School of Architecture, Building and Design

Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Architecture

Asian Architecture (ARC60403)Project 2 Case Study Paper

RESEARCH TITLE :ANALYSIS ON SALINGER’S RESIDENCE SUCCESS IN THE REVIVAL

OF MALAYSIA’S TRADITIONAL TIMBER ARCHITECTURE AND ITS EFFECTIVENESS IN MODERN SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS.

Tutor: Pn.Yati

Name : Yong Thang Shaun

Student Id : 0320675

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Abstract

CHAPTER 1.0: Research Framework

1.1 Concept Mapping ………………………………………………………………………

1.2 Overview ……………………………………………………………….

1.3 Introduction…………………………………………………………………...

1.4 Scope and Limitations…………………………………………………………..

CHAPTER 2.0: Application of Traditional Methods

2.1 References to Vernacular Architecture

2.2 Traditional Joining Methods

2.3 Tectonics

CHAPTER 3.0: Sustainability of Traditional Timber Architecture

3.1 Application of Vernacular Design…………………………………………

3.2 Materiality…………………………………………………………….

CHAPTER 4.0: The Face of Neo-Traditionalism

4.1 Traditional Design in Modern Architecture

CHAPTER 5: Conclusion

CHAPTER 6: References

Abstract

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The Salinger Residence is a house inspired by traditional Malay houses,

featuring timber as its main material and the traditional method of using dowels and

wedges. Despite huge advantages in sustainability, such traditional methods are rarely

seen in modern buildings. The intention of this study is to analyze the effective use of

traditional timber architecture in Salinger’s Residence and its success as a modern

sustainable building. The objective of this paper is to highlight the revival of traditional

timber tectonics in modern buildings and to study its various sustainable advantages.

Research regarding the effectiveness of such design in sustainability was carried out via

correspondence with the architect, literature reviews and comparison studies with

buildings using a similar approach, such as the Chef Shukri house in Langkawi,

Malaysia. The scope focuses on the successful implementation of vernacular passive

design strategies in Salinger’s Residence. The traditional methods of construction are

distinct throughout the façade, framework and interior structure. Constructed from

sturdy Chengal, the nail-less house features traditional architectural tectonics, making

use of traditional joints and connectors. Sustainability-wise, Salinger’s Residence is a

response to the tropical climate without using extensive mechanical ventilation,

featuring stilted structures as a cross ventilation and flood prevention strategy. The main

framework of the house is also constructed with timber, widely known for its low carbon

footprint. The tectonics of timber architecture is evident throughout the building which

justifies the pragmatic and aesthetic use of timber carpentry. The unconventional

double-triangle form of the house integrates harmoniously into both natural context of

the site and also the cultural context of spatial arrangements. Nevertheless, Salinger’s

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Residence is a successful attempt in reviving the lost art of traditional architecture.

Material and tectonics of timber architecture has a very high design potential when

fused with modern styles, foreshadowing a future of integration between traditional

carpentry and conventional forms.

Research Questions

1) How was the traditional method of construction applied in Salinger’s Residence?

2) How does the implemented traditional timber architecture in Salinger’s

Residence contribute to the building’s sustainability?

3) How was Salinger’s Residence successful in its attempt to revive traditional

timber architecture?

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CHAPTER 1 : Research Framework

1.1 Concept Mapping

Research Objective

The objective of this research study of Salinger’s Residence and its usage of traditional

means in design is to :

- Revive the use of traditional timber architecture in modern building designs

- Study the various effective use of time in a quest to achieve sustainability

- To realize the possibilities of combining traditional means with modern design.

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1.2 Methodology

Most of the information gathered on this building were from online sources as well as

online articles and review summaries. I also personally attended a talk by the architect

and had a question and answer session regarding this topic.

Methodology Result

Live public talk by the architects A question and answer session was carried out

regarding the building.

Correspondence with architect Links to sites with information on the building

Online reference References to other similar building typologies,

Building project brief Acquired in-depth information on buildings drawings

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Scope and Limitations

The scope of study for this research extends to the components that contributes to the

revival of traditional timber architecture in Malaysia.

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1.3 OVERVIEW of SALINGER”S RESIDENCE

The Salinger’s Residence is a house built for the Salinger family by architect

Jimmy C.S Lim during which met its completion in 1992. Located south of Kuala

Lumpur, the Salinger’s residence was designed in relation to the context of Malaysia’s

rich culture in vernacular design. Its design was not only meant to pay tribute to

Malaysian traditional architecture but to also meet the client’s requirement of having an

abode that responds to their religion. The Salinger’s Residence addresses the identity

of Malaysian style houses using timber and the revival of such practice that lead to it

being one of the faces of neo-traditionalism architecture. With the implementation of

vernacular precedence innovation, revived use of traditional timber joining techniques

and sustainable means in both built-form and materiality, it is without a doubt that the

recipient of the Aga Khan Award has redefined our country’s architectural identity in

traditional vernacular designs.

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1.4 INTRODUCTION of TRADITIONAL TIMBER ARCHITECTURE

Traditional timber architecture in Malaysia dates back to the vernacular design of

the “Malay House”. The houses were designed to negate the tropical climate of

Malaysia as well as to also accommodate to the occupants whom are mostly Muslim

practitioners. The spaces found in a Malay House is multifunctional as well as

sequential as it takes into account the approach and circulation of its occupants. The

materials used to build these houses were wood such as meranti and cengal with

addition of materials such as lime. The beauty of Malaysia’s vernacular “Malay Houses’

are in their tectonics of materiality. The Malay houses rely on its complex jointing

system which requires no nail (concept used in the well-known Istana Seri Menanti) to

support itself. This not only creates a sturdy and strong structural form but also art from

the intertwining of timbers creating a language of symmetry. Traditional Malay Houses

were also known for their use of stilts and high ceilings to provide natural ventilation as

a response to the weather of Malaysia. Throughout the years however, the use of these

traditional style buildings and architecture are on the decline or only being used as

decorative forms as industrialization introduced “modern” style architecture leaving the

aforementioned style a thing of the past.

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CHAPTER 2 : Application of Traditional Methods

2.1 References to Vernacular Architecture

One of the key features of vernacular malay architecture is in its spatial layout and

planning. The spaces within tends to be in a sequence where the core of the house also

known as the “rumah ibu” and the “dapur” which is the kitchen, is being centered

around. At the entrance is the porch known as “anjung” which serves as a buffer space

between public and private spaces. The Salinger’s Residence was designed in

reference to the traditional malay house therefore it retains these elements as well as a

few others. Rather than just being a tribute, Salinger’s Residence fully embraces the

cultural and religious needs in its spatial planning as well as architecture.

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Figure 1.1 The floor planning of Salinger’s Residence resembles that of traditional Malay Houses

Figure 1.0 A traditional “Malay House” spatial plan diagram

This truly shows the essence of traditional vernacular styles rather than just being a

tribute as it showcases the capabilities of the design in maintaining the spatial intentions

but in its own intepretation.

2.2 Traditional Jointing Methods

In traditional timber architecture, the use of complex jointing techniques to support a

structure of the building is fairly common. The construction itself is sustainable as it

normally do not require any nails or metal joints. The use of this method not only create

a strong and sturdy structure but also a free flowing structure.

Figure 1.2 and 1.3 shows the complex joint technique used in traditional timber architecture

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This was one of the main aspects used in Salinger’s Residence. Everything up to the

walls and floors of the building were made out of Chengal wood without a single nail

being used. The beams and trusses were all jointed with the help of carpenters, in turn

reviving the art of complex jointing being used in architecture. The contribution of using

such a traditional technique in the construction of the house in sustainability and

building tectonics gives further reason and incentive to revive the art. Salinger’s

Residence use of traditional jointed structures proves the possibilities in both function

and aesthetics when used as part of a building’s design. Without the addition of external

materials such as nails or metal plates, the naked structural symmetry is an art on its

own.

Figure 1.4 A picture of the interior circulation core

http://www.akdn.org/sites/akdn/files/media/institutions/aga_khan_trust_for_culture/aga_khan_award_for_architecture/10276_4.jpg

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Figure 1.5 A picture of the interior circulation core http://www.akdn.org/sites/akdn/files/AKAA/AKAA%20Projects/10276_8.jpg

CHAPTER 3.0: Sustainability of Traditional Timber Architecture

3.1 Application of Vernacular Design

Figure 1.6 Side view of the Salinger’s Residencehttp://archnet.org/system/media_contents/contents/27962/original/IAA19437.jpg?1384702932

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Salinger’s Residence design makes use of stilts and openings to introduce

natural ventilation to the building. This method was implemented from traditional timber

architectures of the past where the buildings were designed to accommodate the hot

and humid climate of Malaysia. While most modern buildings tend to rely on electrical

units such as air conditions to cool down the building, Salinger’s Residence relies on its

passive designs as well as the use of appropriate materials which not only reduces the

carbon footprint of the building but also creates comfortable living spaces for its users,

be it indoors or outdoors.

Traditional Passive Design

Similar to that of traditional malay houses, the Salinger’s Residence was oriented

on the site in such a way that it could trap

prevailing wind and ensures cross ventilation by creating an open floor under the

skirting around the house, ventilation grills over windows and high points in the roof.

Figure 1.7 A diagram of cross ventilation Figure 1.8 A diagram of cross ventilation being utilized in traditional vernacular house. utilized in Salinger’s Residence.

.

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By elevating the space below with stilts, the building does not interfere with the

natural landscape but also prevents moisture from being absorbed into the building and

enables faster draining during monsoon rains to reduce humidity. While most modern

buildings opt to use flat roofs, Salinger’s Residence used pitched roof instead in

response to the monsoon rain. This is very similar to traditional vernacular styles as the

overall design of these buildings were mainly based of adapting to the environment. To

naturally create a response towards the environment to provide comfort to its user was

one of the main concepts behind traditional malay architecture. The circulation core

found in the center of the building is strategically placed there so as to induce air

movement through the building. This was a modern interpretation that adds

effectiveness to the design.

Figure 2.0 A picture of the interior circulation core http://www.akdn.org/sites/akdn/files/AKAA/AKAA%20Projects/10276_12.jpg Figure 1.9 A diagram of cross ventilation 3.2 Materials

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While timber is the main material used in both traditional houses, Salinger’s

Residence made use of other materials to further compliment the wood structures and

improve on the quality of the building. The use of timber has been a problem in many

buildings as it has a few weaknesses which includes insects, being susceptible to water

and is also non- fireproof. This has caused problems in the past which might contribute

to the lack of traditional timber architecture being built in Malaysia throughout the years.

By using chengal timber in the construction of the whole house, insect and water

problems were addressed as chengal wood is a tropical hardwood that is termite

resistant.

WATERPROOF BOARD

-Used in bedroom ceiling to reduce moisture

TIMBER-Makes up the entire building. The walls and Floor are made of chengal.

CONCRETE-Used in the foundation to provide a strong and sturdy base.

GRANITE-Placed in the center of the building as the core.Figure 2.1 Sectional drawing depicting material

The timber used in the construction of the Salinger’s Residence was justified as a

local renewable resource with low embodied energy (Allamuddin 1998). Using timber in

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the construction of a building is less harmful to the environment compared to using

concrete of even the likes of steel which uses high energy and form high carbon foot

print. Although timber such as chengal is becoming scarce in Malaysia, this problem

could be avoided by replanting trees using older trees while allowing the younger ones

to grow.

CHAPTER 4.0: The Face of Neo-Traditionalism

4.1 Traditional Design in Modern Architecture

Figure 2.2 Salinger’s Residence entrance http://www.jimmylimdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/The-Salinger-House-Malaysia-586x349.jpg

While in many ways the building seems to be traditional, it only interprets and not

imitate the means yet it is completely modern due to the sustainable ecological

principles found in the design of the building. To completely imitate a traditional

vernacular malay house would be pointless as it is now rendered obsolete by the

masses. However, this does not mean that such art should be lost. All things

considered, the traditional dwellings designed in the past were based of adaptation and

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culture which is how Salinger’s Residence succeeded in reviving the architectural style.

Salinger’s Residence used traditional ways in the construction of the building which

revived local traditional crafts, making full use of the tectonics of the craft in the building

(Crysler 2012).

Alongside Salinger’s Residence, there are a few other buildings that made use of

traditional timber architecture as its basis to create a modern yet sustainable building.

Figure 2.3 Chef Shukri’s House in Langkawi http://mtc.com.my/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Top-Banner-1920x836.jpg

Figure 2.4 Lamp Post House by MTC in Langkawihttp://mtc.com.my/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/The-Lamp-Post-House-Langkawi-2.jpg

Conclusion

From this research study, it is clear that the architectural identity of Malaysia has

seemingly loss its roots in the past decade with the introduction of industrialization and

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the likes of modern buildings. While it is undeniable that some of these modern

buildings are huge milestones for architecture in Malaysia, one might wonder what truly

represents our country. Salinger’s Residence not only provided that answer but also

gave new possibilities to future architects. The traditional timber architecture which is

the basis of vernacular malay houses were all based on its occupants culture, beliefs

and its surrounding context. To revive such architecture is not to imitate the built form

but to carry on the spirit of the building which is to serve its user in those 3 terms.

Salinger’s Residence also proved that a building can have a traditional façade made by

traditional methods using traditional materials but yet stay modern. Modernity in this

sense is not in the method, form nor material but lies in the sustainable ecological

mindset that goes with the entire design of the building.

References

A. H. (1998). Salinger Residence On-site Review Report [Review]. 1-73. Retrieved from http://archnet.org/authorities/384/publications/419.

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A.S. Hassan (2001). Towards Sustainable Housing Construction in Southeast Asia. Journal of Agenda 21 for Sustainable Construction in Developing Countries, First Discussion Document. Rotterdam, Netherland. [Online] Retrieved from http://www.irbnet.de/daten/iconda/CIB668.pdf

Ali Alakhram (2014, January 8).Architecture History of Malay Houses [Powerpoint Presentation].Retrieved From, http://www.slideshare.net/alialakhram/architecture-history-of-malaysia-houses.

Crysler, C. G., Cairns, S., & Heynen, H. (2012). The SAGE handbook of architectural theory. Los Angeles: SAGE Publications , page 609-611

Lilawati A.W., Kamarul S.K., Husrul N.H., Mohd Azian Z. (2005). Architectural Design of Traditional Malay House. Proceedings of International Seminar Malay Architecture as Lingua Franca (2005). Jakarta Indonesia

Lim, J. Y. (1987). The Malay house: Rediscovering Malaysia's indigenous shelter system. , Pulau Pinang, Malaysia: Institut Masyarakat , page 75-94.

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