Architecture of the Tropics 2: Malaysia
Malaysia is a country located in South East Asia with a diversity of ethnicities. Traditionally known as “Tanah Melayu” or “Malaya” on 16 September 1963, Malaysia was born. The main ethnic group in Malaysia consists of Malay or locally known as Melayu, then there are Chinese and Indian, which have been there since the Melaka Empire (1400 – 1511) and the indigenous peoples.
With its multi-ethnicities, multi-religion and rich history, Malaysia had produced some of the amazing traditional tropical architecture in the region.
Traditional
Let us start with the traditional Malay houses and the traditional longhouses of the indigenous peoples as both are the ancestry of the land.
The Malay house is built after a clear pattern. Its basis is a raised platform, dividable by parting walls into private and reception spaces. The veranda, neither inside nor out, an in-between space, may be opened or closed through the use of movable elements. The orientation of the houses toward one another appears arbitrary; the only visible evidence of concern seems to be keeping them as far apart from one another as is possible so as not to block the view. There appears to be even by high density the impressions of a large open space through which the landscape flows. The individual plots are not visibly divided from one another. Boundaries have little importance aside from the user's right to the plants. The connection to the neighbour is important – by systems laid out by Malays the boundary to the neighbour is usually omitted. Hedges or fences, if existent are usually highly perforated. A house should be both visible and accessible to others. What has been mentioned here is the characteristic of a Malay house.
Figure 1 : The charecteristics of a traditional Malay house
Figure 2: The typical layout of a traditional Malay house
The traditional longhouse is commonly found in East Malaysia also known as Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan, also known as Malaysia Borneo. As it is a part of Malaysia on the Island of Borneo, the 3rd largest island in the world. The longhouses are traditional houses for the ethnic group such as the Iban, Melanau, Orang Ulu, and Bidayuh for Sarawak, and Rungus for Sabah. Both longhouses share a common characteristic.
The longhouses are usually sited by the river for freshwater, fish and transportation. The size of the longhouses may vary from 20 to over 80 units of an apartment. The average house may accommodate between 200 to 300 people. If the longhouses are large enough they can support up to 700 to 800 people.
A longhouse is built out of timber and raised wooden stilts which usually will be 6 metres above the ground. The apartments are arranged in a linear position along one side of the house and open toward the common space. This common space is where the community gather for celebrations, funeral and entertaining guest. The common space then opens onto an open deck which is a drying area. A notched log acts as a ladder to enter the house.
Figure 3: The Melanau longhouse
Figure 4: The Rangus longhouse floor plan
Melakan
Next, is the Melakan Townhouse. A Melakan townhouse derives from the Chinese shophouse, a prototype house of the urban Chinese during the 17th century. The architecture style was imported from China during the immigration of the Chinese during the British occupation. The relationship between Malacca and China was developed since the reign of the Sultanate of Malacca which is as early as the 14th century.
Among the traditional features of the Melakan Townhouse are, central pair of timber panelled doors at the front of the house. On both sides of the door are square decorated panel windows with bars or shutters. The ventilation gap is located above the windows, mostly will be curvilinear-shape and decorative. The ventilation gap can either be from one end of a window to the other or just above the window with parallel width. The other set of doors will be located right in front of the front yard, a half-door pair. Adopted from the traditional Malay house, provided the occupants with a sense of privacy from the passerby when the main door is open for ventilation and natural light during the day.
Figure 5: The front fecade of the Melakan townhouse
The width of the house is narrow, but the house is laid out along a longitudinal axis and divided into sections with decorative screens. The front area also known as the reception hall is considered a public area and connected to the private part of the house via passages and courtyards. A smaller version will be referred to as airwells. These courtyards and airwells allowed lights and air to come into the house and ventilated them well even on hot days. Besides bringing in the light and air it also provides them with a private garden space which was a luxury in a city dwelling.
Figure 6: The typical plan layout for ground floor and 1st floor of the Melakan townhouse
Istana
Now coming back to traditional Malay architecture, like any other society, we have a ruler which is called Sultan and we have palaces built by the most talented craftsmen in the country. The craftsmen were celebrated as an important figures in society.
In the Malay society, the Istana is known as the palace or where the Sultans choose to reside was an important part of the society. It is not only a residence but also a centre of culture, arts and learning. The common people will visit the Istana for guidance in almost all aspects of their daily life including taking refuge from enemy attacks. The Istana was built under the same methods as the traditional Malay house which is post and beam but on a grander scale.
One of the most well-known Malay palaces was Istana Sri Menanti located in Negeri Sembilan. It was built fully out of timber between 1902 till 1908 for Tuanku Muhammad Shah. The 7th ruler of Negeri Sembilan. It was designed by two local Malay carpenters, Tukang Kahar and Tukang Taib.
The palace is a four-storey high and is raised on timber posts made of Penak wood. The first floor consists of reception rooms and verandas all along the entire length of the palace. At one end of the veranda is a dais where the ruler addresses his subjects. On the second floor are the family bedrooms and the state bedrooms. The third floor contains the ruler's private apartments and the fourth floor is the central tower. It was used for the royal archives and prayer room.
The whole palace was built with no nails. Altogether, 103 posts were constructed and four main posts located at the central tower (also known as tiang seri) were 20 meters tall. The carpenters were using hardwood dowels and rivets instead. The post is highly decorated. Furniture was not important during this period as it was a tradition for the member of the royal family, courtiers and guests to sit on the floor.
Figure 7: Istana Seri Menanti, located in Kuala Pilah District of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
We have lots to offer and a lot we can learn from each other. As mentioned we have been exchanging technologies, and expertise since the 14th century. My hope in the local design industries is I hope we can thrive and be a part of the global communities and share our unique identities with others.
References
1. Image of figure 1; from my thesis published in University Malaya, title;
The Surviving Malay Houses in Kampung Baru.
2. Image of figure 2; from my thesis published in University Malaya, title;
The Surviving Malay Houses in Kampung Baru.
3. Image of figure 3; Budaya Sarawak - Wikipedia bahasa Indonesia, ensiklopedia bebas
4. Image of figure 4; THE RUNGUS LONGHOUSE OF SABAH, MALAYSIAN BORNEO – A DYING ARCHITECTURE- Universiti Sains Malaysia.
5. Image of figure 5; https://www.insightguides.com/destinations/asia-pacific/malaysia/
6. Image of figure 6; The Encyclopedia of Malaysia: Architecture.
7. Image of figure 7; https://www.mkn.gov.my/ - Asal Usul Sejarah Istana Seri Menanti, Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan.
8. The Sultanate of Malacca - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malacca_Sultanate