RESTORATION
Site preparation, laying out of the footings, cleaning and preparation of original and new timber occupied the next two months. Levelling of the site was a challenge for the site work contractor, Jaya Renovation because of the gradient of the land. Minconsult Sdn Bhd designed concrete pads and compacting requirements for the terrain. In keeping with the original house where hardwood was used for structural components and softer wood for nonstructural elements, cengal (and in its abscence balau) was purchased for the former and dark red meranti for the latter.
On August 8, 1996, the raising of the tiang seri main column marked the official commencement of the reconstruction of the house. In keeping with tradition, YBhg Tan Sri Dato' Seri Ahmad Sarji bin Abdul Hamid placed the original 1916 Straits Settlement coin which was found under the tiang seri back in its position along with a 1996 one ringgit coin to commemorate the restoration.
The challenge in the timber work was to ensure that elements removed from the original house were replaced in the restored house, and to refashion any new elements in exactly the same form as those that were damaged. Five panels, which comprise the entire frontage of the rumah ibu, were reassembled and installed. Windows with shutters had to be rebuilt. When all the timber work was completed, the entire house was oiled and termite treated.
In March 1997 Intelu was awarded the contract to lay the roof tiles. These tiles are of Chinese origin and are typically used on shophouses. En Paiman Keromo of Muzium Negara provided sound advice on the proposed work. The house required about 31,000 tiles but only 15,000 had been salvaged from the original site. However, through the generosity of YABhg Datin Seri Nila Inangda Manyam Keumala and En Paiman and the help of En Asmadi Sairi of Intelu, we were able to source the remaining tiles.
Landscaping and electrical wiring followed the timber and tile work. Puan Kamariyah Kamsah of Institut Teknologi MARA was the landscape designer and the electrical work was undertaken by Yap Electric. YBhg Puan Sri Frances Ariffin has taken on the challenge of planning and sourcing the exhibits for the house.
Restoration Click on a picture below to view a larger version |
 Raising of the tiang seri |
 The structural framework |
 Installing the wall panels of the rumah ibu |
 Fabricating new wooden parts in the balai |
 Laying of the roof tiles over the dapur. Note the new wood used in the walls. |
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 EXTENDED "Khazanah Brickfields" - Heritage Education Programme
 Chiaroscuro: An Exhibition by Mark Harris

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