A Malay traditional house in Kedah, adorned with distinctive carved panels of the northern Malay peninsula.
Malay houses (Malay: Rumah Melayu; Jawi: رومه ملايو) are the vernacular dwellings of the Malays, a diverse ethnic group found in Sumatra, coastal Borneo, and the Malay Peninsula. These traditional homes represent more than just architectural structures; they embody the cultural heritage of the region. While modern construction methods have become predominant, the traditional Malay house still holds great value due to its unique architectural forms and decorative elements. However, the preservation of these houses poses a challenge, as they require significant maintenance to protect the wood from decay caused by the tropical weather and termite infestations.
Construction
Using renewable natural materials such as timber and bamboo, Malay houses are often built without the use of metal, including nails. Instead, pre-cut holes and grooves are used to fit the timber elements together, creating a "prefabricated house." This construction technique allows for flexibility and easy dismantling and reconstruction in a new location, which was particularly useful for the ancient Malay peoples who maintained a form of self-regenerating environmental culture.
Design
A typical window of a Malay house with slanted wooden panels that can be adjusted for ventilation.
Traditional timber houses incorporate design principles that are relevant even in contemporary architecture, such as shading and ventilation. Malay houses exhibit a diverse range of styles, varying by region, state, and sub-ethnic groups. However, they share common elements, including being built on stilts, having stairs, partitioned rooms, a vernacular roof, and adorned decorations.
Stilts
Most Malay houses are built on stilts, known as "Rumah Panggung" or "stage house." This architectural feature serves multiple purposes, including protection against wild animals, flooding, and thieves, as well as providing ventilation. In some regions, the number of stilts in a bridal family's home can influence the dowry buffaloes they receive.
Stairs
Traditional Malay houses require stairs to access the elevated interior. These stairs connect the land in front of the house to the porch or verandah. Additional stairs may be found at the back of the house. They can be made of wood or brick structures covered with tiles, often decorated and meticulously crafted.
Rooms
The interior of a traditional Malay house is partitioned to create various rooms, such as the verandah, living room, and bedrooms. The main house, known as "Rumah Ibu," is dedicated to the mother (ibu), while the kitchen annexe, called "Rumah Dapur," is separated from the main house for fire protection. The proportion of the house is designed to create a human-scale environment. Raised verandas, known as "serambi," are attached to the house for work, relaxation, and entertaining visitors while preserving the privacy of the interior.
Roof
The roof of traditional Malay houses is designed to provide shade, protection from heat and rain, and ventilation. The gabled roof is the most common design, featuring extended frames with decorative ornaments. This roof design is well-suited for the hot and humid tropical climate. However, other styles, such as the pyramidal pitched roof, can also be found in certain regions. Different regions and states have their unique roof styles, each with its own distinctive characteristics and decorations.
Decoration
Each Malay region, state, or sub-ethnic group has its own preferred style of house with specific details. However, most Malay houses feature a crossed roof-edge structure with an "x"-like pinnacle ornament. In certain regions, houses have beautifully carved roof gable-end boards that resemble those found in Thailand and Cambodia. These decorative elements showcase the rich artistic tradition of Malay culture.
Types
- Rumah limas - Predominantly found in the city of Palembang and associated with the nobles of the Palembang Sultanate.
- Rumah Limas - A different styled Rumah Limas found in Riau Islands, Johor, Malacca, Pahang, Terengganu, and Selangor.
- Rumah Potong Limas - Predominantly found in West Kalimantan.
- Rumah Lipat Kajang or Rumah Kejang Lako - Predominantly found in Jambi and Riau.
- Rumah Melaka - Predominantly found in Johor and Malacca.
- Rumah Tiang Dua Belas - Predominantly found on the east coast of North Sumatra.
- Rumah Lancang or Rumah Lontik - Predominantly found in Riau Kampar Regency.
- Rumah Belah Bubung - Predominantly found in Riau Islands.
- Rumah Kutai - Predominantly found in Perak and northern Selangor, based on Kutai architecture.
- Rumah Perabung Lima - Predominantly found in Kelantan and Terengganu.
- Rumah Gajah Menyusu - Predominantly found in Penang.
- Rumah Tiang Dua Belas - Predominantly found in Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pattani.
- Rumah Bumbung Panjang - Predominantly found in Kedah, Perlis, Perak, Selangor, Johor, and Pahang.
- Rumah Air - Predominantly found in Brunei and Labuan.
- Rumah Berbumbung Lima - Predominantly found in Bengkulu.
Conclusion
The traditional Malay house represents the rich cultural heritage of the Malays in Southeast Asia. These vernacular dwellings showcase the ingenuity of Malay architecture, incorporating design principles that prioritize functionality and harmonious integration with the environment. While modernization and urban transformations pose challenges to the preservation of Malay houses, efforts to document and replicate indigenous architectural styles are underway. It is crucial to recognize and protect the unique cultural significance of these traditional homes, ensuring that future generations can appreciate their beauty and historical value.
