HOUSE FORM AND CONSTRUCTION DETAILS OF STILT HOUSES ON WATER: A CASE STUDY IN PULAU KETAM, WEST COAST OF PENINSULAR MALAYSIA

Abstract

In Southeast Asia, coastal villages with elevated stilt houses are one of the most common types of vernacular settlements that are found along coastal waters, river banks and river mouths. These are stilts houses on water which have been self-­‐sustaining over the generations. However advancement of the new technology causes rapid urbanization and gentrification of these vernacular settlements and the houses are facing evolution of form and materials at different stage. The formation of settlements and house forms are based on various factors – climate, site, religion, culture, economics, materials, construction and technology. These are interrelated with the appropriation, adaptation and interpretation of the man. Emphasis would also be placed on tracing and interpreting what man has done at different times and places. This exploration will also elaborate on the dynamic relationship between man and built environment which will ensure continuity in the way of life in this architecture, preserving their sense of identity and place. While these settlement and buildings strive to provide a modern living environment, the dynamic relationship will attempt to minimize changes to the community’s tradition and lifestyles. Studying Pulau Ketam, which is a Chinese fishing village located on an island, west coast of Peninsular Malaysia where the gradual modification and changes occur. This paper seeks to understand the forces that shape the settlement, house form and construction. The investigations begin with the studies of gradual modifications of Peninsular Malaysia’s coast over history, observing that how the settlement, house form and construction being affected by industrialized and urbanized coast. By describing and documenting the dwellings, it attempts to create a system of ideas and practices that have influenced people how to build and utilize their dwellings.