The definition of traditional is attitudes and ways of thinking and acting that always cling to existing custom from generation to generation. The custom is the rule and cultural practice which grows and develops in a community or region, and considered valuable by the community. Generally, culture is defined as a result of the development of intellect and human effort in meeting the needs of life.
Malay Traditional House is part of the architectural heritage of Malaysia which is very valuable. It was designed and built by most people who showed how adept and creative of them in the field of architecture. It displays wisdom in the use and expansion of the space according to current needs, weather adaptation, and the use of building materials. Malay Traditional House symbolizes a way of life, and open attitude of the Malay.
Generally, the house was made of wood and supported by pillars. The walls were made of wood or woven bamboo or rattan, while roofing was thatch or wood. Building materials were wood, rattan, roots, bamboo, and leaves from nearby forest resources. Wood became the main building material especially for building structure, while rattan and roots being binders, wood and betel nut stems were created as floor, bamboo and thatched leaves into the walls and roof.
Malay architecture is the result of the convergence of folk culture that once dominated the region such as, Bugis, Bali, Java, Aceh, Minagkabau, Thai, Chinese, and Western.
Weather is a major factor in the design of buildings. Rainfall frequently resulted more tapered in roof design and high stilts to avoid flooded. Practice in the past, rivers were the major transportation route, and dwellings usually near the rivers. The hot weather also contributed to more open design such as, the presence of a lot of windows, balconies, and under-floor columns provide space for air circulation under the floor. Windows visible from all angles dominate the home view and provide adequate ventilation in the house. The interior has a large open space and has a few of divider walls. Furthermore, the air passages at the top of windows and roofs have also been designed to make maximum comfort.
Also, the culture and custom have contributed a big role in shaping the architecture of Malay traditional house. For example, the presence of Islam has influenced the orientation of the building leads to Qiblat. Definition of spaces was also arranged and altered levels according to the use of social customs, feasts, and family activities.
Western colonials' presence have given new options in the Malay architectural techniques. For example, Zinc roof and tile roof have taken over the thatched roof. Wood, brick and cement have taken place for pillars, stairs and walls, which wood material is used prior. Metal nails replace wooden pegs and roots as liaison or binder. This influence can be seen positively and negatively over the public that is, the clash of two elements between practical and artistic.
There are several types of traditional design and mix design that can be seen all over Malaysia. Generally, these designs are classified according to the roof design namely, Long Roof, Hip Roof and Perak Roof. These designs can be seen in every corner of the country. For most people, Long Roof or Gable Roof design is the most popular by the simplicity of design, and saving cost, as well as the time of construction.
In the past, Kedah Malay House had many carvings, reflected the high quality of Malays' Art. Construction influenced by the culture and environmental conditions. They highlighted the carvings such shape as, plants, figures, and range of life as found in their homes. The tradition of the Kedah Malay House usually has verandah, main home, middle space, and home for the kitchen. The structures of the roofs are called Perak and Long roofing. If we could see via the remains of the Malay heritages, we could say that the Malays were very concerned on the uniqueness and beauty of their homes, very careful in building their houses either in terms of construction or the selection of home sites, for peaceful of their life at all the time. The specialty of these houses is also available at the fineness of filigree and floral carvings, recesses of space, veranda, main home, porch, hall, space intervals, kitchen and veranda. Every space has an own function which was significantly different than residence nowadays, whom the residence nowadays has many personal spaces such as, special room and confidential place.
The painting atop is the Kedah Malay House. More information click here. Below is about this painting.
In the past, Kedah Malay House had many carvings, reflected the high quality of Malays' Art. Construction influenced by the culture and environmental conditions. They highlighted the carvings such shape as, plants, figures, and range of life as found in their homes. The tradition of the Kedah Malay House usually has verandah, main home, middle space, and home for the kitchen. The structures of the roofs are called Perak and Long roofing. If we could see via the remains of the Malay heritages, we could say that the Malays were very concerned on the uniqueness and beauty of their homes, very careful in building their houses either in terms of construction or the selection of home sites, for peaceful of their life at all the time. The specialty of these houses is also available at the fineness of filigree and floral carvings, recesses of space, veranda, main home, porch, hall, space intervals, kitchen and veranda. Every space has an own function which was significantly different than residence nowadays, whom the residence nowadays has many personal spaces such as, special room and confidential place.
The painting atop is the Kedah Malay House. More information click here. Below is about this painting.
genre: heritage
title: rumah kedah #5
medium: oil painting on canvas
size: 91cm x 122cm
year: 2013
price: bought by Mr Loo Boon Chen