Breathing New Life Into Old Timber
The word renewal is often associated with the process of restoring an object, the beauty and purpose of which has been eroded or diminished through time. Many wood enthusiasts prefer old timbers and actively seek them out for projects, enabling us to enjoy the timber's presence in our built space for many more years to come.
These Malaysian buildings showcase the creative transformation of old timbers that feed into innovative contemporary designs. While some have incorporated new wood materials, most are totally built using reclaimed timber in the forms of columns, beams, trusses, flooring, door and window frames, panels and balustrades. Having been seasoned and conditioned over many years, the durability and technical stability of old timbers such as Belian, Chengal and Meranti are often reinforced and can therefore be reused many times.
TELEGRAPH POLE HOUSE
The Telegraph Pole House is named after its signature feature – the supporting columns in telegraph poles. Perched on top of a hill in the Malaysian resort island of Langkawi, its blueprint adapts the native longhouse design of the indigenous people of Sarawak. In the initial blueprint, the signature of the house – the large and extensive roof – was supposed to be supported by huge, chunky logs. The architect then substituted the main supporting columns with four telegraph poles, which were left unfinished where the guests can still find the original serial numbers on them.
A sculptural flight of stairs featuring huge, yet seemingly floating timber steps are made of reclaimed telegraph poles too, leading the guests to one of the upper parts of the house, which hosts the resting and sleeping quarters. Moving upstairs, the verandas run the full length of the house on both sides of the upper floor. The reclaimed timber wall panels for the upper floor were sanded but not completely, leaving the remains of the old paint showing through.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Telegraph Pole House in Langkawi?+
The Telegraph Pole House is a hilltop residence in Langkawi, Malaysia, named after its signature supporting columns made from four reclaimed telegraph poles. Its design adapts the native longhouse style of the indigenous people of Sarawak.
Why are old timbers like Belian, Chengal and Meranti suitable for reuse?+
Having been seasoned and conditioned over many years, the durability and technical stability of old timbers such as Belian, Chengal and Meranti are often reinforced, allowing them to be reused many times.
How were telegraph poles incorporated into the Telegraph Pole House design?+
Four telegraph poles replaced the originally planned chunky log columns as the main supports for the house's large roof. They were left unfinished so guests can still see the original serial numbers, and reclaimed telegraph poles were also used to create a sculptural staircase with seemingly floating timber steps.
How is reclaimed timber used in Malaysian contemporary buildings?+
Reclaimed timber is used in the forms of columns, beams, trusses, flooring, door and window frames, panels and balustrades. Many Malaysian buildings are built entirely from reclaimed timber, while others incorporate it alongside new wood materials.
How were the wall panels finished in the Telegraph Pole House?+
The reclaimed timber wall panels on the upper floor were sanded but not completely, deliberately leaving remains of the old paint showing through for character.