Long-roofed Houses of Northeastern Peninsular Malaysia: Sustainability of Its Identity in the Built Environment

Abstract

Rumahbujangberselasar (single terraced house berselasar) and rumahtiangduabelas (twelve-pillared house) are the earliest and commonest house forms built among the old traditional houses of Kelantan and Terengganu in the northeastern part of Peninsular Malaysia. These long-roofed houses exhibit the distinctive form and the principal building components which contribute to their architectural identity. The houses in which the architectural form differs from the other Malay traditional house also give their distinctive distributions of ornate wood carvings. These houses are considered as the heritage of traditional Malay architecture originated from the region. Their survival and visibility in the past and present built environment reflect several changes in their architectural features. This paper aims to explore and elaborate the distinct characteristics and the features of the house architectural form that suggest the sustainability to preserve its identity within the existence of heterogeneous language and boundary. A few methods used to study this dimension of the house architecture include document review, face to face interviews with experts and on-site surveys and observation. The findings of research elucidate different patterns in continuing the existence of the house architecture since the 19th century until today. This includes: (1) modification or extension of the old structures, (2) adaptation/reuse of an old building, (3) reconstruction of the old structure, and (4) adoption of the architectural form in modern materials and construction. These preservation efforts are made by the descendant's initiatives, government agencies and individual or private patrons which exemplify the diversified modes in safeguarding the regional identity of the built form through the passage of time. The findings of this research illustrate a valuable spectrum on the meanings of long-roofed house in the traditional and modern environments which serve as a direction in developing the understanding and awareness of its heritage values.