Vernacular architecture is the simplest form of corresponding with the natural basis and expressing human needs but the principles are seemed to be ignored by prevailing architects nowadays. However, due to rises in energy costs, the ignorance has turned the other way round.
We must accept that the gradual change that occurs in vernacular architecture over long periods of time is not a result of conservative practices and aesthetics but simply of geographic or economic limitations that cannot be overcome by a segment of the local population of a region.[1]
A solution has been risen up by embracing regionalism and cultural building traditions as they have proven to be energy efficient and sustainable. Therefore in this article, I am interested in the idea of reinvention of Malay Vernacular architecture in 21st century, by addressing their important design elements and cultural aspects which can be carried forward and helpful for the sustainability issue.
Figure 1. The Deck House, Janda Baik Malaysia. “The Deck House by Choo Gim Wah Architect,” HomeDSGN, accessed April 15, 2017, http://www.homedsgn.com/2013/08/07/the-deck-house-by-choo-gim-wah-architect/
The contemporary example of the reinvention of Malay Vernacular house is The Deck House in Janda Baik, Malaysia. This contemporary house situated on the slopes of terrains is designed with modern features but not losing the principles of a Malay Vernacular house. It is built with modern materials such as lightweight steel and glass to merge with the natural surroundings seamlessly.[2] In terms of the design principles of Malay Vernacular house, firstly it is elevated on stilts. This highlights the considerations of cooperating with the climatic to cool the building effectively without the needs of technological systems.[3]
Figure 2. The Deck House on stilts. “The Deck House,” Archdaily, accessed April 17, 2017, http://www.archdaily.com/424699/the-deck-house-choo-gim-wah-architect.
Secondly, an outdoor deck leaded by a staircase was designed as the entrance of the house. This focuses on the contextual surroundings through blurring the lines between interior and exterior.[4] This feature reflects the concept of covered porch and steps in a Malay Vernacular house where the porch acts as the transition space between outdoor and indoor.
Figure 3 & 4. Porch and steps of Vernacular and contemporary Malay house. “The Deck House,” Different Planes Blog, April 18, 2017, http://differentplanes.blogspot.com.au/2014/03/the-deck-house.html.
In terms of the internal layout, The Deck House reflects the idea of Malay house by having open-plan spatial arrangement. In the aspects of sustainability, this is to allow sufficient natural cross ventilation with minimal walls obstructing the wind flow. In the aspect of functionality, it provides maximum use of spaces which encircle multi-functional spaces.[5]
Figure 5 & 6. Open-plan spatial arrangement of Vernacular and Contemporary Malay House. “The Deck House,” Different Planes Blog, April 18, 2017, http://differentplanes.blogspot.com.au/2014/03/the-deck-house.html.
Besides, the integration of double volumes high ceiling creates stack ventilation throughout the building.[6]
Figure 7. Double-volume high ceiling. Jian Jun Lim, “Vernacular as a Model for Contemporary Design: A Study of Integration of Malay Vernacular Design and Modern Design in the Deck House to Achieve Thermal Comfort in Tropical Climate,” (Bachelor, Taylor’s University, 2015), 13.
With the entire vernacular features mentioned above together with the idea of having elongated built form, this deck house allows sufficient ventilation flow through the house. It is a solution by creating a Vernacular contemporary design to overcome the sustainability issues.
Figure 8. allowing sufficient ventilation throughout the house. “The Deck House by Choo Gim Wah Architect,” HomeDSGN, accessed April 15, 2017, http://www.homedsgn.com/2013/08/07/the-deck-house-by-choo-gim-wah-architect/
In my opinion, comfort is the main consideration in an architecture piece alongside with the aesthetic value. Culture is shaped differently by individuals and it is very subjective to be inherited after the transformation of eras and various influences. However, from the discussion above it can be seen that the elements that formed the culture and spirit of a Vernacular architecture could be carried forward and applied on contemporary architecture to achieve a better solution.
The integration of contemporary design with the utilization of Malay Vernacular design can exemplify a design-with-nature trend. This method does not only work with the climatic responsive strategies to provide good quality of comfort throughout the building but also fulfil the contemporary context hence achieving a win-win solution. Beside, new alternative solution is also created to meet the thermal comfort conditions for an environmental friendly design that suits the tropical environments.
References:
[1] Lindsay Asquith, and Marcel Vellinga, Vernacular Architecture in the 21st Century: Theory, Education and Practice, (Englad: Taylor & Francis, 2006), 17.
[2] “The Deck House,” Archdaily, accessed April 17, 2017, http://www.archdaily.com/424699/the-deck-house-choo-gim-wah-architect
[3] Ibid.
[4] Jian Jun Lim, “Vernacular as a Model for Contemporary Design: A Study of Integration of Malay Vernacular Design and Modern Design in the Deck House to Achieve Thermal Comfort in Tropical Climate,” (Bachelor, Taylor’s University, 2015), 5.
[5] Patricia Weng Yee Kong, “Vernacular as an Essence in Contemporary Design: A Study on the Presence of a Malay Vernacular Design in the Modern Design of the Deck House to achieve Thermal Comfort,” (Bachelor, Taylor’s University, 2016), 7-8.
[6] Jian Jun Lim, “Vernacular as a Model for Contemporary Design: A Study of Integration of Malay Vernacular Design and Modern Design in the Deck House to Achieve Thermal Comfort in Tropical Climate,” (Bachelor, Taylor’s University, 2015), 13