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This believed might be the explanation for the reason of why the TMH is always symmetrical in design and highly
decorated on the façade treatment. The most decorated part of the house is the front that is on the serambi. Human
is very much symmetrical in nature with two eyes, nose, mouth, two legs and hands. The universe has become the
source of reference for decorative motives, includes plants, patterns, animals and so on. The concept of
anthropomorphism, the underlying belief system of the Malays, gives the characteristics to the architecture of
TMH(Ariffin, 2001). Anthropomorphism may be defined as an ‘attribution of human form or personality to god,
animal, etc.’ (Oxford English Dictionary, 1993). Modular design and repetitive rhythm of the front facade is the
product of underlying belief system of the Malays are corrected and perfected through the test of times.(Figure 5).
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Figure 5. Repetitive rhythm of front façade with highly decorated gable
end panel is one of the common features of TMH
2.2 Addition and Multiplication System of TMH
The architecture of traditional Malay house is so unique, “It created near-perfect solutions to the control of climate,
multi-functional use of space, flexibility in design and a sophisticated prefabricated system which can extend the
house with the growing needs of the family” (Killmann, 1994). The basic unit of TMH is called ‘rumah bujang’
which have one space module with six columns or sometimes called ‘rumah tiang enam’ or eight column.
Following the addition system which is modular in nature, the TMH can be extended by three column module or
four column modules according to the need of the family.
Figure 6. Rumah Tiang Enam-
Side elevation
Figure 7. Rumah Tiang Enam - front elevation
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