KUALA KANGSAR: When was the final time you stepped into a conventional Malay kampung house? With the altering occasions, these historic constructions are slowly giving method to trendy concrete buildings.
In the small city of Kuala Kangsar in Perak, two architects are main the method to protect this important side of the nation’s heritage.
Situated beside the historic Victoria Bridge in Karai is Kampung Warisan Budaya, a one-of-a-kind “village” celebrating the nation’s superb Malay structure.
In this spot are 11 replicas of conventional kampung homes, one representing every state in peninsular Malaysia, and all related to one another below one roof.
Born from the imaginative and prescient of a kampung boy turned architect, Kampung Warisan Budaya welcomed its first company in November after a yr of development.
Founded by Ar Mior Zawari Hassan, an acclaimed architect and native of Kuala Kangsar, these kampung homes at the moment are managed by his son, Mir Zafriz Mior Zawari, who can also be an architect.
Mir shared with eNM Lifestyle the unlucky actuality that impressed this initiative.
“We seen that conventional kampung homes had been slowly disappearing. My grandparents had a house in Karai and through the festive season, we’d go to numerous different homes,” he mentioned, recalling his childhood days in Karai.
But it was the Rumah Bumbung Limas, in style from 1940 to 1960, that fascinated him the most. Found in lots of elements of Malaysia, the house is characterised by a roof with 5 interconnected ridges, therefore the title “limas”.
“As a child I used to be impressed by the totally different variations of Rumah Bumbung Limas in Karai. Unfortunately, there are only some left. Every yr, about three or 4 of those homes are demolished to be rebuilt as new houses,” he mentioned.
Heartbroken at the destruction of those heritage houses, Mir’s father took cost.
“As architects we determined one thing wanted to be carried out to create consciousness for the present and future generations,” Mir mentioned.
Kampung Warisan Budaya, which doubles as a lodge, showcases Malay architectural types from 1840 to 1940, utilizing trendy supplies however retaining to timeless ideas.
“Malay structure is exclusive in comparison with others,” Mir defined, “It could be very pragmatic and every thing has a which means and purpose to it. It shouldn’t be merely a shed.”
Each state’s kampung house – like Terengganu’s Rumah Bujang, and Penang’s Rumah Gajah Menyusu – is proof of the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Malays again then.
From maximising air flow with excessive roofs to elevating homes to resist floods, the designs met the wants of the individuals.
“Just a few days earlier than Hari Raya, I keep in mind that all the elders would put together dishes corresponding to bubur lambuk and dodol below the house.” And this was not merely a household affair however a communal one.
“The inexistence of bodily limitations in the kampung house promoted the sharing and cooperation between the Malays, a basic side in our tradition,” Mir added.
One house in Kampung Sayong Lembah, courting again to the early 1900s, nonetheless exists in its unique kind.
The nation’s oldest surviving Malay house, Rumah Kutai is constructed fully of bamboo, palm leaves, and wooden, with not a single nail used.
“The Perak kampung house began as a ‘dangau’, which is a small hut. This later developed into the Kutai house, ‘kutai’ which means previous,” mentioned Mir.
Although it seems to be a small construction as we speak, he defined {that a} portion of the house is lacking, as evidenced by the empty columns in the direction of the again. It is speculated {that a} hearth destroyed the “rumah dapur”, leaving solely the “rumah ibu” standing.
“Usually, the land is owned by so many relations that they’re not capable of promote it, leaving the house deserted,” he mentioned.
Owing to the lack of know-how in architectural preservation, Mir believes many kampung homes will ultimately crumble to the floor.
“Nothing lasts perpetually,” he acknowledged. “We should use what’s available like trendy supplies, however protect conventional structure to make sure sustainability throughout eras. That’s the method to go.”
Follow Kampung Warisan Budaya on Instagram and Facebook, and take a look at its website.
Kampung Warisan Budaya
Lot 1380 (B), Karai, Enggor,
Kuala Kangsar, Perak
Contact: 019-559 1380
