience (Quinn, 2017) Figure 3.54 : Transom Window Details (Quinn, 2017) Figure 3.55 : The wall lights in the house. (Quinn, 2017) Figure 3.56 : Examples of Furniture inside the house (Iddin, 2017) Figure 3.57 : Example of Mosque Plan (Google, 2017) Figure 3.58 : Muslim Daily Life Diagram (Google, 2017) Figure 3.59 : East Side of Surau (Iddin, 2017) Figure 3.60 : West Side of Surau (Iddin, 2017) Figure 3.61 : South Side of Surau (Iddin, 2017) Figure 3.62 : North Side of Surau (Iddin, 2017)

Figure 3.63 : Ventilation Carving detail (Quinn, 2017) Figure 3.64 : Surau Interior Details (Quinn, 2017) Figure 3.65 : The door knob on one of the doors in Surau. (Quinn, 2017)

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LIST OF FIGURES CHAPTER 3 FIGURE Figure 3.66 : Openings in the living area of the Surau. (Quinn, 2017) Figure 3.67 : Two shutters window in Kedah House. (Quinn, 2017) Figure 3.68 : Tebar layar on the roof. (Iddin,2017) Figure 3.69 : The ornaments on the roof. (Iddin,2017) Figure 3.70: The sunbeam motif on the gable screen. (Quinn, 2017) Figure 3.71 : Floral carvings on the staircase. (Quinn, 2017) Figure 3.72 : Floral carvings at the wall panel. (Quinn, 2017) Figure 3.73 : Ventilation Carving on the wall (Quinn, 2017) Figure 3.74 : Window’s Ventilation (Iddin, 2017) Figure 3.75 : Window’s Ventilation (Iddin, 2017) Figure 3.76 : Deer head wall decoration in Kedah House. (Ng, 2017) Figure 3.77 : Surau’s Roof (Quinn, 2017) Figure 3.78 : House’s Roof (Quinn, 2017) Figure 3.79 : Gable Screen Decoration (Quinn, 2017) Figure 3.80 : Ornamental Ventilation (Quinn, 2017) Figure 3.81 : Light Illusion in house (Quinn, 2017) Figure 3.82 : Light Penetration details (Quinn, 2017)

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LIST OF FIGURES CHAPTER 3 FIGURE Figure 3.83 : Ceiling’s joist (Iddin, 2017) Figure 3.84 : Flooring’s Joist (Quinn, 2017) Figure 3.85 : Vernacular Architecture Details (Quinn, 2017) Figure 3.86 : Surau Window’s view (Quinn, 2017) Figure 3.87 : The design of Malay House varies from states to states in Peninsular Malaysia. (Google, 2017) Figure 3.88 : Indoor view of the roof. (Quinn, 2017) Figure 3.89 : Typical Kedah Traditional House (Google, 2017) Figure 3.90 : View of a Negeri Sembilan house type (Google, 2017) Figure 3.91 : View of a Perak house type (Google, 2017) Figure 3.92 : View of a Kelantan house type (Google, 2017) Figure 3.93 : Example layout of Malay house in Malacca (Google, 2017) Figure 3.94 : Example layout of Perak Malay House (Google, 2017)

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LIST OF FIGURES CHAPTER 4 FIGURE Figure 4.1 & Figure 4.2 : Ancient people chop down trees and transport the tress to site from forest (Noenkcahyana,2012) Figure 4.3 & Figure 4.4 : These buildings were not using any nails for construction but now a days, it stars to corrode, therefore people used nails to protect both of this meaningful buildings (Quinn,2017) Figure 4.5 & Figure 4.6 : Ancient people used Kapak and Parang when chop down trees (Asalsilat,2015) Figure 4.7 & Figure 4.8 : The unit of measure in Depa system (Sastrabali,2016) Figure 4.9 & Figure 4.10 : Exterior faรงade view of traditional Malay house and surau (Iddin,2017) Figure 4.11 : Exterior post and lintel (Quinn,2017) Figure 4.12 : Exterior Wall (Iddin,2017) Figure 4.13 : Interior roof structure (Quinn,2017) Figure 4.14 : Beautiful Ornaments on staircase (Iddin,2017) Figure 4.15 : Exterior staircase ,Surau (Iddin,2017) Figure 4.16 : Pasak known as nail but is made using wood .These technique ws used to interlock the steps with the outer striger (Quinn,2017)

Figure 4.17 : Detail showing junction of tie beam, column and joist. The floor joist is jointed to the column (Quinn,2017)

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LIST OF FIGURES CHAPTER 4 FIGURE Figure 4.18 : Ornaments help these buildings improvement air ventilation and the beauty of the house (Iddin,2017) Figure 4.19 & Figure 4.20 : Beduk who located at ground floor of the Malay traditional surau (Iddin,2017) Figure 4.21 : Pokok Bemban (Alamendah.,2011) Figure 4.22 : Pokok Buluh (Warisanpetani,2016) Figure 4.23 : Pokok Rumbia (Learnmelanau,2011)

Figure 4.24 : Interior looks of Atap Rumbia (Quinn,2017) Figure 4.25 : Exterior looks of Atap Rumbia (Quinn,2017) Figure 4.26 : Worker ties all the daun Rumbia together with using Rotan. (Fenditazkirah,2013) Figure 4.27 : Daun Rumbia basks in the sun (Amlubai-kerabat,2015) Figure 4.28 : Iron bar was setting on window frame (Iddin,2017) Figure 4.29 : Exposed Foundation (Iddin,2017)

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LIST OF FIGURES CHAPTER 5 FIGURE Figure 5.1 : Basic Construction of Traditional House (Yuan, 1987) Figure 5.2: The Setting up of a basic traditional Malay House Form (Yuan,1987) Figure 5.3 : Construction process of traditional Malay House (memori-Kedah, 2017) Figure 5.4: Concrete Footing and foundation of the two traditional buildings (Iddin,2017) Figure 5.5: Placing of Column and Footing of Surau Haji Abdul Rahman Abdullah (Quinn, 2017) Figure 5.6: Placing of Column and Footing of Sungai Ular House (Quinn, 2017) Figure 5.7: Set up of Foundation formwork steps.(cgetechnology,2011) Figure 5.8: Column Construction detail with steel rod connecting the footing sketch (Dana, 2017) Figure 5.9: View upwards from lower ground of the timber joist system with floorboards laid across the joists (Quinn, 2017) Figure 5.10: Exposed joists and beams seen from below of Surau Haji Abdul Reahman Abdullah (Quinn, 2017) Figure 5.11: Usage of round timber joists for the open-air “pelantar�(Quinn, 2017) Figure 5.12: Connection details of nails for round timber joists (Quinn, 2017) Figure 5.13: Usage of dowels to secure parts (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 5.14: Beam to Column Connection Detail with wedges sketch (Dana, 2017) Figure 5.15: Basic Mortise and Tenon Joint detail sketch (Dana, 2017)

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LIST OF FIGURES CHAPTER 5 FIGURE Figure 5.16: Detail of Spacing of the joists resting upon the beam.in the traditional Sungai Ular House (Quinn, 2017) Figure 5.17: Basic lap joint sketch (Dana, 2017) Figure 5.18: An example of the post and beam being recessed to secure to one another (Dana, 2017) Figure 5.19: Construction detail of Wall system and floor system (picrevise, 2017) Figure 5.20: External wall view of Sungai Ular House (Quinn, 2017) Figure 5.21: Side view of weatherboards on exterior wall (agung1501, 2014) Figure 5.22: Kedah House showing its roof structure (Quinn,2017) Figure 5.23: The surau with a close view of its roof (Quinn, 2017) Figure 5.24: Queen post truss (Wikipedia,2007) Figure 5.25: Queen post truss seen in the surau (Qayyum,2017) Figure 5.26: A clear view of the layers consisting of purlins, principal rafters and the common rafters (Qayyum,2017) Figure 5.27: Zoomed in view of the ties betwwen the atap layers (Quinn,2017)

Figure 5.28: A full view of the surau and its roof system (Quinn,2017) Figure 5.29: The material used for the atap of both of the buildings (Quinn,2017)

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LIST OF FIGURES CHAPTER 5 FIGURE Figure 5.30 (Top left) : Construction details on the lowest layer roof, supported by the front columns (Qayyum, 2017) Figure 5.31 (Top right) : The ridge board of the roof, connects two queen post truss along with the purlins (Qayyum, 2017) Figure 5.32 (Bottom left) : Additional detail highlighting the rafters underneath the roof eaves (Qayyum,2017) Figure 5.33 (Bottom right) : Zoomed out view of the roof details with an additional beam (with ceiling fan) supporting the structure (Qayyum,2017) Figure 5.34: A perspective view of the staircase at the surau (Qayyum,2017) Figure 5.35: Woodcarved stairs found just at the entrance to the house (Jiyann,2017) Figure 5.36: Unexploded Axonometric of stairs at the surau (Measured Drawing Team Kedah Traditional House,2017) Figure 5.37: Exploded Axonometric of stairs at the surau, highlighting which joints should be connected (Measured Drawing Team Kedah Traditional House,2017) Figure 5.38: A hybrid of concrete and wood makes the staircase unique (Qayyum,2017)

Figure 5.39: The treenail (pasak) used to lock the joints in place (Quinn,2017)

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LIST OF FIGURES CHAPTER 5 FIGURE Figure 5.40: Main Floor Plan of Sungai Ular House indicating the placement of windows and doors sketch (Dana, 2017) Figure 5.41: Main Floor Plan of Surau Haji Abdul Rahman Abdullah sketch (Dana, 2017) Figure 5.42: Louvred window shutters in surau.(Quinn, 2017) Figure 5.43: Louvred window Detail Drawing (Measured Drawing Team Kedah Traditional House ,2017) Figure 5.44: Double casement windows.(Quinn, 2017) Figure 5.45: Double casement window Detail Drawing (Measured Drawing Team Kedah Traditional House ,2017) Figure 5.46: Double hinged door (Quinn, 2017) Figure 5.47: Double Hinged door detail drawing (Measured Drawing Team Kedah Traditional House, 2017) Figure 5.48: Sliding Door detail drawing (Measured Drawing Team Kedah Traditional House, 2017) Figure 5.49: Door frame detail of the double hinged door (Zulkifli,1999) Figure 5.50: Mortise and tenon joint detail (Zulkifl, 1999) Figure 5.51: Mortise and tenon joint detail of the door frame (Zulkifli, 1999)

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LIST OF FIGURES CHAPTER 6 FIGURE Figure 6.1: The moulds from one of the pieces of wood under the floor boards (Jiyann,2017) Figure 6.2: Some of the appearance defects of the wood used for both buildings (Jiyann,2017) Figure 6.3: A zoomed in view of the deterioration some of the columns suffer (Quinn,2017) Figure 6.4: Woodcarving defect (Iddin,2017) Figure 6.5: View of the remains of one of the broken windows (Dana,2017) Figure 6.6: The rusting found on the iron bars at the interior side of the window (Qayyum,2017) Figure 6.7: The gaping hole found on the atap (Quinn,2017)

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CHAPTER 1:INTRODUCTION 1.1

INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH

The module, Methods of Documentation and Measured Drawings for the course Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture is the basis for this assignment. The module lasts 2 months from 9th January to 9th March 2017 and involves students of semester 2 and semester 3 of Bsc(Hons) in Architecture. The module consists of 3 parts of projects comprising of different aspects to the said documentation and drawings.

The module synopsis is as follows: “The subject aims to develop an understanding of the principles of building preservation/conservation and the methods of recording it in three documentation methods; measured drawings, written documentation and photographic documentation. The ideas of application and management of architectural historic documentation will be presented as part of the overall knowledge of building preservation/conservation. For measured drawings, students are to document historically and architecturally significant buildings in the form of as-built drawings. The task requires 10 to 20 students per group that involve fieldworks consisting of measuring techniques such as photographing, sketching, using of theodolite and measuring tapes. The outcomes of the subject are collection of plans, section, elevations, details and axonometric views / models; complemented with a report

that explains about the background, history, concept, style construction techniques and ornamentation of the building.�

3 This assignment, commenced by a team of 19 students and a tutor, Mr. Mohamed Rizal Mohamed. As a compulsory requirement for the module, the team must attend an on-site field trip to measure and document two traditional Kedah

buildings in the facility of the Kedah State Museum in Alor Setar, Kedah for a duration of 6 days from 20th – 25th January 2017.

This report is the requirement of Project 2: Building Report and Photobook, and it is the product of the research and documentation brought upon the two Kedah traditional buildings throughout the duration of this assignment.

It

consists of measured drawings, pictures, references and written text of research based on external sources, the site-

visit and discussions regarding the assignment guidelines.

Our scope of research is the culture and history of the Kedah traditional buildings and its relationship to the architecture and construction. The main topics of our research are Culture and History, Architecture and Design, and Building Construction. The report will closely highlight the importance of each topics and how they affect each other in various aspects.

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1.1

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

This assignment aims to introduce several methods of documenting historic structures to preserve an accurate record of historic properties for research or preservation purposes, and introduce basic preparation of measured drawings of a building or structure to prescribed standard. Through the assignments, students are able to acquire hands on experience in the process of documenting historically and culturally significant buildings with the process of manual measuring, technical drawings, in-depth research and model making.

This report showcases important information regarding the traditional Kedah buildings in various aspects. The focus

of the report is to analyse the relationship of its culture and history, architecture and design, and building construction.

The aims of the assignment is as follow:●

To produce sketches as proof of individual’s in-depth understanding of the building

●

To accurately measure the buildings and produce technical drawings based on the measurements as it is.

●

To produce a report that compiles all the information gathered from research on the buildings

●

To produce a video as a documentation of the building

●

To produce a scaled model based on the documentations of the buildings

The report aims to answer the following questions regarding how does the culture and history affect the function and features of the buildings; what significance does the buildings show in architectural and design aspects; what are the functions and types of the construction details; how do the social classes affect the materials and where are they acquired.

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1.3

EQUIPMENTANDMETHODOLOGY

EQUIPMENT Several tools and equipment are used for various purposes, such as measuring or providing access to complete the process of measuring and documentation.

Bosch GLM 80 Professional Digital Laser Distance Meter This device has played an important role in the measuring and documentation of this project. This is a laser equipped device that is capable of measuring distances more efficiently and accurately. It is very useful for situations when the measured distance is not reachable or accessible by measuring tape. With various settings available, the device can measure heights of the roof or identify the distance between rafters. With the right mode, it can also measure angles.

The accuracy of the device is up to 3 decimal points.

Figure 1.1 Bosch GLM 80 Professional Digital Laser Distance Meter (Bosch, 2017)

6 Measuring Tape Measuring tapes are essential in any type of measurements involving building construction. It is an efficient tool that can be deployed quickly to get fast measurements. Measuring tapes are useful for measuring moderate distances of up to 20 meters and further distances of up to 100 meters depending on the type of measuring tape. For long distances, it is operated by 2 people as one end is placed at the starting edge and the other for the reading to get accurate measurements. It has measurement readings in centimeters and feet.

Figure 1.2 100-meter measuring tape (Komelon, 2017)

Figure 1.3 8-meter measuring tape (Stanley, 2017)

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Level Tool (R60Professional Set) The level tool is provided as a set together with the laser distance meter. The laser distance meter is kept in the level tool and can be removed easily. The level tool is required to ensure that

Figure 1.4 R 60 Professional Tool (Bosch, 2017)

measurements are aligned and straight and not angled.

DSLR Camera and Tripod Stand The camera is an essential tool in the process of documenting.

The camera needs to provide clear image that accurately depicts the features and elements of the building. It is used for the photobook compilation and video required from the assignments.

The pictures are also important for the detailing used in the

Figure 1.5 Canon DSLR with Stand (Canon, 2017)

drawings.

String The string has many functions for the measurements. Among the functions of string are, to set a boundary of measurement, to measure curved surfaces, to check alignments and to use as a marker on-site.

Figure 1.6 Ball of string (Dreamstime, 2017)

8 Extendable Ladder / Multi –purpose Ladder Ladder provides vertical access to unreachable heights. It is used to ease measurements that are high above

and could not be reached by human height. The ladder goes up to 3 meters depending on type.

Figure 1.7 Foldable ladder (Pepperfry, 2017)

Figure 1.8 Extension ladder (Werner, 2017)

9 Crane A crane was rented for a day during our on-site fieldwork. The crane provides very high elevations to measure

elements unreachable without proper equipment. It is used to measure elements on the roof.

Figure 1.9 Platform Crane (Iddin, 2017)

10 METHODOLOGY Methodology is important to get accurate measurements and to ensure the most efficient workforce. Therefore, several methods were used to measure and document the building appropriately.

Traditional Measuring Technique To measure each measurement manually on-site. The equipment used for this method were measuring tape, laser distance meter, string, ladder, level tool and crane. It is to use any means necessary to measure an element physically.

Figure 1.10 Measuring with crane (Iddin, 2017)

Figure 1.11 Measuring with ladder (Iddin, 2017)

Figure 1.12 Measuring with measuring tape (Iddin, 2017)

11 Taking Photos Taking photos with the camera is essential for the details of ornamentations. It will be too much of an effort to

measure every single detail on a single ornament. Instead, taking a photo and tracing them on software then scaling them is more efficient and appropriate.

On-Site Strategy In our situation where we had to measure two buildings, namely Rumah Sungai Ular and Surau Haji Abdul

Rahman Bin Abdullah. Therefore, we have separated our team to 3 groups with one photographer. The result is having 7-8 people measuring for buildings in 2 groups with roles such as, plans, elevation and section. And a group of 3 in charge of site context around the site. At the end of each measuring session, we discussed our measurements to ensure they are accurate.

Software Programs The methods we used for producing the technical drawing is through software programs such as AutoCAD. This is a much more effective method compared to manual drawings. As some team members are from semester 2, there are some lack of experience in that aspect.

12 Literature Research We have used several methods for researching the information and data regarding the buildings. The methods

include, using the internet, researching books, and interviews.

On the internet, we were able to find brief information regarding the culture and architecture of traditional houses in general. We were also able to get information on the construction details of the buildings. All sources are properly referenced for copyright laws.

Through the library, we were able to get detail information about traditional houses in Kedah, including culture, context and construction. The books are referenced appropriately.

During our site visit, we were able to interview an officer, En Zulkifli with knowledge on the building. We were able to get the much-needed history of the buildings that could not be found elsewhere.

13 Model-making Model-making is an essential part towards documenting the buildings. The models provide a solid representation

that gives the viewers freedom of perspective. To make the to-scale model, there are a few methods to consider and execute.

The main method used is to laser cut the materials for assembly with a laser cutting machine. The AutoCAD drawings are used as the machine’s reference. In the situations where laser cut is not efficient or effective for an element of the model, manual cutting technique with pen knife is used.

Upon completion of cutting, the model is assembled by hand with aid of binding materials. Much precaution is taken during the assembly process.

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1.4

LIMITATIONS

RANDOMERROR Also known as human error is the situation when an individual did not retrieve an accurate measurement. These errors can be caused by, wrong eye position, individual carelessness, and other external factors. To avoid this situation, we have checked our measurements multiple times to achieve the most accurate result.

LACK OF INFORMATION As our team was put on the spot to measure these buildings due to a change of site, we did not do prior research before the site visit. Also, the research of the buildings hit a snag when we were unable to get any details pertaining to the history of the building from all the sources. We were only able to get a brief history of both the buildings through the interview.

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1.5

SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY

The purpose of this report is to showcase and highlight the significance of Rumah Sungai Ular and Surau Haji Abdul Rahman Bin Abdullah in various aspects, mainly its cultural significance, its relationship with architecture, and the uniqueness of building construction. The report consists of information regarding the buildings and the influences such as society, economy, politics and site. These information and data are also purposed to preserve the recorded cultural and historical significance of the buildings.

Furthermore, this study gave us a precious insight of the cultural significance of these buildings. And provided us with profound knowledge regarding every detail we have studied upon. By documenting our research, it is with our regards that we are able to provide more people to have access to knowledge about these buildings and the architectural style in general. Also, to spread knowledge of the culture and daily activities of the traditional Malay lifestyle in hopes of more awareness to better understand and appreciate the traditional houses of Malaysia.

The study includes appropriate drawings, pictures, illustrations, video, and report to provide the most in-depth information that rediscovers the beauty of traditional Malay houses in Malaysia.

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2.1 HISTORY & CULTURE OF MALAYSIA HISTORY OF MALAYSIA Ancient times (8000 B.C-3rdCenturyAD) The arrival of stone-age hunters and gatherers was the pioneer that step foot in Malaya. Farmers were involved in agriculture activities. Bronze

and iron were the essence to the materials of farming tools. People settled along the rivers, bringing fishing and growing crops partly into their lives. In the North, Kedah was very happening as it was highly civilized and trace of influences from India through trade became Figure 2.1: The way of living of the past.

apparent. Buddhism and Hinduism were introduced as well.

(prepcue, 2017)

Srivijaya (7thCentury-13thCentury) Domination from the state of Srivijaya arose, controlling the coast of Malay Peninsular. Trades with India and China caused the Malacca straits to be ruled. Srivijaya was at it’s peak until the 11th century. It went downfall after it’s power declined.

Figure 2.2: The strategic spot at Malacca brought success to Srivijaya. (konfrontasi, 2017)

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Malacca (14thCentury-1511) A great leader, Parameswara and his followers discovered the land Melaka. Malacca was filled with power and wealth due to the tradings with Arab, Chinese and Indian. It brought attention to the

Portuguese causing the fall of Malacca.

Figure 2.3: Parameswara and his followers exploring the foreign land, which is named Malacca after that. (kttahun5sksl, 2017)

Johor

and

The

Dutch

(16th

Century-

17thCentury) The collaboration between Johor and the Dutch has led them to a successful domination towards Malacca. Portuguese was defeated

and replaced. In the 17th century, the Dutch wiped out the other European area.It was a glorious period of time for the Dutch and Figure 2.4: Portuguese was defeated by the force of Johor and Dutch. (holidaymapq, 2017)

Johor, as their power came together. In 1699, Sulatan Mahmud was assassinated and marks the end of Johor power.

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The Colonization of British (18thCentury) In 1786, Francis Light came into Penang and found Georgetown. In 1824, the Dutch surrendered Malacca to the British. The population of the states were rapidly increasing due to the entering of Chinese and Indian workers. Sarawak was also controlled by British and their territory expanded. `

Figure 2.5: Francis Light colonized Penang and his contribution has made Penang one of the strategic locations for trading purposes. (surakit, 2017)

British Malaya (1895-20th Century) British has expanded their influences throughout the whole Malaya. Beginning of the 20th century, one of the new

industry has become one of the popular industries - the rubber industry. In addition, the oil and tin industry has also joined in. Malayan’s economy has improve immensely until the 1930s where the economy falls. At that time, the unemployment rate rose.

Figure 2.6: Rubber estate was one of the rising industry during the colonization of British. (Iumwmalaysianstudies, 2017)

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The Rise of Japanese (1941-1942) On the 8th of December 1941, the invasion of the Japanese towards the Malay Peninsular occurred. The appearance of the Japanese has led British to surrender themselves. Japanese troops has conquered most of

the lands and Chinese were treated badly.

Figure 2.7: Japanese entered Malaya with great power. They’ve shown cruelty and were constantly spreading propaganda. (mahaguru, 2017)

Malaya Independence (1944-1965) In 1944, Japanese was defeated and British has decided to unify the states in Malayan called the Malayan Union. Some of the people opposed the idea of unifying the states. Many new parties was formed to take action regarding the matter, and come out with a solution. In 1955, A constitution for Malaya was prepare by the Reid Commission and Malaya soon achieved independence on 31st August 1957. The first prime minister was Tunku Abdul Rahman. In 1963, Singapore Sarawak and Figure 2.8: Tunku Abdul Rahman, the first Prime Minister during Malaysia’s Independence Day. (merpatiputih88, 2017)

Sbah joined Malaya. However in 1965, Singapore was separated.

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The Tragedy (1960-1969) In the 1960s, there was a racial incident whereby the Malays and NonMalays wasn’t in peace. The unsatisfactory between races has caused

arguments and violence in May 1969. On the 13th May 1969, the supporters of the opposition were celebrating their success while the supporters of governing parties were against the oppositions and all the difference in standings led to two days of violence. After the incident, a declaration regarding the state of emergency and also the suspension of parliament was Figure 2.9: The major racial argument and violence. (pinterest, 2017)

made.

Modern Malaysia (1971-1991) In

1971,

the

parliament

was

progressively

reconvened.

Malaysian

government restructured themselves, and incorporated new economic policies. Since then, Malaysia has improving and turning into a country that was filled with rich agriculture and industrial. In 1991, a new development Figure 2.10: The iconic Twin Tower located at Kuala Lumpur. (inspireholidays, 2017)

policy was implemented.

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Malaysia, filled background,

with

rich historical

undergone

a

journey

and with

cultural multiple

encounter with the foreigners, that has made us known to a widespread of exposure towards the outside world, that made us accepting, being able to tolerate, and stand as one regardless of where we’ve come from, that

Figure 2.11: Malaysia, a country filled with multicultural

has lived in peace and strive towards the known and

individuals that lived in peace and harmony. (emaze,

unknown that are ahead of us together. As the citizen of

2017)

Malaysia,

all

the

great

fights

and

remarkable

contributions by the people cannot be forgotten. In fact, it has to be revisited to remind us who we are, and what we’re capable of. In terms of the architectural aspects, we begin from the old days, where the natural environment became inspirations and resources to

survival purposes, to new creations, to a soulful shelter.

We trace back to the traditional Malay houses, going back to the basics, and rediscover the values and ideas behind these buildings.

Figure 2.12: The warriors of the country, that protected the land shall always be remembered, with the build of National Monument. (oxfordpoetryelection, 2017)

23 CULTURE OF MALAYSIA

The cultural background of the people are always reflected in vernacular architecture, by understanding the interaction that speaks for itself. In the past, the neighborhood is always filled with people from all races.

Houses were always spread out in a specific zone with

vegetation surrounding the houses. There is a culture of people visiting neighboring houses, sharing stories, Figure 2.13: The absence of boundaries around houses, openness and intimacy were still retained. (srikanditunteja,2017)

carrying out small talks or even helping out one another. It was a simple life that people were living in. Houses were located nearby with one another. Thus, even though it was individual houses spread on a coverage of an area,

but the way of living is open and intimate. There wasn’t any boundary restricting each family’s spaces back then.

People were more closer together, by being able to see whats going on in the surrounding and without having barriers in between. It was a friendly environment that was reflected by the orientation of houses, where everyone in the neighborhood is included.

Figure 2.14: The friendly environment, that allows people to visit one another freely. (remembersingapore, 2017)

24 In terms of the structural aspect, the house is raised by multiple linear post. With it’s condition being raised, the drainage system of the kitchen in traditional Malay houses becomes an addition to the nourishment of the surrounding vegetation. Some facilities are located outside the house, such as the well and the toilet that reflects the Malay building culture. There are a lot of daily life routines that affects the functionality inside the house.For example, the highly ventilated roof is sometimes used as the space to dry dishes. Every element in this concept of a traditional Malay house allowed us to understand the people, especially people from the past that were living in a basic lifestyle, making full use of the spaces in the house, fulfilling multiple or specific functions, It shows how the house is constructed in a way where every design elements is essential and contributes to fit the needs of the people and a certain culture or social aspects.

It wasn’t about modernizing the lifestyles of the people in the past, or acknowledging how much has the financial success that we have achieved, but the reasons to persist the traditional form of design and construction that are more noticeable.

Figure 2.15: A basic shelter to complement the simple living without neglecting the consideration of the environmental factors. (sda-architect,2017)

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2.2 HISTORY OF MALAY ARCHITECTURE The Malay vernacular architecture in Malaysia established by the Malay race has created authentic houses that has reflected the life of Malay culture. The traditional Malay houses that can be seen signifies the early progression of basic houses.The idea of public and private spaces weren’t

the considerations to design a house. Their focus isn’t about the architectural elements, such as the doors or walls. Thus, the spatial quality of the spaces in traditional Malay houses was not put into attention. The most apparent structure that can be seen in a traditional Malay house is the post-andbeam support system. It was defined by the positioning of

the post, the raise of floor level against the ground and the construction method done by wood. In South East Asia countries, similar elements like the raised floor level, gable roofs, and also linear posts can be found too. This shows how the Malay vernacular architecture is a representation of Figure 2.16: A conventional traditional Malay house is mainly supported using the post-and-beam system, which can be seen clearly. (Quinn, 2017)

the beginning of the architectural styles in the South East Asia region.The history of the

traditional Malay house

shares the same features, elements and structure among the other similar houses in South East Asia countries. For example, countries like Thailand and Indonesia also can find these similar concepts of a traditional Malay houses.

26 Traditional Malay houses are similar to one another, but it comes with a little variation based on the different

parts of Peninsular Malaysia. The Malay vernacular architecture has been modified with implementations of new style from the exposure of the outside world, countries like Indonesian, Siamese, Arab, British, Dutch, Portuguese, Southern Chinese and more. For example, In the 15th century, it was the period when a

large numbers of Chinese laborers arrived and worked in Selangor, Perak as well as Pahang.

Figure 2.17: The map above shows the Peninsular Malaysia and the definite location of each states.(ngsoongwenn, 2017)

Figure 2.18 & 2.19: The basic design of a traditional malay house. (pinterest,2017) (flickriver, 2017) The traditional Malay house building style was first brought in by a Chinese worker, where he built an unique form of house for the them to accommodate his basic design that still reminds us his intentions of designing the house.

27 Wood is the main material used to build building structures of a traditional Malay house, including walls, doors, windows and more. Most of the materials can be found in forest areas. At that time, Nipa palm, Nibong, and swamp palms were being used for roof materials. Some of these materials are split into banks to be used for the flooring as well.

Some of the traditional Malay uses the similar roof materials, but

Figure 2.20: Hardwood that are commonly used to build the house is cengal wood.(manchestertimbermerchants, 2017)

corrugated iron has virtually replaced atap roof. In addition, Malay houses has evolved and changed to suit people’s taste. For instance, the use of furniture and the choice of walls height. But, the main layout design of a Traditional Malay house remains the same: Rumah Ibu, Rumah Dapur, Serambi, and Anjung. These are part the culture of a

traditional Malay house.

Figure 2.21: Nipa palm leaves used to create atap roof. (dreamstime, 2017)

Rumah Dangau or Rumah Teratak is a single-unit house and it is also the earliest form of traditional Malay house.

It is rarely seen in Malaysia, but it can still be found in rural areas. Rumah Dangau / Teratak has only one single main space and a compact kitchen area, Figure 2.22 & 2.23: Examples of Rumah Dangau/Teratak. (pecidasase,2017)

some Rumah Dangau / Teratak has a porch extending from the building roof.

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In the 19th century, traditional Malay houses in Malacca often use wood carvings to decorate their houses. In addition, the staircase that are located in the front entrance were covered in art nouveau tiles. Traditional Malay houses in Malacca shows multicultural history such as the Chinese-inspired courtyard and tiled staircase. Hence, it

influences the pattern of carvings and being incorporated in ornamentation design of aa traditional Malay house.

Figure 2.24: Carvings and ornamentation that are incorporated in traditional Malay houses. (pinterest, 2017)

Figure 2.25: Carvings that are used to decorate the house are usually inspired the natural environment. Flora patterns are one of the commonly used patterns.(jadhomes, 2017)

29 HISTORY OF RUMAH DATO MURSYID DIRAJA HAJI ABDU L RAHMAN BIN ABDULLAH (SURAU)

This surau is owned by Dato 'Mursyid Sultan, Haji Abdul Rahman bin Abdullah, which is also known as Haji Abdul Rahman Merbok. It was a traditional Malay house originally, but the owner has decided to teach Al-Quran.

Hence, the owner transforms the Malay house into a surau. The Sultan of Kedah awarded the title ‘Dato 'Mursyid Royal’ to the building owner because of his own Figure 2.26: The overall view of the Surau.

(Quinn, 2017)

expertise in Islamic affairs.

The workers started the building construction of this Malay house in 1939 and the building is completed in 1941. Since the inhabitants of this house began in 1941, the house was made as a place to teach al-Quran and religious books.

The local community often visit the house for the purpose

of studying the religious sciences until his death on 1 November 1986.

The home Dato Mursyid was awarded to the State Figure 2.27: The South Elevation of the Surau.

The cylindrical shaped object is called the Beduk.

It was used during the prayers. (Quinn, 2017)

Museum Kedah in 1988 after a new house was built.

30 HISTORY OF RUMAH TRADISIONAL KAMPUNG SUNGAI ULAR, KULIM, KEDAH. This traditional Malay house was named Rumah Sungai Ular, Kulim. The owner of the house was Encik Saman Bin Saad. He gave the house to the Kedah State Museum on 19 September 1988 through the hands of the Tunku Abdul Jalil Bin Tunku Thiauddin, Kulim District Officer. The house used to display tools and pictures that shows the lifestyle of the people from the past. Present day, the house is no longer opened to public, but only open to students or any research study purposes.

Figure 2.28: The East Elevation of the house. The entrance was the staircase that leads the path towards the Anjung.(Quinn, 2017)

Figure 2.29: The Rumah Ibu, which is also the space where family members rest. (Quinn, 2017)

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2.3 THE CULTURE OF MALAY ARCHITECTURE MAIN FEATURES OF THE MALAY HOUSE The traditional Malay house not only reflects the creativity and the aesthetics of the Malay Culture, but also meets their socioeconomic, cultural and environmental needs.

The

traditional

normally

Malay

sets

in

a

house small

compound and the open spaces are usually facing the front and surrounded

with

vegetation.

Variety of fruit tress may pass the edge of the building.

Figure 2.30 & 2.31: The surrounding environment of the traditional Malay houses are filled with vegetation. (theodora, 2017) (cheeseburgerbuddha, 2017)

There is a well located at the back compound of the traditional Malay house for drinking, washing as well as bathing.

Figure 2.32: The well serves as an essential feature to the lives of the people, serving water for their daily usage. (123rf, 2017)

32 The main design of all the traditional Malay House has its own building construction method which allows the house to be easily assemble and disassemble wherever or whenever necessary.

Another main feature of all the traditional Malay house is the

height of the building, steep sloping gable roof.

Figure 2.33: The joist that contributes to the support of the floorboards and the weight of the building. (Quinn, 2017)

Traditional Malay house has roof that are covered with atap, which are light in weight and also a good thermal insulator made from palm tree leaves. Atap roof cools down the interior spaces during the day and night, and it can release heat during daytime. Besides that, the roof is fit with tebar layar, which prevents the roof from leakage during rain fall, at the same time provides good ventilation.

Figure 2.34: The layer of atap leaves are tied up together and used to attached with the roof. (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 2.35: The steep roof with the rafters at the back of it supporting the whole roof structure. (Quinn, 2017)

33 In addition, another main feature of the traditional Malay house are the stilts, which is the post that supports the whole house, raising from the ground. Traditional Malay houses were usually built along the rivers. Thus, the idea of a raised floor construction is to avoid the dampness around the house in this hot and humid tropical climate. It can avoid flash floods during the rainy season and allow ventilation through the cracked woods flooring. In addition, the raised floor system prevent attacks from wild animals especially for Figure 2.36: The base of the columns are made up of concrete, with timber post to support and elevate the floor level. (Quinn, 2017)

those traditional Malay houses that are located in the forest.

All traditional Malay houses have at least two entrances. The main entrance is facing the front and another one facing the back. The front main entrance is mostly for male visitors.In contrast, the back entrance is for the women as well as the children. Female visitors usually enter from the back entrance to join the gatherings and activities held in the kitchen.

Figure 2.37: The staircase that leads to front and back entrances of the house. The form of the house that responds to the climate conditions is also shown. (eficienciaenergtica, 2017)

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Most of the traditional Malay house has slabs that are made from stone or timber at the base of the staircase. The spot is where visitors put their shoes before entering the house. Besides that, a clay water vessel (tempayan) with a water gourd (gayong) is put by the side for visitors to wash their feet upon ascending the stairs. This is to remain the cleanliness of the interior spaces.

Figure 2.39: The water gourd (Gayong) (northerndipper, 2017)

Figure 2.38: The clay water vessel (Tempayan) (kaskus, 2017)

35 INTERIOR SPACES OF THE MALAY HOUSE One of the most congenial aspects of the Malay house is its openness. All traditional Malay houses are divided into different spaces, instead of rooms. The most noticeable feature in the traditional Malay house is the absence of partitions or solid ceiling-height walls that separates spaces. Instead of creating a solid boundary, Malay people tend to use cloth as partitions to divide the spaces.

Figure 2.40: The division of spaces in a traditional Malay House.(archfullstop, 2017)

Figure 2.41: The possibilities and flexibility of expanding the traditional Malay house. (shirleysia-dissertation, 2017)

36 The traditional Malay house separate the spaces into 2 main categories:

I) The Public Spaces The staircase located at the front of the house is a gesture of a transitional space from a public region to a private region. It leads

people to the main area, which is what Malays call Anjung.

Anjung is a covered porch which is a space for people to gather around and relax. This spot is also where visitors that passes by the owner’s house and being greeted by them.

Figure 2.42: The indication of the staircase leading to the Anjung (Covered Porch). (rumahkereda, 2017)

The Anjung leads to a long and narrow reception area, which the Malay calls it Serambi, which connects the front porch to the core of the house.This is a space where social interaction take place and religious functions are carried out. The space is mainly occupied for non-family members. Since the Serambi is an open space, the space has more air ventilation.

Figure 2.43: The Serambi fits as a welcoming space for visitors. (keywordsking, 2017)

37 ii) The Private Spaces

The space adjacent to the Serambi is called the Rumah Ibu. It is the main area of the traditional Malay house, one of the most private and sacred space. This space where people carry out prayers and rest. In addition, they perform household chores, for instance ironing and sewing in Rumah Ibu.

Figure 2.44: The Rumah Ibu is where the privacy of the family members are retained. (adesibank, 2017)

Other than Rumah Ibu, there is also an attic space called Loteng. It is found in some traditional Malay house, which is located in the roof space, under the gables of Rumah Ibu.

Figure 2.46: The roof attic.(ujie, 2017)

Figure 2.45: The stairway to acces the roof attic.(rumahwarisanrabiahmatkleba ngbesar, 2017)

38

Selang, which is a closed corridor that leads to the Rumah Dapur, the kitchen of the traditional Malay house. The kitchen of the traditional Malay house is located at the back of the house compound, this is mainly

for the women to gather and cook. It is also a space for the family members to dine.

Figure 2.47: The kitchen (kosmo, 2017)

The kitchen has a fire box for cooking purposes. At the very end of the house,

Figure 2.48: The Pelantar (An open platform) (mycuteshoppe, 2017)

there is an open platform, also known as the Pelantar. It is constructed by timber and is a build in utility in the Rumah Dapur. This is the space for the family to prepare food and to wash their clothes as well as the dishes.

Figure 2.49: An extension at the kitchen area. (mycuteshoppe, 2017)

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Figure 2.50: An ample space under the house to store items. (Quinn,2017)

Figure 2.50: An ample space under the house to store items. (Quinn,2017)

Figure 2.51: An example of a sugar cane clamp stored under the house, utilizing the empty spaces as a storage.

(Quinn, 2017)

The space underneath the house is catered as a storage space or a working area.

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2.4 HISTORY & THE CULTURE OF KEDAH

Figure 2.52 : Kedah state flag. (libra1002, 2017)

Insight Kedah additionally known by its honorific, Darul Aman, or "Abode of Peace" is a state of Malaysia. The place can be found in the North-Western part of the Peninsular Malaysia . The state covers an aggregate territory of more than 9,000 km², and it comprises of the terrain and Langkawi. The territory has a generally leveled landscape, which is utilized to develop rice which in other words, called the "rice-bowl' of Malaysia. Langkawi is an archipelago of islands, a large portion of which are uninhabited. Kedah was called Kadaram by old and medieval Tamil individuals and Syburi by the Siamese when it was under their influence. Toward the north, Kedah fringes the condition of Perlis and shares an universal limit with the Songkhla and Yala regions of Thailand. It's outskirts is Perak towards the South and Penang toward the South-West.

The state's capital is Alor Setar and the regal seat is in Anak Bukit. Other significant towns that can be found are Sungai Petani, Kulim on the terrain, and Kuah on Langkawi.

41 2.4.1 GEOGRAPHY

Figure 2.53 : Maps of Kedah. (instant2travel, 2017)

Figure 2.54 : Pedu Lake of Kedah. (flickr, 2017)

Kedah is the eighth biggest state and also one of the most populated state in Malaysia, with an aggregate land zone of 9,500 km2 (3,700 sq mi), and a populace of 1,890,098.

The Pedu Lake is the biggest man-made lake in the state.

42 2.4.2 CLIMATE

Figure 2.55 : Graph of Kedah climate throughout the year. (en.climate-data.org, 2017)

Kedah has a tropical climate. The city has a critical precipitation, even in the driest month, there is still a considerable measure of rain. As indicated by Köppen and Geiger, this atmosphere is named (Af = Tropical rainforest atmosphere; normal precipitation of no less than 60 mm (2.4 in) in consistently). The normal yearly temperature is 19.5 °C in Kedah.

Precipitation here midpoints 1935 mm.

The driest month is July, with 67 mm of precipitation. The majority of precipitation in Kedah falls on the November, averaging 245 mm.

The hottest month of the year is April, with an average temperature of 20.1 °C. July is the coldest month, with temperatures averaging 19.0 °C.

43 2.4.3 ECONOMY

Figure 2.56 : Picture show paddy field of Kedah. (prezi, 2017) Kedah is known as the "rice bowl" (Malay: Jelapang Padi) of Malaysia, representing about portion of Malaysia's aggregate creation of rice. In 2008, the state government restricted the transformation of paddy fields to lodging and mechanical parts to secure the rice business. Tourism, especially on the island of Langkawi is one of the developing significance.

Kedah has fashioned its economy towards the car and aviation businesses with Modenas and Asian Composites setting up bases here. One of the fundamental preferences is the low work costs and the foundation set up with the North-South Expressway and the Penang International Airport close by. In 1996, the Kulim Hi-Tech Park (KHTP) was formally opened as the main high innovation mechanical stop in Malaysia. The Park contains an aggregate land territory of around 14.5 square kilometers (5.6 mi²).

This monetary region is a piece of the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER). The Northern Corridor Economic Region is one of the three improvements made by locals in Peninsular Malaysia; other advancement areas being the Iskandar Malaysia (or South Johor Economic Region) and the East Coast Development Region.

44 2.4.4 ARCHITECTURE

Figure 2.57 : Traditional Malay House around Malaysia. (prezi, 2017) Customary Malay engineering was extremely basic and moderate to oblige their families with exceptionally basic instruments and low economy around them. As time passed by, there was an incredible advancement in their development strategy to suit their evolving way of life, condition and needs.

The customary Malay house is one of the wealthiest segments of Malaysia's social legacy. It is planned and worked by the villagers themselves. It has demonstrates the imaginative and tasteful aptitudes of the Malays. The outline of the conventional Malay house mirrors the personality of the proprietor as well as demonstrate the financial, social and history of the past. The conventional Malay house highlighted Malays in all way. The diversity between the house in each state demonstrated that different regions has their own respective differences. The houses are designed well intended to suit its nearby climatic conditions and express the lifestyle of its occupants, as far as adaptability and multifunctional employments.

The area of Kedah and Perlis makes the state of the Kedah Long Roofed House and Perlis Long Roofed House practically comparable aside from the game plan of the different areas of the house. The course of action of the Kedah Long Roofed House is stretched and has a long level rooftop with it's peak closes at the closures.

45 2.4.5 INFLUENCES

Figure 2.58 : Traditional trading in Malaysia. (pinterest, 2017) The spread of Islamic culture in Malaysia is said to have a few hypothesis. The landing of Islam through trade has exist since before thirteenth century. The port on the shoreline of peninsular Malaysia, eastern Sumatra, and the northern island of Java have been distinguished to be a critical amid seventh and eighth century. Materials, for example, fragrant wood and flavors has been a noteworthy things which includes China, India and the Mediterranean area. Preacher action Plays an essential role back then. Preachers who had arrived by means of trader boats had spread Islamic lessons and convictions to the nearby individuals. Thus, they figured out how to spread Islam to the neighborhood rulers. Toward the end of the thirteenth century, a few ports in northern Sumatra was overwhelmed by Islam. From there, Islam has spread to peninsular Malaysia. Malay wood cutting is absolutely utilizes Islamic standards and theories as a center component in creating wood carvings. Along these lines, all Hindu-Buddhist creatures themes were wiped out. In addition, Malay culture has slowly impacted the premise of wood carving logic.

47 Calligraphy It was one of the things that were acknowledged by the Malay Muslims. The carvers has been effectively creating work of art highlighting Islamic craftsmanship. Calligraphy kept on setting among the carvers and regularly incoporated with nature and geometric themes. The calligraphy has its own significance and usually displaced openly to the public.

The message relies upon the capacity of space.

Figure 2.61 : Picture shown calligraphy craving. (prophetpbuh, 2017)

Geometry This geometric themes kept growing in accordance with the acknowledgment of the Malays to Islam. At the point when creatures thought processes are not permitted, the carvers start to apply the geometric examples in the cutting. For most of the part, the geometric themes joined with calligraphic themes. There are geometric themes joined with verdure. Geometric themes utilizes Islamic geometry found in mosque, tombs, royal residences and houses.

Figure 2.62 : Picture shown geomertry style craving.

(Quinn, 2017)

46 Wood Carving in Kedah Traditional Architecture Fauna Gagak Sura winged creature theme were use for illustrious occasion. The legendary animals, for example, the garuda, the God's vehicle were indicated among the people even before Islamic culture.

After the attack of Islam in the district, all Hindu-Buddhist creatures themes were dispensed. Creatures theme that have been chosen were changed shrewdly and has been delivered in an unique way.

Figure 2.59 : Picture shown Gagak Sura. (ipedr, 2017)

Flora Malays gravitates towards the floral theme since Islam restricts the utilization of creature themes. Thus, the Malay carvers applies develop nature as part of the carvings. At times, the plants theme were taken from non-vital or obscure species by any means. In any case, the imagination of the carvers have made the carvings more intriguing. NIn present day, the plant theme carvings contain stylish components. Some of the plants carvers create are inspired by plants planted around the house Figure 2.60 : Picture shown flora craving on wood. (pinterest, 2017)

48

Figure 2.63 : Picture shown cosmos theme on the wood craving. Quinn, 2017)

Cosmos In the past, peoplein the Malay culture regularly uses elements such as the sun, moon, stars, mists move, the slopes, waves, et cetera. Sun and star are the most regular themes utilized as a part of peak finishes.

49

2.5 HISTORY & THE CULTURE OF ALOR SETAR

Figure 2.64 : View of Alor Setar city. (anotherbrickinwall, 2017)

Geography Alor Setar is situated in the North-Western piece of Malaysia. Alor Setar has a population of more than 366,787 individuals.

It's fringe region areKubang Pasu, Pokok Sena and Pendang. It is situated at Coordinates 6 ° 7'N 100 ° 22'E, at the edge of the Malacca Strait which isolates Malaysia from Indonesia.

The city once enveloped a range of 666 km²; and it was then lessened to a coverage of 424 km² because of the production of the new area of Pokok Sena. Alor Setar is encompassed by critical stream frameworks, for example, the Kedah River, River Langgar, Tajar River, Anak Bukit River, Alor Malai and Alor Merah.

50 2.5.1 CLIMATE

Figure 2.65 : Climate of Alor Setar during the day. (tripmondo, 2017)

Similarly with all parts of Malaysia, Alor Setar has an extremely protracted wet season.It is regular in a few districts with the same atmosphere, precipitation is seen not withstanding amid the short dry season. The average temperature is around 32 degrees Celsius and minimal temperature is around 23 degrees Celsius. Alor Setar has frequent rainfall, as large as 2300 mm of precipitation every year.

51 2.5.2 DEMOGRAPHY

Figure 2.66 : Climate of Alor Setar during the day. (pinterest, 2017) A larger part of Alor Setar are comprised of Kedahan Malay while the minority ethnics are trailed by Chinese, Indian, Thai, and different Malays incorporate such as Pattani Malay.

52 2.5.3 HISTORY

Figure 2.67 : Picture shown was Sultan Abdul Hamid Shah Alor Setar was established in 1735 by Kedah's nineteenth Ruler, Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin II and is the state's eighth managerial focus since the foundation of the Kedah Sultanate in 1136. The prior managerial focuses were situated in Kota Bukit Meriam, Kota Sungai Emas, Kota Siputeh, Kota Naga, Kota Sena, Kota Indera Kayangan and Kota Bukit Pinang.

Noteworthy occasions kept here incorporated the passing on of Perlis and Setul (now Satun) to Kedah by the Siamese in May 1897 (both regions were isolated from Kedah since 1821) and a 90-day celebration from June to September 1904 to commend the wedding of the five offspring of Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah.

Alor Setar became the ninth city in Malaysia on 21 December 2003. The announcement service to pronounce the Kedah's capital city was held at Dataran Tunku, Alor Setar. The people that were present at the memorable service were Sultan Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah and his partner Che' Puan Haminah Hamidun, the Raja Muda of Kedah and Raja Puan Muda (Heir Apparent of Kedah State and his associate), individuals from the Kedah sovereignty, parliament individuals and state exco individuals. The function was likewise seen by regular people and tourist.

53 2.5.4 CULTURE

Figure 2.68 : Picture shown is Tradtional Silat Kedah, which is a multi-racial state filled with races like the Malays, Chinese, Indians and Thais, Kedah is actually multisocial. In spite of the fact that Islam is the national religion, opportunity of love is ensured. Bahasa Malaysia is the national dialect. However English is generally spoken.The social assorted qualities of Kedah is best reflected in its convention, the moment points of interest of engineering and way of life. Among the neighborhood conventional tunes and moves which are intelligent of everyday lives of the ordinary citizens are Tarian Cinta Sayang, Lagu-lagu Berendoi, Wayang Kulit, and so forth. Likewise, the Silat, which is a type of customary Malay self-protection, is additionally prominent in Kedah. It comes in different structures and typically performed at different events, for example, weddings and functions.The best beginning stage to investigate the social legacy of Kedah is Alor Setar itself, the state's capital. The various fine, old structures, for example, Balai Besar, Balai Seni Negeri, Masjid Zahir, Courthouse, and General Post Office characterized the climate of provincial administer and speaking to one of the most seasoned historic points of Alor Setar. An understanding into Kedah's rich social legacy can be examined by going by the State's Museum. The gallery houses an accumulation of ancient rarities, fine canvases and an extensive variety of verifiable relics. Being the most seasoned state, Kedah has a lot of these huge, valuable collectibles in plain view. The apparatuses under the Rumah Sungai Ular Kulim house was a few devices that was utilized in those days. For moment, there was the pengapit santan, pengapit tebu and so forth. It used to be a show for open, to mirror the way of life of the general population in those days. The design of the house is the standard format for larger part of the conventional Malay house. A lounge room in front, enters the rooms, and after that the kitchen. The room, individuals from the past used to utilize material to go about as the allotments to separate spaces.

54 2.5.5 ARCHITECTURE Rumah Kedah, it is privately known as Rumah Bumbung Panjang or the Long Roof House which mirrors the character of the customary Malay rooftop shape. Apart from the Rumah Bumbung Limas, Bumbung Lima and Bumbung Perak, The Rumah Panjang are the most seasoned to be recognized in Malaysia Penisula. It is the most straightforward of four specific house frames.

One of the main characteristics of Rumah Kedah is the archiculation and ornamentation of the building. Most decoration focus on openings such as windows rails(Jerejak), ventilations(Kerawang), roof eaves(Meleh) and rafter boards(Papan Cantik).

Figure 2.69 : Ornament of Traditional Malay House. (pinterest, 2017)

It is built on stilts like most Malay House, however the main floor is raised higher above ground than other Malay House. This is purposely designed based on the environmental factors in Kedah, which is having paddy fields in the surrounding.

Figure 2.70 : Common Malay House in Kedah. (ilusidanfantasi, 2017)

55

The most commmon 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).

Figure 2.71 : Picture shown traditional Malay House roofing. (aldeeny, 2017)

Simple gable roof supported by king posts used by traditional Malay house.

Figure 2.72 : Picture shown traditional support construction of roof. (prezi, 2017)

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3.1 SITE CONTEXT Located at the capital of Kedah, Alor Setar, the Kedah House and Surau is one of the historical building in the bustling city. It shares the same site compound as Kedah State Museum, sitting by the bank of Kedah River. They are facing towards the Darul

Aman Highway and surrounded by suburbs.

(Figure 3.1).

Figure 3.1 Aerial view of the site surrounding. The site is facing to Darul Aiman Highway, sitting by the banks of Kedah River. (GoogleMap, 2017)

58

1

5 Legend : 1.Wat Siam Bakar Bata 2.Persatuan

2

Leong

Say

Tong

4

3.Suburban area 4.MBAS

3

Swimming

Complex 5.Stadium Darul Aman

Figure 3.2 Aerial view of the site surrounding. The site is facing to Darul Aiman Highway, sitting by the banks of Kedah River. (GoogleMap, 2017)

Pool

59

3.1.1 Surrounding Buildings Darul Aman Stadium An all-seater and a multi-purpose stadium established in 1962 and opened officially by the Sultan of Kedah during

Malaya winning 1-0 against South Korea. After the expansion in 1997, it has a capacity of 40,000 seats. As the largest stadium in the state, it is currently used mostly for football matches. It was one of the venues for the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship as well as the official stadium for Malaysian Super League's club Kedah FA.

Figure 3.3 (Top) The aerial view of the stadium. (Google, 2017)

Figure 3.4 (Below) Entrance view of the stadium.(Google, 2017)

60 Persatuan Leong Say Tong Sitting just right behind of the Kedah house, Persatuan Leong Say Tong is a Chinese association in Kedah. Back in the days before independence, the Chinese organisation was established in order to unite China immigrants in Malaysia.

The purpose was to help out each other economically. The power of the association became stronger and till now it still exists in every corner of the country. The association are divided by the Chinese surnames, it was said that the surnames came from different regions of China. While Leong Say (陇輿 in Chinese) is the source for the surname Dong, Lee and Pang.

Figure 3.5 The elevation of Leong Say Tong. (Google , 2017)

61 Wat Samosornrajanukpradit (Thai: วัดสโมสรราชานุ ประดิษฐ ์)

A Thai Buddhist temple located in the Alor Setar suburb of Bakar Bata, often just known as Wat Siam Bakar Bata.

It is one of the influence of Thai. Kedah have ever been one of

Figure 3.6 : The entrance view of the temple. (GoogleMap, 2017)

the tributary states of Siam until 1909, when Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 was signed and ceded the states of Kedah,

Kelantan, and Terengganu to Great Britain while Pattani remained in Siamese hands. The treaty has defined the border between British and Siamese territories and ultimately became today's border between Malaysia and Thailand. The influence of Thai left well with the name of the places and the traditional entertainments, including this Thai Buddhist temple.

Figure 3.7 : Interior of the temple.

(GoogleMap, 2017)

62

MBAS Swimming Pool Complex A public swimming pool that serves as training center during weekdays. The depth of the swimming pool is suitable for kids and the entrance fee is very affordable with RM3 charges for adults during weekend. Therefore it is a

popular destination for local families during weekends.

Figure 3.8 : MBAS Swimming Pool (Google , 2017)

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3.1.2 Buildings In Site Compound Kedah State Museum

Figure 3.9 : Kedah State Museum is a 3 storey high building. (Google , 2017) Built in 1936 then relocated to its present site at Bakar Bata, near the banks of Kedah River in 1964. The present museum complex was completed in 1977 at a cost of RM8 million. The state museum is the centre of knowledge about Kedah with a large collection of Kedah's historical, culture, and royal heritages. The collection includes early Chinese porcelain, artifacts from the archaeological excavations in Bujang Valley and a 'gold tree', a gold sculpture of a small tree given annually by the early Kedah Sultanate to Siam as a tribute. It is a good place to learn Kedah’s history, dating back from the glorious Bujang Valley civilization between third century and twelfth century to the recent British colonial days.

64

Persatuan Sejarah Malaysia CawanganKedah (PSMCK) One of the branches of the Malaysian Historical Society, a non-government organisation established officially at 1953, aimed to preserve the historical documents and records as well as promote local history and culture. The headquarter is located at Kuala Lumpur, with branches in every states of the country. The organisation also

published journals and articles about historical studies, in order to educate the younger generations about the interesting history of Malaysia. To initiate the interest of the citizen in understanding Malaysia history, seminars and exhibitions are held annually and open to public.

Competitions are also organised to encourage students to study history from young age.

Figure 3.10 : Front facade of PSMCK (GoogleMap, 2017)

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3.1.3 Landscape

Figure 3.11: Palm trees behind Kedah house.

(Google, 2017)

Plants The compound of the house is heavily shaded with trees and covered with vegetation. This sets the house in a cooler environment. The setting of traditional Malay house that close to nature and surrounded by greenery absorbs lots of daylights, thus lessen the effect of glare.

66

Food is the most important elements in associating the relationship

between

plants

and

also

mankind.

Therefore, the cultivation of plants in Malay community is generally more focused on food necessity.

Among the plants/ crops species that could be seen are the example of plantation of Garcinia mangostana (mangosteen), Musa spp. (banana), Cocos nucifera (coconut), Artocarpus integer (cempedak/ jackfruit), Artocarpus

heteropyllus

Lam

(nangka/

jackfruit),

Mangifera spp. (mango) and many more.

Figure 3.12 : Mango tree at the site compound. (Ng, 2017)

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For every house, the plantation of trees that are food source become a vital necessity by considering Malay community culture that rarely buy the basic ingredients for the kitchen needs. Most of menus of Malays use raw materials in their surrounding area

Figure 3.13 : Banana trees beside the Kedah house.

(Ng, 2017)

Figure 3.14 : Banana trees beside the Kedah house. (Ng, 2017)

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3.2 Orientation of the Building 3.2.1 Malay Houses in Kampong According

to

The

Encyclopedia

of

Malaysia

Architecture (1998), kampongs have been described as several cluster Malay houses with its compound.

There

is

never

houses.Some mark

their

a

clear

settlers

use

boundaries

boundary a

within

coconut

whereas

others

the

trunk

to

use

a

small stream to identify the boundaries of the lot. This allows the villagers to roam around freely and partake in social interactions between each other. The compounds have a path that link between houses, for example,

roads

lead

from

house

to

public facilities such as a mosque, school, cemetery, shops and workplaces such as paddy fields, boat jetty and orchards.

Figure 3.15 : Kampong’s orientation.(Google, 2017)

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Figure 3.16 : Kampong’s organic layout.

(Google, 2017) Typically, houses in kampongs are arranged organically. The usage of the term “organic� being unplanned, natural, absence of clear polars and the exclusion of professional intervention. Normally, residents select the house location based on traditional beliefs. They used to and perhaps are still dependant on local carpenters and shamans in choosing the most optimal location for their residence. After the kampongs are developed into a substantial settlement, only then are modern infrastructures, facilities, and utilities are implemented. Soon, these Infrastructures and services determine the location of the houses.

70

Figure 3.17 : An example of a kampong communal activity being held.

(Google, 2017)

In kampongs, it was very conducive for doing communal activities within the settlement because of the open atmosphere, random layout and the lack of physical barriers. As such, this helps improve upon the concept of sharing, caring and cooperation among the kampong’s community.

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3.2.2 Orientation in relation to religious factor Al-Ahmadi once stated, that in order to place things in the Malay environments,orientation is one of the most important elements. Most traditional Malay houses found in kampongs are oriented to face the Qibla, which is facing West-Northwest. Syed Iskandar Ariffin found that, most traditional Malay house frontages were also oriented towards the main point of access to the site like footpath, pathway, track and road even if they need to abandon north-south orientation, the ideal orientation.

Figure 3.18 : Aerial view of the Qa’bah (Google, 2017)

Figure 3.19 : Location of Mecca (Google, 2017)

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As such, Qibla orientation is not taken as a deciding factor compared to the orientation of the main door.

However, this does not apply to mosques and suraus in the area due to the this particular necessity to face Mecca being extremely crucial. Apart from that, kampong houses do not face the back of another house directly.

Figure 3.20 : Surau in Kampong.

(Google, 2017)

Figure 3.21 : Surau Haji Abdul Rahman. (Quinn, 2017)

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3.2.3 Building Site Orientation

Figure 3.22 : Aerial View of the site (Google map, 2017)

Figure 3.23 : View of the buildings from parking lot (Quinn, 2017)

The buildings on site are facing to the southeast with the main entrance facing towards the wide parking lot. The parking lot was initially a field with trees before it was covered with tar. Both of the houses have their back facing to the Qibla. As Surau is a religious place, it is easier for the masses to arrange themselves for prayers if one part of the Surau is facing to the Qibla. The house is arranged parallel to the Surau, mainly for aesthetic purpose. They are both linked by a semicircle pathway arching out from both of their entrances to ease the access between two buildings.

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3.3 Design Concept

Figure 3.24 : Pureness of Materials ( Quinn, 2017 )

Figure 3.25 : Vernacular Architecture ( Quinn, 2017 )

Vernacular houses are usually designed with a deep understanding and respect for nature. A vast knowledge of nature’s ways and the ecological balance was present in most traditional societies as the villagers had to rely on the surrounding nature for most of their resources. Their food, medicine, and building and household materials were obtained directly from the natural environment. The natural approach found in our Malay house is reflected in the climatic design of the house.

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Figure 3.26 : Thermal Diagram. ( Google, 2017 ) To achieve thermal comfort, a traditional vernacular Malay house usually has to :

(a) allow adequate ventilation for cooling (b) use low capacity building materials so that little heat is transmitted into the house (c)control direct solar radition (d) control glare from the surrounding environment (e) provide shelter to the inhabitants against rain (f) ensure adequate natural vegetation in the surroundings to provide temperature cooling

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Figure 3.27 : Roof Details on Sheltering.( Iddin, 2017 )

The thatched house roof with large overhangs effectively controls solar radiation. The large overhangs provide good shelter from the sun and rainfall. It also allows the windows to be left open most of the time for ventilation, even during storms as the rain would not enter the house.

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Figure 3.30 : Ventilation on the Window (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 3.29: Ventilation Ornamental Gaps (Google map, 2017)

For example, there are many gaps in the building located in its windows, ventilation grilles and panels; and its open interior with minimum partition allow easy flow of air and a much cooler inside atmosphere.

As for heat management, both structures are made of wood and leaves for the roof. Their interiors are also very spacious, with little dividers in between them. Both of them also have carved floral decorations on top of the structure to help control the light flow in the house and aid in providing proper ventilation throughout the house.

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Figure 3.28 : Air Circulation through the house (Google, 2017)

There is an abundance of windows found in the Malay house and since the body level is the most vital area for ventilation, fully openable windows are often used. Not only that, the carved wooden panels and grilles found throughout the house are also effective ventilation devices. The roof of the house is also designed in such a way that it is used to direct and trap air to ventilate the roof space.

Another creative use of effective ventilation device is the use of patah in the roof. The vegetation planted around the houses are also designed in such a way that there is an optimal wind flow to the house.

79 Furthermore, the compound of the house is also often covered with vegetation. This sets the house in a cooler environment, as the trees and vegetation are not absorbing and storing heat from solar radiation and releasing it into the environment. Glare is controlled in these houses by excluding open skies and bright areas from the visual field.

The large overhangs help cover windows to reduce glare from the open skies. It can be observed that the traditional Figure 3.31 : Ventilation Ornament 1 (Quinn, 2017)

Malay house uses mainly ventilation and solar radiation

Figure 3.32 : Ventilation Ornament 2 (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 3.33 : Ventilation Ornament 3 (Quinn, 2017)

control devices to provide climatic comfort for the house.

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3.4 Spatial Organisation & Spatial Experience

Figure 3.34 : Example floor plan of Malay house from Negeri Sembilan (Google, 2017) The Malay house is often divided into areas, rather than rooms, for various social and household activities. The design of the house has also been dictated by the social mores of the Malays, such as the provision of a private space for the womenfolk and a public space for the entertaining of male guests, because the Malay house is always considered a unit of a larger community in the village.

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Basically, the traditional Malay house can be divided into three main areas, the ‘serambi’ (verandah), ‘rumah ibu’ (main house) and ‘dapur’ (kitchen). To separate the area, one slight floor level changes or doorways is made between the areas. Besides the three main areas, some of the houses have ‘anjung’ and ‘selang’. The anjung is a covered porch used as a relax area for family members or guest while selang is a passageway that links the main house to the kitchen and provides an effective firebreak between the areas in the house.

Figure 3.34 : Example floor plan of Malay house from Negeri Sembilan (Google, 2017)

82

3

As it can be seen on the right side, There are 5 spaces divided according to its user activities inside and it got its own names. It also gives different feelings and ambiences in different rooms.

2

4 1.

Anjung

2.

Serambi Gantung

3.

Rumah Ibu (Serambi Samanik)

4.

Dapur (Rumah Tengah)

1 Figure 3.35 Floor plan of Kedah traditional house.

(Measured Drawing Team Kedah Traditional House, 2017)

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Entrance Traditional Malay houses have at least two entrance by steps, the main entrance at the front for visitors and males and the one at the back mostly for women and children.

At the entrance, stairs lead up to a covered porch called the anjung. The porch acts as a good transition space

between the public and the private domains. The anjung also acts as an important focal point for the entrance.

Unfamiliar visitors and guests are entertained here. It is also a favourite place for the house occupants to rest, chat and watch the goings-on and passers-by in the village. It brings the harmonious and peaceful ambiance as the user entering the house and enable the cross ventilation since it is half open wall.

Figure 3.36 : Stairs leading up to the anjung. (Ng, 2017)

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Figure 3.37 : Serambi Gantung. (Quinn, 2017)

Serambi Gantung (Hanging Verandah) From the entrance porch, one enters into the serambi gantung.This is the place where most guests are entertained.

The windows in serambi gantung are low, allowing good ventilation and view to the exterior.

Through this space user can experience the harmonious and togetherness between users (family, friends, and relatives). There are a lot of openings that provide enough light penetration within the space. There is also additional lamps inside the room to maximise the needs of light. It also gives a relaxing ambiance with the help of good ventilation.

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Figure 3.38 : The dim lighting in the room are achieved by lesser window and openings. (Iddin, 2017)

Serambi Samanaik Serambi Samanaik is the connection between rumah ibu and the kitchen. This is the place where the user sleep and rest during the night.

Usually the users gather to do meetings, praying here. It is also a sleeping space for adults.The space has lesser windows and openings compared to other spaces in the house, giving a spiritual and calm ambiance. The dim lighting in the room are achieved by decreasing amount of openings. As the ceiling are higher than the wall partitions, it gives an open feeling to the user, so that one does not feel suffocating in the dim and enclosed space.

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Figure 3.39 : Kitchen (Iddin,2017)

Figure 3.40 : Cooking utensil. (Iddin, 2017)

Dapur (Kitchen) The kitchen is always situated at the back of the house, and is on the lowest floor level. Activities that are done here including the preparation of food, cooking, eating and washing. The womenfolk also often group here to chat.

It is the most spacious space in the house, with natural lights come in through every sides of the wall (it looks enclosed due to broken windows that we could not open). It gives an enjoyable and comfortable atmosphere for cooking activities and group conversations.

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3.5 Design Features The building emphasised on its roof and stilts of the foundation, both buildings are built above ground of a higher level.

The highlight feature is the decorations and ornaments in the building that reflected the way of traditional living and Malay culture. This includes the carvings that can be seen exterior as well as the arrangement of furnitures interior.

3.5.1 Kedah Traditional House

Figure 3.41 : East Side of the house (Quinn, 2017) The exterior of Kedah Traditional house are unique with the blend of nature materials, the placing of the wood planks wall, the framework of the joints and also the framework for windows and openings. It shows the pureness of material usage and design concept from the local builders.

88 East Side

Figure 3.42 : East Side of the house (Iddin, 2017)

The front side of the house is the east side from the compass, it exhibits mostly all main features of the house.

Transom Windows that allow the air to circulate between inside and outside space, The ornamental gable roof with traditional decoration, raised floor by using high foundation, short height staircase that leads to the anjung part of the house.

89 West Side

Figure 3.43 : West Side of the house (Iddin, 2017)

The back side of the house is the west side by compass, consisting portable or moveable pelantar (for washing and drying clothes) behind the kitchen space (dapur). The facade also included with horizontal arranged repetitive wood planks, timber door, and an additional space as it can be seen at the extended attap roof at the left side

90 South Side

Figure 3.44 : South Side of the house (Iddin, 2017)

The Anjung space of the house placed at the South side of the house, It shows the overall spaces and rooms that belong to the house. It shows the Anjung’s half open wall, repetitive timber planks wall placement, Transom windows, and different height of flooring and roofing.

91 North Side

Figure 3.45 : North Side of the house (Iddin, 2017)

The North side of the house mostly shows the high level of raised flooring, and it shows the extended views of the overall length of the house. As it can be seen below exhibit the longest room of the house, and repetitive wall to add.

92

Exterior Details

Figure 3.46 : Gable Screen ornament (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 3.47 : Roof Ornamental Detail (Quinn, 2017)

Part of the attap roof was well decorated with an authentic craft from the locals, which showed repetition and patterns bringing the sense of a whole or unify different parts of patterns.

93 Foundation This is part of the foundation of Kedah Traditional House, which functions as house support to enable the house to rise up higher, avoiding dangerous animals and enabling a cooler interior by cross ventilation through beneath the floor.

Figure 3.48 : Foundation of the House (Quinn, 2017)

94

Wall Exterior wall with repetition placement of wood panels, which is also part of the interior walls, brings both same experiences of harmonious and visually pleasing. Which includes the window frame that disguises as part of the exterior wall. Even though it looks neat and similar, but in actual it is different in sizes.

Figure 3.49 : Horizontal Wall (Iddin, 2017)

Figure 3.50 : Timber Wall Placing (Iddin, 2017)

95 Windows A part of the exterior of the house. Functioning to circulate the air and also exposing the interior spaces. In this Kedah Traditional house, it also functions as part of the ventilation even though it is closed which it enables the air to circulate throughout the house.

Figure 3.51 : Windows at Traditional House (Iddin, 2017)

96 Staircase The house also has a staircase which leads to the “Anjung� area, it helps the user to reach the enclosed space. It completes the house feature since it is one of the main exterior part that enables the user to enter the house.

Figure 3.52 : Staircase from South Side of the House (Iddin, 2017)

97 Interior Spaces A place for the users to obtain comfort and be secure. For the traditional Kedah house, the interior is the most vital area for ventilation because the house adpoted an open plan concept, providing good ventilation and shading purposes for the user. It gives a flexible option for users to experience a fully open space or fully enclosed spaces by using the openings elements in the house.

Figure 3.53 : Bedroom Space and ambience (Quinn, 2017)

98

It is contradicted by the statement mentioned before about spaces being free. It is flexible, depedant on the owners needs, as it has many openings such as the windows, that has swing doors. (Transom type windows).

Figure 3.54 : Transom Window Details(Quinn, 2017)

The interior of the traditional Malay house is commonly dim and under lit (if it is fully enclosed), giving a cool feeling and in a comfortable state to the users despite the hot weather.

Besides, carving is a glare breaker and light controller in the house.

Figure 3.55 : The wall lights in the house.

(Quinn, 2017)

99

Figure 3.56 : Examples of Furniture inside the house (Iddin, 2017)

The furniture arrangement also follows the function of the rooms and spaces. Usually made by the locals so it is all purely handmade and authentic, done by the locals. A commonly used wood material (Kayu Jati) and also other natural materials that can be found from the surroundings. It is carefully crafted by the locals to show it's texture and the colors that blends with the room color palette, giving it a harmony space.

100 Islamic Culture

Figure 3.57 : Example of Mosque Plan (Google, 2017)

From the Islamic view, Surau and Kedah house are defined as the safe shelters and private sanctuaries, best places to enjoy tranquillity because of its pureness tradition, by its function and design, it gives seclusion of female privacy (highly upheld by muslims) and individual rights that are free from any intrusion of privacy in life. A mosque plan are all closed for its privacy.

Figure 3.58 : Muslim Daily Life Diagram (Google, 2017)

The concept of privacy in Islam is embraced in the spaces they create. It is a segregation between male and female, segregation spaces between privacy lives and public interactions to protect the security of a family member.

101 3.5.2 Surau Surau's exterior is similar like the Kedah traditional house, the elements including doors, windows, staircase, attap roof,

exterior wall using timber planks, foundation wall and stumps. Mostly same like Kedah Traditional House which exhibits the pureness of material usage and local design concept.

Figure 3.59 : East Side of Surau (Iddin,2017)

East Side East Side of the Surau is also the front side, which shows the main staircase, windows, vertical repetitive wood planks wall,

and also building’s columns from all sides. It also shows the wudhu area where people (especially muslims) wash their face, hands, and feet before do the prayer inside the building. The surau displays the horizontal view of the gable roof.

102

Figure 3.60 : West Side of Surau (Iddin,2017)

Figure 3.61 : South Side of Surau (Iddin,2017)

South Side

West Side

South side of the house mainly exhibits the transom

The West side of the building shows the back side of

windows that displays the ventilation features of the house.

the surau, It displays the extended space at the back of

It shows the simplicity of the house design and the

the building. Also showing the gable roof which was

extended roof at the front side, with the roof support

invisible from the front side of the house. It also shows

structure that is visible from the human perspective. It also

the appearance of cross planning due the extended

preserves the “beduk� which can be found under the

wings spaces at the both sides.

surau.

103 North Side Below is the north side of the house which also has another staircase that leads to another room in the building. All the concrete below the staircase and columns functioned to prevent from the termites. Mostly shows the same features as the south side of the house, including door, transom windows and ventilation.

Figure 3.62 : North Side of Surau (Iddin,2017)

104

Figure 3.63 : Ventilation Carving detail (Quinn,2017)

Carving at the openings and wall panel at the traditional Malay house also acts as shading devices in controlling and filtering the undesirable effects. The illumination level of interior space is significant as having sufficient amount to complete the task required should be satisfactory or else excessive amount can be wasteful and consume more energy.

The use of carvings at the opening break up large bright areas into narrow light holes, yet permit enough light to the interiors.

105

Figure 3.64 : Surau Interior Details (Quinn, 2017)

For Surau, It was a spacious space where there are a lot of lights penetrate through the ‘open-ceiling’ and through every holes, ventilation is possible through the openable windows. It gives a spiritual and free atmosphere, where

people can freely come in and do prayers, it also gives a calm ambience through its openness where people could hear the wind blows and birds chirping.

106

3.6 Ornamentations and Details 3.6.1 Ornaments

Figure 3.65 : Floral carvings on the staircase. (Quinn, 2017) The motifs of flora are considered as the most prominent and recurrent decorative patterns found in Malay woodcarvings. The study found that floral motifs of specific plants with its elements including flowers, flower buds, leaves, tendrils, fruits, and shoots were the most popular design pattern employed in the carvings of Malay houses.

They were arranged to form one complete carving with a certain degree of complexity and intricacy.

107 1. Doors Windows and doors are the main elements for ventilation at

body level. There are many full length openable windows and doors at body level in Malay house to allow cross ventilation.

The door consists of two boards that usually open inwards; only rarely do doors open outwards. In some houses there are sliding doors. Such doors are still seen in some kutai houses

in Perak. The doors of traditional houses usually had bolts or crossbars, but the modern limas houses have locks or padlocks.

Figure 3.66 Door Knob in Surau (Quinn, 2017)

Traditional Malay houses usually have three doors: I. the front door, located in the front verandah or porch; II. the passage door, located in the passage or at the part where the main house and the passage meet; III. the back door, located behind the kitchen.

In addition to the doors that lead out of the house, there are also doors within the house, such as the room doors, verandah doors, and doors that separate areas in the main house from the passage and the kitchen.

Figure 3.67 : Openings in the living area of the Surau. (Quinn, 2017)

108

2. Windows The design of windows in traditional Malay house has different opening sizes and flexibility to adjust

with

the

changing

of

microclimate,

specifically daylight intensity and distribution.

Daylight distribution is not uniform and always moving due to the dense cloud cover .

Most of the windows are latticed. The windows consist of two shutters that open outwards (Figure 3.68 ). There are some instances where the shutters of the windows extend to the floor and part of the opening is latticed. There are also window openings that are not latticed. Like the doors, the windows have wooden frames known as the uprights or pedestals.The uprights are

joined by fillets, as decoration for the walls.

Figure 3.68 : Double casement window in Kedah House. (Quinn, 2017)

109

3. Roof

Figure 3.69 : Tebar layar on the roof. (Iddin,2017)

Figure 3.70 : The ornaments on the roof.

(Iddin,2017)

Depending on types of traditional Malay house, some appear to have intricate woodcarvings such as tebar layar, which allows air passage through the roof area.

110

The use of the sunbeam motif on the gable screens of the traditional houses symbolizes the beginning and the end of the day.

Figure 3.71: The sunbeam motif on the gable screen. (Quinn, 2017)

Motif of a specific plant with its various elements

represents the natural growth and movement of life in living plant. This suggests a manifestation of craftsman’s perception of the beauty in nature into the art form. Several types of plants such as ketumbit, ketam guri, bayam pereaksi (all are weeds grown in house yards) and kekacang (climbing legume) are generally represented as focal objects in the carving composition.

Figure 3.72 : Floral carvings at the wall panel. (Quinn, 2017)

111

Figure 3.74 : Window’s Ventilation (Iddin, 2017)

Figure 3.75 : Window’s Ventilation (Iddin, 2017)

Other than these, there are also decorative elements, specifically designed to allow air passage into the interior part of the house. It depicts the ventilation approaches from openings as well as other design element in order to achieve thermal comfort.

For example, cut out carvings are normally used on gables, timber panel above doors or windows, and wind holes at higher level of partition, in order to provide good ventilation and airy spaces.

It is worth noticing that the decorations are not merely objects of beauty, but also as mean to create an environment of peace and tranquility.

112 The traditional craftsmen used two methods of floral motif depiction:

(1) close imitation of natural plants from immediate surroundings, and (2) transformation of the plant motifs that barely resemble their real-life image.

The woodcarvers have responded to the pristine beauty of a natural plant by preserving it in forms of woodcarving with the best way whenever they can. The name for the floral motif was usually derived from the original plants.

However, some motifs are without name because its depiction is based on the woodcarvers’ imagination.

Figure 3.73 : Ventilation Carving on the wall (Quinn, 2017)

113

3.6.2 Decoration There is a deer head hanging at the wall, from the interview, we know that it is for decoration purpose.

At the same time, it can be used to hang clothes and songkok.

Figure 3.76 : Deer head wall decoration in Kedah House.

(Ng, 2017)

114

3.7 Visual Experiences From distance, these houses look merged with the surroundings (plants and trees) because of its usage of timber

material and simple form of construction. These examples of unique features, shows that the houses are not possessed by the grandeur found in modern buildings designed by modern self-conscious designers but it reflects other qualities lacking in the modern buildings - a clear expression of the way of life and culture of its users.

115 3.7.1 Roof Juxtaposition The roof, which is large, dominates the low walls and the open stilted bottom of the house. The juxtaposition (two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect) of the roofs with different sizes and at different orientations creates an interesting visual form.

Figure 3.77 : Surau’s Roof (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 3.78 : House’s Roof (Quinn, 2017)

116 3.7.2 House Decoration The house’s decoration also pleases the user’s or visitor’s eyes, it derived from local flowers and curved shapes that shows Malay’s uniqueness and creativity for its crafts. It shows repetition and pattern by the design of the decorations, that shows consistency and creates a visual interest through users eyes.

Figure 3.79 : Gable Screen Decoration (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 3.80 : Ornamental Ventilation (Quinn, 2017)

117 3.7.3 Light Penetration Light can be included as one of the element of the house because due to light, it is possible to perceive different

atmospheres in the same environment. Light also constitutes an element of fundamental relevance and therefore it plays a significant role in the architecture. The light comes in between the holes of the decoration ventilation, as it can be seen besides. It creates order and rhythm and change the spatial effect that gives different atmosphere.

Figure 3.81 : Light Illusion in house (Quinn,2017)

Figure 3.82 : Light Penetration details (Quinn, 2017)

118

3.7.4 Woodwork & Framework The woodwork and framework shows its quality of the builder, how they actually built the building without using any modern machine but relies on their creativity in using joints and trust for the wall, flooring, foundation, windows, doors, and roofing. Its complexity (emphasized on the roof framework) of the framework also brings the sense of tall and high ceiling (open ceiling) by merging it with the attap roof.

Figure 3.83 : Ceiling’s joist (Iddin, 2017)

Figure 3.84 : Flooring’s Joist (Quinn, 2017)

119 3.7.5 Vernacular Architecture The dimension of Malay vernacular architecture with different spatial and physical qualities of its relate time involves with the complementation of various cultural roots, offering a

potential concepts to

be called

contemporary vernacular architecture. a clear expression of the way of life and culture of its users. Shows its pureness through the usage of material and shapes.

Figure 3.85 : Vernacular Architecture Details (Quinn, 2017)

120

3.7.6 Landscape View Different views can be seen through all openings inside the house, and actually we can see it from the east, west, north, and south side. Due to the openings from all sides of the house, it serves a lot of views from different directions.

It also helps the user to be pre-cautious

of its

surroundings, as an example if there is any dangerous animals or disaster from a far.

Figure 3.86 : Surau Window’s view (Quinn, 2017)

121

3.8 Comparison Analysis of the Malay House Though the basic house form and construction methods are similar, the malay house style,

particularly the design of the roof, vary from state to state in Peninsular Malaysia. The Malay house may be roughly divided into three types:

Malacca-Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan-Terengganu, and Johor-Selangor-Perak.

This

topic

discusses

the

differences

and

similarities of the features in Malay House from east and west Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah, Sarawak.

Figure 3.87 : The design of Malay House varies from states to states in Peninsular Malaysia.

(Google, 2017)

122 3.8.1 Roof Various traditional and hybrid Malay house forms are classified mainly by their roof shapes. The basic house forms are the bumbung panjang, bumbung lima, bumbung perak and bumbung limas.

Figure 3.88 : Indoor view of the roof. (Quinn, 2017)

123

3.8.2 Kedah House Locally known as Rumah Bumbung Panjang or the Long Roof House which characterised by the long gable roof. It is the simplest and most common of the four mentioned house forms, with a kingpost supporting the structure. 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. 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).

The simple bumbung panjang roof-form is most efficient in its

ventilation properties. Its simple funnel shape, the use of ventilation grilles at its gable ends (tebar layar) and the use of ventilation joints allow good ventilation of the roof space which cools the house effectively. The roof is simple and easy to construct, and this partly explains the popularity of this house form among the poorer villagers and those who build houses themselves.

Figure 3.89 : Typical Kedah Traditional House (Google, 2017)

124 3.8.3 Malaccan Style The steep central trussed roof is very dominant and usually carries a livable attic space. The roof design further distinguishes the influences in each locality, making it easier to recognised from a Pahang house and so forth.

Figure 3.90 : View of a Negeri Sembilan house type (Google, 2017)

The most distinctive feature is the gracefully curved profile of the Negeri Sembilan roof which originates from the Sumatran Minangkabao style. Traces of Bugis influences are also to be found in some of the Johor houses.

125

3.8.4 Perak House The house is easily recognized by its graceful steep roof. The characteristic change in pitch is very slight

and more often in the form of a gentle curved surface.

Figure 3.91 : View of a Perak house type (Google, 2017)

3.8.5 East Coast Malay houses at east coast has a tiered roofs with curved gable ends, a feature that is not found on houses on the west coast. The roof is usually covered with singhorra tiles, named after the town, Songkhla where the tiles originate. Gently curved peles (gabes ends) are fitted to the ends of the roof

overhangs, appearance.

giving

the

houses

a

distinctive Figure 3.92 : View of a Kelantan house type (Google, 2017)

126

3.8.6 Spatial Layout In terms of spatial layout, though most of the Malay houses are following the principal layout from the traditional ones, there are modifications made in order to adequate the lifestyle of users in different states of Malaysia.

3.8.7 Malaccan Malay House The court space, which is peculiar only to Malay houses in Malacca, is an intimate and private interior open space in between the rumah ibu and the dapur. This space is the wet core of the house where the washing, drying and toilet areas are situated. It is often beautifully decorated with flowers and plants, therefore it became the favourite resting place for the users. Sometimes, informal guests, especially ladies, are often entertained here.

Figure 3.93 : Example layout of Malay house in Malacca (Google, 2017)

127 3.8.8 Perak Malay House Malay houses in Perak often has a zig-zag layout. The kitchen is in a separate structure, connecting rumah ibu with a selang, a roofless platform. This house has a bedroom within the rumah ibu compound that is separated by a timber partition. As shown in the figure, there is an area of gap-floor construction where timber planks are arranged with gaps between them . Apart from the religious use(bathing the family’s deceased), this area allows air movement from underneath the floor to the rumah ibu space.There are plenty of perimeter windows on the rumah ibu’s walls as well as additional openings on the roof surfaces. This contradicts with the dapur that has only two small windows on its opposite walls.

Figure 3.94: Example layout of Perak Malay House (Google, 2017)

129

4.1 INTRODUCTION Malay traditional houses usually use local resources from the natural surrounding environment to build their houses. The materials used in Malay traditional houses are usually those found locally in the jungles. Collecting woods was one of the main career in the village. The basic building materials are usually timber or bamboo, in which timber is usually used for the main structure while the bamboo is used for the walls and thatched roof. These materials promote coolness in the house due to its low thermal capacity.

Figure 4.1 & Figure 4.2 : Ancient people chop down trees and transport the tress to site from forest (Noenkcahyana,2012)

130

Using renewable natural materials including timber and bamboo, the dwellings are often built without the use of metal including nails. Instead pre-cut holes and grooves are used to fit the timber elements into one another, effectively making it a 'prefabricated house'.

Although nails had been invented and in later houses used minimally for non-structural elements (for example, windows or panels), structural flexibility was a benefit which nailing inhibited. Without nails, a timber house could be dismantled and reconstructed in a new location. Most of the ancient Malay peoples of South-East Asia maintained a form of self-regenerating environmental culture.

Figure 4.3 & Figure 4.4 : These buildings were not using any nails for construction but now a days, it start corroesive , therefore people used nails to protect both of this meaningful buildings (Quinn,2017)

131 In different social status, they even classify certain class of wood for their respective classes.

For example, :

Types of Wood Bottom Sectors

- Kayu Biasa

Features of Wood Kayu Biasa can be defined as a soft

(Orang Bawahan)

hardwood or a light hardwood. Examples of

Kayu Biasa are Ara, Bintagor, Podo and etc.

The trunk of these trees are lighter than usual.

Priest

- Kayu Nyatu

- Atap Rumbia / Nipah

(Imam)

Kayu Nyatu is a type

Atap Rumbia / Nipah

of medium hardwood.

is a common

It usually grows in a

resource found and

seasonal climate.

used since the ancient Malay era.

Noble (Bangsawan)

- Chengal

- Kayu Jati

Kayu Jati is a type of

Chengal is also

hardwood. Kayu Jati

known as a type od

typically grows in

hardwood. The trunk

tropical climate.

of the tree is heavy and dark coloured.

132

4.3 TRADITIONAL SYSTEM AND MEASUREMENTS Measurement based on the human body (usually the hands and arms of the carpenters, but on some occasions of the women of the house) are used also by the Malays. Human proportions and dimensions has been traditionally a basis of measurement throughout these buildings . This was a result of human instinct to fulfill their fundamental needs of buildings their own indigenous house for shelter and protection.

The longest unit of measurement in human body is ‘depa’ – the dimension between the tips of the fingers of the horizontally outstrech arms often used to measure lengthy objects and wide spaces. The smallest unit is one ‘jari’ or the width of a finger. One ‘jari’ or more is often used to measure smaller elements.

Figure 4.7 & Figure 4.8 : The unit of measurements in Depa system (Sastrabali,2016)

133

4.2 TOOLS AND MATERIALS Simple tools that were used to chopped down trees from forest and Malay woodcarving consist of an assortment of chisels, kapak , parang , hammers ,files and others . Some tools are self – made and some others can be bought from stores. In recent times, the changes of technology expand and create new tools such as motorized chainsaw and a drill called band saw are used to speed up the work of woodcarving. The band saw has a long , thin blade welded into a loop and is an electric motor powers that blade around two large wheels that removes the unwanted part of the panel before the actual carving work is done.

Figure 4.5 & Figure 4.6 : Ancient people used Kapak and Parang to chop down trees (Asalsilat,2015)

134

4.4 BUILDING MATERIALS - TIMBER Timber is one of the dominant materials that had been used in Malay traditional houses and surau. In this Malay traditional house and surau , they usually use kayu jati , chengal and jelutong to build the Malay traditional houses , because it can last for hundred of years , and is a good heat insulator that helps to keep the interior at optimum temperatures. It is used in main structure such as posts and lintels , tie beams , girts and roof structure they nomarlly ,and secondary structure such as , rafter ,floor joists , wall studs , window frames and door frames due to its high strength.

Timber floors ,walls ,staircase ,doors and windows also can frequently be found among this two traditional buildings. Apart from that , timber is easy to work with as most of the ornaments and detailings are directly carved and shaped onto it.

Figure 4.9 & Figure 4.10 : Exterior faรงade view of traditional Malay house and surau (Iddin,2017)

135 POST AND LINTEL

Figure 4.11 : Exterior post and lintel (Quinn,2017)

The posts, called “tiang� ,which carry the weight of the roof directly to the ground, measure at least 12 centimetres square. The crossbeams supporting the floor are mortised through the posts and secured by timber wedges, wile girts and tie beams at the top of the posts hold the posts in position and form the base of the roof. Various types of joints and connectors have been developed by Malay carpenters to allow the house to be built in stages , and also to allow it to be dismantled and re-erected elsewhere.

136 WALL

Figure 4.12 : Exterior Wall (Iddin,2017)

The walls of the earliest Malay houses were formed by bamboo, woven into panels using traditional patterns and reinforces with timber stuck . The floors were laid with strips of bamboo .More frequently, the wall and floorboards of the Malay house are made of a moderately strong wood .The wallboards are arranged either vertically ,diagonally or horizontally ,or in combination .On the external walls are rows of shuttered openings, made of solid timber panels or timber louvres. Carved or latticed panels above and below the windows and doors allow air and light into the Malay house.

137 ROOF STRUCTURE

Figure 4.13 : Interior roof structure (Quinn,2017)

The system of framing the roof skeleton has advantages. Within the basic construction system, all different lengths can be spanned with equal sized members. The rafters may vary according to the depth of the building, but the size of the building does not affect the stress on any member and consequently does not require separate dimensioning for each structure.

138

STAIRCASE

Figure 4.14 : Beautiful Ornaments on staircase (Iddin,2017)

Figure 4.15 : Exterior staircase ,Surau (Iddin,2017)

The traditional Malay house require stairs to reach the elevated interior. Usually the stairs are connected to the land, directly situated in front of the house to the “Serambi” (porch or verandah). Additional stairs might be found at the back of the house. The stairs is be made of wood with beatiful ”ukiran” or brick structure covered with tiles.

139 JOISTS

Figure 4.16 : Pasak known as nail but is made of wood .These technique ws used to interlock the steps with the outer striger (Quinn,2017)

Figure 4.17 : Detail showing junction of tie beam, column and joist. The floor joist is jointed to the column (Quinn,2017)

140

ORNAMENTS (UKIRAN)

Figure 4.18 : Ornaments help these buildings improvement air ventilation and the beauty of the house (Iddin,2017)

141

BEDUK

Figure 4.19 & Figure 4.20 : Beduk that located at ground floor of the Malay traditional surau (Iddin,2017)

The beduk is made of a double-barreled drum with water buffalo leather on the sides. Normally beduk is made up from tree trunk , pokok Nangka .It is is a round-shaped instrument that is elongated lengthwise, and is suspended from a rack and played with a padded mallet. The role of the beduk in the Malay community especially in the Malay Archipelago is non-musical.

Instead, it is an instrument for religious purposes especially in the mosques and surau . Normally the beduk is used to signal prayer time.

142

Atap Rumbia was one of material that easily found in Malay traditional house for the ancient generation. Atap rumbia need to change it between 10 to 15 years .While for the small cracking part , they just used a piece of atap rumbia to replace it . Except daun rumbia, daun nipah also can bee use as atap nipah. The diffrences between atap rumbia and atap nipah is atap rumbia will last longer than atap nipah. Atap rumbia can last 10 more years than atap nipah if they install it with a correct way , so atap rumbia is very suitable for houses or gazebo ,who placed at outdoor.

Figure 4.24 : Interior look sof Atap Rumbia (Quinn,2017)

Figure 4.25 : Exterior looks of Atap Rumbia (Quinn,2017)

143

4.5 BUILDING MATERIALS - ATAP RUMBIA Atap Rumbia is one of the types of atap ,which is a construction material that produced by leaves of pokok Rumbia .

Usually atap Rumbia consist from ‘tulang’ or known as ”bengkawan’ , that composed from pokok Buluh or kayu kecil that are folded in Rumbia leaves to shape it like a ‘sayap’ and sew it using rattan or the surface of pokok Bemban to tighten it.

Each atap Rumbia is between 1.5 meter to 1.8 meter length , the leaf is folded with the same length as others leaves.The reason for this ,is to increase the neatly and dignified shape of the roof . A professional roof maker can produce 80 to 90 atap rumbia a day. The task of a roof maker was very difficult because it requires great patience and good observation.

Figure 4.21 : Pokok Bemban (Alamendah.,2011)

Figure 4.23 : Pokok Rumbia (Learnmelanau,2011)

Figure 4.22 : Pokok Buluh (Warisanpetani,2016)

144

Atap Rumbia have other advantages such as it provides more cooling effect as it does not retain heat like the roof tiles.

Atap rumbia is able to last more than ten years compared to atap nipah, because atap nipah needs to be changed every three to five years. Atap nipah leaves has to been soaked with some chemical subtancesin order to last for another six to eight years. In addtion, it will be easier to arrange, because it is much softer and not easily to break.

Figure 4.26 : Worker ties all the daun Rumbia together using Rotan.

(Fenditazkirah,2013)

Figure 4.27 : Daun Rumbia basks in the sun (Amlubai-kerabat,2015)

145

4.6 BUILDING MATERIALS - IRON BAR The iron was used significantly lesser extent compared to timber. This material is exclusively used for the iron bars that is located at the interior side of the windows. This applies to both the house and surau. The most likely reason for this under usage is because it does not fit with the construction methods of the Malays from the past, that focuses more on the implementation of nature in both design and construction. The house used to be a place to exhibit the life of Malay culture in Kedah, using the house as a representation of the cultural background and opened for the public. Thus, the iron bars were added in as a safety measure to prevent children from being able to climb out from the windows and hurt themselves. These bars were pre-fabricated and installed on-site afterwards. This was done a long time ago as ithas became rusty.

Figure 4.28 : Iron bar was setting on window frame (Iddin,2017)

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4.7 BUILDING MATERIALS - CONCRETE Concrete is a mixture of cement, sand and gravel or other aggregate and water.This material can be found on exposed foundation and bottom of the staircase. Concrete is easily formed to a wide variable of shapes and sizes. Although concrete has high compression strength, it is weak in terms of tensile strength, therefore it is a brittle material. The lack in tension strength made the steel required to be used in conjunction with the concrete for strengthening and reinforcing purposes. The combination of the material, concrete and steel rebar are better known as “Reinforced Concrete'. The advantages of using the reinforced concrete is it's great compressive and tension strength and better fire resistance than steel.

Figure 4.29 : Exposed Foundation (Iddin,2017)

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5.1 BASIC CONSTRUCTION OF TRADITIONAL MALAY HOUSE INTRODUCTION Both the Traditional Sungai Ular House and the Surau Haji Abdul Rahman Abdullah uses a complex jointing system which supports

on timber wedges to stay sturdy for its strength.The jointing system is standardised and prefabricated so that it takes less time and effort to assemble it on the spot. Furthermore, the parts can be easily dismantled and reassembled elsewhere should there be a need to move to another location to live.

These two buildings use traditional timber post and lintel structures

and has evolved a prefabricated building system which is flexible and goes with the demands and needs of the users. The users can opt to make extensions on the house according to the type of space and function they need. In the construction, mortise and tenon, lap and dovetail joints were used while the usage of wooden dowels came before metal nails in the olden days to connect joints and

secure the columns.

This is the main feature of a Malay traditional house that makes it unique.

Figure 5.1 : Basic Construction of Traditional House (Yuan, 1987)

149 CONSTRUCTION PROCESS Firstly, the construction of the house begins with the main house called “rumah ibu”, followed by the entrance porch known as “anjung”, veranda as “serambi” and the kitchen “rumah dapur”.

These are constructed suited according to the needs and requirements of the owner’s family.

To start the construction of a basic Malay house,the first column, known as “tiang seri” is placed and located in the middle of the

house. Meanwhile, other structural components like the timber posts and girts are laid in their respective positions. After every one of the posts and girts have been erected and supported, top girts and king posts are then set up at both sides. The roof ridge supported by king post is then placed, and next the roof structures such as principal rafters, purlins and common rafters

are put up. Finally, the non-structural components are placed to make the house an enclosed structure.

Figure 5.2: The Setting up of a basic traditional Malay House Form (Yuan,1967)

150 GALLERY 1. The villagers lifting a column that was installed with the long beams.

2. Eight of the columns have been erected along with the two long beams. The board installed on the column is to resist or hold the column from falling.

3. Workers installing the framework of the house.

4. Hammering the frames together to make it secure.

5. The processes of installing the Palm or Nipah roofs for shade from the sun and rain.

Figure 5.3 : Construction process of traditional Malay House (memoriKedah, 2017)

151

5.2 FOUNDATION / COLUMN CONSTRUCTION INTRODUCTION

A column is the vertical structural component that is designed to support and transmit compressive loads from the ceiling or roof slab and beam, including its own weight to the foundation.Therefore, it is understood that if the column fails to

support the load, the entire structure shall collapse.

The type of foundation used in the Sungai Ular House and the Surau Haji Abdul

Figure 5.4: Concrete Footing and foundation of the two Rahman Abdullah is shallow foundation which more specifically is pad foundation. traditional buildings (Iddin,2017) Pad foundations are used to support an individual point load such as that due to a structural column. Using post and lintel structures, the timber posts rest on concrete or stone footings. The column posts, called tiang, measure at least 12 cm square, carry the weight of the roof directly to the ground. The plinths or footings are made of concrete stumps to prevent them from sinking into the ground.

Figure 5.5: Placing of Column and Footing of Surau Haji Abdul Rahman Abdullah (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 5.6: Placing of Column and Footing of Sungai Ular House (Quinn, 2017)

152

Figure 5.7: Set up of Foundation formwork steps.(cgetechnology,2011)

Construction Process of Footing and Column (Pad Footing/ “Pelapik tiang�)

1. Square formwork is built using wood.

2. Reinforcement rebars are placed in erected formwork.

3. Concrete mixture is poured into the formwork and allowed to set 4. Footing formwork is removed after concrete is set, cured and hardened to gain maximum strength.

5. A steel rod is also set into place in the middle of the stump to anchor the timber column onto the footing.

Figure 5.8: Column Construction detail with steel rod connecting the footing sketch (Dana, 2017)

153

5.3 TIMBER FLOOR SYSTEM INTRODUCTION

The floor system used in the Traditional Kedah House and Surau is constructed with a series of timber joists supported by bearers which are suspended between 4.5 metres to 5.5metres above ground.The floor joists are exposed to vertical stress of weight from the column posts to the plinths(footings). The floorboards are of chengal

Figure 5.9: View upwards from lower ground of the timber joist system with floorboards laid across the joists (Quinn, 2017)

wood with thickness of 25mm to 35mm laid directly across floor joists. The raised platform is beneficial and designed for ventilation and shading in the hot and humid tropical climate.

Figure 5.10: Exposed joists and beams seen from below of Surau Haji Abdul Reahman Abdullah (Quinn, 2017)

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At the back of the kitchen in the traditional Kedah House however, the “pelantar” or open platform was different compared to the other timber boards of the two buildings. This was probably an extension which the users sourced the easily ready materials of round unpolished tree trunks from their surroundings as they live near paddy fields and forests.

Figure 5.11: Usage of round timber joists for the open-air “pelantar”(Quinn, 2017)

The round trunks are tied side by side with rattan and is secured with two joists on the front and ends with nails. This open platform was used as a place for washing clothes and dishes.

Figure 5.12: Connection details of nails for round timber joists (Quinn, 2017)

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CONSTRUCTION DETAILS Jointing and connections in the traditional buildings are normally secured with the use of wooden dowels and wedges in place of the metal nails that we use today.

These small wooden pegs allow the parts of the house

Figure 5.13: Usage of dowels to secure parts (Quinn, 2017)

to be locked at their respective places, effectively making it safe and stable for the users to step on or rest below.

Figure 5.14: Beam to Column Connection Detail with wedges sketch (Dana, 2017)

156

CONSTRUCTION DETAILS -MORTISE & TENON JOINT

All joints in the timber flooring of the two traditional buildings are connected using mortise and tenon joint made of wood.

This technique is also known as tongue-and-groove and

Figure 5.15: Basic Mortise and Tenon Joint detail sketch (Dana, 2017)

slotting method.

The beam is slotted into the column while the tenon locks into the mortise. The joists are slotted perpendicularly on the beam in rows on which the timber floorboards are laid across

as the flooring. As it is suspended above the ground, the exposed joist and beam can be seen from the ground floor.

Figure 5.16: Detail of Spacing of the joists resting upon the beam.in the traditional Sungai Ular House (Quinn, 2017)

157 CONSTRUCTION DETAILS -LAP JOINT

Moreover, another type of connection method they use to attach the parts together is by using lap joints. This is made by overlapping two edges or or half-cut through the width of the timber to fasten them together.

Figure 5.17: Basic lap joint sketch (Dana, 2017)

Figure 5.18: An example of the post and beam being recessed to secure to one another (Dana, 2017)

158

5.4 WALLSYSTEM

CONSTRUCTION DETAILS

Figure 5.19: Construction detail of Wall system and floor system (picrevise, 2017) Since the structural frame carries most of the load, the wall panels are light and do not bear heavy structural weight. The walls of the Surau and the traditional house are made of timber wall panels which rely on a standard framing system according to the columns of the building. The construction of a timber framed wall is a clean, efficient and dry operation.

The timbers can be cut and assembled with simple hand or power operated tools and once the wall is raised into position and fixed, it is ready to receive wall finishes(panels).

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Besides that, the spacing of the poles or posts of the house and surau are designed and planned carefully in terms of space and structural requirements. This can be illustrated with the height of the lower ground floor as it should be accessible by people and a semiprotected space is created underneath for storage as well as keeping domestic animals. The “tiang seri” of the surau and the house are spaced between 3 to 4 metres apart and are able to support the vertical loads and bearers while resisting force by the Figure 5.20: External wall view of Sungai Ular House (Quinn, 2017)

wind.

Finally, the next step to complete the house is adding the wall panels. The wooden planks are orientated differently according to the space and framework of the building. Most of the planks are placed vertically and sandwiched between the framework of the house and surau. However, the “rumah dapur” in the traditional

Kedah

House

was

nailed

horizontally

with

feather

edge

weatherboarding across the stud frame (as shown). The panels are angled as such to prevent entry of rain and allow for good ventilation through the gaps when cooking.

Figure 5.21: Side view of weatherboards on exterior wall (agung1501, 2014)

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5.5 ROOF (INTRODUCTION) There are two types of roofs for these two buildings. The Sungai Ular House consists of the basic pitched roof called side gable roofs and also sports the dutch gable roof, which is a hybrid of a hip and gable.On the other hand, the Surau Haji Abdul Rahman Abdullah mainly has the previously mentioned dutch gable roof that is placed on top of another roof layer which is the hip roof type. Both of

Figure 5.22: Kedah House showing its roof structure (Quinn,2017)

these roofs have large roof eaves to be able to give proper shading from sunlight or from the rain. For the surau roof, they have additional support from the columns. As with all types of wood found in this house, it is coated with a layer of diesel oil to conserve the building in general.

Figure 5.23: The surau with a close view of its roof (Quinn,2017)

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CONSTRUCTION DETAIL To begin the construction of the roof, the base of the roof must first be built. This is done by placing girts (alang panjang) and tie beams (alang pendek), which not only form the base of the

roof, but it also functions to strengthen the overall structure of

Figure 5.24: Queen post truss (Google,2007)

the roof.

Figure 5.24: Queen post truss (Google,2007)

The next construction step would be the erection of the queen posts (tunjuk langit), which is extended from the tie beam, that functions to support the roof ridge (tulang bumbung). The queen post is an alternative to the king post and is built in such a way due to the nature of the roof for both buildings. The vertical posts of the queen post is supported by the sloping sides of the truss.

Figure 5.25: Queen post truss seen in the surau (Qayyum,2017)

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CONSTRUCTION DETAIL After the construction of these elements, the next step would be the installation of the purlins (kasau lintan), which is supported by the principal rafters of the queen post truss (kasau jantan).

The purlins along with the roof ridge boards act as links from one queen post to another.

Figure 5.26: A clear view of the layers consisting of purlins, principal rafters and the common rafters (Qayyum,2017)

After the purlins, the common rafters, known as kasau atap are

then erected. They are positioned on top of the aforementioned

Figure 5.24: Queen post truss (Google,2007)

purlins, so that it is properly supported. After all of the previous steps have been done, the atap roofing is finally added in. In this case, the material of the atap is called atap Nipah/rumbai. The atap roofing material is sewn in overlapping layers onto the common rafters using rotan to complete the construction of the

roof of both buildings.

Figure 5.27: Zoomed in view of the ties betwwen the atap layers (Quinn,2017)

163 ADVANTAGE & DISADVANTAGE ADVANTAGE Because the atap roofing has low thermal capacity, this makes it a reliable heat insulator, meaning it does not readily allow the passage of heat through it. Furthermore, the ventilated roof space facilitates in the cooling of the house as a compensation from the lack of electrical fans back in the pre-Independence era.

As previously mentioned, the house has large roof eaves so that it can provide effective shading.

Figure 5.28: A full view of the surau and its roof system (Quinn,2017)

DISADVANTAGE Being an atap rumbai roof, the material will become less Figure 5.24: Queen postrainwater truss (Google,2007) effective against the more

it gets exposed to it. This

will allow rainwater to seep through in the long term. Being made

from a natural material, the atap is also more vulnerable to fire risk than conventional roof coverings.

Figure 5.29: The material used for the atap of both of the buildings (Quinn,2017)

164 GALLERY

Figure 5.30 (Top left) : Construction details on the lowest layer roof, supported by the front columns (Qayyum,2017) Figure 5.31 (Top right) : The ridge board of the roof, connects two queen post truss along with the purlins (Qayyum,2017) Figure 5.32 (Bottom left) : Additional detail highlighting the rafters underneath the roof eaves (Qayyum,2017) Figure 5.33 (Bottom right) : Zoomed out view of the roof details with an additional beam (with ceiling fan) supporting the structure (Qayyum,2017)

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5.6 STAIRCASE (INTRODUCTION) The staircase of the staircase is similar to the construction of other parts of the building in that it completely lacks the usage of nails in its original construction. Although some parts of the building have adopted the use of nails in recent times due to the introduction of new technology and construction methods, the staircases in particular remain mostly the same with some minor changes. These changes are made largely because of conservation purposes and as a result it is able to retain its natural condition. An element of crafting is present at one particular staircase in that floral elements are carved into it to express nature.

Figure 5.24: Queen post truss (Google,2007)

Figure 5.34: A perspective view of the staircase at the surau (Qayyum,2017)

Figure 5.35: Woodcarved stairs found at the verandah of the house (Jiyann,2017)

166 CONSTRUCTION DETAIL The staircase of both buildings have roughly the same method of construction. As mentioned before, the staircase, like many parts of the building adopted the construction method of using timber joints to connect individual parts to become a

whole structure. This construction method was used mainly because of the lack of modern technologies and methods in Malaysia in the past before the British came to this country.

Figure 5.24: Queen post truss (Google,2007)

Figure 5.36: Unexploded Axonometric of stairs at the surau (Measured Drawing Team Kedah Traditional House,2017)

Figure 5.37: Exploded Axonometric of stairs at the surau, highlighting which joints should be connected (Measured Drawing Team Kedah Traditional House,2017)

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CONSTRUCTION DETAIL One interesting feature that is found on the staircases at the surau is that it consists of concrete steps that is joined together with the usual wooden steps. The reason for this to have been

the case is partly due to the shortage in amount of natural resources compared to a few decades back. Also as mentioned before, it may have been due to the influence of the British when they came to Malaysia. It results in the

Figure 5.38: A hybrid of concrete and wood makes the staircase unique (Qayyum,2017)

revolutionizing of construction.

Both houses feature treenails (pasak) in its construction. A treenail is essentialy a wooden nail that was used in place of the conventional nails we use today, to retain its usage of natural elements and inspiration from natural surroundings. Its function Figure 5.24: Queen post truss (Google,2007)

for the staircase specifically is to safely secure and strengthen

the overall structure. Each of them are placed on top of the joints at the side of the first, fourth and seventh wooden steps.

Figure 5.39: The treenail (pasak) used to lock the joints in place (Quinn,2017)

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5.7 WINDOWS INTRODUCTION

Non structural components such as windows and doors

come in almost last in the construction process. Yet, the location of these openings are planned carefully and the framework for these ceiling to floor openings are set according to the function and needs of the room. For example, the rumah ibu has the most windows aligning its walls as it is the main room of the house to receive

guests. Much light and views are needed to reach the

Figure 5.40: Main Floor Plan of Sungai Ular House indicating the placement of windows and doors sketch (Dana, 2017)

maximum potential for this space.

The placement and size of the windows and doors played a very important role in the traditional Sungai Ular Kedah

House and surau. There were many windows and openings to function as the air filter and to ventilate clean and cool air throughout the house. This is also to ensure the the health and comfort of the occupants.

Figure 5.41: Main Floor Plan of Surau Haji Abdul Rahman Abdullah sketch (Dana, 2017)

169 CONSTRUCTION DETAILS There are mainly two types of window on each of the buildings. One type is louvred window shutters which have horizontal slats that are angled to admit light and air, but to keep out rain and direct sunshine. The angle of the horizontal slats can be adjusted by using a wooden lever mechanism to control the amount of light and air coming in.

The second type and most common window type in the traditional Malay house is the double casement windows. These windows are adorned with beautiful decorative carvings. Furthermore, the windows are hinged at the side and can swing open at 180° at full length, allowing maximum access of sunlight and view.

Figure 5.42: Louvred window shutters in surau.(Quinn, 2017)

Figure 5.43: Louvred window Detail Drawing (Measured Drawing Team Kedah Traditional House ,2017)

Figure 5.44: Double casement windows.(Quinn, 2017)

Figure 5.45: Double casement window Detail Drawing (Measured Drawing Team Kedah Traditional House ,2017)

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5.8 DOORS

INTRODUCTION Doors give entry and privacy to the occupants of the house. As such, in traditional Malay culture, there are different doors placed in different parts of the house because entry of men and women are supposed to be separated.

One type of door found in the Sungai Ular house and surau is known as Double Hinged Door. This door can be found as the main entrance for both of the buildings.

Another type of door found in the kitchen of the Sungai Ular House is known as a Sliding Door. The sliding door has a slotting mechanism that allows the door to be opened fully by pushing towards the side. It can also be secured with a lock on top. A wooden bar is placed in the middle to use as a door handle to slide open the door.

Figure 5.46: Double hinged door (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 5.47: Double Hinged door detail drawing (Measured Drawing Team Kedah Traditional House, 2017)

Figure 5.48: Sliding Door detail drawing (Measured Drawing Team Kedah Traditional House, 2017)

171 CONSTRUCTION DETAILS The construction of the doors are of mortise and tenon joint. They are connected to the wooden frames using steel hinges which allow them to swing at 90° to open and close. The doors swing open towards the inside and have a width

of 75cm to 80cm opening. Moreover, the frames of the doors are roughly 6cm wide on both sides and the thickness of the door is 3cm to 5cm. The doors are prefabricated before being installed in the house.

Figure 5.49: Door frame detail of the double hinged door (Zulkifli,1999)

Figure 5.50: Mortise and tenon joint detail (Zulkifl, 1999)

Figure 5.51: Mortise and tenon joint detail of the door frame (Zulkifli, 1999)

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6.1 TIMBER DEFECTS Although the best of efforts have been made to conserve these two buildings, it is naturally inevitable that some defects occured throughout its conservation period. Examples of such defects include the defects in building

material. Since a majority of wood that was used for both buildings were from its original construction, it is natural that they have undergone several changes in durability and texture. These pieces of wood are not as strong as it used to be years ago due to its old age. Most of the wood also contain moulds on it which was also caused by its old age.

Figure 6.1: The moulds from one of the pieces of wood under the floor boards (Jiyann,2017)

In terms of its appearance, a lot of these wood pieces contain cracks and some chunks of wood have been peeled off from the original piece, resulting

in a less durable structure overall. Being materials that came from possibly decades ago, the wood also has a noticeable loss in colour compared to its more modern counterparts as it has faded over the years.

Figure 6.2: Some of the appearance defects of the wood used for both buildings (Jiyann,2017)

174

6.2 COLUMN DEFECTS Other building defects include the deterioration of some column on both the buildings. This particular defect is usually caused by the attack of termites. It could also be caused by its long period of usage (which could be decades at

this point) as all the columns retain the original pieces of wood they were constructed with.

6.3 WOODCARVING DEFECTS

Figure 6.3: A zoomed in view of the deterioration some of the columns suffer (Quinn,2017)

Another defect that was detected was on the woodcarving aspect located at the house. What was observed what that several woodcavings in the house appeared to be broken and began to fall apart. Some pieces that were

broken were able to be placed back at its original place by tying it up using strings while some others are completely absent leaving gaps in between carvings.

Figure 6.4: Woodcarving defect (Iddin,2017)

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6.4 WINDOWS DEFECTS Besides that, it was discovered that some of the windows on site were in a very fragile state, although it seemed to be in normal condition. This was only discovered when an attempt to open the window was done in order to receive ventilation. It was probably because of this defect that some of the windows were coiled to prevent it from being opened.

FIgure 6.5: View of the remains of one of the broken windows (Dana,2017)

As for the interior defect, the windows are also guilty of having some defects. One of them would be the iron bars that is placed before the actual windows. Some of the iron bars were found to be in a rather rusty condition. This was most likely caused by exposure to rainwater that seeps through the atap roofing and this is combined by exposure to oxygen (air), thus the rusting on the bars. Furthermore, some of the iron bars were completely absent from its supposed position due to unknown reasons.

In addition some of its woodcarving patterns are also missing.

Figure 6.6: The rusting found on the iron bars at the interior side of the window (Qayyum,2017)

176

6.5 ROOF DEFECTS Further exploration of the house and surau enabled us to identify more defects such as the defect on the atap portion of the roof system. From what we have observed, there is a considerably large hole in between the ties of the atap. This defect on the roof will create problems in terms of its efficiency as a place of shelter. Because water can still seep through

the atap even when it fully covers the house, the hole will only allow more rainwater into the interior of the house and therefore it is not very safe particularly if rainfall were to occur.

6.6 STAIRCASE DEFECTS Besides those mentioned above, one of the staircases, specifically the main entrance of the surau has one defect at the last tread of the stairs.

The tread seems slightly shakyand therefore it is not as reinforced as the

rest of the treads. This minor defect will become a major defect if left unchecked as it can completely break down and can potentially harm visitors.

Figure 6.7: The gaping hole found on the atap (Quinn,2017)

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7.1 GROUP DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION REFLECTION Throughout this assignment, we were able to experience and develop ourselves in many aspects. To have a chance to get hands-on experience to document a building has been quite a unique experience for us. The lessons learnt from the process of documentation and measuring will be precious to us in future fieldworks. Furthermore, the intensiveness of this assignment demands that we hone our skills in workload and time management which is not possible without good teamwork. For example, having meetings and discussions to overcome obstacles and limitations one after another as a team has been quite a hectic experience.

From the measuring process, we were able to learn of the most efficient methods of measuring by separating workloads and planning our time well. During the drawing process, we were met with limitations of the inexperience to use software programs of some members. Through guidance and experimentation, everyone was able to further develop their drawings skills. Through the report, we ensured proper planning by having good communication and teamwork with each other. Lastly, the model making process has been a very memorable experience as it requires absolute attention to detail.

Finally, the ultimate lesson gained from this assignment is to ensure proper communication and teamwork to achieve maximum efficiency. Also, to be able to gain in-depth information of traditional Malay architecture and culture. We appreciate the opportunity given to us to experience this in such an intimate manner.

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7.2 REFERENCES A BRIEF HISTORY OF MALAYSIA. (n.d.). Retrieved February 25, 2017, from http://www.localhistories.org/malaysia.html

Adib Ramli, Mahasiswa at UiTM Seri Iskandar, Fakulti Senibina, Perancangan dan UkurFollow. (2015, May07). Project of traditionalMalay house. Retrieved February26, 2017, from http://www.slideshare.net/adibramli/project-of-traditional-malayhouse

Chen, Voon Fee. The encyclopedia of Malaysia: architecture. Singapore: Archipelago Press, 1998. Print

Darul Aman Stadium. (2017, February 11). Retrieved February 18, 2017, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darul_Aman_Stadium

document, source URL, {, index Of, s. L., s +w+-w+h, s. { =, size URL, paths =, & Gayo, H. (2015, August 9). Kedah.

Retrieved February 26, 2017, from https://en.climate-data.org/location/759988/

F. (2012, April 03). Binaan rumah melayu tradisional,. Retrieved February 19, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=7Mw-Ux8DrWg

Gang, D. B. (1970, January 01). Chapter 3 The Malay House. Retrieved February 19, 2017, from http://

seindahkampung.blogspot.my/2013/08/chapter-3-malay-house.html?m=1

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7.2 REFERENCES Hanafi, Z. B., Dr. (1999). Siri Lukisan Terukur: Rumah Traditional Melayu Di Pulau Pinang. Kedah: Amber~Solara Publication. Barry, R.(1996). Foundations,andOversiteConcrete,Walls,Floors,Roofs (6thed.,Vol.1,TheConstructionofBuildings).London: Blackwell Science Ltd.

Janzen, A. (2015, May 27). Vernacular Architecture in Malaysia. Retrieved February 25, 2017, from http://connorjanzen.com/vernacular-malaysia/

Kamal, K. S., & profile, V. my complete. (2007, March ). Architectural design of traditional Malay house. Retrieved February 26, 2017, from http://buildingconservation.blogspot.my/2007/03/architectural-design-of-traditional.html

Kedah information / tourit attractions / Malaysia culture / sightseeing tours / Kedah Malaysia. Retrieved February 26, 2017, from http://www.2malaysia.com/kedah/culture.htm

Kuroda, K. (n.d.). The Siamese in Kedah under nation-state making . Retrieved February 19, 2017, from http://www.unimuenster.de/Ethnologie/South_Thai/working_paper/Kuroda_Kedah.pdf

Lim, J. (2013, November 07). RUMAH KEDAH. Retrieved February 20,2017, from https://prezi.com/tlpkhadomkow/rumahkedah/

181

7.2 REFERENCES Malay Houses. (2012, January 02). Retrieved February 22, 2017, from https://vernaculararchitecture.wordpress.com/2011/12/30/hello-world/

Penubuhan PSM. (n.d.). Retrieved February 18, 2017, from http://www.psm.org.my/index.php/imbasansejarah/penubuhan-psm

Sahabuddin, M. M. (n.d.). Chapter 2: Malaysian Vernacular Architecture and Its Relationship to Climate. Retrieved February 23, 2017, from https://www.academia.edu/2377416/Chapter_2_Malaysian_Vernacular_Architecture_and_Its_Relationship_to_Climate

Sahabuddin, M. M. (n.d.). Chapter 2:Malaysian VernacularArchitecture and ItsRelationship to Climate. Retrieved February 26, 2017, fromhttp://www.academia.edu/2377416/Chapter_2_Malaysian_Vernacular_Architecture_and_Its_Relationship_to_Climate

Sung, W.W.(1995). Timber structuresin Malaysian architecture andbuildings (Unpublished master's thesis). University of Tasmania at Launceston. Retrieved February 22, 2017, from http://eprints.utas.edu.au/21980/1/whole_WongWaiSung1997_thesis.pdf

Terms, P. I. (2017). RUMAH KEDAH. Retrieved February 26, 2017, from https://prezi.com/tlpkhadomkow/rumah-kedah/

182

7.2 REFERENCES The Concept of Privacy and the Malay Dwelling Interior Space Planning☆. (n.d.). Retrieved February 22, 2017, from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877042813021095

The Traditional Malay House. (n.d.). Retrieved February 18, 2017, from http://unossc1.undp.org/GSSDAcademy/SIE/Docs/Vol4/Malay_house.pdf

The Traditional Malay House. (n.d.). Retrieved February 22, 2017, from https://books.google.com.my/books?id=_1vb4mZU6dIC&pg=PA26&lpg=PA26&dq=malay%2Bhouse%2Bdoor&source=bl& ots=WyemX3jKY4&sig=RAEqeYCvV7B9tkIMpmmH6I2a8m0&hl=en&sa=X&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=malay%20house %20door&f=false

Top 15 Roof Types & Their Pros & Cons - Read Before you Build! (2017, January 10). Retrieved February 19, 2017, from http:// www.roofcalc.net/top-15-roof-types-and-their-pros-cons/#gable%20roof

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7.3 GLOSSARY Anjung – a covered porch Atap - leaves from a nipa palm that are used for covering the top of a building or a roof in Malaya.

Bumbung – translates to roof Calligraphy – a type of Islamic crafting art Carvings - an object or design cut from a hard material as an artistic work.

Dowels - a peg of wood Gable Roof - a roof with two sloping sides and a gable at each end.

Gagak Sura - Gagak Sura winged creature theme use for illustrious occasion. The legendary animals, for example, the garuda, the God's vehicle Gayong – a traditional Malay water gourd Girts - a horizontal structural member in a framed wall.

Jari – translates to finger; also used as a traditional measurement Jerejak – translates to window rails

184

7.3 GLOSSARY Joists - a length of timber or steel supporting part of the structure of a building, typically arranged in parallel series to support a floor or ceiling.

Kapak – a Malayan axe Kerawang – the openings for ventilations Lattice - a structure consisting of strips of wood or metal crossed and fastened together with square or diamondshaped spaces left between Level Tool - device for establishing a horizontal plane. It consists of a small glass tube containing alcohol or similar liquid and an air bubble Loteng - attic located under the gable of the rumah ibu Meleh – translates to roof eaves Mortise and Tenon - joint by which parts or objects are joined together by inserting tenon to mortise Nibong - a Malay feather palm Nipa palm - a palm tree with creeping roots, characteristic of mangrove swamps in India and the Pacific islands.

Ornamentations - things added to something to provide decoration.

Papan Cantik - rafter boards in Bahasa Melayu

185

7.3 GLOSSARY Parang – a Malayan machete Pedestals - wooden frames of a window Pelantar – an open platform for preparing food and washing clothes Porch - a covered shelter projecting in front of the entrance of a building.

Post and Beam - a building system where strong horizontal elements are held up by strong vertical elements with large spaces between them.

Prefabricated - manufacture sections to enable quick or easy assembly on site.

Purlins - a horizontal beam along the length of a roof, resting on a main rafter and supporting the common rafters or boards.

Qibla - Sacred monument located in Mecca Rafters - one of several internal beams extending from the eaves to the peak of a roof and constituting its framework.

Random Error - an error in measurement caused by factors that vary from one measurement to another.

Rumah Dangau - a single-unit house and it is also the earliest form of traditional Malay house.

Rumah Dapur – a space used as a kitchen

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7.3 GLOSSARY Rumah Ibu – the main area of the traditional Malay house, one of the most private and sacred space. This space where people carry out prayers and rest.

Serambi – a narrow reception area Surau – a prayer room Tebar layar - a kind of woodcarving applied to roofs Tempayan – a traditional Malay clay water vessel Transom – also known as windows

Vernacular Architecture - an architectural style that is designed based on local needs, availability of construction materials and reflecting local traditions.

Wudhu – an area to wash face

7.4APPENDICES APPENDIX1(INTERVIEW) Iddin: Selamat pagi Encik Zul. Kami dari Taylor’s University ingin melakukan temu bual bersama encik untuk mengetahui dengan lebih lanjut tentang rumah tradisional dan surau ini.

Iddin: Good morning Mr. Zul. We are from Taylor's University and we wish to an interview with you to know more about this traditional house and the surau.

Encik Zulkifli: Selamat pagi. Saya akan beritahu apa yang saya tahu tentang kedua-dua rumah ini.

Encik Zulkifli: Good morning. I will tell what I know about both these houses.

Iddin: Apakah nama bagi rumah tradisional ini dan bagaimana ia dipindahkan ke sini?

Iddin: What is the name of this traditional house and how was it relocated here?

Encik Zulkifli: Kita memanggilnya Rumah Sungai Ular. Sungai Ular merupakan nama tempat yang terletak di Kulim dan

rumah ini berasal dari Kampung Sungai Ular, Kulim. Ini merupakan rumah tradisional Kedah. Waris rumah ini tidak mahu rumah ini rosak dan dia menyerahkan rumah ini kepada kami. Lalu, kita mengambil rumah ini sebagai contoh untuk menunjukkan rumah ini adalah rumah tradisional negeri Kedah.

7.4APPENDICES Encik Zulkifli: We call it the Sungai Ular House. Sungai Ular is a place located in Kulim and the house originated from Kampung Sungai Ular, Kulim. This is a traditional home of Kedah. Beneficiaries of this house do not want this house to be in a broken state and he gave us this house. Therefore, we took this house and used it as a way to show an example of a tradisional of the state of Kedah.

Cham: Adakah tiap-tiap ukiran yang terdapat di rumah mempunyai makna?

Cham: Does every carvings found in the house have a meaning?

Encik Zulkifli: Salah satu sebab kita mengambil rumah ini adalah kerana reka bentuknya dan sebab yang kedua adalah ukiran-ukiran yang terdapat di rumah itu menunjukkan motif dan corak ukiran tradisional Melayu. Corak-corak ini kebanyakkannya berasal dari flora, ataupun alam semula jadi.

Encik Zulkifli: One of the reasons we took this house was due to its design and the second reason was that the carvings found in the house shows the patterns and motifs of traditional Malay carving. These patterns mostly derived from flora, or nature.

Iddin: Apakah perbezaan yang menyebabkan rumah tradisional Kedah berbeza dengan rumah tradisional di negeri lain?

7.4APPENDICES Iddin: What are the differences that make the Kedah traditional house different with a traditional home from other states?

Encik Zulkifli: Kalau mengikut falsafah orang Malaysia, ia bergantung kepada persekitaran, sebagai contoh di Kedah orang Melayu duduk di pinggir hutan ataupun di tepi sawah. Jadi, rumah tradisional di Kedah kebiasaannya lebih tinggi berbanding rumah-rumah tradisional di negeri-negeri lain. Sebab mereka membuat demikian adalah untuk mengelak banjir dan sebagainya. Keduanya, mereka hendak menunjukkan kebijaksanaan orang Melayu. Kalau melakukan kajian, reka bentuk rumah sebegini, ia akan menyebabkan adanya peredaran udara yang baik. Jadi, rumah ini sentiasa berada dalam keadaan yang sejuk.

Encik Zulkifli: If following the philosophy of the people in Malaysia, it depends on the environment, for example in Kedah, people usually lives at the edge of the forest or at the edge of the field. Thus, traditional house in Kedah is usually higher compared to traditional homes in other states. The reason they do this is to avoid floods and so on. Secondly, they want to show the wisdom of the Malays. If research was done, it is found that the design of such houses will lead to good air circulation. So, the house is always in cool conditions.

Kwang Zhou: Adakah ukiran-ukiran yang terdapat di rumah ini hanya terdapat di Kedah ataupun negeri-negeri lain juga menggunakan bentuk ukiran yang sama?

7.4 APPENDICES Kwang Zhou: Are carvings found in the house only available in Kedah or do the other states also use the same form of carvings?

Encik Zulkifli: Kebiasaanya, untuk rumah tradisional Melayu, di mana-mana negeri pun mereka menggunakan motif yang sama cuma ada sesetengah negeri mempunyai identiti sendiri.

Encik Zulkifli: Normally, the traditional Malay house in any state use the same motifs with only some states having an identity of their own.

Iddin: Boleh encik jelaskan bahan yang digunakan untuk rumah ini?

Iddin: Could you explain the materials that was used for this house?

Encik Zulkifli: Kalau kita tengok kebiasaanya, mereka menggunakan bahan-bahan yang terdapat di persekitaran masingmasing. Sebagai contoh untuk rumah ini, mereka menggunakan bahan semula jadi seperti kayu. Untuk kayu pula, ia dibahagikan kepada 3 jenis. Bahan yang digunakan untuk rumah ini adalah kayu biasa dan gred rendah.

Encik Zulkifli: If we look at the norm, they use materials that are found in their surrounding environment

7.4 APPENDICES As an example for this house, they use natural materials such as wood. As for wood, it is divided into 3 types.

The material used for this house is common and low-grade wood.

Iddin: Adakah setiap darjat sosial mempunyai jenis kayu yang tersendiri?

Iddin: Does each social rank have its own type of wood?

Encik Zulkifli: Ya mereka mempunyai jenis kayu tersendiri. Jenis bahan yang digunakan menunjukkan status sosial.

Sebagaicontoh, rumah orang biasa atau orang bawahan kebiasaanya mengunnakan kayu atau papan yang biasa seperti kayu nyatu, kayu yang murah dan berkualiti rendah. Untuk bumbung pula, mereka menggunakan atap rumbia atau atap nipah. Untuk rumah orang yang kaya dan bangsawan, mereka menggunakan bahan-bahan yang lebih mahal seperti kayu jati, kayu chengal dan reka bentuk rumah-rumah sebegini kebiasaanya nampak lebih hebat dan banyak ukiran. Bahan yang digunakan untuk pula adalah tanah liat ataupun menggunakan kayunya sendiri.

Encik Zulkifli: Yes, they have their own type of wood. The type of material used is to show social status. As an example, the homes of ordinary people or those from the lower class usually employ the usual timber or boards such as normal wood, the kind that is cheap and of low quality. For the roof, they used the roof thatch or palm fronds. As for the house for the rich and noble, they use materials that are more

7.4 APPENDICES expensive, such as teak, chengal wood and its design usually looks superior and has lots of carvings. Materials used for its roof are either clay or using wood itself.

Iddin: Saya ada dengar pada zaman dahulu mereka tidak menggunakan paku untuk pembinaan rumah ini. Jadi, bagaimana cara pembinaan rumah tradisional Kedah pada masa itu?

Iddin: I have heard that in the old days they did not use nails for the construction of this house. So, how what was the method used for the construction of the Kedah traditional house at that time?

Encik Zulkifli: Konsep menggunakan paku ini hanya ada pada zaman yang lebih moden. Jadi, kalau mengikut cara tradisional, rumah-rumah sebegini menggunakan tanggam. Tanggam ini kalau menggunakan bahasa ibunda bermaksud sambungan-sambungan, iaitu sambungan menggunakan kayu dengan menebuk lubang pada kayu tersebut dan menyambungnya mengikut lubang tersebut. Jika menggunakan paku, mereka tidak menggunakan besi untuk membuat paku tersebut. Mereka menggunakan batang kayu itu sendiri untuk bertindak sebagai paku yang dipanggil pasak. Contoh penggunaan pasak adalah pada tangga di kedua-dua bangunan tersebut. Jadi, kedua-dua tanggam dan pasak hanya menggunakan kayu dan tidak ada sebarang besi yang digunakan.

Encik Zulkifli: The concept of using nails only came in during more modern times. Traditionally, how

7.4 APPENDICES they constructed the house is by using mortise. When spoken in the mother tongue language this means using joints, for example the connection using wood by making holes in the wood and joining them by using the hole. If using nails, they do not use iron to make the nails. Instead, they used wooden sticks itself to act as so-called nail pegs. Example of usage for this is at the stairs at both buildings. So, both mortise and peg only utilised wood and there was no use of iron nails whatsoever.

Iddin: Di surau ada tempat mengambil air sembahyang. Adakah itu dibina pada masa yang sama seperti surau tersebut?

Iddin: There is a ablution place at the surau. Was it built at the same time as the surau?

Encik Zulkifli: Tempat mengambil air sembahyang itu adalah tambahan. Konsepnya dahulu ialah surau atau masjid tidak sama seperti zaman sekarang, di mana tempat mengambil air sembahyang ini ada dalam bangunan itu sendiri.

Pada masa dulu, tempat untuk mengambil air sembahyang dan tempat bermandi berada di luar. Di bangunan rumah, tempat bermandi berada di belakang rumah dan tidak bersambung terus dengan rumah itu. Begitu juga dengan surau, di mana tempat mengambil air sembahyang dibina berasingan dengan bangunan surau itu sendiri.

Encik Zulkifli: The ablution space was an addition to the surau. The concept of surau or mosque is not

7.4 APPENDICES the same as it is today, where the ablution space is in the building itself. During old times, a place for ablution and bathing place is located outside. At the house, the bathing area is behind the house and is not directly connected with the house. Similarly for the surau, the ablution space was built separately from the surau building itself.

Iddin: Dari segi perancangan dalam bangunan, bagaimanakah cara susunannya?

Iddin: In terms of the spatial organisation of the building, how was it arranged?

Encik Zulkifli: Secara asasnya, di depannya kita panggil serambi. Ruang pertama apabila sudah masuk ke dalam rumah dipanggil ruang ibu ataupun sekarang dipanggil sebagai ruang tamu. Kemudian, ada bilik yang berfungsi sebagai bilik tidur.

Bilik tidur pada masa dahulu kebiasaanya adalah ruang yang kosong dan hanya menggunakan kain sebagai pembahagi bilik di rumah ini. Untuk rumah orang yang lebih kaya, setiap orang mempunyai bilik masing-masing. Terdapat sebuah dapur di belakang rumah untuk memasak dan sebagainya. Akhir sekali, tempat mandi dan membasuh kain berada di luar rumah.

Untuk surau pula, hanya ada ruang sembahyang untuk lelaki dan ruang sembahyang untuk wanita di ruang yang lebih kecil dan juga ruang kecil untuk imam yang menghadap arah kiblat.

Encik Zulkifli: Basically, at the front of the house there is a space called the verandah . The first room

7.4 APPENDICES when you enter the house is called the mother space or now called the living room. Then, there is a room that serves as a bedroom. Rooms in the past was usually empty room and only use cloth as a divider for rooms in the house. For houses of rich people, everyone has their own room. There is a kitchen at the back area of the house to cook and so on. Finally, the bathing area and the clothes washing area are located outside the house. For the surau however, there are only praying areas for men and for women at the bigger and smaller space respectively and a small space for the imam which is facing the Qiblah.

Iddin: Apakah nama surau tersebut dan dari mana asalnya surau ini?

Iddin: What is the name of the surau and where does it originally come from?

Encik Zulkifli: Surau ini kita namakan sebagai Surau Haji Abdul Rahman Merbok. Haji Abdul Rahman Merbok seorang guru agama yang terkenal. Beliau juga pernah menjadi guru agama kepada sultan dan kerabat diraja Kedah. Surau ini diambil dari Merbok. Merbok pula dirujuk kepada nama tempat di kawasan Sungai Petani. Surau ini dahulu digunakan sebagai tempat sembahyang dan juga di mana Tuan Haji Abdul Rahman Merbok mengajar tentang agama dan pembacaan kitab.

Encik Zulkifli: We call this the Surau Haji Abdul Rahman Merbok. Haji Abdul Rahman Merbok

7.4 APPENDICES was a famous teacher that taught about religion. He was also once a teacher of religion to the Sultan and the royal family of Kedah. This surau was taken from Merbok. Merbok is referred to as a name of a place names in Sungai Petani. This surau was used as a place of worship and also where Tuan Haji Abdul Rahman Merbok taught about religion and scripture readings.

Iddin: Dari segi perubahan masa, bagaimana berlakunya perubahan daripada tradisional kepada moden?

Iddin: In terms of time transition, how did the change from traditional to modern happen?

Encik Zulkifli: Perubahan ini kadang-kadang berlaku secara semulajadi. Faktor yang pertama, perubahan ini mungkin berlaku kerana faktor bahan itu sendiri. Pada zaman dahulu, terdapat kuantiti kayu yang banyak. Untuk mendapatkan kayu kita harus menebang pokok dan apabila kita menebang pokok, masa yang diambil untuk menggantikan pokok-pokok tersebut boleh mencecah berpuluh-puluh tahun. Jadi, bekalan bahan yang boleh didapati berkurangan disebabkan faktor ini. Disebabkan pembangunan yang mengakibatkan penebangan hutan, bekalan bahan semulajadi secara tidak langsung berkurangan. Yang kedua, ia disebabkan faktor sejarah. Ini bermaksud faktor kemasukan British ke Tanah Melayu. Orang Inggeris ini memperkenalkan teknologi baru. Sebelum ini, orang kita hanya tahu membina rumah dengan menggunakan kayu. Dengan kemasukkan British, mereka memperkenalkan pembinaan berasaskan simen dan menggunakan bahan yang lebih mudah didapati dan mudah dicari.

7.4 APPENDICES Encik Zulkifli: These changes sometimes occur naturally. The first factor, this transition may occur due to the material itself. In the old days, there are a lot of timber that can be found. To obtain wood we have to cut down trees and when we cut down the trees, the time taken to replace those trees could reach decades. Thus, the supply of available timber decreased due to this factor. Due to modern development that causes deforestation, the supply of natural materials is indirectly affected. Secondly, it is due to historical factors. This means the entry of British in Malaya. The British introduced new technology. Previously, we only know how to build a house using wood. With the entry of the British, they introduced cement-based construction and use of materials that are more readily available and easier to find.

Kwang Zhou: Saya bandingkan kedua-dua rumah dan saya mendapati yang surau mempunyai tingkap pada bahagian atas rumah. Apakah sebab istimewa tingkap ini berada di surau?

Kwang Zhou: I compare both houses and I found that the surau has louvered windows at the top part of its building. Is there a special reason for this?

Encik Zulkifli: Tingkap ini tidak ada keistimewaannya. Ia hanya berfungsi sebagai pengudaraan dan juga pencahayaan.

7.4 APPENDICES Encik Zulkifli: The windows there are nothing special. It only serves as a way ventilation and to receive lighting.

Kwang Zhou: Di dalam rumah Sungai Ular terdapat kepala rusa yang digantung pada dinding rumah tersebut. Apakah maksud dan fungsi kepala rusa ini?

Kwang Zhou: Inside the Sungai Ular house there is a deer head hanging on the walls of the house. What the purpose and function of the deer's head?

Encik Zulkifli: Dulu-dulu pada tahun 60-an dan kebawah, kalau kita pergi ke rumah orang-orang Melayu, kebiasaannya kita akan jumpa kepala rusa dan tanduknya. Ia bertindak sebagai perhiasan. Kepala rusa ini didapati daripada tengkorak haiwan itu sendiri ataupun boleh dibuat daripada kayu. Satu fungsi adalah sebagai perhiasan dan yang keduanya, kepala rusa ini digunakan sebagai tempat menyangkut baju dan juga songkok.

Encik Zulkifli: In the 60s and below, if we go to Malay houses, usually we will see deer heads and its antlers. It acts as decorations. It can be obtained from the deer's head skull of the animal itself or can be made of wood.

One function is as an ornament and its second function is that these deer heads are used to hang clothes and songkok.

7.4 APPENDICES Daniel: Ada lagi tak orang yang menetap di rumah-rumah tradisional Kedah?

Daniel: Are there any people who still live in Kedah traditional houses?

Encik Zulkifli: Ada tapi tidak ramai. Di seluruh Alor Setar, kurang dari 10% yang masih menetap di rumah-rumah tradisional ini. Ini kerana rumah-rumah sebegini menjadi mahal dan menjadi benda yang mewah akibat bahan kayu yang sukar didapati pada masa sekarang.

Encik Zulkifli: There are but not many. Around Alor Setar, less than 10% are still living in traditional houses. This is because such houses are expensive and become objects of luxury as a result of a hard wood being hard to be obtained at the present time.

Cham: Di bawah surau terdapat satu gong, apakah itu dan apa fungsinya?

Cham: Under the mosque there is a gong, what is it and what is its function?

Encik Zulkifli: Itu bukan gong. Itu dikenali sebagai beduk. Beduk ini kita ambil dari Masjid Zahir. Apabila waktu sembahyang sudah tiba, beduk ini akan diketuk untuk memberitahu tibanya waktu sembahyang. Batang beduk ini diperbuat daripada sebatang pokok. Bulatan pada batang ini ditebuk dan kulit beduk ini asalnya dari kulit

7.4 APPENDICES kerbau.

Encik Zulkifli: It is not a gong. It was known as a beduk. We took this beduk of Masjid Zahir. When the time for prayer has arrived, the beduk will be hit to inform the arrival time of prayer. The body of the beduk is made from a tree. The circle on the body was punched and the beduk skin is originated from buffalo skin.

Iddin: Berapa lamakah beduk ini sudah diwujudkan?

Iddin: How long has this beduk lasted?

Encik Zulkifli: Beduk ini sudah ada selama berpuluh-puluh tahun. Kalau kita tengok, kulit beduk ini dicantumkan dengan menggunakan pasak kayu dan tidak menggunakan paku besi.

Encik Zulkifli: This beduk has been around for decades. If we look closely, the drum skin is grafted using wooden pegs and does not use iron nails.

Cham: Di bawah rumah itu juga terdapat alat-alat tradisional. Apakah kegunaan alat-alat ini?

7.4 APPENDICES Cham: Under the house there are also traditional tools. What is the use of these tools?

Encik Zukifli: Yang ada kayu pemutar itu kita panggil pengapit tebu dan alat yang diikat pada tiang itu dikenali sebagai pengapit santan. Kita meletakkan alat-alat ini pada rumah tersebut untuk menunjukkan cara hidup orang Melayu pada zaman dahulu.

Encik Zulkifli: The tool with the wooden handle is called a cane clamp and the tool that is tied to the column is known as a milk clamp. We put these tools in the house to show the way of life of the Malays in old days.

Cham: Di belakang rumah terdapat satu lagi ruang, apakah ruang itu dan tujuannya?

Cham: Behind the house there is another space, what is that space and what is its purpose?

Encik Zulkifli: Itu dipanggil pelantang. Pelanatang itu ada dua tujuan. Pertama, ia digunakan untuk membasuh pinggan mangkuk yang digunakan dan juga untuk menjemur.

Encik Zulkifli: It is called a platform. This platform has two purposes. First, it is used for washing dishes and also for drying.

7.4 APPENDICES Kwang Zhou: Biasanya rumah tradisional ini, boleh tahan berapa lama dan macam mana mereka mengelak daripada anaianai?

Kwang Zhou: How long can these traditional houses usually last and how do they avoid termites?

Encik Zulkifli: Kebiasaannya, rumah begini boleh tahun ratusan tahun. Pada masa dahulu, cara mereka mengelak anaianai ialah setiap tiang ada pelapitnya yang berbentuk petak dan dibuat daripada simen. Disebabkan anai-anai ini datang dari tanah, penggunaan simen ini mengelak anai-anai tersebut dari memakan tiang kayu rumah. Yang kedua, jika kita pegang kayu-kayu di rumah ini, tangan kita akan rasa berminyak. Ini adalah cara orang pada masa dahulu untuk mengelak anai-anai, dengan menyapu minyak pada kayu-kayu tersebut.

Encik Zulkifli: Normally, this house can last for hundreds of years. In the past, the way they avoid termites is there placing a layer below the the wooden columns of the house that is shaped like a box and made of cement.

Because the termites come from soil, the cement prevents termites from reaching and eating the wood columns.

Secondly, if we touch the wood in this house, our hands will feel oily. This is how people in the past avoid termites, by sweeping the oil onto the timber.

Kwang Zhou: Apa jenis minyak yang mereka guna?

7.4 APPENDICES Kwang Zhou: What kind of oil did they use?

Encik Zulkifli: Biasanya mereka menggunakan minyak disel. Dulu mereka sapu minyak pada kayu ini. Tetapi pada masa sekarang mereka menggunakan cat dan sebagainya untuk menggantikan minyak disel ini.

Encik Zulkifli: Usually they use diesel oil. In the past used to apply oil on wood. But in recent times they use paint and so on to replace the diesel oil.

Daniel: Dari segi warna, adakah warna rumah ini semulajadi?

Daniel: In terms of colour, is the colour of this house natural?

Encik Zulkifli: Ya warna rumah-rumah ini semulajadi. Kebiasaannya kalau rumah dulu-dulu mereka tidak mengecat rumah mereka dan hanya menyapu minyak disel tersebut. Sangat jarang rumah zaman dahulu menggunakan cat.

Encik Zulkifli: Yes the colour of these houses are natural. Normally the people of the past do not paint their houses and only applied the diesel oil mentioned before. Very rarely is a traditional house painted.

7.4 APPENDICES Cham: Atap itu menggunakan daun apa?

Cham: What kind of leaves are used for the atap?

Encik Zulkifli: Terdapat dua jenis. Satu ialah atap nipah dan yang kedua atap rumbia. Nipah selalunya terdapat di tepi sungai. Rumbia kebiasaannya ada di dalam hutan tetapi sekarang ini rumbia sukar dijumpa.

Encik Zulkifli: There are two types. One is nipah roof and the second is a thatched roof. Nipah is often found at the riverside. Rumbia was usually found in the woods, but now this is difficult to find.

Iddin: Macam mana mereka sambungkan atap nipah dan rumbia ini?

Iddin: How to they join the nipah and rumbia together?

Encik Zulkifli: Mereka menggunakan cara penjahitan. Pada fasa pemasangan, mereka akan susun nipah dan rumbia ini bersebelahan satu demi satu dan satu lagi lapis akan diletakkan atas lapis bawahan dan untuk mengelakkan dari nipah dan rumbia ini berterbangan, mereka menjahit lapisan-lapisan ini. Mereka menggunakan rotan sebagai bahan jahitan untuk mengikat atap ini.

7.4 APPENDICES Encik Zulkifli: They use the sewing method. In the installation phase, they will place the nipah and rumbia next to each other one by one and another layer of the atap will be placed on the lower layer and to avoid the nipah and the rumbia roof from flying, they sew these layers. They use a rotan as sewing material to tie the roof together.

Cham: Perabot dalam rumah ini, adakah ia perabot asli pada zaman dahulu?

Cham: The furniture in the house, was it the original furniture from those days?

Encik Zulkifli: Perabot itu kita tambah sendiri, dihias untuk memberi rupa seperti rumah tradisional pada zaman dulu. Pada masa dulu, rumah-rumah tradisional tidak mempunyai banyak perabot. Kebiasaanya di rumah tradisional Melayu, mereka duduk secara bersila atas tikar mengkuang dan mempunyai almari. Itu sahaja. Perabot yang kamu nampak sekarang ditambah kemudian.

Encik Zulkifli: The furniture was added ourselves, decorated to look like a traditional house in the old days.

During those times, traditional houses do not have much furniture. Usually in traditional Malay house, they sit cross-legged on mats and have a closet. That was all. Furniture that you see now were added later.

7.4 APPENDICES Cham: Sekarang adakah kedua-dua rumah ini terbuka kepada orang awam?

Cham: Are both houses are open to the public now?

Encik Zulkifli: Untuk rumah tradisional Kedah, ia hanya dibuka untuk melakukan kajian. Rumah ini tidak terbuka kepada orang awam kerana kerja pemuliharaan masih belum habis. Ini untuk mengelakkan kerosakan kepada barang-barang dalam rumah ini. Bagi surau pula, ia masih dibuka kepada umat Islam yang mahu mengerjakan solat.

Encik Zulkifli: For the traditional home of Kedah, it is only open to carry out research. The house is not open to civilians as conservation work is still not finished. This is to prevent damage to goods in this house. As for the surau, it is open to Muslims who want to pray.

Iddin: Adakah pintu ‘sliding’ ini tambahan ataupun ia datang bersama rumah ini?

Iddin: Were the sliding door an additon or did it originally come with this house?

Encik Zulkifli: Pintu ‘sliding’ ini adalah tambahan. Kebiasaannya pada masa dulu, pintu ini dibuka dengan menolaknya.

Pintu ‘sliding’ ini ditambah kemudian. Kalau kita perhatikan rumah-rumah Melayu pada masa

7.4 APPENDICES dahulu, konsep pintu ‘sliding’ tidak wujud lagi dan pintu bersama tingkap dibuka dengan menolak.

Encik Zulkifli: This sliding door was an addition. Normally in the past, the door is opened by pushing it. Sliding doors was added later. If we look at Malay houses in the past, the concept of sliding doors did not exist and doors along with windows opened by simply pushing it.

Iddin: Apabila kedua-dua bangunan ini dipindahkan ke sini, adakah ia berada dalam keadaan yang teruk?

Iddin: When both these buildings moved here, was it in a bad condition?

Encik Zulkifli: Rumah-rumah ini pada asalnya berada dalam keadaan yang uzur. Lalu, kita melakukan banyak perkara untuk memuliharakan kedua-dua rumah ini. Sebagai contoh, kita sapukan minyak diesel kepada setiap kayu dalam rumah-rumah ini dan kita menambahkan paku besi pada beberapa tempat untuk mengukuhkan struktur bangunan.

Encik Zulkifli: These houses were originally in a bad condition. Then, we do a lot of things to conserve both these houses. For example, diesel oil was added onto each wood in these houses and we added some iron nails to strengthen the overall structure of the building.

7.4 APPENDICES Iddin: Baik. Itu sahaja soalan-soalan yang kami ada. Terima kasih kerana meluangkan masa bersama kami untuk membantu kami dalam pengajian tentang rumah-rumah tradisional Kedah.

Iddin: Alright. That's all the questions that we have. Thank you for taking the time to help us in learning more about traditional houses in Kedah.

Encik Zulkifli: Sama-sama.

Encik Zulkifli: You’re welcome.

7.4 APPENDICES APPENDIX 2 (VIDEO & MODEL)

https://youtu.be/x2haQTs8r4Q

7.4 APPENDICES APPENDIX 2 (VIDEO & MODEL)

Pictures of models