Thursday, March 18, 2010

Malay House for Major

It is a modernist building in a weird way. It stands out as an autonomy like Villa Savoye. It just lacks recognition.

I like Malay houses.
They are actually more modern than we think.

The interior is great.
Its got open plan.
The interior spaces are multi-functional ie. it can be used for various different purposes (a lot of architects like this sort of spaces).

Malay traditional houses are most probably the best local example of sustainability.
The openings ie windows and doors are designed to allow natural ventilation.
The volume of the house is lifted up above the ground for added ventilation (plus a few other purposes).
The roof is cantilevered to provide shading.
The best part of it is, Malay houses are the earliest form of prefabrication aka model for mass production because they don't use nails to construct it. Therefore they can be dismantled and reassembled anytime.
And they are beautiful, not merely containers that are turned into living spaces.

The only problem is, we can't really see it nowadays.
Not many architects have explored the possibilities and opportunities in these typology.
And they have a strong stigma of being traditional and old.

So, maybe...
Just maybe, I'll have a close look at this for my major project.
It might be interesting.
And useful.

2 comments:

Test said...

Hijjaz Kasturi has made a successful attempt to modernize the Malay house with his own house.

Couple of things to share:
1. Sometimes spiders play roles to trap mosquitoes at the ventilation opening.
2. Different district has different architectural language of Malay house used
3. The house is portable. My grandmother house which is located in Perak was used to be in Kelantan. From her story, the whole villagers took part in transporting the house.
4. The dapur area is normally detached from the main building. (normally dapur will sit on the ground) this is done for any case of fire.
5. Most of contemporary architects refuse to use timber because its expensive and not 'sustainable'. However I do believe it is sustainable as timber is a renewable material and it can last up to 500 years old. Long enough for 8-9 generation to use it. The price turns high because of the lack of cares pertaining replanting back what we have take.

Unknown said...

It would be nice to see a picture of the house being moved. If theres any. =D

Yeah different region different style. We should start compiling these stuff now fira.