Trips

[Archives]

Office Matters





LAYOUT OF THE HOUSE

Balai

Most Malay houses do not include a balai. This structure was in fact built by the government as an office for Penghulu Abu Seman. It includes the covered verandah described as the pejabat office and the bilik penghulu penghulu's room. Community and other administrative matters were resolved in the balai which also served as a meeting room. According to residents of the area, the bilik penghulu was sometimes used as a temporary "lock-up" for offenders when the penghulu so decreed.

Detailed carvings reflect the skill of the Malay craftsman and the status accorded to the position of the penghulu. Unlike the rest of the house and to make a distinction between the home and the office, only footings support this structure. There are no tiangs pillars. The stairway to the balai is the formal entry to the house and an internal stairway leads from the balai up to the rumah ibu.

Rumah Ibu

The rumah ibu, as is typical of other Malay houses, is elevated highest from the ground. Used for public functions and entertaining guests, it also includes the bedrooms. Entrances to both bedrooms are denoted by fretwork archways. Framed above each archway is a coloured carving which depicts two birds. The archways were originally painted silver with a green trim, probably for a festive occasion. These colours have been replicated as part of the restoration.

Dapur

Origins of the dapur/ruang makan are unclear. It could have been built in Bandar Baharu or relocated from elsewhere. As in other Malay houses, the floor in this domestic area is lower than that of the rumah ibu and separate stairways are provided. Carvings and windows are less ornate here.


EXTENDED "Khazanah Brickfields" - Heritage Education Programme


Chiaroscuro: An Exhibition by Mark Harris


News & Announcements



Events


Please subscribe to our mailing list to receive our e-newsletter.

Subscribe Unsubscribe


HOME | ABOUT US | EDUCATION | TECHNICAL CONSULTANCY & PROJECTS | PUBLICATIONS
EVENTS | GIFT SHOP | RESOURCE CENTRE | LINKS | NEWS


© 2003-2008 Badan Warisan Malaysia. All Rights Reserved
Site produced by Inscribe Webmedia