Which Should We Emphasize On? Vernacular or Modern?

Hello for yet another post, which happens to be my 10th and last post, excluding the short introduction about me. In this post, I will look into whether it is vernacular architecture or modern design architecture that should emphasize more on before I conclude this topic. 

Short recap about my previous blog posts: few impacts of modern design on vernacular Malaysian architecture and how it influence the "old" Malaysia architecture...

So, still with me so far?

Vernacular architecture and modern design architecture are actually interconnected. From the pictures below, you may see houses these days that are either vernacular houses that has modern elements or modern houses with vernacular elements. This proved that vernacular and modern works both ways. 

Wong (2015) Hijauan House, Kuala Lumpur. Usage of timber (vernacular architecture) in modern house.
(Source: http://easyliving.my/home/5-best-modern-malay-inspired-homes-in-malaysia)

Hijauan House, Kuala Lumpur. Modern house with traditional elements surrounded by nature.
(Source: http://easyliving.my/home/5-best-modern-malay-inspired-homes-in-malaysia)

Hijauan House, Kuala Lumpur. Swimming pool (modern elements) with timber deck.
(Source: http://easyliving.my/home/5-best-modern-malay-inspired-homes-in-malaysia)

However, if you were given a choice, which would you emphasize more on? Vernacular or modern? 

Ghafar Ahmad (n.d.) Malay house. Traditional Malay house with modern materials (bricks and paint).
(Source: http://www.hbp.usm.my/conservation/malayvernacular.htm)

Vernacular architecture have a comfortable environment. With its natural ventilation, occupants will always have a cool environment to live in. Occupants no need to make effort to make the houses cooler. Vernacular architecture have more natural feeling, since it's made of timber. Vernacular houses are more special because of its carving characteristics that represents the uniqueness of different culture. 

On the other hand, modern design architecture have more flexibility in terms of way of allocating the space of the house. It doesn't have to stick with the traditional way whereby a certain space must be in the centre of the house, for example. Modern design houses looks simpler without any ornaments which is more appropriate with the modern era. It also have a new image that represents modern design. An image that is easy to recognize by everyone, that clearly says "modern".

So, both design actually have its own benefits and uniqueness. In my opinion, I think that both design should be emphasize in equal scale. Through this equal combination, tradition will not be engulfed by the modern era and at the same time will be acceptable by the modern generation. 

In conclusion, vernacular Malaysian architecture is very authentic and reflects the roots of Malaysia. The development of Malaysian houses over the years reflects the history of Malaysia and the influence by foreign countries and modern design. Both design plays an important part in the Malaysia architecture, with its own pros and cons. We, as Malaysians should understand and appreciate Malaysia architecture, and try to keep the tradition alive together with the incorporation of modern design.

And finally, thank you to those who have been reading my blog. Thank you so much!!

Image Sources:

Ghafar Ahmad, A. (n.d.) "Malay Vernacular Architecture". [Image] Available at:

http://www.hbp.usm.my/conservation/malayvernacular.htm [Accessed 19 June, 2016]

Wong, K. (2015) "5 Best Modern Malay-Inspired Homes in Malaysia Hijauan House". [Image] Available at: 

http://easyliving.my/home/5-best-modern-malay-inspired-homes-in-malaysia 

[Accessed 19 June, 2016]

Impact of Modern Architecture on Vernacular Malaysian Architecture

Hello again!! On my last few posts, I talked about the advantages and disadvantages of modern design and also compare between vernacular architecture and modern design. Now let me look at how modern design impacts on vernacular Malaysian architecture.

Modern design will surely influence the vernacular architecture as the time goes by. This is because vernacular architecture will need to suit with the modern times and do not get left behind. Thus, a combination of the old and new design can be seen. Some traditional materials are used in a new way. In another way, this actually meant that how modern design impact the vernacular architecture. 

Modern design influence the vernacular architecture in form of materials. You can see from the Malay houses these days, most of them actually incorporated new materials into the vernacular Malaysia architecture. By using new materials, they are improving the condition of the traditional houses. For example, as time goes by, the surroundings is getting less safer, thus materials such as atap nipah is not so practical. People tend to choose bricks to prevent theft. With the combination of old and new, the house can be a safer yet comfortable house to live in.

Neo Nusantara (2010) Modern Kampung House. Timber is used but not build on stilts.
(Source: http://www.neonusantara.com/news_star_june2012.html)

Modern Kampung House. Swimming pool as modern elements.
(Source: http://www.neonusantara.com/news_star_june2012.html)

Modern Kampung House. The facade inspired by Melaka houses.
(Source: http://www.neonusantara.com/news_star_june2012.html)

Moving on, modern design also impact on vernacular Malaysian architecture in a significant way, which is the role of technology. In vernacular houses, there is zero electricity. When modern design starts to make an impact in architecture, vernacular Malaysian architecture starts to incorporate electricity into their architecture. Vernacular houses do not have electricity and light during the olden days but since the influence of modern design, there are light bulbs, electric fan, air-conditioner, water heater and more. All these electrical appliances can make out life easier. With light, we can do our work even if it's dark; With electric fan, we won't be sweating as much as we usually do. 

Asia Accommodations (n.d.) Bon Ton Resort, Langkawi. The usage of light and television shows modern elements.
(Source: https://accomodations.asia/Malaysia/Langkawi/Bon-Ton-Resort.html)

Bon Ton Resort. It uses electric fan also showing modern characteristics.
(Source: https://accomodations.asia/Malaysia/Langkawi/Bon-Ton-Resort.html)

Modern design also impact vernacular Malaysian architecture in spatial qualities. Modern design introduce the division of spaces to vernacular architecture. In vernacular Malaysia architecture, the spaces are quite open and there's no distinctive separation to show the difference of area present. But with the modern design, doors, curtains and partition are used to divide the spaces to have larger space to do specific activities. More privacy is given through the impact of modern design.  

In short, modern design impacts on vernacular Malaysian architecture in some ways that can seen quite obviously. Through these impacts, modern design may have traditional characteristics while traditional houses have modern characteristics. In this way, there is a combination of both types of architecture which creates a new type of design that only can be seen in Malaysia. 

Image Sources:

Asia Accommodations (n.d.) "Bon Ton Resort, Langkawi". [Image] Available at: https://accomodations.asia/Malaysia/Langkawi/Bon-Ton-Resort.html 

[Accessed 19 June, 2016]

Neo Nusantara: Outdoor Living Space (2010). "Modern Kampung House". [Image] Available at:

http://www.neonusantara.com/news_star_june2012.html [Accessed 19 June, 2016]

Comparison Between Vernacular Malaysian Architecture and Modern Design

Now that you know a little or two about vernacular Malaysian architecture and modern design houses in Malaysia, let me compare between these two. 

FIRST:

One of the obvious difference between vernacular Malaysia architecture and modern 

design is the structure of the houses. For vernacular Malaysia architecture, as you can see in the first image below, have stairs and no gates and fence surrounding it. Due to the safer environment in the olden times, it is not necessary to have gates and fence. And also, vernacular Malaysia architecture houses are raised on stilts instead of building it on solid ground. Because of the stilts, vernacular Malaysia architecture houses needs stairs to enter the house. However, in modern design houses, as shown in the second image, it is build on solid ground with huge entrance gate and fencing surrounding it. Modern design houses do not have stairs in the outside but do have higher stairs in the inside for more than single storey houses (Refer to the third image)

Bugbitten (2010) Traditional Malay House. The entrance is through the stairs that can be seen on the outside.
(Source: http://www.bugbitten.com/photos/Asia/timskerk/Melaka_swear_word_or_city_name/64371-10730-2269769.html)

The Great Mirror (2016) Modern Design House. The house have main gate and fence around it, with no stairs seen on the outside.
(Source: http://www.greatmirror.com/index.cfm?navid=1380)

Trendir (2016) Modular Staircase Rintal. In modern design house, stairs can be seen in the interior.
(Source: http://www.trendir.com/house-staircase-design-guide/)

SECOND:

Besides that, the materials and methods used to build both types of houses. In vernacular Malaysia architecture, natural materials are usually used to build the houses. Vernacular Malaysia architecture uses materials like timber for wall and flooring, and thatched roof using leaves from trees and plants. Traditional methods are used to build a vernacular Malaysia architecture, which is usually build with bare hands. On the other hand, modern design houses uses artificial materials such as steel, concrete. But they do use natural materials too. Modern design houses use modern technology to build houses, such as machines to quicken the process and save time. With modern technology, surely modern design houses can be build quicker. 

Malaysia Timber Council (2016) Chef Shukri's House, Langkawi, Malaysia. The wall, ceiling and floor are made from timber, a natural material.
(Source: http://mtc.com.my/project/chef-shukris-house-langkawi/)

Design Boom (2014) Vermani House in Kuala Lumpur. The wall and the floor used concrete. Bricks are used too.
(Source: http://www.designboom.com/architecture/eleena-jamil-architect-vermani-house-kuala-lumpur-malaysia-10-02-2014/)

THIRD:

The distinct difference between vernacular Malaysia architecture and modern design is the appearance of both houses. Vernacular Malaysia houses tend to look more traditional, which means it has lots of intricate details that reflect the Malaysian culture. Modern design houses usually didn't reflect any culture in particular as modern houses is usually simple and sleek. From the first image below you can definitely see Malay's culture as it shows the uniqueness of Malay culture. But from the second image below, you cannot see what culture it reflects. In short, vernacular houses is more special than modern houses in appearance.

Malaysia Timber Council (2016). Chef Shukri's House, Langkawi, Malaysia. The intricate carving on the wall of traditional house.
(Source: http://mtc.com.my/project/chef-shukris-house-langkawi/)

Home Designer Ideas (n.d.) Hijauan House in Kuala Lumpur. The house doesn't represent any culture since it is a modern house.
(Source: http://www.housedesignerideas.com/architecture-2/green-home-in-malaysia-built-around-mango-trees-hijauan-house/)

The differences between vernacular and modern shows how much changes with the flow of a new era. Well, that's all for today. Thanks for reading. Stay tuned for more.

Image Sources:

Bugbitten (2010) "Traditional Malay House from Mini Malaysia". [Image] Available at: 

http://www.bugbitten.com/photos/Asia/timskerk/Melaka_swear_word_or_city_name/64371-10730-2269769.html [Accessed 14 June, 2016]

DesignBoom (2014) "EJA wraps concrete + brick vermani house around circular courtyard". [Image] Available at: 

http://www.designboom.com/architecture/eleena-jamil-architect-vermani-house-kuala-lumpur-malaysia-10-02-2014/ [Accessed 14 June, 2016]

House Designer Ideas (n.d.) "Green Home in Malaysia Built Around Mango Trees: Hijauan House". [Image] Available at:
http://www.housedesignerideas.com/architecture-2/green-home-in-malaysia-built-around-mango-trees-hijauan-house/ [Accessed 14 June, 2016]

Malaysian Timber Council (2016) "Chef Shukri's House, Langkawi, Malaysia". [Image] Available at:
http://mtc.com.my/project/chef-shukris-house-langkawi/ [Accessed 14 June, 2016]

The Great Mirror (2016). "Notes on the Geography of Malaysia: Modern Suburban Kuching". [Image] Available at: http://www.greatmirror.com/index.cfm?navid=1380 

[Accessed 14 June, 2016]

Trendir (2016) "Modular Staircase Rintal". [Image] Available at: 

http://www.trendir.com/house-staircase-design-guide/modular-staircase-rintal/ 

[Accessed 14 June, 2016]

Disadvantages of Modern Design

Hello! Now, I'll move on to the disadvantages of modern design. One of the disadvantages of modern design is that the expenses of building a modern design house is high. Nowadays, with the constant improvement of technology, a new material is invented almost every day. Thus, more materials are introduced and the cost for these materials are actually quite expensive. Materials such as metal, stainless steel, glass, marble, granite are some of the materials that are quite costly. 

Home Depot (2016). Concrete Block. Concrete block that are usually used in construction of house.
(Source: http://www.homedepot.com/p/8-in-x-8-in-x-16-in-Concrete-Block-597767/202532685)

AliExpress (n.d.). Marble Top Glass Coffee Table. Marble used for coffee table, that comes in different shapes and sizes.
(Source: http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Living-room-tea-table-Marble-top-glass-coffee-table/538226802.html)

Jiu Hua Group Ltd. (2013). Stainless Steel Gate. Stainless steel used widely, such as gate and kitchen sink etc.
(Source: http://en.jiuhuagroup.cc/jiuhua/NGR/Product/ProductShow.asp?ID=99)

Furthermore, modern design houses usually have less thermal comfort than vernacular architecture houses. This is because modern design houses usually use brick and concrete to build up the wall, floor slab and ceiling, which absorbs more heat than timber. Materials like concrete absorbs heat when temperature is high and release heat when the temperature is low. "All materials have the ability to store heat, though some are able to hold more heat per unit of mass" (Snell, 2004). This is called thermal mass. In short, the higher the thermal mass of an object, the more heat it absorbs but takes longer for it to release the heat absorbed. Since concrete have high thermal mass, they absorb more heat and release heat longer than timber. Thus, occupants living in a modern design house made from concrete or bricks will feel less thermal comfort.

Fresh Palace: Interior Design and Architecture (2016). Modern Home in Kuala Lumpur. The painted wall made from concrete which is the usual materials used for modern houses.
(Source: http://www.freshpalace.com/2012/11/26/modern-home-in-kuala-lumpur)

People living in modern design houses may have a shorter lifespan depending on the materials used. Modern design houses have risk of chemical exposure. With the growth of technology, chemical products are invented to solve the weaknesses of natural products. Thus, people will be exposed to risk of toxic release by the chemicals. For example, paint is used to coat a certain material to make it long-lasting. All these artificial materials contains chemical which indirectly shorten the lifespan of the occupants after a long period of exposure to the chemicals. Since vernacular houses are made from natural materials, generally it is a healthier house compared to modern houses. However, materials like wallpaper do not contain chemical that will be harmful to humans and the environment.

Just like every other things, modern design also have its disadvantages, which means there's always room for improvement.

Sound and Light Social Ventures (2015). Nippon Paint. Chemical such as paint is used in modern houses to last longer.
(Source: http://www.soundnlight.in/nippon-paint-practices-corporate-social-responsibility-in-nw-china/)

For my next blog posts, I will compare vernacular architecture houses and modern design houses. So please stay tuned. Hope you guys enjoy reading my blog. 

References:

Snell, C. (2004) "Chapter 4: Temperature". The Good House Book: A Common-Sense Guide to Alternative Homebuilding. New York: Lark Books.

Image Sources:

AliExpress (n.d.) "Marble Top Glass Coffee Table". [Image] Available at:

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Living-room-tea-table-Marble-top-glass-coffee-table/538226802.html [Accessed 11 June, 2016]

Fresh Palace: Interior Design and Architecture (2016) "Modern Home in Kuala Lumpur". [Image] Available at:

http://www.freshpalace.com/2012/11/26/modern-home-in-kuala-lumpur [Accessed 11 June, 2016]

Home Depot (2016) "Concrete Block". [Image] Available at: 

http://www.homedepot.com/p/8-in-x-8-in-x-16-in-Concrete-Block-597767/202532685 [Accessed 11 June, 2016]

Jiu Hua Group Ltd. (2013) "Stainless Steel Gate". [Image] Available at:

http://en.jiuhuagroup.cc/jiuhua/NGR/Product/ProductShow.asp?ID=99 [Accessed 11 June, 2016]

Sound and Light Social Ventures (2015) "Nippon Paint Practices Corporate Social Responsibility in NW China". [Image] Available at:

http://www.soundnlight.in/nippon-paint-practices-corporate-social-responsibility-in-nw-china/ [Accessed 11 June, 2016]

Advantages of Modern Design

And continue with my blog posts again, I will discuss about the advantages of modern design. Surely everything will have its pros and cons, so does modern design. Modern house design have wide space since modern design is "meant to maximize space" (ArchDaily, 2013) thus you won't feel too cramped and will surely be comfortable living in a modern design houses. With spaces like these, you can definitely carry out more activities using those wide areas. Through this you can improve the relationship between your family members and also friends. 

Habitat (2016). Sri Delima Home. Spacious interior with neutral colours.
(Source: http://www.habitat-my.com/house-renovation-design/298-sri-delima-home-by-yong-design)

Modern design can give you the flexibility that you needed. As the space can be very versatile, you can put in movable furniture or storage (ArchDaily, 2013). The choosing of furniture can be solely based on what you like and your needs. As I mentioned earlier, the space can give the flexibility that you needed, you can also personalized it. You can use the space to show your personality by putting things you like and create something that is totally different and something that only you will have.

Besides that, modern houses have a more aesthetic look. It will look more elegant and more suitable to the modern times. It will also suits the taste of the young generations these days. Modern design houses also tend to incorporate glass into their structure which allows more natural light to enter the house. In this way, cost of electricity can be reduced and it is more environmental friendly as it does not pollute the environment in any way possible.For example, the Bilis House in Kuala Lumpur as shown below. The advantages of modern design shows the reasons why people prefer modern design, basically because it's simple and sleek. 

Bilis House in Kuala Lumpur. The usage of glass provides natural light to the dining area.
(Source:http://www.unitone.com.my/bilis.html)

Unit One Design (2006) Bilis House in Kuala Lumpur. The usage of louvers, instead of normal grill, also direct natural light into the living area.
(Source: http://www.unitone.com.my/bilis.html)

References:

ArchDaily (2013) "The Benefits of Modern Design" Available at: 

http://www.archdaily.com/362861/the-benefits-of-modern-design [Accessed 8 June, 2016]

Image Sources: 

Habitat (2016) "Sri Delima Home by Yong Design". [Image] Available at:

http://www.habitat-my.com/house-renovation-design/298-sri-delima-home-by-yong-design [Accessed 8 June, 2016]

Unit One Design (2006). "Bilis House" [Image]. Available at: http://www.unitone.com.my/bilis.html [Accessed 8 June, 2016]

Introducing Modern Design

Welcome back again!! After talking about few examples of Malaysian vernacular architecture, I am going to move on to modern design. Now you must be wondering why I would talk about modern design, you will see the connection later on. Modern design is a clear line in showing the transition of design style from the more traditional to the modern kind. Modern design are "sleek, spacious, simple and emphasizes on function. Modern design uses geometry and clean lines" (iMatchDesigners, 2011). Modern design do not have intricate carvings and decoration. 

The obvious characteristics for modern design is the materials used to build houses. In modern design, materials used usually are bricks, concrete, metal and glass, things that are man-made rather than natural materials. Plus, the materials used now is lighter than the materials used in olden days. Nowadays, you can see houses made from concrete and bricks everywhere, especially in the city. Another characteristic is modern design is simplicity and functionality. You can see from the modern houses, the design is simple and focus more on the function. 

Modern houses also have mechanical cooling system such as air-conditioner, electric fans and more. This is basically because in modern houses, concrete absorb heat during the day which makes the interior of a house getting warmer. In this case, mechanical cooling system is used to lower the temperature of the house. The roof is not as steep as a traditional houses, but still remain the shape of it. The roof are insulated in order to trap the heat from getting into the interior of the house, preventing the house from getting warm. 

Another obvious characteristics is modern houses do not have base raised on stilts and stairs like the traditional ones. Modern houses however have stairs in the interior that can lead up to first floor or even second floor. Modern design is a breakthrough from vernacular architecture that are more appropriate to the modern era.

MM Adventure Travel and Discovery (2016) Malay Traditional Stilt House. The house raised on stilts and has stairs to enter the house.
(Source:http://mmadventure.com/wildlife/malay-traditional-house.htm)

Damansara Kim Home. House built on ground and has large gate instead of stairs for the entrance.
(Source: http://www.habitat-my.com/house-renovation-design/156-damansara-kim-home-revitalised)

References:

iMatchDesigners(2011) "Modern Design: Discover the Joy of Simple, Clean, Uncluttered Space". Available at: 

http://imatchdesigners.com/interior-design/modern-interiors-discover-the-joy-of-simple-clean-uncluttered-space/ [Accessed 8 June, 2016]

Image Sources:

Damansara Kim Home (2016) [Image] Available at: 

http://www.habitat-my.com/house-renovation-design/156-damansara-kim-home-revitalised [Accessed 8 June, 2016]

MM Adventure Travel and Discovery (2016) Available at:

http://mmadventure.com/wildlife/malay-traditional-house.htm [Accessed 8 June, 2016]

Rumah Melayu Melaka in Melaka

Continue with my blog again, let me introduce another kind of Malay houses. Rumah Melayu Melaka, is basically located in Melaka. Rumah Melayu Melaka can be divided into 4 parts. First is rumah ibu, which is where daily activities is carry out as mentioned in my second blog post. Next, rumah dapur for the cooking, dining and washing. Then, there is anjung and serambi which functions as relax area and also to greet and treat the guests (Mohd. Sahabuddin, M.F., n.d.). The roof of this house is tall and steep. The thatched roof is made from rumbia or ijuk, a type of plants (Chee, 2013). This type of roof can keep the interior temperature low as it does not absorb heat from the sunlight. The house is made of wood that can easily be found in the forest nearby, using the most traditional way, with bare hands. The uniqueness about Rumah Melayu Melaka is the stairs are made from stones that are unlike other Malay houses that uses wood for the stairs. The materials used to build this house are natural and does not pollute the environment. A win-win situation for both humans and the environment. 

Rumah Melayu Melaka in Kampung Melekek Dalam, that has stone stairs covered with tiles. (Source: http://rumahwarisanmelaka.blogspot.my/)

 Rumah Warisan Kampung Bukit Godek, wood carving for Rumah Melayu Melaka.

(Source: http://rumahwarisanyaacobbuangbukitgodek.blogspot.my/)

This type of houses can be found in the whole of Melaka and also in Kota Tinggi, Johor as Melaka and Johor are located next to each other. Thus, the influence of Rumah Melayu Melaka spreads to Johor. Generally, architects of Malaysia consider these type of houses to be the original Malay houses in Malaysia (Chee, 2013). This house is decorated with carvings related to flora, fauna and geometry motifs (Yahya, W.Z. et al, 2014). This reflects the great skills of people of the olden days. The carvings that are very delicate shows good workmanship. However, in the modern days, these high quality carvings seem to be reducing. Awesome carving skills should be passed down from generation to generation because tradition is something precious given by our ancestors. Thus we, as Malaysians must make an effort to keep the tradition alive.

References: 

Chee, K. (2013) "Perkembangan Seni dalam Budaya Kebangsaan- Bahagian IV Seni Bina". Focus 4U Pendidikan Seni Visual SPM. Bangi: Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn. Bhd. Translated from Bahasa Melayu by E. Tan.

Mohd. Sahabuddin, M.F. (n.d.) "Chapter 2: Malaysian Vernacular Architecture and Its Relationship to Climate". Available at: 

http://www.academia.edu/2377416/Chapter_2_Malaysian_Vernacular_Architecture_and_Its_Relationship_to_Climate  [Accessed 7 June, 2016]

Yahya, W.S.Z. and Md Noor, M.F. (2014) "Melestarikan Rumah Melayu Melaka: Produk Pelancongan Warisan Masyarakat Desa". In Nazarudin Zainun and Darlina Md. Naim (2014) Merekayasa Kearifan Tempatan: Budaya, Pelancongan, Arkeologi dan Sejarah. Pulau Pinang: Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia.

Image Sources:

Rumah Melayu Melaka in Kampung Melekek Dalam. [Image] Available at: 

http://rumahwarisanmelaka.blogspot.my/ [Accessed 6 June, 2016]

Rumah Warisan Kampung Bukit Godek. [Image] Available at: 

http://rumahwarisanyaacobbuangbukitgodek.blogspot.my/ [Accessed 5 June, 2016]