Detailed Design Analysis: Climate and Culture of Rumah Serambi Pahang

This report provides a comprehensive design analysis of the Rumah Serambi Pahang, a traditional Malay house in Malaysia. It examines the significant influences of the hot and humid climate, including high temperatures, humidity, and rainfall, on the house's design. The analysis explores how features like large overhangs, elevated structures, ventilation strategies, and the use of specific building materials like Chengal, Meranti, and Merbau are employed to mitigate the effects of the environment. Furthermore, the report delves into the cultural influences, highlighting the integration of the house with the river, the layout of the Rumah ibu, Selang, and Rumah Dapur, and the traditional construction techniques like the pasak method. It also discusses the protective features of the house and the use of the Kolong (space under the house). The report emphasizes the adaptive strategies employed in the Rumah Serambi Pahang's design to suit both the environmental conditions and the cultural practices of the local community.

5.0 Design Analysis
5.1 Climate and Environmental Influences
Malaysia is situated on equator that having hot and humid climate throughout the year. The
climate in Pahang, Malaysia is distinguished by peak humidity and temperature was situated
at the east coast side of Malaysia. The temperatures in Pahang range from 26°C to 32°C.
Fig. The Average Minimum and Maximum Temperature Over the Year.
(Source: https://weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-
Sunshine,Kuantan,Malaysia)
The high humidity in Pahang not only acts as a catalyst to accelerate the decay process, but
also facilitate the process of oxidation, and the increase of mould and algae. As a result, local
Malay craftsman have traditionally been keen to use high quality forest timber, such as
Chengal, Meranti, Merbau to resist the deterioration against termites and destructive animals.

Fig. The Average Humidity Over the Year.
(Source: https://weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-
Sunshine,Kuantan,Malaysia)
The Pahang wind direction came from two main directions as such northeast and southwest,
and the wind speed generally fixed at low variable speed. The atmospheric precipitation and
moisture is nonetheless towering throughout the time, subsisting with an average of 250cm to
300cm annually.
Chengal Meranti Merbau

Fig. The Average Monthly Wind Speed Over the Year.
(Source: https://weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-
Sunshine,Kuantan,Malaysia)
The Rumah Serambi Pahang have large overhang shields it away from the sun and in also
reducing glare by the less reflective ground covers. In addition, the interior of the Rumah
Serambi Pahang needed aid of artificial lighting to lighten up.
Fig. The Diagram for Glare. Shelter, Lighting.
(Source: http://anzasca.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/ANZAScA2004_Kamal.pdf)
The roof was made slightly taller than any normal traditional house. The house stands on a
protruding pillar above the ground level and grilles are provided at high level in gable ends,
because Pahang flooding occurs after heavy rainfalls. In fact, gapped wood floor to assist in
the process of conversion and circulation of the air to provide better ventilation.

Fig. The Average Monthly Rainy Days Over the Year.
(Source: https://weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-
Sunshine,Kuantan,Malaysia)
The vegetation is abundant and difficult to manage. Coconut palms and other tall trees
surround the traditional house not only providing shade, but also not blocking the wind at the
house level.
Fig. The Diagram for Building Materials, Vegetation and so forth.
(Source: http://anzasca.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/ANZAScA2004_Kamal.pdf)

Lastly, the Rumah Serambi Pahang is experiencing extinct because require high maintenance
and repair.
5.2 Culture Influences
The Traditional Malay House in Pahang symbolize the way of life of the past during their
settlement near the river. Thus, the river was integrated into their daily life to obtain fresh
water for drinking and bathing. In addition, to obtain food supplies or act as a medium for
transportation and growing crops.
the river was integrated into their daily life to obtain fresh water for drinking and bathing. In
addition, to obtain food supplies or act as a medium for transportation and growing crops.
The core area is called the Rumah ibu, adjoining to the Serambi, this high- roofed section is
the family’s most private space. Family can in the core area pray, sleeps, execute household
chores, such as sewing or ironing, but it also serves a more public purpose when an important
family ceremony or function such as a family wedding is being held.
Rumah ibu (Core area)
- activities: pray, sleeps, household chores, serves a more public purpose
In addition, an enclosed passageway, known as the Selang, links the Rumah ibu to Rumah
Dapur and provides firebreak between the front and rear portions of the house and also
comprises a 0.4m height barrier (penghadang) that separates the Rumah ibu. These barriers
are designed to slow down the enemy and allow the host to escape or to defend themselves.
Selang (Enclosed passageway)
- links the Rumah ibu to Rumah dapur
- provides firebreak between the front and rear portions of the house
- comprises a 0.4m height barrier (penghadang) that separates the Rumah ibu
- designed to slow down the enemy and allow the host to escape or to defend
themselves

The Rumah Dapur is mainly a gathering place for women and cooking, but may also be a
place for the family dines. The Rumah Dapur, located at the back of the house compound. In
term of the layout of the house, the layout of traditional Malay houses represents the social
culture of Malay.
Rumah Dapur (Gathering place)
- located at the back of the house compound
- for women and cooking
- activities: family dines
From the prospect of construction, the residence applies the techniques of traditional Malay
technique pasak in the process of its construction and joinery. Both of these materials are
preferred to make a sturdy building or home without requiring the use of nails, while
everything was mortised and the mortise has been holding the house for decades.
Rumah Serambi Pahang
- applies the techniques of traditional Malay technique pasak in the process of its
construction and joinery
- preferred to make a sturdy building or home without requiring the use of nails
- everything was mortised and the mortise has been holding the house for decades
The Rumah Serambi Pahang features were designed to protect its occupants from any threat,
including from the enemy. With its strong structure and location far from the floor, this
makes it difficult for the enemy to try to stab the host from the basement with spears While
the Kolong 30 (space underneath the house) is used as a versatile space to hang the clothes
that are washed and the fishermen to repair their nets from the sea.
rubber or raised floor
- activities: rest, sleep, space to hang the clothes and fishermen to repair their nets
- designed to protect its occupants from any threat
- strong structure and location far from the floor

- makes it difficult for the enemy to try to stab the host from the basement