Timber structures in Malaysian architecture and buildings

Malaysia is endowed with rich timber resources. These have been used historically for building construction. However, the recording and documentation of the use of timber structures in architecture and building is a new field of study. The limited number of texts related to the use of timber in Malaysia are largely concerned with the design and construction of the traditional Malay house. The archival material related to the use of timber has been found to be very limited in scope and incomplete. The primary aim of this study is to provide a broad overview of the influences that have shaped the structural use of timber in Malaysia from 15th century to the present day. It is hoped that this will provide the basis and inspiration for more specific detailed studies to be undertaken at a later date. Therefore, this is not seen as a definitive study but the beginning of a process which attempts to understand the use of this basic material, timber, in Malaysian architecture and building. Chapter I of the thesis examines the cultural background of factors that have influenced the use of timber in structures on- the Malaysian Peninsular. It traces the historical development of the use of timber as building material from the early indigenous timber structure to contemporary architecture. The detailing in timber jointing was different in each state due to the different cultural backgrounds of the local craftsman. Chapter 2 explores the technological developments that have contributed the structural use of timber in Malaysia over the last 150 years. The evolution of timber technology has enabled the development in jointing capacity and the structural determination of various building forms. Eighteen case studies are examined for the comparison of their respective construction and structural systems with an overview of the technical influences on construction associated with connections and joints for structural timber. Chapter 3 examines current issues in the application of structural timber technology at national and international level which might be applied in Malaysia. This chapters includes the discussion on current timber technology transfer from overseas and adoption to the local environment. Chapter 4 concludes with the research findings and discusses the issues that have affected the use of timber in Malaysia and provides some suggestions for areas of further research. This research concludes with the difficulties of wider use of timber in Malaysia.