Right in the heart of modern Kuala Lumpur is a great example of a traditional Malaysian house. It was built in a few stages between 1910 and 1930 and belonged to the local headman of Mukim Bagan Samak, a village in the northern state of Kedah. The house was moved to Kuala Lumpur in the 1990s by a local NGO that promotes cultural preservation,
Badan Warisan.
The house. Planted among the sprouting skyscrapers, a nice respite to the modernity march.
Office, a later addition. Posts and beams are fitted with specific colors of textiles, both for style and a tight seal.
The living room, main area, dressed up for a wedding reception ceremony. It doubles as a sleeping area. Grab a mat and have a snooze.
Roof tile. Interesting tidbit, you only have one person install the roof. The tiles, when wet, are bent around the person's thigh, meaning each tile has to be that exact size/curve. Multiple tile guys, mis-fitting tiles, leaky roof. Dining area. Since you sit on the floor, the windows are low, letting you see what's going on outside. All clever designs borne of experience.
Bedroom, reserved for family elders. You need to earn your way off a sleeping mat.
Children games. Marbles are for girls. They play in the house, make noise, letting mother know they're where they are supposed to be. Sneaky. Kitchen cupboard.
Outside plant with egg shell ends. More clever action. Eggs on during the day so kids don't injure themselves. Eggs off at night so bandits do.
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