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]