219 Tampin Rd

2 19 TA M P I N R D K U A L A

P I L A H , N 9 ,

G R A N D P A R E N T S ’

M A L A Y S I A

H O U S E

LIAN CHEN NG 617177 | ABPL90146 ARCHITECTURE CONSERVATION | A3

2

C

O

N

T

E

N

T

S

4 INTRODUCTION 6 CONTEXT 8 CONCEPT 10 PA R T A D O C U M E N TAT I O N & M O D E L L I N G 12 1920s 14 1970s 16 1990s to present 18 EXPLODED MODEL DIAGRAM 2 0 PA R T B E VA L UAT I O N 22 DUTCH GABLET ROOF | TERACOTTA TILES 28 FOUNDATION | WALL | FLOOR | OPENINGS 30

TIMBER

3 4 PA R T C C O N S E RVAT I O N P R O P O S A L 36 PRECEDENTS 40 RESTORATION & REMOVALS 42 44

PRESERVATION & REPAIR

APPENDIX I photos II fieldnotes III sketches

50 R E F E R E N C E S

Negeri Sembilan

Japanese Occupation

East India British Company + Colonisation

1st Rubber Boom in Negeri Sembilan

1890 1880

219 commandered as Japanese officials use

1920

1951

1970

219 Jalan Tampin

Extension 1 Extension 2

2016

1942

1900

219 Jalan Tampin commisioned by an Indian engineer as his retirement home

sold to our family when first owner left for India

Arrival of Chinese Immigrants from Fujian & Guangdong

Major Events Timeline 4

1990

Interior Renovation

INTRODUCTION

This is a personal case study to unlock the history of my grandparents’ house in a small town called Kuala Pilah, which belong to the state of Negeri Sembilan on the Malay Peninsula’s southwest coast.

Style. 2 Its improvement in construction techniques and materials culture is significantly driven by the rubber booms and socio culture introduced by British in the state. 3

Initially, the house was commisioned by an Indian Public Works Department engineer as his retirement home during British colonial era in 1920s. For a short while during the Japanese Occupation, it was commandeered by the Japanese officials for their use. After the war, the owner reclaimed the house when the Japanese left. 1 Although it is unknown when was the exact construction date of the house, it is estimated to be around 90 years old since it was sold to our family in 1951 when the owner left for India.

Although Straits Electic houses are more elaborated in general, the minimal designs of the house shows the very beginning evolvement of electic style (1840-1900s) done by the immigrant Chinese artisan as a norm during colonial time.

Architecturally, the house represents handcrafted vernacular of the early Malay villages under the influences of European (Dutch & British) colonists and the assimilation of immigrants (Chinese & Indian) from Guangdong, Fujian and Sri Lanka. It signifies the transition from the indigenous ‘ kampong ’ thatch roof structure to a revolutionised mixed of English, Anglo-Indian and Straits Electic

Today, the house is still in its original use resided by my grandmother and maintained by aunts and uncles once in a week during their visits. Apart from the demolition of the early bucket toilet for rear extension and renovation in 1970s, the structure and materials of the main house remains authentic.

Hence, the intention of the study is to provide a proper documentation of both historical and architectural aspects of the main house and offer a comparative analysis of the traditional techniques and materials as a heritage conservation and management proposal.

1

Ng, Fook Bee, and Wong Mui Mui, uncle and grandmother. Online interview by author, 25 March 2017, Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan.

2

Kohl, David Grant. “Chinese architecture in the Straits Settlements and Western Malaya.” 香港大學學位論文 (1978): 60-61.

3

加藤剛. “When rubber came: the Negeri Sembilan experience.” 東南アジア研究 29, no. 2 (1991): 109-157.

5

dry toilet

‘atap’ thatched roof

raised pillar + small

typical malay house

bucket toilet

clay tiles roof

N

concrete footing on

M

ai

cement foundation

n

Rd

9

S

219 Jalan Tampin

Figure 1: The external environment of Malay house (Yuan, 1967).

6

CHINESE SHOPHOUSES DISTRICT

to KL

CONTEXT Geographically, the site planning of the house resembles other Malay houses in the village which strategically located near a river (Figure 2: Note Sungai Pilah). One of the main reasons could be for the ease of transporting or flowing logs via the river during construction. 4 CLINIC AND HEALTH CARE CENTER

F

219 JLN TAMPIN HOUSE

B

CHUNG HUA PRIMARY & SECONDARY SCHOOL

D

With the expansion of the village, major road networks were improved and opened in order to connect to Malacca and other southern states in Malaysia via North-south axis (Figure 2: Note MainRd 9). Hence, the house with the address 219 Jalan Tampin, is facing the main road despite its unsual entrance orientated towards sunset direction which usually avoided in Malay customs. It is believed having the main road frontage is an important consideration in the house orientation as other nearby houses are situated in the similar principle (Figure 2: Note coloured A-H houses).

C E

By studying the environment of the house and its neighbouring settlement patterns, one obvious aspect is the undemarcated boundaries between the house lots in the village society. Without fences, trees identification is a possible way to delineate ownership compound area. 5

G

A

H

Despite material changes, the 219 Tampin house shares similar layout and planning to the typical Malay settlement (Figure 1).

to MELAKA

Figure 2: Context map

4,5

Shah, Bahrin Shah bin Raja Ahmad. The Terengganu Timber Malay House. Petroliam Nasional Berhad by Badan Warisan Malaysia (1988): 37.

7

Figure 3: Roof Plan

2 ‘rumah ibu’ main house 1 ‘serambi’ verandah 3 ‘dapur’ kitchen

‘selang’ corridor

Figure 4: South Elevation

8

CONCEPT While there are three types of vernacular architecture around the world: pit (semi-subterranean), ground (surface), and pile; Malaysia early traditional dwellings fall into the third category. As shown in the drawings, the house is built on concrete stumps off the ground. 6 Although the height elevated from the ground could be varying depend on the use of stilts (Kampong style) or footings (Straits Influenced Southern style), this is common in early days without nomadic background for the house to be easily transported after being dismantled, perhaps due to frequent floods. 7 The layout of the house follows the local Malay traditions with three main compositions - front ‘serambi’, middle ‘rumah ibu’ with connected passageway ‘selang’ to rear ‘dapur’. Despite the variations across different ethnic and states, most of the traditional vernacular in Malaysia adhere this system as a practice of forbidding uncontrolled socialization among men and women. 8 The front part, consisting the verandah, porch and stairs were claimed to reserved for the menfolk.

Whereas, the middle portion with rooms and large open space connecting down the stairs to the kitchen were designed for the womenfolk and children to carry out household activities.

Figure 5: Front Elevation

6

Nasir, Abdul Halim, and Hashim Haji Wan Teh. The traditional Malay house. ITBM, 2011, 11.

7

Shah, Bahrin Shah bin Raja Ahmad. The Terengganu Timber Malay House. Petroliam Nasional Berhad by Badan Warisan Malaysia (1988): 14.

8

Nasir, Abdul Halim, and Hashim Haji Wan Teh. The traditional Malay house. ITBM, 2011, 17.

9

10

PART A DOCUMENTATION & MODELLING

In the following section is the documentation of the transition from its original state in 1920s to the later modification throughout the residency of my family since 1950s when it first became our property.

While the design of the house remain original, the functions and concept of space changes according to our Chinese custom and practice. As Chinese living in the western Malaya can be categorized into three life-style groups: Baba, Straits Chinese, Straits - born Chinese. 9 These distinctions are due to the varying degrees of their hold to Chinese culture. While my grandparents are Straits Chinese, my parents and relatives are all Straits-born Chinese. Being the second and the third groups, our lifestyle are more assimilated and modified to the local culture compared to the Baba who often have intricate

9

ornamented and colourful culture due to the mixed Malay-Chinese marriages.

Therefore, the house does not have an obvious Chinese features from the exterior as well as the space planning.

The only Chinese concept of space is the integration of an air well (courtyard) in front of the original kitchen open area while extending the house to the north.

It is said that the house and the MalayEnglish environment and education in the village also influenced our lifestyle towards a more lenient Chinese hybridized practice.

A series of exploded model diagrams will be provided at the end of the section to identify the construction stages and components of the house as a prepration for evaluation in the next part.

Kohl, David Grant. “Chinese architecture in the Straits Settlements and Western Malaya.” 香港大學學位論文 (1978): 1.

11

Drainage fall

ORIGINAL LAYOUT 1920s

12

1920s

Period: Prewar British Colonial Owner: India Public Works Deparment Engineer Function: Retirement Home

Figure 6: East India Headquarters, Penang 11

Status: Original

Architectural Influences: 1 Anglo-Indian Architecture: Under the British colonial rule, was entrusted to design and construct public sector buildings, schools, government office, quarters and plantation. These buildings usually a mixture of British and Moghul (Indian Muslim) style began with the arrival of Portugese and Dutch, but flourished under the British.

10 The owner of the house, who is also a PWD engineer, is believed to have taken part in the design of the house with the aid of the construction by Chinese carpenter. Its influence is evident from the similar fenestrations and the pyramid lima roofs to the early Anglo- Indian government building of East India Headquarter (Figure 6). 11 However, compositional arrangement is rather a norm due to its geographical context in a majority Malay district.

Figure 7: Enclosed verandah from south view

In this case, the verandah of the house was enclosed with finely fitted plank balustrade and windows (Figure 7).

However, ‘serambi’ used to be open in the earlier examples. This transformation is believed to protect the furniture from sunlight and rain as coffee tables and chairs began to be placed there. 12

2 Local Unique: Enclosed verandah with double entrances 3 Bucket toilet: Sanitation in the old time Following the rubber boom in the state, the socioeconomic status started to improve with the increase of trades and activities. This eventually also transform architectural style of the houses. People became more fashion conscious and cultivated a fascination for European dandies culture.

Imported items and loose furniture became numerous than before. Since then, houses were designed with the consideration of the placement of valuable collections.

10, 11

12

Without the modern piping drainage system, bucket toilet was used and emptied once a day for large families and once a week for smaller one. The toilet was a overlapping timber cladding with temporary zinc shelter sitting on the open grass area next to the kitchen, protected from outsiders by the wooden fence.

Kohl, David Grant. “Chinese architecture in the Straits Settlements and Western Malaya.” 香港大學學位論文 (1978): 60.

加藤剛. “When rubber came: the Negeri Sembilan experience.” 東南アジア研究 29, no. 2 (1991): 137-138.

13

EXTENSION 1 1970s

14

1970s

Period: Post-war neo-modern Owner: Grandparents Function: Family Residence Status: Brick wall, cement floor extension

Architectural Influences: 1 Big Family Chinese Utilitarian Figure 8: Side entrance to inner courtyard

Following the increase of family members, the house was first extended in 1970s for more bedrooms, new living plus dining and bigger kitchen areas.

2 The verandah are divided into two small rooms.

Without the culture of drinking or chilling at the balconies/ verandah, partition walls were added become private rooms. Interestingly. the window at one of the room are not removed and creating a threshold between two rooms.

3 Half size of the original living were replaced with a medium bedroom, keeping another half as common meeting place for the children.

4 The intermediate corridor was covered with roof and added a courtyard in the middle of the house, for ventilation purpose and chinese fengshui adaptation (Figure 8).

Most of the daily cleaning and washing took place in the courtyard.

13

5 The original kitchen and store were modified into rooms with elevated timber platform to the level aligned with the original concrete footing surrounding the perimeter of the old kitchen.

6 As brick and cement were common construction at the 70s for the hot climate purpose, the yellow highlighted area are where the new in-situ cement floor were laid aligned with the original cement floor of the old kitchen (pink highlight area). The blue areas are the new cement ground with one step lower than the yellow areas.

7 Open wet kitchen were positioned behind the house for heavy fry and cook. A small shed coming down from the wall of the dry kitchen to protect the stove and kitchen appliances from rain. 13

Ng, Fook Bee, and Wong Mui Mui, uncle and grandmother. Online interview by author, 25 March 2017, Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan.

15

EXTENSION 2 1990s

16

1990s to present

Period: International Modernism Owner: Grandparents Function: Family Residence Status: Tiles Flooring, Brickwall extension

Architectural Influences: 1 Utilitarian

Figure 9: Wet Kitchen

Sewing room

Leveling

When my grandmother took up sewing hobby and became tailor, a sewing room was designated to the north of the toilets area and more bed rooms were added near the kitchen. However, the room become a laundry area & storage after my grandmother retire from her tailor business.

While the sewing room and new room next to it same level as the toilets, the wet kitchen and garage is another step lower to those. The new room 7 behind the kitchen is the lowest part of the house which another step lower to the kitchen and garage.

Tiles Flooring

Garage The wet kitchen (Figure 9) was only roofed when my grandfather decided to put a garage next to it after he bought a car. 14 At the moment, cars are parked outdoor in front of the house as the room became my aunts’ coop area. As chicken hatch eggs here, wild monkey from the jungle behind the house sometime will come and steal the eggs as the doors are open for the hens to roam freely.

14

Initially, all the floor were cement polished. However, it is now covered with tiles for most of the indoor use.

Ng, Fook Bee, and Wong Mui Mui, uncle and grandmother. Online interview by author, 25 March 2017, Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan.

17

ROOF

principal rafter + king post 9

common rafter + ceiling

10

WA L L | F L O O R | O P E N I N G S

+ strut + tie beam + fascia

wall planks + balustrade 8

+ ventilation

7

F O U N D AT I O N

window + door

stumps + stairs

18

1

crossbeams

2

EXPLODED MODEL DIAGRAM

battens

11

mortar + flashing + tiles + zinc

12

upright + pedestal + mullion

6

floor planks

5

pillars

3

upper crossbeam + floor joist

4

19

20

PART B EVALUATION

The analysis of the house will be structured into three parts in this section as follows:

Dutch-British settlement, and importantly technical construction of the local Malay and Chinese artisan.

1. GABLET ROOF - TERACOTTA TILES

As timber is the main building material for the house, its strength, properties and weakness will be investigated in the final part to identify constructive measure for restoration and conservation proposal.

2. STUMPS -PILLARS - WALL -OPENINGS 3. TIMBER For the first two parts, form and style will be assessed in depth via comparison with other early vernacular across both Malay Peninsula and Malay Archipelago (Sumatra, Java).

The focus of the analysis will be the architecture transformation brought after

21

main gablet roof with smaller front porch gable

raised gablet roof for the kitchen ventilation

1

A

C

F

B

D

E

G

Figure 10: C omparison photos of my grandparent house and other houses in the neighbouring sites

22

2

H

CHINESE SHOPHOUSES DISTRICT

to KL

Figure 12: Raised attic kitchen roof

Figure 13: King post, crossed rafter truss

Figure 14: Lower (hipped) beams, ‘V’ strut

CLINIC AND HEALTH CARE CENTER

DUTCH GABLET ROOF

F

219 JLN TAMPIN HOUSE

B

CHUNG HUA PRIMARY & SECONDARY SCHOOL

In west coast of southern Malaysia, most of the old dwellings have gable and hip roofs. Although the roofing covers may vary depending on the socio economy status of owner, the construction of the form and style are generally standard with a style called or ‘ lima bumbung’ in Malay. 15 On the left are the comparison photos of my grandparent’s house and other houses in the neighbouring sites which also share the identical roof style, cladding method and construction. The houses are arranged from the most similar to the least, with A-H alphabetic order that can be identified on the context map (Figure 11).

D C E G

A

H

to MELAKA Figure 11: Context map of similar houses

From the photo observation analysis, it is obvious that there are two types of recurring gable in the neighbourhood: (1) the main gablet roof with smaller front porch gable and (2) the raised gablet roof for the kitchen ventilation.

Figure 12-14 are the detail photos of the 219 Tampin House’s roof structure, which will be analysed in the following page.

15

Nasir, Abdul Halim, and Hashim Haji Wan Teh. The traditional Malay house. ITBM, 2011, 68.

23

1

2

3

5 gable (gentle) 30°

4

6

principal truss + common rafters

principal truss + common rafters + battens

Figure 15: 219 Tampin Rd House Roof Structure C

C

C 2

steel plate bolted on rafter and king post

50 x127mm 1

ridge beam cradle within

5

open scissors crossed rafter

T

3

‘v’ strut tension the

common rafter groove-in on principal rafter

T

crossed rafter

C

76 x152mm 6

principal rafter to

200 x127mm

stepped beam joint

4

stepped beam tied with iron strap on principal rafter

Figure 16: Truss Detail

24

‘silang gunting’ long single span purlin stepped truss

crossed rafter

‘giruf’

open scissors ‘silang gunting’ allow ridge beam cradle within crossed rafters

gable (gentle) 30°

giruf gable(steep) hip (gentle)

40° 20°

king post + ‘V’ strut

45°

30°

Figure 17: Malay Archipelago + Peninsula

stepped truss

allow long single purlin to

allow flexibility of beam system in

span the entire roof sloop

determining the contour of curve roof

Figure 18: Dutch & British (European)

Figure 19: Chinese (East Asia)

GABLET ORIGIN Although known as ‘Dutch’ gable, it is not originated from Europe. In fact, it was invented by the Dutch and English mariners or traders during their settlement in Southeast Asia. According to Nasir, it was started in Riau Island around 17th century, when the Dutch saw a traditional thatch roof style with the end of a roof started as a hip and finished as a gable end at the ridge (Figure 17). 16 The steep pitch gable is not only owing to the high precipitation in Southeast Asia but also serve as an attic to allow smoke to dissipate from cooking fires or underneath house burning to repel mosquito. 17 In order to adapt the hot-humid climate in Southeast Asia, the European applied this concept to modify their V inverted gable (Figure 18) into bigger and less steep version became the Dutch gablet. This roof style began to widespread in Malay Peninsula rural communities with different types of hip-gable erected on the administrative buildings under British influence in the 1850s. 18 Interestingly, this style of roof is also common in East Asia, believed to be originated from China (歇山) and spread into Japan irimoya (入母屋) and Korea paljakjibung (팔작지붕) in the 6th century. They all have similar use to dissipate smoke in the kitchen

16

17

and released as “fumigant” against fungal and insect attack. 19 Therefore, it is unsurprising to notice some Chinese construction techniques on the roof structure of the house.

As it was built by Chinese carpenters, it is believed the double beam truss is associated with the adjustment of the angle of the gable to the hip truss. Although the stepped beam system was originally used for curve roof, it is applied here in a European way with king post strut to support large span roof. Unlike the traditional method with separated rafters that often results with tiered roof, the rafters on this house are using the standard 6.7 meter long single span chengal wood with the cut size from the forest. 20 Due to the hardness of the species, it is usually cut into thick section with 127-228mm. Thus, it is easier and more structurally efficient to install without breaking the span.

Hence, the hybrid roof structure of the house is the results of adaptation to the local timber sizes and strength based on Malay, European and Chinese construction knowledge.

Nasir, Abdul Halim, and Hashim Haji Wan Teh. The traditional Malay house. ITBM, 2011, 17.

Kohl, David Grant. “Chinese architecture in the Straits Settlements and Western Malaya.” 香港大學學位論文 (1978): 60.

18

Nasir, Abdul Halim, The traditional Malay house. ITBM, 2011, 68.

19

Killmann, Wulf, Tom Sickinger, and Hong Lay Thong. “Restoring and reconstructing the Malay timber house.” (1994):19.

20

25

Shah, Bahrin Shah bin Raja Ahmad. The Terengganu Timber Malay House. Petroliam Nasional Berhad by Badan Warisan Malaysia (1988): 36.

A 1

2

Figure 17: Roof Cladding

B

3

C 4

1

RIDGE /EAVES- ‘V’ TILE

2

EAVES - ANGLE ‘V’ TILE

3

SHEATING - HALF BOTTLE TILE

batten

ventilation

tapered at top

36 0m m

360

55 4m m

tapered at top

mortar at eaves

mm

side only 165

mm 165mm

250mm

A

tapered at bottom

MIDDLE RIDGE TILING

B

GUTTER TILING

C

EAVES TILING

gutter flashing

tiles may be cut at corner

eaves tiles continues at angle to cover gutter with mortar along eaves

Figure 18: Cladding Detail

26

Figure 19: Big and small ‘V’ tiles at eaves

Figure 20: V tiles at eaves overlapped by half bottle

Figure 21: Half -bottle tiles from underneath

TERACOTTA TILES Terracotta tiles which are widely used in Southeast Asia, is still matter of debate whether is of Chinese or Portugese origin. It was even referred as “Chinese tiles” in the early 20th century due to the norm of Chinese manufacturing these tiles locally. Clay tiles is said to made their way into the local scene with the arrival of Portugese in Southeast Asia in 1511A.D. However, it probably first brought by Chinese traders since Malacca Kingdom had potent political and cultural interaction with the Ming Imperial Court of Chine in 1400A.D. 21 As teracotta has great advantages over attap roof, they quickly became a trend. However, it was only used by wellto-do people as it was expensive at that time. Considering it is safer, water tight, durable, high porosity to store moisture during rain and evaporates during heat of the day, thus cooling the space underneath, it is still a top choice for those who can afford them. 22

in order to overlap properly on the battens. The V shaped tile is believed to be specially made with the angle to cover ridges, corner and the 90 degree eaves. There are two sizes of the V shaped tiles, 554x 250mm and 360x 165mm. The bigger one is used to cover main ridges and the small one for eaves and small gaps. Unlike the tiles for fine buildings such as temples, the vernacular tiles are not glazed and often in imperfect sizes and shapes as they are locally handmade.

Due to the warm climate in the region, ventilation is an important design consideration for the roofing. Based on the photo of underneath the roof (Figure 21), the tiles are laid loosely without the use of nails and mortar along the battens. Mortar is only applied along eaves side, corners and gutters to prevent subsequent leaks into underneath. From Figure 19, the area under the overhang is also left open to allow ventilation so the interior would be neither hot or damp.

There are two types of teracotta tiles can be found on the house, a V shaped tiles and half-bottle tiles. While halfbottle is commonly found at Malay Peninsula, the V shaped is assumed to be unique to the region. Both are tapered at end

21

Ho Kah Chun, Associate Professor Dr. Ahmad Sanusi Hasan, Dr. Norizal M Noordin, An Influence of Colonial Architecture to Building

Styles and Motifs in Colonial Cities in Malaysia, School of Housing Building and Planning. Science University of Malaysia, Penang.

22

Killmann, Wulf, Tom Sickinger, and Hong Lay Thong. “Restoring and reconstructing the Malay timber house.” (1994): 26.

27

VERTICAL PLANKS (INT) finely fitted and smoothen using jack plane OVERLAPPING PLANKS (EXT) hand hewed from Meranti wood 4

SQUARE PILLARS hand hewed from Chengal wood

2

3

1

CONCRETE STAIRS Wide runners, designed not only for step on, but also for sitting, thus no handles but decorated with potted plants

WINDOWS ADORNED WITH BALUSTRADE Chinese Carpenter Malay Deco Style

Figure 22: Foundation - Wall

28

CONCRETE STUMPS Only began to use after rubber boom 1920, Sit on cement foundation to prevent them sinking into the ground

pillar

(b) wedge & dowel

Ch

flo (a) interlocking

en

or

‘be

ga

be

ls

am

cross beam

pe

cie

s

nd

ul’

Me

ra n ti flo spec or joi ies st

(a) mortise & tennon

Figure 23: Comparison of joints in Chinese (a) and Malay (b) construction 25 (a) Square pillars mortise and tennon joints from Ying Tsao Fa Shih (b) Malay house joints building traditions

1

CORNER JOINT

2

BEAM LENGTHENING JOINT

CONCRETE STUMPS + SQUARE PILLAR + BENDUL The successful expansion of rubber industry in Negeri Sembilan brought drastic material changes to the Malay Peninsula village lifestyle. Before that, house used to be built of logs with woven bamboo or leaves as claddings. After the rubber boom in 192030s, people became more fashion-conscious and prefer quality material to construct their house. 23 Thus, house began to be built from timber hewn into , 24 smoothen wooden were used instead of woven leaves or bamboo for walls and floors, for solid foundation.

In that event, the local architecture itself underwent transformation along improved socioeconomic and culture.

These changes were aided with the influx of Chinese immigrants and traders from Southern mainland China, who brought in their traditional Chinese construction practices into new home. Since then, construction works and materials were commonly supplied by Chinese, who also built fancy houses for the rich Malays.

In early times, timber are secured by connector joints instead of using nails and screws. By comparing the joints between

23, 24

Chinese and Malay construction (Figure 23), 25 distinctions can be notice as Chinese joints are usually with slightly complicated grooves, whereas the Malay tradition is with orthogonal clean joints. Interestingly, these two types of joint can be equally found in the construction of the house.

Due to the thickness and hardness of the timber, interlocking Chinese joints are only applied on the primary beam to beam connections for structural efficient reason. Unlike intersecting multiple timbers in Malay construction, beams are cut into half ‘U’ grooves near the end leaving 114mm overhang. This joint not only efficient for large timber construction, but also allow some movement between members to avoid overstress. Likewise, mortise and tennons are used to lengthen the beams.

For the ease of cutting and molding, most of the secondary joints are using the dowel and wedges techniques of the Malay construction. Bendul. is wall beam in Malay, running the perimeter of the house, separating main sections and used to connect to walls, floors, joist and other secondary components.

加藤剛. “When rubber came: the Negeri Sembilan experience.” 東南アジア研究 29, no. 2 (1991): 137-138.

25

Kohl, David Grant. “Chinese architecture in the Straits Settlements and Western Malaya.” 香港大學學位論文 (1978): 45.

26

Shah, Bahrin Shah bin Raja Ahmad. The Terengganu Timber Malay House. Petroliam Nasional Berhad by Badan Warisan Malaysia (1988): 71.

29

window beam upright beam

42 x 165mm

lintel

floor planks

3

EXTERNAL OVERLAPPING PLANKS WALL + WINDOW

pedestal door beam

4

INTERNAL VERTICAL PLANKS WALL + DOOR

30

overlapping planks (outside)

overlapping planks (inside)

vertical wall (outside)

ventilation lattice & louvre

vertical wall (inside)

1900s antique door lock

hinges

door joinery detail

19th century English invention 12-51 mm diameter

auger - hard-boring tool

tenon plug - tomake dowel/ tenon

jack plane - surface smoothing tool

mortise chisels - make hole into square

PLANK WALL + OPENINGS + TOOLS At the end of 19th century, as Rathborne observed in Malacca, planks were still a luxury item which used by better class of natives. 27 He further illustrates those finely fitted finished planks was the sawing work of Chinese carpenters, differ from the Malay planks which done using adze and wedges. 28 However, in Negeri Sembilan, such as the case study house, planks were all hand hewed and polished using the tools 29 as shown above. This is because the house was constructed much earlier by highly skilled Chinese carpenters even before saw was introduced. Thus, it has significant architectural and history value with the ancient craftsmanship details. These can be identified from the photos above from the unevenness of walls and chopping marks left on the pillars.

With the advent of plank wall, windows and door became more elaborate. It is sometimes adorned with balustrades and latticework or louvre for ventilation. Due to the hot

27, 28

and humid climate in Southeast Asia, houses are usually ventilated by having many lattice or louvre below roof or above openings. It is also interesting to note the opposite rules of openings for doors and windows. Door always open inwards, while windows always outwards. The joinery usually done without nails and only applied wooden joint methods.

The windows with louvered is probably European influenced, which is less lavished Venetian, with more usage of wood on the façade. Similarly, the overlapping planks made their way into the local scene with the arrival of British.

In general, the façade and fenestration are more towards European style or Anglo-Indian, but the overall construction is undeniably Malay and Chinese techniques using some of the English tools and hardware.

Rathborne, Ambrose B. 1984. Camping and Tramping in Malaya: Fifteen Years’ Pioneering in the Nation States of the Malay Peninsula.

Singapore: Oxford University Press. (originally published in 1898): 30, 136.

29

Wai-Sung, Wong. 1995. Timber Structures in Malaysian Architecture and Buildings. University of Tasmania Master of Architecture Thesis, 97.

31

HARDWOOD SPECIE

GRAIN: slightly interlocking with ribbon rigure on radial face

GRADE

DENSITY (kg m -3 )

Chengal ( Neobalanocarpus heimii )

A

930

Resak ( Vatica sp.)

A

870

Merbau ( Intsia sp.)

A

845

Balau (Shorea sp.)

A

820

Keranji ( Dialium sp.)

A

805

Kelat (Syzygium sp .)

B

670

Kapur ( Dryobalanops sp.)

B

660

Merawan ( Hopea sp.)

B

640

Mengkulung ( Heritiera sp.)

B

615

Nyatoh ( Madhuca sp.)

C

590

Melunak ( Pentace sp.)

C

575

Rubberwood ( Hevea sp.)

C

540

Meranti (Shorea sp.)

C

530

Jelutong ( Dyera costulata)

D

450

Geronggang (Cratoxylum sp.)

D

350

Pulai ( Alstonia sp.)

D

210

COLOUR: Sapwood -pale yellow. Heartwood- yellow, dark brown, with green tinge.

Figure 24: Meranti logs Heramb Group Š

Figure 25: Durability and strength of common Malaysian Timbers

32

CONSTRUCTIVE MEASURES:

1. No wood to soil contact: All timbers are built either on concrete stumps or walls with a distance to the ground to reduces the danger of fungal and termites attack (Figure 26).

2. Avoid composite materials for restoration: Modern composite wood are not compatible with the strength and nature of the old timber.

3. Joints replacement: Care should be taken to replace only the same design of connector and fasterner joints, ie. use traditional joints.

4. Roof restoration: Pitch must be steep enough and keep the underneath of overhang open for ventilation.

Figure 26: Floor beams rest on concrete blocks at old kitchen.

TIMBER The primary materials for the traditional vernacular in Malaysia was preferably the durable heavy hardwoods that can be locally sourced in the forest. The two most common wood are Chengal and Meranti across the whole Peninsula, while Belian is sometimes imported from Borneo. These woods were used for different components according to its strength properties and natural durability. As chengal is the prized wood, it is often used for main structure such as pillars and roof beams. For wall panels, floors and other non-structural members, meranti species is the popular one across the states expect in Terengganu where cengal was used for all timber parts. 30 For durability, heartwood are commonly used instead of sapwood to prevent insect and fungi attack.

A and B are reserved timber for structural construction which requires heavier loads support and wider spacing and longer spans.

The harvest method is to choose the old tree that sap does not flow readily and close to river. It is crucial to have enough water in the river to float the logs on, yet the current must not be too fast. Therefore, timber were harvested in April, May, June- floated down around August & September in early days. Sometimes, buffalo is used to drag fallen log to river. 32 The standard cut size for the early timber as follows: Section : 5” x 9” , 6”x6”, 6” x12”

In order to determine its load bearing capacity, the common Malaysian timbers are classified into 4 groups: A, B,C and D, with A the strongest and D the weakest (Figure 25).

Timber grade C and above are all suitable for purlin and joists. 31

30, 31

32

Length : 22’-30’ (6.7m – 9m)

Killmann, Wulf, Tom Sickinger, and Hong Lay Thong. “Restoring and reconstructing the Malay timber house.” (1994): 34, 36.

Shah, Bahrin Shah bin Raja Ahmad. The Terengganu Timber Malay House. Petroliam Nasional Berhad by Badan Warisan Malaysia (1988): 37.

33

34

PART C CONSERVATION PROPOSAL

The conservation intention for the 219 Tampin Rd House is to restore it as close to the original, but to adapt it to unique venue to be rented for traditional functions such as wedding house and temporary homestay.

With its almost 100 year-old age architecture character , this proposal will be ideal for those who looking for authentic house on stilts for traditional Malay weddings ceremony or other cultural events. As the house is surrounded by lush greenery, it is also an opportunity to rehabilitate the site with proper landscape for outdoor settings and al-fresco dining. This is as crucial as to revive its ‘ kampong ’ vibes.

In order to liven up its distinct Melayu house character, both repair and removal will be taken as the two main approaches in this proposal. In addition to that, some rendering and cleaning works will be needed to give a new look for the house, especially the verandah part as the main entrance.

Due to its strategic location near to schools, public buildings and business area, it has the potential to attract outstation students to rent a room and flaneur to drop by for ‘ kampong ’ living experience. Rather than leaving the rooms unused, it is better to refurbish its interior to be rent out as a part long term conservation maintenance.

35

Figure 27: K’ Seena House 33

36

Figure 28: The reading room 34

PRECEDENTS Originally, known as Pondok K’Seena and located in Tumpat in 1939, was a house owned by Dr Ali Othman Merican from a wealthy Chinese merchant. Lylone Merican was the last of Dr Ali Othman Merican’s daughter to occupy the house.

It was dismantled and relocated to Kuang, Selangor (its current position) after being left vacant for a couple of years. 33 The house share similar design and materials with my grandparents’ house. Therefore, it is studied for adaptive reuse ideas. This house is now an event place to be rented and gateway for weekened retreat, where guest can enjoy the laid back atmosphere and it vintage interior.

From the photos (Figure 27-30), the most vivid character of the house is its black and white contrast of the structure

with its walls. This language continues inside the house as it appears the same as the exterior. The exposed structure is a good reveal as an appreciation of the traditional roof truss and can be used to support electrical fixtures, such as lighting and fans.

The flooring is believed to be new convention for a finer and cleaner look interior. Some of the antique furnitures and old portraits of the owner are still well preserved which added the vintage points in the house.

All these approach will be taken as a guide to my grandparents’ house, to restore the hidden beauty of some of the old furniture passed down from my great grandmother.

33

”The History,” K Seena House, last modified 23 May, 2017, https://kseenahouse.wordpress.com/2015/05/06/history/.

33

”The Property,” K Seena House, last modified 23 May, 2017, https://kseenahouse.wordpress.com/2015/05/04/the-property/.

37

Figure 28: The living area 34

Figure 29: The bedroom 34 38

Figure 29: The dining area 34 39

Figure 30: Asbesto roofing will be removed and some of the broken tiles on the right will be replaced with new customised ‘v’ tiles that follow its original design

Figure 31: Underneath house graving proposal and removal of window wire grill, internal partitions and door

Figure 32: Verandah restoration impression

40

RESTORATION & REMOVALS There are three main parts of the house to be restored and removed at the main house and some of the extended areas in order to match the old and new. These will be discussed as follows:

A

ROOFING

C LANDSCAPE

CUSTOMIZE THE V SHAPE TILES

UNDERNEATH JUNK AND BUSHES CLEARANCE

Due to the long term weathering effects, major restoration will be on the roof tiles and fascia boards as shown in Figure 30. As it will be more costly to repair the old tiles, the constructive approach is to customised new tile which follows the same design of the original roof tiles.

The current vegetation which covering half of the facade of the house shall be trimmed shorter or replaced with small vegetation only. Similarly, the junks underneath the house needed to be cleared up and relandscape with gravels. These are to hold the sand (avoid dust and sinking) and provide cooling effect underneath the timber flooring. Consequently, these will protect the timber structure above from fungal attack as well.

ASBESTOS REMOVAL Asbestos is considered hazardous, therefore it is decided to be removed and replaced with original tiles. It is important to take safety measures in handling it as it easily brittle into dust which can exposed to health risk.

B

VERANDAH

RESTORE OPENNESS The , which added later to turned the verandah into rooms will be removed to restore its original function as temporary social platform such as yumcha and playing games. This is to increase the openness of the enclosed verandah and make it more inviting as shown in Figure 32.

41

Figure 32: Damages to be repaired with smooth render finishes

Figure 33: Repaint the interiors following the same language as they appear outside with original white paint

Figure 34: Preservation and protective measures

42

PRESERVATION & REPAIR The existing damages needed to be paired if it is still structurally good. However, the non-structural and heavy damages must be replaced with new convention that match with the old design.

Valuable items in the house needed to be preserved and protected with contructive measures. This is because they are important identity of the house that represent its age, history and story.

A

REPAIR WORKS

D

TIMBER PROTECTION

Damages on the edges of the stumps are to be repaired and finish with smooth cement render plus original ‘ batu kapur ’ (white) paint (Figure 32). Similarly, this can be equally applied on the broken timber beams to protect it from termites attack.

As timber is sensitive to moisture, fungus and termites attack, they need to be covered, spray or brush with anti termites chemical. These can be done by brushing some engine oil on the structure or spray using chemicals for anti-termites. This especially applies to the roof truss where termites “highway” nest is presence (Figure 34).

A

E

REPLACEMENT

As the existing meranti flooring is started to become wobbly and loose with gaps, they are to be replaced with new structural finely fitted timber floor with a layer of protective lacquer paint for better flooring finishing.

B

ORIGINAL COLOUR

With that action, the house should be repainted to follows its original colour which in white for the overlapping planks and dark brown for the main structure both internally and externally (FIgure 33).

ANTIQUE FURNITURE PRESERVATION

The chairs on Figure 34 were originally used in coffee shop owned by my great grandmother in the past. They are considered the hidden antique that remained in the house. Besides that, the long solid wood table was originally used in Chinese temple in the town and later purchased by my grandfather when he used to work there. However, it was covered with plastic linen which needed to be removed to reveal its natural beauty of the wood. These furniture believed to be valubale as vintage objects in the house, therefore needed to be protected with laequer finish and position in proper areas.

43

44

APPENDIX

45

46

APPENDIX

47

48

REFERENCES

加藤剛. “When rubber came: the Negeri Sembilan experience.” 東南アジア研究 29, no. 2 (1991): 109-157.

Ho Kah Chun, Associate Professor Dr. Ahmad Sanusi Hasan, Dr. Norizal M Noordin, An Influence of Colonial Architecture to Building Styles and Motifs in Colonial Cities in Malaysia, School of Housing Building and Planning. Science University of Malaysia, Penang.

Killmann, Wulf, Tom Sickinger, and Hong Lay Thong. “Restoring and reconstructing the Malay timber house.” 1994.

Knapp, Ronald G. Chinese Houses of Southeast Asia: The Eclectic Architecture of Sojourners and Settlers. Tuttle Publishing, 2013.

Kohl, David Grant. “Chinese architecture in the Straits Settlements and Western Malaya.” 1978.

Nasir, Abdul Halim, and Hashim Haji Wan Teh. The traditional Malay house. ITBM, 2011.

Ng, Fook Bee, and Wong Mui Mui, uncle and grandmother. Online interview by author, 25 March 2017, Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan.

Shah, Bahrin Shah bin Raja Ahmad. The Terengganu Timber Malay House. Petroliam Nasional Berhad by Badan Warisan Malaysia 1988.

Rathborne, Ambrose B. 1984. Camping and Tramping in Malaya: Fifteen Years’ Pioneering in the Nation States of the Malay Peninsula. Singapore: Oxford University Press. (originally published in 1898) “The History,” K Seena House, last modified 23 May, 2017, https://kseenahouse.wordpress.com/2015/05/06/history/.

“The Property,” K Seena House, last modified 23 May, 2017, https://kseenahouse.wordpress.com/2015/05/04/the-property/.

Wai-Sung, Wong. 1995. Timber Structures in Malaysian Architecture and Buildings. University of Tasmania Master of Architecture Thesis.

49