Decorative Elements of Traditional Malay House: Comparative Study of Rumah Limas Bumbung Perak (RLBP) and Rumah Limas Johor (RLJ)

Abstract

In traditional Malay architecture, decorative elements are defined as non-structural elements and as “additional member” of the building that contributes to aesthetic and functional aspects of the architecture. Its ornamentation, form and pattern particularly in woodcarving and bamboo weaving reflect the uniqueness of local craftsmanship and the master carvers. There are at least 16 (sixteen) decorative elements of the traditional Malay house that have been identified by previous researcher. Architecturally in Malaysia traditional houses were categorised based on roof design, spatial organization and geographical setting which finally this categorization was named after the states. Each traditional house is in the state of Malaysia signifying particular style and architectural characteristics of that particular state. This article discusses the study of those decorative elements on the traditional Malay houses in the state of Perak known as Rumah Limas Bumbung Perak (RLBP) and traditional house from the state of Johor known as Rumah Limas Johor (RLJ). With the objective is to investigate the type, terms and characteristics of decorative elements site observations were done on selected twenty-five (25) of RLBP houses and another twenty-five (25) of RLJ houses. The analysis on visual data and verbal data were carried out to established architectural terminology and typology based on form and style of every decorative element. The study found that nine (9) decorative elements come to be the major characteristics of RLBP whilst seven (7) for RLJ; some with different name, form and style from other states. These similarity and dissimilarity contribute to the extension of the aesthetical theory and philosophy of the Malay traditional house in Malaysia.