Vernacular Architecture

TIMBER SCREENS WERE USED ON THE FACADE OF MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES, ENVIRONMENT & CLIMATE CHANGE IN PUTRAJAYA. DESIGNED BY AR. LILLIAN TAY, THE STEEL-FRAMED PODIUM FAÇADE INCLUDED MOVABLE TIMBER SHADING SCREENS.

Malaysian architecture, with its unique local traditions and solutions, is highly adaptable to contemporary living requirements. In recent years, there have been commendable efforts in the private and Non-Governmental Organization sectors, often bolstered by governmental funding, for heritage awareness and conservation in Malaysia.

The recent global pandemic has significantly influenced how people use their living spaces, highlighting the importance of adaptable and versatile environments. Architects are becoming adept at creating practical, efficient, and customized spaces, such as home offices and wellness areas, without compromising aesthetics. At the same time, many are re-examining traditional techniques and materials for cooling and achieving sustainability. In a world embracing sustainable living, timber is widely recognized as one of the most highly sustainable building materials.

Choo Gim Wah, a member of the Malaysian Institute of Architects is known for his expertise in designing residential and commercial buildings as well as mixeduse developments. He excels in creating harmonious structures that seamlessly integrate with the natural landscape.

“Each site whispers its own tale,” he explained in a recent interview with Timber Malaysia published by the Malaysian Timber Council. “There is also a growing appreciation for outdoor spaces, leading to designs that blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, providing private areas for nature connection and open-air activities.” As an architect, Choo carefully observes and analyzes factors such as the view, the direction of the sun, and the natural contours of the land, while also placing great importance on space utilization, circulation, and function.

Choo notes that timber boasts exceptional durability as a building material. “It is renowned for its strength in tension and aesthetic appeal, making it a desirable construction material for both structural elements and finishes,” he said in the interview. “One of its key strengths lies in its remarkably low embodied energy compared to other mainstream construction materials such as steel, concrete, or aluminum. This disparity can be attributed to timber’s minimal processing requirements, resulting in significantly reduced carbon emissions.”

Lillian Tay, principal of Veritas Architects Sdn Bhd, who served as the Malaysian Institute of Architects president from 2019-2020 and was honorary council member of the Heritage Trust of Malaysia (Badan Warisan Malaysia) from 2003-2013, was also interviewed by Timber Malaysia. She, too, emphasized the importance of respecting the common sense of traditional, vernacular architecture with its timetested climate-responsive approach, use of natural, local materials, function-driven forms and simple modesty.

THE ROOF SOFFIT AND INTERIOR CEILING USED RECYCLED TIMBER IN THIS CANTONMENT HOUSE, PENANG, DESIGNED BY AR. LILLIAN TAY.

THIS OPULENT TIMBER STAIRCASE FROM MERBAU SPECIES GRACES THE INTERIORS OF THE FAN HOUSE DESIGNED BY AR. CHOO GIM WAH.

“Many love timber for the natural beauty of its grain, texture, and color, its tactile quality, warmth, and feeling of homeliness,” she stated. “Designers and craftsmen appreciate its sculptural potential. Timber can exude a sense of place since you can often tell its geographic origins and species.”

Tay noted that timber is long-lasting when cared for properly and that “when worn out, [it] can be restored easily by hand … with some care, simple tools, and common materials like natural oil and waxes. Its durability, versatility, and renewal potential make it a more sustainable building material. Besides, it is easily replenished, provided we have the discipline, responsibility, care, laws, and code of good practice to ensure there is longterm perspective and strict commitment to replanting and renewal of sources.”

The advancements in sustainable design practices and the integration of smart technologies have brought a renewed focus on timber as a preferred building material and on heritage architectural techniques. The implementation of an extensive Industrial Tree Plantation (ITP) program, which aims at supplementing raw material supply from the natural forest, will also offer new potential for wider applications of timber in building construction.

Learn More About Malaysian Architecture and the Malaysian Timber Council.