DILAPIDATION SURVEY by Lee Qin Ni

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN Centre for Modern Architecture Studies in Southeast Asia (MASSA) Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Architecture)

ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION (ARC60703) (ARC2333) (ARC 2332) PROJECT 2: DILAPIDATION SURVEY

Tutor : Pn. Nor Hayati Name : Lee Qin Ni Meera Satheesh

[ 0317554 ] [ 0317062 ]

Nicholas Lai Ken Hong [ 0317435 ]

ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION (ARC60703) (ARC2333) (ARC 2332) | PROJECT 2: DILAPIDATION SURVEY |

CASE STUDY : COMMERCIAL OES COLONIAL BUILDING (1919) LOCATION : JALAN RAJA CHULAN |

Tutor : Pn. Nor Hayati

LEE QIN NI

0317554

Meera Satheesh

0317062

NICHOLAS LAI KEN HONG

0317435

ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION (ARC60703) (ARC2333) (ARC 2332) | PROJECT 2: DILAPIDATION SURVEY |

TABLE OF CONTENT

1.0. INTRODUCTION 2.0. HISTORICAL VALUE 3.0. ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE 4.0. BUILDING DEFFECTS 4.1. Meera Satheesh

[0317062]

4.2. Lee Qin Ni

[0317554]

4.3. Nicholas Lai Ken Hong [0317435] 5.0. CONCLUSION 6.0. PHOTOGRAPHS 7.0. REFERENCE AND APPENDIX

Tutor : Pn. Nor Hayati

LEE QIN NI

0317554

Meera Satheesh

0317062

NICHOLAS LAI KEN HONG

0317435

ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION (ARC60703) (ARC2333) (ARC 2332) | PROJECT 2: DILAPIDATION SURVEY |

1.0. INTRODUCTION

Just opposite La Vie En Rose restaurant is a row of pre-war houses with an elaborate crest on the wall that says OES and the date 1931. Right beside this row of shop

SITE

houses, lays a large house which was built in the 1919s’ which housed a Eurasian family back in the day. This house was then rebuilt once again by the OES when the shop houses were built.

Figure 1.0.1 : Location map of the OES house, Kuala Lumpur Source : Google Maps

MAIN ENTRANCE

OSE NT

It’s not an abandoned building as per seen – you can still see sarong-clad

OES Shop houses

occupants minding their business upstairs. But there’s a particular yellow door on the ground floor that disengages from its colonial identity. It’s like stumbling upon a house in a storybook, with creeping foliage, wooden shutters and motif floor tiles to give it character.

COURTYARD

Figure 1.0.2 : Photograph of the large house from KL Tower Source : Own Source

Figure 1.0.3 : Photograph of the main entrance of the large house, Kuala Lumpur Source : Own Source

Tutor : Pn. Nor Hayati

LEE QIN NI

0317554

Meera Satheesh

0317062

NICHOLAS LAI KEN HONG

0317435

ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION (ARC60703) (ARC2333) (ARC 2332) | PROJECT 2: DILAPIDATION SURVEY |

2.0. HISTORICAL VALUE

In the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and under the shadow of the KL Tower at Bukit Nanas are a variety of wonderful old heritage buildings which have been left to decay and rot in the hot tropical heat and humidity. On the main Jalan Raja Chulan road is a row of houses which in their day probably represented the very best and elite accommodation in the city. These 8 houses in a row have an elaborate crest on the wall with the letters OES and the date of 1931 but there is little else I can find out about them. Beside these old ruins is the large colonial house built in 1919. Figure 2.0.1 : Photograph of the OES signage on one of the

This house was ones owned by a Eurasian family before the World War and housed an entire family for 3 generations. After the world war, this house was sold to an Indian couple, in the late 1940s’. It

facades

was said when Raja Chulan returned from Seychelles after visiting his father, he brought back his Source : Own Source

father’s favorite French tune, in which was used during events by the Indian couple when Raja Chulan himself visit.

This house later on was sold off to a Chinese family and was converted into a shop that sold cassettes. Finally, this house was sold to a Malay man in the late 1970’ and was left unsupervised ever since. Figure 2.0.3 : Photograph Raja Chulan in 1942 Source : https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/bukitnanas-heritage-buildings-stuart-taylor

Figure 2.0.2 : Photograph of the signage of the cassettes shop still hangs on the side façade. Source : Own Source

Tutor : Pn. Nor Hayati

LEE QIN NI

0317554

Meera Satheesh

0317062

NICHOLAS LAI KEN HONG

0317435

ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION (ARC60703) (ARC2333) (ARC 2332) | PROJECT 2: DILAPIDATION SURVEY |

3.0. ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

Architecture, by its nature reflects the traces of power by two levels. Firstly, it is the ability to create dwellings and spaces for architecture. It influences and affects people’s lifestyles. Secondly, it is a perfect example of the power of any political regimes in constructing their communities through styles and the function of architecture. Architecture is also a symbol of power since its massive physical appearance is linked with power, importance and complexity. The significance of architectural heritage can be classified into two different aspects. It is the importance of architectural heritage to define the nation, and the rise of the terminology ‘heritage’ during the post war period. According to superbrokers.ca, architectural significance is defined by a measure of the impact or importance of a building. The functional or aesthetic design of the building, and/or the methods used to construct the building can all add or detract from a building’s architectural significance. The architectural influence of this selected building is British Colonial-style. Some of the distinctive characteristics of colonial style architecture are 1. Symmetrical façade 2. Square 3. An entry door in the middle of the front of the home One of the most celebrated developments in the post-colonial period is how the architectural style in Malaysia has evolved from the pre-colonial years through colonial era towards independence. The past conquerors, especially British have introduced their architectural influence in the local architecture. Generally, houses after year 1884 is influenced more by western architecture if compared to pre-1884 which is mainly Chinese. Some of the importance of maintaining the architectural significance is 1. It embodies the unique qualities of a type, period or way of construction 2. It reflects the brilliant work of an architecture or master craftsman. 3. Old heritage buildings generally possess high artistic values which tend to be overlooked.

Tutor : Pn. Nor Hayati

LEE QIN NI

0317554

Meera Satheesh

0317062

NICHOLAS LAI KEN HONG

0317435

ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION (ARC60703) (ARC2333) (ARC 2332) | PROJECT 2: DILAPIDATION SURVEY |

4.0. BUILDING DEFFECTS

MEERA SATHEESH [0317062]

Figure 4.0.4 : Defect 1

Figure 4.0.5 : Defect 2

Figure 4.0.6 : Defect 3

Source : Own Source

Defect 1

Figure 4.0.1 : Location of the faรงade being studied.

Source : Own Source

Delamination and Disintegration of finishes causes M&E wires of the building is exposed to sunlight and rain due to the chipped off part of the finishes on that faรงade.

Defect 2 -

Spalling defects caused by the finishes expose the raw brick structure which is the

Figure 4.0.3 : Zoomed out photograph of

core of the building. defects. Source : Own Source

Defect 3

Figure 4.0.2 : Location of defect on the 1st

The discoloration from the bottom of the column is due to the water which is seeped

part of the facade.

through into the porous brick and finishes from the ground. Source : Own Source

Tutor : Pn. Nor Hayati

LEE QIN NI

0317554

Meera Satheesh

0317062

NICHOLAS LAI KEN HONG

0317435

ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION (ARC60703) (ARC2333) (ARC 2332) | PROJECT 2: DILAPIDATION SURVEY |

BUILDING DEFFECTS

MEERA SATHEESH [0317062] Defect 4

Spalling of finishes causes more of the raw bricks to be exposed to rain and sunlight which speeds up the deterioration.

Defect 5

The cracking on the edges of the cornice. This is probably due to the overexposure to rain and sun.

Defect 6 Figure 4.0.7 : Location of the faรงade being

studied.

Overexposed surfaces of the building exposes the raw brick underneath which might overtime cause cracking as well.

Source : Own Source

Defect 7 Figure 4.0.9 : Zoomed out photograph of defects.

Source : Own Source

Rain water is trapped within the paint and this causes a bubble to appear and when it beaks, the paint peels too.

Figure 4.0.8 : Location of defect on the 2nd part of the facade.

BUILDING

Source : Own Source

Tutor : Pn. Nor Hayati

LEE QIN NI

Figure 4.0.10 : Defect 4

Figure 4.0.11 : Defect 5

Figure 4.0.12 : Defect 6

Figure 4.0.13 : Defect 7

Source : Own Source

0317554

Meera Satheesh

0317062

NICHOLAS LAI KEN HONG

0317435

ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION (ARC60703) (ARC2333) (ARC 2332) | PROJECT 2: DILAPIDATION SURVEY |

BUILDING DEFFECTS

MEERA SATHEESH [0317062]

Defect 8 -

Algae growth on faรงade. The un-maintained section of the building is covered will algae and this increases the disintegration process of the building.

Defect 9 -

Rotting timber trusses. The rotting of the timber trusses has increased the rate of termite infestation which caused the roof to fall.

Defect 10 Figure 4.0.14 : Location of the faรงade being studied.

Source : Own Source

Growth of vegetation. The gap produced due to the rotting timber and the infestation of termite, has permitted growth for vegetation.

Figure 4.0.16 : Zoomed out photograph of defects. Source : Own Source

Figure 4.0.15 : Location of defect on the 3rd part of the facade. Source : Own Source

Tutor : Pn. Nor Hayati

LEE QIN NI

Figure 4.0.17 : Defect 8

Figure 4.0.18 : Defect 9

Figure 4.0.19 : Defect 10

Source : Own Source

0317554

Meera Satheesh

0317062

NICHOLAS LAI KEN HONG

0317435

ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION (ARC60703) (ARC2333) (ARC 2332) | PROJECT 2: DILAPIDATION SURVEY |

BUILDING DEFFECTS

MEERA SATHEESH [0317062]

Defect 11 -

The cracking of the walls has caused the windows to crack as well. The glass in windows fell due to the cracking of the windows.

Defect 12 -

The roots of the plants that grows on the timber roof truss penetrate in between the brick wall caused cracking at a larger scale thus causing instability to the structure.

Figure 4.0.20 : Location of the faรงade being studied.

Defect

Source : Own Source

Figure 4.0.22 : Zoomed out photograph of defects. Source : Own Source

Figure 4.0.21 : Location of defect on the 3rd part of the facade. Source : Own Source

Tutor : Pn. Nor Hayati

LEE QIN NI

0317554

Figure 4.0.23 : Defect 11

Figure 4.0.24 : Defect 12

Figure 4.0.25 : Defect 13

Source : Own Source

Meera Satheesh

0317062

NICHOLAS LAI KEN HONG

0317435

ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION (ARC60703) (ARC2333) (ARC 2332) | PROJECT 2: DILAPIDATION SURVEY |

BUILDING DEFFECTS

Tutor : Pn. Nor Hayati

LEE QIN NI

0317554

LEE QIN NI [0317554]

Meera Satheesh

0317062

NICHOLAS LAI KEN HONG

0317435

ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION (ARC60703) (ARC2333) (ARC 2332) | PROJECT 2: DILAPIDATION SURVEY |

BUILDING DEFFECTS

Tutor : Pn. Nor Hayati

LEE QIN NI

0317554

NICHOLAS LAI KEN HONG [0317435]

Meera Satheesh

0317062

NICHOLAS LAI KEN HONG

0317435

ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION (ARC60703) (ARC2333) (ARC 2332) | PROJECT 2: DILAPIDATION SURVEY |

Tutor : Pn. Nor Hayati

LEE QIN NI

0317554

Meera Satheesh

0317062

NICHOLAS LAI KEN HONG

0317435

ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION (ARC60703) (ARC2333) (ARC 2332) | PROJECT 2: DILAPIDATION SURVEY |

5.0. CONCLUSION

As a conclusion, this building is a very large building with rich culture and history which dates back to before 1919. As a colonial shop which was then converted into a commercial lot, the maintenance of the building was neglected.

The defects of this building mostly are due to the lack of maintenance by the owners. Based on the observation made, the frontal part of the building needs lesser conservation in comparison to the back. This is due to the structural instability of the building. With minimal touchups and refurbishment of the element in the front, it may still be usable. The back however, needs a whole new structural framing, due to the massive cracking caused by the settlement as well as the growth of the vegetation throughout the walls.

Tutor : Pn. Nor Hayati

LEE QIN NI

0317554

Meera Satheesh

0317062

NICHOLAS LAI KEN HONG

0317435

ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION (ARC60703) (ARC2333) (ARC 2332) | PROJECT 2: DILAPIDATION SURVEY |

6.0. PHOTOGRAPHS

Tutor : Pn. Nor Hayati

LEE QIN NI

0317554

Meera Satheesh

0317062

NICHOLAS LAI KEN HONG

0317435

ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION (ARC60703) (ARC2333) (ARC 2332) | PROJECT 2: DILAPIDATION SURVEY |

Tutor : Pn. Nor Hayati

LEE QIN NI

0317554

Meera Satheesh

0317062

NICHOLAS LAI KEN HONG

0317435

ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION (ARC60703) (ARC2333) (ARC 2332) | PROJECT 2: DILAPIDATION SURVEY |

Tutor : Pn. Nor Hayati

LEE QIN NI

0317554

Meera Satheesh

0317062

NICHOLAS LAI KEN HONG

0317435

ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION (ARC60703) (ARC2333) (ARC 2332) | PROJECT 2: DILAPIDATION SURVEY |

7.0. REFERENCE

http://www.timeout.com/kuala-lumpur/weddings/best-venues-for-pre-wedding-photos-in-kl

https://books.google.com.my/books?id=Th5DAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA491&lpg=PA491&dq=oes+colonial+houses+kl&source=bl&ots=CmBQSr20Yx&sig=_rIMMo0_tmCRw_ay7qFZfDq 2rRM&hl=en&sa=X&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=oes%20colonial%20houses%20kl&f=false

http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Issue/straitstimes19820324.aspx

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=oes+colonial+houses+kl&start=10

https://www.bing.com/search?q=history+of+colonial+house+in+raja+chulan&go=Submit&qs=n&pq=history+of+colonial+house+in+raja+chulan&sc=0-26&sp=1&sk=&cvid=a7aa0052c2de4cc39a49f7427775f981&first=81&FORM=PERE4

http://www.thestar.com.my/Metro/Focus/2015/05/01/Perak-royalty-remembered-Jalan-Raja-Chulan-offers-glimpses-into-KLs-history/

HISTORIC AND ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE: EVALUATION CRITERIA, POLICIES AND GUIDELINES. 4th ed. Maryland: Historic Preservation Conservation Commission, 1996. Web. 15 Oct. 2015.

Historicnewengland.org,. 'Architectural Style Guide â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Historic New England'. N.p., 2015. Web. 1 Oct. 2015.

10.

Home Guides | SF Gate,. 'What Is A Colonial House?'. N.p., 2015. Web. 3 Oct. 2015.

11.

TheFreeDictionary.com,. 'Architectural Significance'. N.p., 2015. Web. 13 Oct. 2015.

12.

Wentworthstudio.com,. 'Colonial Revival Style (1880-1955)'. N.p., 2014. Web. 6 Oct. 2015.

Tutor : Pn. Nor Hayati

LEE QIN NI

0317554

Meera Satheesh

0317062

NICHOLAS LAI KEN HONG

0317435

ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION (ARC60703) (ARC2333) (ARC 2332) | PROJECT 2: DILAPIDATION SURVEY |

8.0. LIST OF FIGURES

. rd

Figure 1.0.1 : Location map of the OES house, Kuala Lumpur

Figure 4.0.15 : Location of defect on the 3 part of the facade.

Figure 1.0.2 : Photograph of the large house from KL Tower

Figure 4.0.16 : Zoomed out photograph of defects.

Figure 1.0.3 : Photograph of the main entrance of the large house

Figure 4.0.17 : Defect 8

Figure 2.0.1 : Photograph of the OES signage on one of the facades

Figure 4.0.18 : Defect 9

Figure 2.0.2 : Photograph of the signage of the cassettes shop still hangs on the side faรงade.

Figure 4.0.19 : Defect 10

Figure 2.0.3 : Photograph Raja Chulan in 1942

Figure 4.0.20 : Location of the faรงade being studied. rd

Figure 4.0.21 : Location of defect on the 3 part of the facade.

Figure 4.0.1 : Location of the faรงade being

Figure 4.0.22 : Zoomed out photograph of defects.

Figure 4.0.2 : Location of defect on the 1 part of the facade.

Figure 4.0.23 : Defect 11

Figure 4.0.3 : Zoomed out photograph of defects.

Figure 4.0.24 : Defect 12

Figure 4.0.4 : Defect 1

Figure 4.0.25 : Defect 13

Figure 4.0.5 : Defect 2

Figure 4.0.26 : Left elevation of the building taken in December 2014

Figure 4.0.6 : Defect 3

Figure 4.0.27 : Defect 14

Figure 4.0.7 : Location of the faรงade being studied. Figure 4.0.8 : Location of defect on the 2

Figure 4.0.28 : Defect 15

part of the facade.

Figure 4.0.29 : Defect 16

Figure 4.0.9 : Zoomed out photograph of defects.

Figure 4.0.30 : Defect 17

Figure 4.0.10 : Defect 4

Figure 4.0.31 : Defect 18

Figure 4.0.11 : Defect 5

Figure 4.0.32 : Defect 19

Figure 4.0.12 : Defect 6

Figure 4.0.33 : Defect 20

Figure 4.0.13 : Defect 7

Figure 4.0.34 : Defect 21

Figure 4.0.14 : Location of the faรงade being studied.

Tutor : Pn. Nor Hayati

LEE QIN NI

0317554

Meera Satheesh

0317062

NICHOLAS LAI KEN HONG

0317435