sarang paloh heritage stay & event hall building report
TRANSCRIPT
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN ARCHITECTURE [B.Sc. (HONS) Arc.]
ARC60305 METHODS OF DOCUMENTATION AND MEASURED DRAWINGS
SARANG PALOH HERITAGE STAY & EVENT HALL
NO. 12, 14, 16 JALAN SULTAN ISKANDAR, 30000 IPOH, PERAK, MALAYSIA
ii
Declaration of submission This report is submitted in regards to the module - ARC60303 Methods of Documentation & Measured Drawings by the School of Architecture, Building and Design of Taylor’s University to obtain 5 credits for Practicum 1. Name of building : Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay & Event Hall Address : No. 12, 14, 16 Jalan Sultan Iskandar, 30000 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia Supervised by : Mr. Sanjeh Kumar Raman & Ar. Sateerah Hassan This is a group effort by: Leader: Daniesh Ashik A/L Selveswaran 0315265 Yong Thang Shaun 0320675 Group members: Afiqah Zahra Binti Zainol Rashid 0315857 Alisha Niazali Hirani 0314325 Chan Yi Qin 0315964 Chong Chui Wern 0321359 Eddie Goh Poh King 0322915 Iche Dunstan Omari 0323347 Kelvin Yong Chen Yin 0316050 Ken Wong Chun Thim 0315534 Lau Wei Ling 0315389 Lee Yen Chei 0320568 Leong Vui Yung 0320362 Loh Wei Shuen 0317896
Muhammad Mubarak 0319984 Ng Ee Shiung 0314228 Ng Yi Yang 0319688 Ryan Kerry Jee Jin Ying 0318715 Saurabha Lakshman Kumar Iyer 0320569 Tan Wee Keat 0315885 Tan Wen Hao 0319923 Tang Ze Zheng 0318967 Teo Chen Yi 0320618 Tey Thien Hee 0318676 Toh Kean Hou 0319575
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture January 2016 Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus
iii
Acknowledgement
Our entire group would like to extend our gratitude to all lecturers involved and responsible in organizing and conducting this module in conjunction
with this short semester - Practicum 1, and hence allowing us to gain a whole lot throughout the process.
We would also like to extend our thanks, gratitude and appreciation to two of our tutors, Mr Sanjeh Kumar Raman and also Ar. Sateerah Hassan
for their guidance and advices throughout the process of this assignment and making this submission a success.
Our entire group would also like to acknowledge and express our appreciation to the following people and organizations that have contributed to us
in terms of providing information, support and help in order for us to successfully complete this assignment. Below are the list of people whom we
deeply thank and appreciate.
Ms. Lee Yoke Chee, the owner of Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay & Event Hall for the approval of allowing us to carry out this entire assignment and
making all measuring and documentation works possible, and also for the warm and welcoming treatment throughout the interview session.
Ms. Peggy Lim, the director of Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay & Event Hall, for her care and generosity in terms of providing information and
sufficient information which contributed to our documentation purposes.
Ms. Sharon, Ms. Pauline and Ms. Maryanne, the staffs of Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay & Event Hall for their warm and welcoming hospitality and
also attending to our needs at time of troubles.
Mr. Lee, furniture contractor and maintenance man of Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay & Event Hall for his sufficient and beneficial information in
regards to the history of the building, construction details and information regarding antiques and heritage furniture within the building.
And finally to all the 25 members of this group whom without their hard work, cooperation and dedication, this submission would not be a success.
Thank You.
iv
Abstract
This report documents on the overall information and data obtained from Measured Drawings activities which were carried out on site of the
mentioned building - Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay & Event Hall. The building is located along Jalan Sultan Iskandar, Ipoh, Perak. Built in the 1900s,
the building exhibits a variety unique style of architecture, including Art deco, Neo-classical style and also mix and matches of style which depicts
the Chinese culture back then. Facades strongly depict the architectural style embodied by the building despite the fact that it has undergone many
changes throughout the decades. Refurbishment and renovation works had been executed in order to retain its condition and to also improve its
adaptability in regards to the changes of time. Today, it stands as a conjoined building of three and has been successfully preserved and converted
into a boutique hotel and an event hall to serve the different functions and activities of Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay. The architectural style and
design of the building portrays the essence of the colonial era and clearly reflects the influences of the British back then in terms of architecture
and as of how the building was designed which illustrates how the building was utilized back then.
In a group of 25 students, we were assigned to measure, document and analyse the mentioned building and due to its rich cultural and historical
value, the current condition of the building and its architectural development had been thoroughly documented and analyzed.
v
List of Figures Figure 1.1 A member of the team, Tang Ze Zheng, utilizing the
measuring tape to obtain the width of the column.
(Tan, 2016).
Figure 1.2 A member of the team, Tang Ze Zheng, utilizing the
metal rule to obtain detailed measurements. (Tan,
2016).
Figure 1.3 A member of the team, Tang Ze Zheng, using the
ladder and measuring tape rule to obtain the height of
the column. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 1.4 Members of the team, Loh Wei Shuen (front) and
Ryan Kerry (back), interviewing and touring along the
premises with the furniture contractor and
maintenance man of the hotel, Mr Lee. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 1.5 An image showing the device - Bosch DLE 50
Professional Digital Laser Distance Meter. (Amazon,
2016).
Figure 1.6 An example image showing a standard typical
measuring tape which varies in lengths. (Amazon,
2016).
Figure 1.7 Image indicating a standard typical metal rule
which varies in terms of length and dimension.
(Working Silver, 2016).
Figure 1.8 Image showing a standard typical T-Square
whereby a 90cm length was used on site.
(Creative-Coldsnow, 2016).
Figure 1.9 The façade of Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay & Event
Hall (2nd & 3rd building from the left) which depicts
the eclectic design of Neoclassical and art Art Deco
exterior. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 2.1 Map of Perak (Khoo, Lubis, 2016.)
Figure 2.2 The First British Resident of Perak, James Wheeler
Woodford Birch.
Figure 2.3 The Fourth British Resident of Perak, Sir Hugh Low
who formulated the modern laws that pertaining to
vi
land matters, agriculture, the mining, labour and
taxation.
Figure 2.4 Woman dulang-washers worked as gleaners on the
periphery of many tin mines. (Khoo, Lubis, Wade,
2016.)
Figure 2.5 Sultan Idris and Sir Hugh Low, two pioneers of modern
Perak. (Khoo, Lubis, 2016.)
Figure 2.6 Vast tracts of forest were cleared for rubber
plantations. (Changkat Salah Rubber Estate, Perak,
2016.)
Figure 2.7 The remains of the Hindu-Buddhist temple founded in
Bujang Valley, Kedah. (Yeang, 2016.)
Figure 2.8 A parallel two-unit traditional Malay house in Kuala
Kangsar. (Landmarks of Perak, 2016.)
Figure 2.9 Pa Lo Ku Miao in Ipoh, with flat roof ridge
characteristic of the Cantonese. (Landmarks of Perak,
2016.)
Figure 2.10 Kinta District Administrative Centre of Batu Gajah.
Figure 2.11 Ipoh Town Hall. (Khoo, Lubis, Wade, 2016.)
Figure 2.12 Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad in Kuala Lumpur.
(Landmarks of Perak, 2016.)
Figure 2.13 Masjid Ubudiah (Khoo, Lubis, Wade, 2016.)
Figure 2.14 A typical Chinese eclectic style house.
Figure 2.15 Grand Hotel in Ipoh. (Georgetown Dispensary
Series, 2016.)
Figure 2.16 Anderson School in Ipoh. (Kunverjee Maljee
Series, 2016.)
Figure 2.17 The Art Deco façade of the Majestic Theatre.
(Landmarks of Perak, 2016.)
Figure 2.18 Lam Looking Bazaar on Jalan Laksamana, Ipoh,
was the earliest International style example.
(Landmarks of Perak, 2016.
Figure 2.19 The map of Kinta District. (Ho, 2016.)
Figure 2.20 Elephants transportation. (Khoo, Lubis, Wade,
2016.)
Figure 2.21 The Geological and Mineral Map of Kinta, 1884 by
French Explorer Jacques de Morgan. (Khoo,
Lubis, 2016.)
Figure 2.22 The portrait of the leader of Hai San secret society,
Kapitan Cina Chung Keng Kwee. (Seow, 2016.)
Figure 2.23 The portrait of the leader of Ghee Hin secret society,
Kapitan China Chin Ah Yam. (Khoo, 2016.)
Figure 2.24 Map of Ipoh Town, c. 1921. (Ho, 2016.)
vii
Figure 2.25 Dato Panglima Kinta Muhammad Yusuff. (Lord of
Kinta, 2016.)
Figure 2.26 Ipoh, 1887. (Ho, 2016.)
Figure 2.27 Ipoh, 1894. (Ho, 2016.)
Figure 2.28 Town Field.
Figure 2.29 Hugh Low Bridge rebuilt in iron. (Khoo, Lubis, Wade,
2016.)
Figure 2.30 Ipoh Town, c. 1910. (Ho, 2016.)
Figure 2.31 New Town in 1900s. (Ho, 2016.)
Figure 2.32 Portrait of Leong Sin Nam. (Ho, 2016.)
Figure 2.33 Whiteaways submerged. (Ho, 2016.)
Figure 2.34 The Venice of Malaya. (Kok, 2016.)
Figure 2.35 One of the famous rich tin miners, Foo Yet Kai. (Ho,
2016.)
Figure 2.36 Jalan Sultan Iskandar. (Google map, 2016.)
Figure 2.37 Jalan Sultan Iskandar now. (Tan, 2016.)
Figure 2.38 Four units that bought by Lim’s family. (Tim, 2016.)
Figure 2.39 Mr Lee, one of the contractors that in charge of the
restoration work of all Lim’s heritage buildings. (Tan,
2016.)
Figure 3.1 Site Plan which indicates the site building (within the
red circle) and also its surrounding site building.
Figure 3.2 Lot Number Plan which indicate the site building
within the red circle which indicate lot 638S & lot
639S as Sarang Paloh Event Hall building and
boutique hotel lot as lot 640S.
Figure 3.3 Image depicting the location of Sarang Paloh
Heritage Stay and its surrounding prominent
buildings. (Google Maps, 2016).
Figure 3.4 Image illustrating the historical and majestic view
of the Ipoh Railway Station. (PencintaLensa,
2016).
Figure 3.5 The Supreme High Court of Ipoh which flanks the
side of the City Hall of Ipoh. (Lim, 2016).
Figure 3.6 Ipoh City Hall stands majestically, flanking the
Supreme High Court of Ipoh which illustrates
eclecticism. (Flickr, 2016).
Figure 3.7 Ipoh Birch Memorial, a symbol of commemoration
for the first British Resident of Perak, J.W.W. Birch.
(GoWhere, 2016).
Figure 3.8 Hugh Low Bridge, now renamed as Jambatan
Sultan Iskandar connecting the old and new parts of
Ipoh town across the Kinta River. (Adiyon84, 2016).
Figure 3.9 An image illustrating the pedestrian passageway
viii
which segregates the building with the main road
which provides accessibility to the pedestrians. (Tan,
2016).
Figure 3.10 Image depicting typical curbs implemented in
order to segregate the pedestrian walkways with the
flanking main roads.
Figure 3.11 An image taken portraying the five foot way that
flanks the foyer and entrances of the buildings that
stretches throughout the entire row of shophouses.
(Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.12 Installed awnings above the rear entrances while
providing external shade to the occupants entering the
building from the rear entrances. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.13 An image illustrating Jalan Sultan Iskandar
which are set off with 4 lanes which are flanked by
rows of heritage shop houses. (Panoromio, 2016).
Figure 3.14 An image depicting a view of Jalan Bandar Timah
which goes in opposite direction as compared with
Jalan Sultan Yusuff. (KenWooi, 2016).
Figure 3.15 A Google Street View depicting Jalan Sultan
Yusuff which leads to the main road of Jalan Sultan
Iskandar. (Google Street View, 2016).
Figure 3.16 Image showing a typical intersection/junction
between Jalan Sultan Iskandar and Jalan Bandar
Timah. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.17 Image taken on site depicting the stretch of
pedestrian pavements which are laced around the
edge of the road which provides pedestrians’
walkability. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.18 An image taken on site which shows the adequate
safety measures provided (zebra crossing and
traffic lights) as to provide convenience and safety
to pedestrians. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.19 A site plan showing the building being an
intermediate lot located along Jalan Sultan
Iskandar which is flanked by a back lane behind
the building. (National Archive, 2016).
Figure 3.20 An image depicting one of the back entries which
was used less frequently and grant access to the back
of the building. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.21 An image taken on site showing the main entrance
which leads into the main lobby and reception of
Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay. (Tan, 2016).
ix
Figure 3.22 Image depicting the main entrance leading into
Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay’s event hall. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.23 An image illustrating a typical coffee shop in Ipoh
which serves food and beverages. (Star Online, 2016).
Figure 3.24 An image depicting one of the malls along the
street of Jalan Sultan Iskandar which sells souvenirs
and local goods. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.25 An image illustrating one of the boutique hotels and
cafés within vicinity of the Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay.
(Trip Advisor, 2016).
Figure 3.26 The state mosque of Perak which is located also
along the opposite side of Jalan Sultan Iskandar. (Ais
Kacang Merah, 2016).
Figure 3.27 An image illustrating the sun from the east side
of the building which casts shadows but do not
produce glare. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.28 An image illustrating the sun from the east side
of the building which casts shadows but do not
produce glare. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.29 An image depicting the front façade of Sarang Paloh .
(Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.30 An image showing the front façade of the boutique
hotel ;the former Yick Who Gold Smith shop(Tan,
2016).
Figure 3.31 An image showing boutique hotel’s façade door,
windows and air vent design.(Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.32 An image showing the art deco designed
decorative motif found above the main entrance.
(Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.33 An image showing the art deco designed window
grilles (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.34 An image showing one of the columns holding up
the event hall. (Tan, 2016)
Figure 3.35 This image shows column head or “chi tou” of one
of the pillars.(Tan, 2016)
Figure 3.36 This image shows the interior space of the
boutique hotel. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.37 An image showing one of the metal barred windows
found in the boutique hotel that follows the original
design. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.38 An image showing a wooden barred window that uses
louvres. (Tan, 2016).
x
Figure 3.39 The floor tiles were scavenged from other old buildings
and reused.(Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.40 An image of the visible wooden beams that runs
across the room. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.41 An image showing the spiral staircase found at the
airwell. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.42 The second staircase found in the boutique hotel
which is L-shaped that also leads to the 1st floor. (Tan,
2016).
Figure 3.43 Antique chairs handpicked by the owner being used in
the building.(Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.44 The kitchen furniture such as tables and chairs were
also handpicked antiques.(Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.45 An image showing the interior of the event hall.(Tan,
2016).
Figure 3.46 An image showing the floor tile design which were
“Nyonya” styled.(Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.47 An image showing the event hall’s ceiling where the
ceiling joist are exposed ; showing the contrast
between ceiling and wall.(Tan, 2016)
Figure 3.48 An image showing the bunker’s exterior view. Its
material is made out of bricks using rough
masonry work. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.49 An image showing the interior of the bunker (Tan,
2016).
Figure 3.50 An image showing the visible roof trusses on the
1st floor of the event hall (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.51 An image showing the exposed roof tiles and
beams found on the 1st floor of the boutique hotel.
(Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.52 An image depicting the visual symmetry of the roof
garden.(Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.53 An image showing the five foot way shaded by the
eaves of the building, as indicated 1 in Figure 3.34.
(Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.54 An image illustrating the front hall of the building,
which is the main lobby and reception of the building,
as indicated 2 in Figure 3.34 (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.55 The second hall within the shophouse building which
is converted into a sitting area which features a central
atrium for the spiral stairs, as indicated 3 in Figure
3.59. (Tan, 2016).
xi
Figure 3.56 The air well which illuminates the spiral stairs atrium
which is the central feature of the second hall cum
sitting area, as indicated 6 in Figure 3.59. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.57 The rear court which is located after the second
hall is converted into a kitchen cum dining area to
serve the guests of the hotel, as indicated 4 in Figure
3.59. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.58 The second rear court which is relatively
smaller, converted into storage cum sanitary services
space with a skylight illuminating the interior, as
indicated 5 in Figure 3.59. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.59 Ground floor plan of the boutique hotel lot of Sarang
Paloh Heritage Stay which serves different functions
and as indicated by the numbers in the plan. (Ashik,
2016).
Figure 3.60 First floor plan of the boutique hotel lot of Sarang
Paloh Heritage Stay which house the rooms of the
hotel and also hold several circulation spaces as
indicated by the numbers in the plan. (Ashik, 2016).
Figure 3.61 The receiving hall of the first floor of the boutique
hotel lot via ascending a spiral stairs. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.62 The hall leading into the Platinum, Silver and
Gold Lofts within the first floor of the hotel lot by
which features a stairs ascending to the second
floor which is the Gold Loft. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.63 The side bed chamber within the Platinum Loft by
which is flanked by to side entries, one leading to a
nextbed chamber and another leading to the
washing closet. (Qwuen, 2016).
Figure 3.40 The bed chamber within the Silver Loft and an
entry which leads into the washing closet. (Qwuen,
2016).
Figure 3.41 The Malaysian Honeyguide Loft which is unique as
it is the biggest room within the floor and also
within the entire boutique hotel lot which bed
chamber twice the size and the door at the far end
leading into a luxurious washing closet.
(AsiaBooking, 2016).
Figure 3.42 The rear stairs which is located in the kitchen of the
building which connects to the first floor above which
leads to the transitional walkway. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.43 The transitional walkway which is reached directly
upon ascending the rear stairs while connecting it to
the receiving hall. (Tan, 2016).
xii
Figure 3.44 Second floor plan of the boutique hotel lot of Sarang
Paloh Heritage Stay which house the Gold Loft of the
hotel which is the only room housing the second floor
of the boutique hotel lot. (Ashik, 2016).
Figure 3.45 Gold Loft as seen interiorly while windows opening to
the low ceiling covering the Silver Loft. (Sarang Paloh,
2016).
Figure 3.46 Ground floor plan of the event hall lot of Sarang Paloh
Heritage Stay which accommodates different spaces
which serves different functions. (Wee, 2016).
Figure 3.47 The spacious event hall of Sarang Paloh Heritage
Stay which sees a grandeur eclectic style which is
lighten up using traditional Chinese cultured style
ornaments. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.48 Event hall stairs atrium which is the main mean
of circulation and connectivity between floors. (Tan,
2016).
Figure 3.49 Grill door leading into the vault cum storage
space located at the far end of the event hall. (Tan,
2016).
Figure 3.50 Storage bunker entry behind the event hall. (Tan,
2016).
Figure 3.51 First floor plan of the event hall lot of Sarang Paloh
Heritage Stay which accommodates different
spaces ranging from hotel rooms, lofts and also
internal courtyard with interior landscape as its
central feature. (Wee, 2016).
Figure 3.52 Stairs hall as seen from the receiving hall on the
first floor of the boutique hotel lot. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.53 The hall which accommodate multiple rooms
portrays grandeur essence. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.54 The living space within the ground floor of both
rooms while featuring a stairs which leads up to a
bed. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.55 The second hall within the shophouse building
which is converted into a sitting area which
features a central atrium for the spiral stairs, as
indicated 3 in Figure 3.59. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.56 The air well which illuminates the spiral stairs atrium
which is the central feature of the second hall cum
sitting area, as indicated 6 in Figure 3.59. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.57 The rear court which is located after the second
xiii
hall is converted into a kitchen cum dining area to
serve the guests of the hotel, as indicated 4 in Figure
3.59. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.58 The second rear court which is relatively
smaller, converted into storage cum sanitary services
space with a skylight illuminating the interior, as
indicated 5 in Figure 3.59. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.59 Ground floor plan of the boutique hotel lot of Sarang
Paloh Heritage Stay which serves different functions
and as indicated by the numbers in the plan. (Ashik,
2016).
Figure 3.60 First floor plan of the boutique hotel lot of Sarang
Paloh Heritage Stay which house the rooms of the
hotel and also hold several circulation spaces as
indicated by the numbers in the plan. (Ashik, 2016).
Figure 3.61 The receiving hall of the first floor of the boutique
hotel lot via ascending a spiral stairs. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.62 The hall leading into the Platinum, Silver and
Gold Lofts within the first floor of the hotel lot by which
features a stairs ascending to the second floor which
is the Gold Loft. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.63 The side bed chamber within the Platinum Loft by
which is flanked by to side entries, one leading to a
nextbed chamber and another leading to the
washing closet. (Qwuen, 2016).
Figure 3.64 The bed chamber within the Silver Loft and an
entry which leads into the washing closet. (Qwuen,
2016).
Figure 3.65 The Malaysian Honeyguide Loft which is unique as
it is the biggest room within the floor and also
within the entire boutique hotel lot which bed
chamber twice the size and the door at the far end
leading into a luxurious washing closet.
(AsiaBooking, 2016).
Figure 3.66 The rear stairs which is located in the kitchen of
the building which connects to the first floor above
which leads to the transitional walkway. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.67 The transitional walkway which is reached directly
upon ascending the rear stairs while connecting it to
the receiving hall. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.68 Second floor plan of the boutique hotel lot of Sarang
Paloh Heritage Stay which house the Gold Loft of the
xiv
hotel which is the only room housing the second floor
of the boutique hotel lot. (Ashik, 2016).
Figure 3.69 Gold Loft as seen interiorly while windows opening to
the low ceiling covering the Silver Loft. (Sarang Paloh,
2016).
Figure 3.70 Ground floor plan of the event hall lot of Sarang Paloh
Heritage Stay which accommodates different spaces
which serves different functions. (Wee, 2016).
Figure 3.71 The spacious event hall of Sarang Paloh Heritage
Stay which sees a grandeur eclectic style which is
lighten up using traditional Chinese cultured style
ornaments. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.72 Event hall stairs atrium which is the main mean
of circulation and connectivity between floors. (Tan,
2016).
Figure 3.73 Grill door leading into the vault cum storage
space located at the far end of the event hall. (Tan,
2016).
Figure 3.74 Storage bunker entry behind the event hall. (Tan,
2016).
Figure 3.75 First floor plan of the event hall lot of Sarang Paloh
Heritage Stay which accommodates different spaces
ranging from hotel rooms, lofts and also internal
courtyard with interior landscape as its central
feature. (Wee, 2016).
Figure 3.76 Stairs hall as seen from the receiving hall on the
first floor of the boutique hotel lot. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.77 The hall which accommodate multiple rooms
portrays grandeur essence. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.78 The living space within the ground floor of both
rooms while featuring a stairs which leads up to a
bed. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.79 The interior of the mentioned room which sees
a spacious interior. (Sarang Paloh, 2016).
Figure 3.80 An image of the walkway which leads from the
stairs hall to the garden which faces the door of
the Great Tit Room. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.81 The garden which is featured within the central
courtyard within the hotel. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.82 The walkway linking the garden into the sanitary
services which gradually leads into the Sarang Paloh
Heritage Stay Art Gallery. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.83 Second floor plan of the event hall lot of Sarang Paloh
Heritage Stay which accommodates only the second
xv
floor of the two double volume rooms - Stork Bird
Kingfisher Room and also the Red Throated Sunbird
Room. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.84 The bed chamber and sleeping area on the first floor
of the room, the second floor of the building, through
the utilization of double volume space. (Sarang Paloh,
2016).
Figure 4.1 An image showing the ground floor plan of Sarang
Paloh with its circulation indicated in red. (Ashik,
2016).
Figure 4.2 An image showing the first floor plan of Sarang Paloh
with its circulation indicated in red. (Ashik, 2016).
Figure 4.3 The above shows the public, semi-public and private
spaces of the ground floor and first floor
circulation.( Ashik, 2016)
Figure 4.4 The above shows the public, semi-public and private
spaces of the ground floor and first floor
circulation.( Ashik, 2016)
Figure 4.5 Sectional perspective Y2Y2 (Ashik, 2016)
Figure 4.6 Sectional perspective Y4Y4 (Ashik, 2016)
Figure 4.7 Section Y1Y1 depicting spaces with natural
lighting (Ashik, 2016)
Figure 4.8 Section Y3Y3 depicting spaces with natural
lighting (Ashik, 2016)
Figure 4.9 Section Y1Y1 depicting green spaces.(Ashik,
2016)
Figure 4.10 Section Y3Y3 depicting green spaces (Ashik,
2016)
Figure 4.11 Section Y1Y1 depicting the buildings ventilation
(Ashik, 2016)
Figure 4.12 Section Y3Y3 depicting the buildings ventilation
(Ashik, 2016)
Figure 4.13 An image showing the hotel lobby (Ashik, 2016)
Figure 4.14 An image showing the airwell (Ashik, 2016)
Figure 4.15 An image showing the pantry/kitchen space
(Ashik, 2016)
Figure 4.16 An image showing the rear court of the boutique
hotel (Ashik, 2016)
Figure 4.17 An image showing the interior of the event hall (Ashik,
2016)
Figure 4.18 The images shows the exterior and interior of the
bunker respectively (Ashik, 2016)
xvi
Figure 4.19 The images shows the exterior and interior of the
bunker respectively (Ashik, 2016)
Figure 4.20 The image shows the hallway space at entrance to the
spiral staircase (Ashik, 2016)
Figure 4.21 The images show the narrow corridor and the ceiling
above it respectively (Ashik, 2016)
Figure 4.22 The images show the narrow corridor and the ceiling
above it respectively (Ashik, 2016)
Figure 4.23 Both images depicts the view of the space from the
ground and from above (Ashik, 2016)
Figure 4.24 Both images depicts the view of the space from the
ground and from above (Ashik, 2016)
Figure 4.25 An image showing the interior space of the
Honeyguide hotel room (Ashik, 2016)
Figure 4.26 The images depicts the narrow hotel corridor and its
double volume void ceiling (Ashik, 2016)
Figure 4.27 The images depicts the narrow hotel corridor and its
double volume void ceiling (Ashik, 2016)
Figure 4.28 The images shows the roof garden and its courtyard
repectively (Ashik, 2016)
Figure 4.29 The images shows the roof garden and its courtyard
repectively (Ashik, 2016)
Figure 4.30 Front desk of Yik Woh Goldsmith & Jeweller shop.
Figure 4.31 Front desk of Sarang Paloh Boutique hotel lobby.
(Tan, 2016.)
Figure 4.32 Safe of Yik Woh Goldsmith & Jeweller shop.
Figure 4.33 Open courtyard in Sarang Paloh Boutique Hotel.
(Tan, 2016.)
Figure 4.34 Staff parking space.
Figure 4.35 Kitchen for Sarang Paloh Boutique Hotel. (Tan,
2016.)
Figure 4.36 Rear courtyard.
Figure 4.37 Rear courtyard now. (Tan, 2016.)
Figure 4.38 Living spaces for the staffs.
Figure 4.39 Hotel rooms.
Figure 4.40 Front desk of OCBC Building.
Figure 4.41 Sarang Paloh Event hall. (Tan, 2016.)
Figure 4.42 Store room for Sarang Paloh Event Hall. (Tan, 2016.)
Figure 4.43 Bunker.
Figure 4.44 Store room. (Tan, 2016.)
Figure 4.45 Insurance company.
Figure 4.46 Hotel rooms. (Tan, 2016.)
Figure 4.47 Flat slab with air vents.
Figure 4.48 Roof garden. (Tan, 2016.)
xvii
Figure 5.1 Bunker that constructed with clay bricks, painted with
white. (Wong, 2016.)
Figure 5.2 The original timber battens that located in the rear
courtyard of the boutique hotel. (Tan, 2016.)
Figure 5.3 Timber is used to construct the window frame as well
as the timber shuttered wall. (Tan, 2016.)
Figure 5.4 Steel beams and columns are added to support the
load of the first floor. (Tan, 2016.)
Figure 5.5 Steel spiral staircase in the open courtyard which
coated with black paint to prevent corrosion. (Tan,
2016.)
Figure 5.6 Gypsum plaster applied on the skirting. (Tan, 2016.)
Figure 5.7 Usage of gypsum plaster in the wall in ground floor.
Figure 5.8 Porcelain tiles. (Tan, 2016.)
Figure 5.9 Usage of porcelain tiles in ground floor.
Figure 5.10 Mosaic tiles in the staircase. (Tan, 2016.)
Figure 5.11 Usage of mosaic tiles in the ground floor.
Figure 5.12 Terracotta tiles. (Tan, 2016.)
Figure 5.13 Usage of terracotta tiles in ground floor.
Figure 5.14 Wall tiles found in the event hall. (Tan, 2016.)
Figure 5.15 Usage of ceramic wall tiles in ground floor.
Figure 5.16 The flower motifs Nyonya tiles found in the event
hall. (Tan, 2016.)
Figure 5.17 Usage of hydraulic cement tiles in ground floor.
Figure 5.18 Terrazzo tiles with pattern that found in the five
foot way. (Tan, 2016.)
Figure 5.19 Usage of terrazzo tiles in ground floor.
Figure 5.20 Timber flooring in the first floor or the boutique
hotel. (Tan, 2016.)
Figure 5.21 Usage of timber finishes in first floor and second
floor.
Figure 5.22 Structural diagram of the timber roof system.
Figure 5.23 Section of the roof of event hall.
Figure 5.24 Section - a combination of king post truss and
queen post truss are used in the roof of event hall.
Figure 5.25 Construction drawings of the timber wall panel.
Figure 5.26 Timber wall panel in the second floor of boutique hotel.
(Tan, 2016.)
Figure 5.27 Timber flooring system.
xviii
Tables of Content Declaration of Submission ii
Acknowledgement iii
Abstract iv
List of Figures v
1 Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 Objectives and Aim 3
1.2 Scope 4
1.3 Limitations 5
1.4 Methodologies 6
1.5 Equipment 10
1.6 Literature Review 14
1.7 Significance of Studies 15
2 Chapter 2: Historical Background
2.1 History of Perak
2.1.1 Origin of the Name 19
2.1.2 Timeline 20
2.1.3 British Colonization 21
2.1.4 Social 22
2.1.5 Economy 23
2.1.6 Architecture 25
2.2 History of Kinta District and Kinta Valley
2.2.1 Origin of the Name 35
2.2.2 Timeline 36
2.2.3 British Administration in Kinta District 37
2.2.4 Mining 39
2.2.5 Social 40
2.2.6 Economy 41
2.3 History of Ipoh
2.3.1 Origin of the Name 42
2.3.2 Timeline 44
2.3.3 Development of Ipoh Town 42
2.4 History of Jalan Sultan Iskandar
2.4.1 Origin of the Name 55
2.4.2 Insight 56
xix
2.5 History of Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay
and Event Hall
2.5.1 Ownership 58
2.5.2 Timeline 60
3 Chapter 3: Architectural Development
3.1 Site Context
3.1.1 Site Plan and Lot Number Plan 62
3.1.2 External Structures and Surrounding 64
Buildings
3.1.3 Hardscape 68
3.1.4 Building Accessibility 70
3.1.5 Genius Loci and Surrounding Cultural 75
Activities
3.1.6 Orientation of Building On Site 77
3.2 Design Concept
3.2.1 Design in relation to context 78
3.2.2 Form 79
3.2.3 Exterior 80
3.2.4 Interior 83
3.3 Functions of Spaces of Building
3.3.1 Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay Boutique 95
Hotel Building Lot
3.3.2 Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay Event Hall 106
Building Lot
4 Chapter 4: Architectural & Spatial Layout
4.1 Spatial Layout
4.1.1 Circulation 119
4.1.2 Public & Private Spaces 122
4.2 Spatial Experience and Program
4.2.1 Spatial Programming 124
4.2.2 Passive Design 126
4.2.3 Spatial Experience 129
4.3 Spatial Comparison 135
xx
5 Chapter 5: Building Materials and Construction
5.1 Building Materials
5.1.1 Structural 146
5.1.2 Finishing 149
5.2 Building Construction
5.2.1 Roof System 157
5.2.2 Wall System 159
5.2.3 Floor System 160
Conclusion 161
References 163
Glossary 164
Appendix
A Interview Transcript
B Photobook
C Scaled Drawings
2
Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION
Covers the aims and objectives of this study, the scope of
studies and research, limitations and obstacles faced
during the process of study, the methodologies
implemented throughout the process of this study, the list
of equipment used for the study, a brief literature review
of the building and also the significance of studies in
regards to the assigned building.
3
1.1 Objectives and Aim
The objective of this study is to obtain the accurate measurements that
reflect the current state of the building and to also document the
architectural and cultural significances of Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay &
Event Hall.
The team is required to produce floor plans, sections, elevations, site
plan and also detail schedules. These drawings are scaled drawings
which are done according to the existing heritage building which is on
site. In the later phase of the project also requires us to produce a scaled
model of the Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay & Event Hall building.
Apart from that, our group is also required to produce a research
paper to emphasize and highlight the history, cultural and design
concept of the building. In depth and thorough research and
interpretation in regards to the functionality and the construction
techniques are to be documented into the report.
The aim of this implemented study is to allow us to produce and act
as a credible source of information regarding the assigned building -
Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay & Event hall for both academic,
conservation and preservation purposes.
4
1.2 Scope
The scope of study covers from building measurements from corner to
edges in order to obtain accurate dimensions of each and every single
space. Besides, exterior and interior elevation are also required which
will later contribute to the development of the section of the building.
A thorough research onto the building are also required in order obtain
sufficient information regarding the building. The scope of research
includes the historical and cultural background of the building and also
its construction details which will also indirectly leads to the
documentation of the design concept and intention. This research scope
also indirectly covers the history of the functions, usage, purpose and
typology of the building and how it has evolved over the years till what it
is currently.
Various media are required in order for us to demonstrate our
understanding and to illustrate our interpretation of the spaces
around the mentioned building. To list a few, including developing
physical 3D models in order to relate the building to the viewers, sets
of scaled CAD drawings, a documentary video and a thorough and
concise report in regards to research, interpretations, analysis and
findings on the building.
5
1.3 Limitations
Limitations and obstacles are definitely unavoidable and by which are
solved through the implementations of certain measures. One of the
most problematic issues is the restricted mobility and accessibility
around the site building while measuring works are carried out. Some
parts of the building which requires measuring are too high up and
making it a problem to access. Besides, certain ornamentations which
are too intricate could not be measured and hence different sort of
techniques were implemented in order to curb these issues. Eye level
scaled images were taken and were scaled down in AutoCAD in order
to obtain a more accurate dimension and more proportionate picture of
certain details and ornamentations.
In terms of field of research is not as rich as expected which limits us in
terms of documentations and analysis. This was because the building is
not as prominent as compared to other certain heritage buildings around
Malaysia and also in Ipoh, hence dwarfing it and its regarding
information. Source of photographs, information and
documentations are scarce as well by which makes the tracing back
of history of the building difficult. Certain beneficial information were
declined to be shared by the refurbishment firm of the building as
well in order to retain its confidentiality.
Online data and physical sources such as books and catalogues are
not as rich in terms of information which limits our research scope.
Due to it being quite a low profiled building, hence many are not
aware of its story or some not even its presence. Hence, most of the
research analysis and information are based on whatsoever which were
retrieved on site and by which and compared, analyzed and interpreted
thoroughly.
6
1.4 Methodologies
Various methods were implemented in order to collect data to complete
the research and documentation of Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay. The
team, composed of a total of 25 students, was segregated into several
sub groups which are to be listed in the following: floor plans group,
elevations group, sections group and also detailing schedules group.
Each group operated under a sub group leader who oversaw the entire
process of operation of the group which later on had to be coordinated
and collaborated with the other sub groups in order to produce an
accurate set of measurements and drawings.
Methods of Measurements
Despite the different methods utilized while obtaining measurements for
the drawings of the building, the team primarily utilize the function of the
measuring tape (see Figure 1.1), the usage of digital laser measuring
device and also the metal rule in order to obtain measurements for
intricate details and certain ornamentations (see Figure 1.2).
Measuring tapes are mostly utilized along with the help of a ladder
in order to obtain measurements for a certain height (see Figure 1.3).
The digital laser measurement device contributes to measuring
heights and parts of building which are restricted in terms of mobility
and accessibility due to hazard and heights.
Figure 1.1 - A member of the team, Tang Ze Zheng, utilizing the measuring tape to obtain the width of the column. (Tan, 2016).
7
In order for us to obtain data of the façade of the building which were too
high, perpendicular scaled images were taken from the opposite side of
the building in order to be scaled down while producing the digital
drawings later. This indirectly contributed to allowing us to produce
drawings which are slightly accurate for the ornamentation details which
were on the façade which were nearly impossible to measure.
Due to it being an old building, certain walls and floorings are not of
proportion as to one another. For instance, certain walls are not
perpendicularly conjoined to one another as also for the level of the
floorings. In order to curb with this, datum lines are set using a T-square
and with the help of the digital laser measuring device in order to
measurements of certain drops, pitches and inclination of the floor level.
Majorly most of the measuring works for the details and ornamentations,
regardless of it being on the façade or within certain building elements
are done via perpendicular scaled images. This was carried out in order
to be time efficient. These photos were then later on sent into AutoCAD
in order to be traced and scaled down with proportionate measurements
and dimensions.
Figure 1.2 - A member of the team, Tang Ze Zheng, utilizing the metal rule to obtain detailed measurements. (Tan, 2016)
Figure 1.3 - A member of the team, Tang Ze Zheng, using the ladder and measuring tape rule to obtain the height of the column.
(Tan, 2016).
8
Production of Drawings
The measurements obtained for each and different parts of the building
on site were either directly drafted on or off site. After returning to
campus from site, further discussion commenced in order to draft the
measured drawings via AutoCAD. Along the process while producing
and refining the drafted digital drawings, certain presets of line weights,
line scale and line type were distributed by the sub group leaders to their
sub group members in order to fully commence the actual production of
the drawings. These steps were done in order to ensure consistency,
standardization and also quality in the drawings produced.
Methods of Research
In order to fully document and to expand our scope of coverage in
regards to the historical, cultural and the architectural aspect of Sarang
Paloh Heritage Stay, various interviews were conducted with the owners
of the building, the employees within the hotel and also the furniture
contractor and maintenance man of the premises (see Figure 1.4) which
is working for them for the past 6 years approximate ever since the
starting of their family business. The team had also been busy visiting
various authorities and libraries in order to obtain various beneficial
information which will be later documented in the report. Besides, certain
useful information were also retrieved online books, journals and
websites as well.
Figure 1.4 - Members of the team, Loh Wei Shuen (front) and
Ryan Kerry (back), interviewing and touring along the premises
with the furniture contractor and maintenance man of the hotel,
Mr Lee. (Tan, 2016).
9
Methods of Model Making & Production
In order to be efficient and to have quality control within the model
making and production process, added with the fact that the façades of
our building are highly decorated and ornamented, our team decided to
utilize the method of laser cutting. Along the way, various techniques
were used in order to identify the different layers of model facets and its
belonging digital drawing. This is to ensure the cuttings for different
facets of the model to be done on isolated wood panels. After different
facets are produced from the laser cutting process, the sub group in
charge of model making then carefully assemble the bits and pieces
together in order to complete the model.
10
1.5 Equipment
In order to obtain accurate measurements and to produce certain
documentations, certain tools and equipment are required in order to
allow use to obtain and retrieve certain desired data and information.
Bosch DLE 50 Professional Digital Laser Distance Meter
The Bosch DLE 50 Professional Digital Laser Distance Meter was an
expensive and valuable piece of equipment which was used in order to
obtain accurate dimensions and to conduct measuring activities in
towards certain parts of the building which was less accessible and
hazardous to our reach. Due to its cost and it belonging to the campus,
it was handled with proper care. This piece of ingenious device was
utilized to measure certain height, for instance the height of the ceiling
from the floor in a room at a certain specific point to another. This was
done by placing the device on a flat floor with the laser transmitter facing
the ceiling. After certain adjustments towards the settings on the device,
the measurements and intended dimensions will appear digitally on the
screen of the device. (See Figure 1.5)
Figure 1.5 - An image showing the device - Bosch DLE 50
Professional Digital Laser Distance Meter. (Amazon, 2016).
11
Standard typical measuring tape (assorted lengths)
This was one of the most primary and most frequently used devices
throughout the entire measuring activity that had been carried out within
the building. This common measuring equipment contributes to most of
the measuring activities as it is convenient and mobile to be easily
brought with and can be easily purchased from a hardware store and
which comes with various kinds of lengths and dimensions which will be
handy at times. This device were mostly utilized to measure most of the
reachable height of certain parts of the buildings and also for most of the
width, lengths and depth of different parts of the buildings, for instance
the stairs within the building. (See Figure 1.6).
Standard typical metal rule (assorted lengths)
This was one of the most useful tool of measuring when on site as it
provide measuring capabilities for certain intricate details. This was
because the units on this measuring device are more detail and intricate.
Due to its length and weight of the device, hence it provide convenience
while utilizing for any sort of measuring purposes. (See Figure 1.7).
Standard typical T-Square (90cm)
The main use of the T-square on site are mainly to act as datum posts
in order to obtain finish floor level (FFL) and also while allowing us to
obtain measurements of inclination, pitches and settlement of
flooring within the premises. Besides, T-square mainly also serves
to act as a large scale ruler by which is to be placed perpendicularly
beside an intricate object or detail which requires tracing and by
which a scaled image was taken and later traced via AutoCAD. (See
Figure 1.8)
Figure 1.6 - An example image showing a standard typical measuring tape which varies in lengths. (Amazon, 2016).
Figure 1.7 - Image indicating a standard typical metal rule which varies in terms of length and dimension. (Working Silver, 2016).
12
Ladder
There were a few ladders on site, brought in personally by the members
of the team. One of the ladders was approximately 7ft in height whereas
the other was roughly 14ft in height as it was foldable in half. Another
ladder which was 8ft in height provide access to higher heights which
were inaccessible conveniently without ladders. Ladders were also
convenient in the sense that they provide usage within the interior
spaces of the building. The ladder was operated with care and
measurement works using ladders were always done in pairs in the
sense that the person on the ladder will be measuring while the other
supports the ladder to ensure the safety of another above. (See Figure
1.3).
Stationeries
In order to record the measurements of each and every single detail
measured by the members, various stationeries were used for instance,
papers, pens, erasers, rulers, scale rulers, color pens, tracing papers,
graphs papers, butter papers etc. This allowed for quick sketching,
drafting and also visual documentations of the items, spaces,
dimensions and also measurements that were being documented.
Figure 1.8 - Image showing a standard typical T-Square whereby a 90cm length was used on site. (Creative-Coldsnow, 2016).
13
Photography tools and equipment
Several items that were being utilized by the members of the
photography crew in order to visually document the spaces, the details,
the façade and the furniture within the building. The various tools are for
instance the DSLR camera with Digital Single Lens Reflex, tripods,
digital cameras and also smartphone cameras.
Laptops & Preinstalled AutoCAD software
The documented measurements, dimensions, drafts of various spaces
surrounding the building were all exported into AutoCAD in order to
produce and develop digitalized drawings as a final product later on.
Through AutoCAD, the line weights were edited and standardized using
a single preset and by which were distributed among all CAD sub groups
in order to standardize all drawing specifications. All of these were done
via laptops with preinstalled AutoCAD software.
14
1.6 Literature Review
The Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay has become a very important and one
of the most prominent building in the city of Ipoh. Despite the fact that
the foreshadowing of the future development of Ipoh currently, the
building was once an infamous goldsmith, pawn shop and jewelry store,
and also a building which used to accommodate the Oversea Chinese
Banking Corporation (OCBC Bank).
The bank started operation as early as 1939 through purchasing the
current building from the Bank of Malaya from a Chinese Merchant. Due
to the Great Depression, it was put for sale at a very low price. Hence,
the owner of OCBC bank took the opportunity to purchase the property
over and took charge of the operation ever since.
Today, the structure still stand prominent along the infamous street of
Hugh Low which is now known as Jalan Sultan Iskandar, while still
reflect the past where memories and stories still were told while
reminiscing and giving off a feeling of nostalgia to the people of Ipoh.
The literature review emphasizes on the importance of knowledge
on the history and theory based on analysis and interpretation.
The key figure of this study is the most recent ownership of the
building and the history that lies behind it and what and how had it
influenced the people over time. In addition, the study of the spaces
within the building, the cultural aspects and also the site context are
selected for the writings. Books, articles, blog reviews, journal and
other sort of physical publications provide information on the historical
background of Malaya and Malaysia, and in this sense more specifically
towards the city of Ipoh and its culture and history throughout all these
times which sees the influences of architectural style imprinted onto the
building.
15
1.7
Significance of Studies
Figure 1.9 - The façade of Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay & Event Hall (2nd & 3rd building from the left) which depicts the eclectic design of Neoclassical and art Art Deco exterior. (Tan, 2016).
The entire purpose and objective of this module is to emphasize the
importance of heritage buildings around Ipoh by which will reflect greatly
upon the rich culture and history of Malaysia (see Figure 1.9). This very
building, Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay, despite the changes made within
its building, the switching of ownership of building, its original building
have witnessed much historically significant changes along Jalan Sultan
Iskandar and also within Ipoh City itself. It has undergone various
16
typological functions which serves different strata of the society then and
now.
Through sketching, drawing, measuring and documenting the building
on site, hence enabling us students to develop more appreciation
towards both the heritage buildings and also the rich culture and history
of Malaysia.
This study also aims to further analyze the politics and also the
economics that surround the building, within the city of Ipoh and also
along the historically well-known Jalan Sultan Iskandar. Through
this, it serves to also show how it characterizes various eclectic
styles of both Western and Eastern cultural design and how various
influences had the tendency to imprint their own style into the
embodiment of architecture of the building.
17
Chapter 2 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Covers the history of our site from macro scale to micro
scale which are Perak, Kinta District & Kinta Valley, Ipoh,
Jalan Sultan Iskandar and Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay &
Event Hall buildings.
18
2.1
History of Perak Perak, one of the 13 States of Malaysia, is the second largest State in
Peninsular Malaysia. The State of Perak is divided into 9 Districts (see
Figure 2.1) which are Kuala Kangsar, Hulu Perak, Perak Tengah, Hilir
Perak, Kinta, Kerian, Manjung, Batang Padang and Larut, Matang and
Selama which is the merging of the previously separated District.
Perak is rich with the tin-ore resources especially in Larut and Kinta
District. Perak is wealthy with natural resources and attracted the
attention of native rulers as well as Europeans in the mid-19th century.
It not only brings the economic benefits but also results in a sanguinary
battle among the chiefs. The Perak Sultanate was unable to control
these battles and sought assistance from the British. The British started
to interfere in affairs and soon came out with their new administration
methods for Perak. The arrival of the British changed the existing
condition of Perak. which included the introduction of the rubber industry
in the late 19th century.
Figure 2.1 - Map of Perak (Khoo, Lubis, 2016.)
19
2.1.1 - Origin of the Name
According to the Misa Melayu- an ancient text of Perak, the second king
Sultan Malik Shah noticed that one of the tributaries was white as
coconut milk. Then he sent his chief Megat Terawis to investigate the
source of the stream. He found that there was a large fish suckling its
young, with milk flowing from her ample white breast. So the Sultan gave
the name “Perak” (which means ‘silver’ after the silverish white fish milk)
to the main river which flows from the north to the south of the state.
20
2.1.2 - Timeline
21
2.1.3 - British Colonization
Due to the huge demand of tin in the Industrial Revolution, the
Europeans especially British and Dutch had a high desire to monopolise
the production of the tin. The chaos among the chiefs wasn’t enormous
enough to involve British until the power struggle between the Raja
Ismail and Raja Abdullah.
Though the signing of the Pangkor Treaty on 1874, it showed that Perak
was agreed to accept the installation of the British Resident. J.W.W.
Birch (See Figure 2.2) was appointed as the first British Resident in
Perak. The status of the Resident was served as the advisor of Sultan
for all matters except than those involving Malay religion and traditional
practice. The Sultans lost their power in administration. The launch of
the resident system in other Malay States had strongly affected their
Sultanate structure.
However, the intervention of British marked a turning point in British
policy. The new art of government helped the Perak in development. A
handful from the colonial officer, the traditional elite and leaders of
migrants collaborated to re-built Perak. From the British point of view,
their end objective was a prosperous, settled population cultivating the
land under a benevolent government.
Figure 2.2 - The First British Resident of Perak, James Wheeler
Woodford Birch.
Figure 2.3 - The Fourth British Resident of Perak, Sir Hugh Low who
formulated the modern laws that pertaining to land matters, agriculture,
the mining, labour and taxation.
22
2.1.4 - Social
Tin was discovered by Long Jaafar in 1848, drew in a large population
of Chinese immigrants from the Chinese diaspora to Nanyang. They built
their livelihood, fame, and fortune around the mines. Beside working as
miners (figure 2.4), most of the Chinese involved themselves in all sorts
of economic activities such as traders, hawkers, goldsmiths, rickshaw-
puller, fortune-tellers as well as the civil servants. Chinese associations
like Kheng Chao Association (Hainanese) and Ku Kong Chow
Association was born to promote relationships and cooperation among
the Chinese business community.
Most of the Malays were traditionally agrarian occupations and ancestral
miners. They planted cash crops such as indigo and sugar cane to
support themselves.
The Indians worked as the coolies, servants, gardeners and low-
government servant. Until 20th century, the booming of rubber plantation
brought in thousands of Indians.
Not to excluding the European society - including government officers,
planters and some involved in the Christian mission.
Figure 2.4 - Woman dulang-washers worked as gleaners on the
periphery of many tin mines. (Khoo, Lubis, Wade, 2016.)
Figure 2.5 - Sultan Idris and Sir Hugh Low, two pioneers of modern
Perak. (Khoo, Lubis, 2016.)
23
2.1.5 - Economy
Tin mining in Perak is the major economic activity throughout the 19th
and the 20th centuries. The British government put a lot attention on
infrastructure and development such as road construction and a
proliferation of public and commercial buildings. The first railway line in
Malaya was opened in 1885 to connect Port Weld (now called Lumut)
and Taiping.
Besides mining, agriculture is also one of the most important incomes of
the locals. The rubber industry was brought in by R. Ridley in 1890s and
introduced by Sir Hugh Low, the fourth British Resident. The Industrial
Revolution in Europe increased the demands of rubber which is the raw
material of tyre. The industry opened up the working opportunities and
attracted the Southern Indian labour force.
The combined revenues from the sale of tin and rubber made the British
Malaya one of the richest colonies of the British Empire. This brought
about increased investment by the colonial administration in the
construction of buildings and the development of infrastructure to
facilitate efficient exploitation of the country’s resources.
Figure 2.6 - Vast tracts of forest were cleared for rubber plantations.
(Changkat Salah Rubber Estate, Perak, 2016.)
24
When the rubber industry was scorching hot in 1910, the people started
to get rid of their tin shares to invest in rubber (See Figure 2.6). The
rubber boom benefited the estate coolies and when it came to the tin
crash in 1908, the mining coolies began to abandon the mines to work
in the estates. The rubber was selling at nearly five times the price in
1908 and the Perak Pioneer reported:
RUBBER IN 1910
If one saw a cheerful face in Kuala Lumpur a few years ago, it
generally belonged to a tin miner, and he probably came from Ipoh.
Now it is the planters who are smiling, and the miners look glum.
(Ho, 2016.)
However there was no immediate industrial action taken. The rubber
boom lasted only until the end of the year and the fall demand of rubber
happened in 1940s due to the invention of the synthetic rubber.
25
2.1.6 - Architecture
In the early centuries AD, there were a number of Indian empires in
Southeast Asia. These empires had influenced the Peninsula Malaysia
with their own traditions, customs, arts and crafts. Plus the trading
between the Indian empires with the Chinese brought the Buddhist and
Hindu religions into this region. The earliest architectural style such as
the use of laterite blockwork (See Figure 2.7) can be discovered from
the remaining ancient Hindu-Buddhist temples.
Soon Islam was introduced in peninsula Malaysia by Arab and Indian
Muslim traders. The Sultan title was used for the king that believed in
Islam. The Sultan of Melaka wanted to expand his sultanate as well as
the spread the Islamic religion continued. The sultanate dominated both
sides of the Straits of Melaka for more than a hundred years and this
period marked the classical age of Malay culture and architecture. As
we can see today, many of the Malay states in peninsula Malaysia can
refer back to their origin which is the Melaka Sultanate.
Figure 2.7 - The remains of the Hindu-Buddhist temple founded in
Bujang Valley, Kedah. (Yeang, 2016.)
26
(i) Traditional Architectural Style
The traditional Malay style can be found in early buildings. The usage of
the natural materials with low thermal capacity like timber, rattan,
bamboo and attap are used to minimise the heat flow into the house.
The traditional Malay style can be divided into three sections - the rumah
ibu (core house), silang (link) and dapur (kitchen) respectively.
The Malay house in the States can be categorized by the bumbung
Perak, or gambled roof which later on developed from the bumbung lima
(five-ridge roof) (See Figure 2.8). The simple and lightweight
construction of the gamble roof helps ventilation efficiency.
Another interesting feature of the Perak Malay house is the anjung
(entrance porch) which usually decorated with the fine lattice arches.
Before the British administration, there was no brick buildings besides
the notable founded in Pulau Pangkor which was built by the Dutch. The
buildings were predominantly built with timber, with the fusion of the
traditional Malay architecture.
Figure 2.8 - A parallel two-unit traditional Malay house in Kuala
Kangsar. (Landmarks of Perak, 2016.)
27
(ii) Regional Architectural Style
The regional architectural style was brought into the Peninsular Malaysia
by the immigrants in the late 19th century. They brought along their own
religious beliefs and practices and built places of worship as soon as
they settled in the new country. The building inherited the essence from
their lands of origin.
The temples of different Chinese dialect groups had similar floor plans
and distinct roof styles whereas the Indian temples somehow reflected
back to the age-old design principles of similar temples in the Southern
India.
Figure 2.9 - Pa Lo Ku Miao in Ipoh, with flat roof ridge characteristic
of the Cantonese. (Landmarks of Perak, 2016.)
28
(iii) Neoclassical Style
The Neoclassical style is a revival style of the Greek and Roman
architecture which impresses visitors. By considering the local climate,
the Neoclassical styles soon cooperated the verandahs and
overhanging roofs into their design and widely applied on buildings.
Shop houses, townhouses, associations, clubs, institutions and secular
schools all in Perak used the Neoclassical elements in a hybrid mix.
The example for the Neoclassical style is the Kinta District administrative
centre of Batu Gajah which was the earliest building that embodied the
new British architectural style. It created an impressive trio compared to
the linked government office.
Figure 2.10 - Kinta District Administrative Centre of Batu Gajah.
29
(iv) Colonial Architectural Style
The British colonial architecture was the expression of dominance and
power and the grand Palladian style was exported by British to its
various colonies and settlements at the height of the British Empire.
Palladian style derived from the classical Roman and Greek
architectural orders. It utilises the symmetrical planning, harmonic
proportions and Greek and Roman motifs and Doric lines to the columns.
The Palladian style was widely used in government offices and buildings
which were able to provide buildings with an image of distinction,
grandeur and authority. The example the Palladian style can be found
at the Ipoh Town Hall.
Figure 2.11 - Ipoh Town Hall. (Khoo, Lubis, Wade, 2016.)
30
(v) Mogul Architectural Style
Coexisting with the Neoclassical style was the Mogul style, which was
first seen in the peninsular Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur’s New Government
Offices (built 1894-97; now Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad) (See Figure
2.12). The Mogul style also called “Indo-Islamic”, was developed in India
during the Moghul Dynasty (1526-1858).
Masjid Ubudiah (See Figure 2.13) in Kuala Kangsar was one of the
examples of the Mogul architecture style.
Figure 2.12 - Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad in Kuala Lumpur.
(Landmarks of Perak, 2016.)
Figure 2.13 - Masjid Ubudiah (Khoo, Lubis, Wade, 2016.)
31
(vi) Chinese Eclectic Style
The early Chinese settlers in Malaya could not afford to have grand
houses constructed, their priority being the accumulation of wealth in
order to send funds back to China and eventually return themselves. It
was not until the 19th century that the houses following traditional
Chinese designs were built in Malaya.
The fundamental concepts of Chinese architecture are the courtyards,
emphasis on the roof, exposure of structural elements and the use of
colour. In the Chinese traditional, the ethnics and values of an extended
family able to live together is the most desirable community. The idea
forms a basis of traditional Chinese society and of classical Chinese
house design “three generation under one roof”.
The courtyard used as the dweller spaces and entertainment for the
informal guests. For Chinese, a house is a private and personal space.
The courtyard will be enclosed with walled system. The concept of feng
shui also applied in the Chinese Eclectic style houses. Most obvious
example for the Chinese Eclectic Style is the shop house.
Figure 2.14 - A typical Chinese eclectic style house.
32
(vii) Anglo-Straits Architectural Style
After the consideration of the climate, the Anglo-Straits architecture style
was introduced by George Drumgold Coleman. His design adopted the
colonial style architecture and put in the Malay architecture principle
such as the timber construction with a steep attap roof. However due to
the risk of fire, attap roof was abandoned and Chinese roofing tiles were
used. To enhance the building’s prestige, the classical elements such as
the roman columns and western ornamentation were added later on.
The Anglo-Straits Architectural style was more popular among Chinese
towkays (wealthy businessmen), due to its being better suited to the
conditions prevailing in Southeast Asia.
Examples of the Anglo-Straits Architecture style are Grand Hotel (See
Figure 2.15) and Anderson School (See Figure 2.16).
Figure 2.15 - Grand Hotel in Ipoh. (Georgetown Dispensary Series,
2016.)
Figure 2.16 - Anderson School in Ipoh. (Kunverjee Maljee Series, 2016.)
33
(viii) Art Deco and International Style
The Art Deco style started in the late 1920s. The new materials like
mosaic and glass block began to be used in significant buildings. A very
significant change, with the embrace of, first, Art Deco that we have seen
with the Mercantile Bank in Ipoh and then the early International Style.
Lam Looking Bazaar (See Figure 2.18) is the earliest example of the
International Style.
Figure 2.17 - The Art Deco façade of the Majestic Theatre.
(Landmarks of Perak, 2016.)
Figure 2.18 - Lam Looking Bazaar on Jalan Laksamana, Ipoh, was the
earliest International style example. (Landmarks of Perak, 2016.)
34
2.2 History of Kinta District and Kinta Valley
The Kinta is one of the ten administrative districts in Perak (See Figure
2.19). It surrounds the Kinta River Valley which once was famous for its
tin. Kinta Valley had seen small-scale Malay mining before the influx of
Chinese immigrants transformed the industry in the late 19th century.
Located at the bank of the Kinta River, it was an important tin mining
centre, 5 miles from Ipoh. Due to the way upstream location, the Kinta
ore deposits were richer and deeper than those at Larut.
The moving of the administrative office spur on the development of the
Kinta District. From Kota Bharu, Batu Gajah and at the end fixed in Ipoh,
the Kinta District slowly became the most flourishing tin mining area.
However, an unpredictable flooding stroke Kinta Valley and a series of
social issues began to happen.
Figure 2.19 - The map of Kinta District. (Ho, 2016.)
35
2.2.1 - Origin of the Name
According to the Riwayat Kinta, in the days when there were genies and
sorcerers, a sea captain from Sumatra, after crossing the Straits of
Melacca, steered his ship up the Perak River and then rowed up an
unnamed river as far as Gunong Cheroh. There the crew heard sweet
music coming from a waterfall and saw a flying lizard leaping in the air
across the water. The sea captain told his crew, “The name of this river
shall be Kinta, because it flows like the sound of tinkling bells. The flying
lizard told me so.” Immediately after his speech, the flying lizard
disappeared. The captain announced, “The Genie of Kinta transformed
itself into a flying lizard. This is a fine place for a settlement.” (Ho, 2016.)
36
2.2.2 - Timeline
37
2.2.3 - British Administration in Kinta District
In 1877, Sir Hugh Low, the fourth British Resident established the Perak
Council of State in Kuala Kangsar with several Malay royals and chiefs
and two Chinese mining towkays, Whereas at the district level, Kinta
was handled by a European officer with a few ‘native’ chiefs. 3 year after
the assassination of the British Resident, J.W.W. Birch, the British
decided to set up their first police station in Pangkalan Pegu, near Ipoh.
Pangkalan Pegu was the village of Sultan Ismail, one of the chieftains
implicated in the Birch murder. The British thought that it was the capital
of the Perak but in fact, Kinta was the regime of the Malay.
Before the construction of roads and railways, transportation was
dependant on the river. The lowest landing stage on the Kinta was Kota
Bharu, near Gopeng. Moving on to the Batu Gajah, the river port of
Papan and finally to Ipoh, the most important mining centre in the district.
The Kinta River was difficult to access. During the wet season, the
heavier cargo boats could go as far as Batu Gajah and the smaller cargo
boat could reach Ipoh. However when it came to the dry season, only
two tons of boat could go make it to Batu Gajah then they needed to rely
on the sampan, elephants (See Figure 2.20) and bullock-carts to reach
Ipoh.
Figure 2.20 - Elephants transportation. (Khoo, Lubis, Wade, 2016.)
38
In 1879, Kota Bharu served as the first administrative centre of Kinta. It
was the river port for the Gopeng, which was the most important
mining and biggest town in Kinta. The first built metalled road was built
to connect Kota Bharu and Gopeng by British. It served as long as 5
years as the centre of the economic and official activities. However,
due to its location in a low swampy area, an outbreak of Malaria
caused the town to be abandoned.
The administration centre was changed to Batu Gajah at 1884. It was an
ideal place for headquarters for 10 years. The British government
wanted to transform this place into Taiping-style administration. Offices,
bungalows, hospitals, clubs, churches and other facilities were built on
Changkat, a cool and salubrious plateau which is couples miles away
from the town. The social life in Batu Gajah couldn’t be found in any
other town and the European were satisfied with the situation. In the
1890s, Batu Gajah was the only town in Perak besides Taiping and
during that time Ipoh was just a village surrounded by jungle. Although
Ipoh was hard to reach, the rich tin deposits made Ipoh (as was foretold
as town that was more prosperous than Batu Gajah. Especially when
the Kinta Valley Railway connected Ipoh and Teluk Intan, it brought a
prosperous growth to Ipoh.
Batu Gajah was an ideal place for the Europeans.. Ipoh was very far
from Batu Gajah and Taiping where the British Resident resided,
was even further away. The Perak Sultan was in Kuala Kangsar. The
only chief in Ipoh was Dato Panglima Kinta.
39
2.2.4 - Mining
Among all the districts in Perak, Kinta District had the most concentrated
mines especially in Gopeng, Papan and Sungai Raia (See Figure 2.21).
In 1888, the export of tin in Kinta almost equalled to that of Larut. Larut
had productive mines but the mines found in Kinta Valley was small yet
numerous. But the mining industry in Larut was predominant compared
to Kinta due to the advantages of the Larut-Port Weld railway. It greatly
reduced the cost of transportation in Larut.
In 1889, the year that Sir Hugh Low retired, the tin production of the Kinta
Valley overtook the tin production of Larut. The Straits Trading Company
launched the “Cash for Ore” which drove the second Tin Rush. In 1892,
the price of the silver began to drop which caused tin to reach the
dazzling height. The Kinta Valley Railway that connected Kampar- Kota
Bharu- Batu Gajah- Ipoh was completed by this time. Kinta replaced
Larut as the new most important tin mine and the capital of Perak
changed from Taiping to Ipoh.
In early 1890s, a European company began to enter the mining market
which leaded by the Chinese. The Gopeng Tin Mining Company brought
in the new mining method, hydraulic sluicing. Although the British
introduced the new agriculture (rice bendang, pepper and coffee) the
reaction wasn’t as enthusiastic as the mining.
Figure 2.21 - The Geological and Mineral Map of Kinta, 1884 by
French Explorer Jacques de Morgan. (Khoo, Lubis, 2016.)
40
2.2.5 - Social
The Kinta District was handled by Dato Panglima Kinta. The number of
Chinese miners in Perak increased from 9,000 in 1877 to an estimated
50,000 five year later. (Perak Government Gazette 1897, 2016.) From
1875 to 1884, most of the mining ventures were still concentrated in
Larut. In 1884, the first Tin Rush to Kinta began. Compared to Larut,
Kinta provided a much larger field for the emergence of mining kongsis
reflected a diversity of Chinese dialect group and origins.
Kinta was dominated by miners that belongs to Chinese secret societies.
The most famous secret society was Hai San secret society which
controlled by Hakka Chinese (See Figure 2.22) and Ghee Hin secret
society which controlled by Cantonese (See Figure 2.23). Before the
signing of Pangkor Treaty, the territory war always happened between
these two secret societies.
Not to forget the penghulus, they were the government representatives
to the villagers. Their contribution also helped in the success of Kinta
Valley. But what they lost in their authority they were able to gain in their
personal wealth.
Figure 2.22 - The portrait of the leader of Hai San secret society, Kapitan Cina Chung Keng Kwee. (Seow, 2016.)
Figure 2.23 - The portrait of the leader of Ghee Hin secret society, Kapitan China Chin Ah Yam. (Khoo, 2016.)
41
2.2.6 - Economy
The mining industry flourished in the Kinta Valley due to the well-planned
government and the collaboration with the native chiefs. The sufficient
labour also helped to speed up the development of the Kinta District.
The economic success of the Kinta District can be showed as an
example of the governance that had created the necessary conditions
for the economic development.
The big leap of the Perak economy brought Perak to become the premier
state in the Federated Malay States in 1896. However, Kuala Lumpur
was chosen as the capital. Nevertheless after the tin mining boomed for
3 years, in 1896, Kinta faced a recession for the first time. Flooding of
mines caused by the unusually heavy rains and the shortage of labour
due to the immigration brought up the social issues to Kinta Valley.
The recession of the tin mining created the unbridgeable gap between
the poor and rich, the safety and security problem, the pollution of the
land and others.
42
2.3 History of Ipoh
Ipoh, is the capital of Perak. Ipoh’s heritage core compromises the Old
Town and New Town. From a small village in 1880s, Ipoh overtook
Taiping as a commercial centre and grew into Perak largest’s town by
1911.
2.3.1 - Origin of the Name
The first British Resident, J.W.W. Birch marked “Epau” on his sketches
of map on his journal. Soon after Sir Hugh Low replaced J.W.W. Birch,
he called it “Epoh” in his annual report for 1879. He described Ipoh as
the “chief village in the district” and noted that a police post was built
there that year. The French mining prospector, Jacques de Morgan
marked Ipoh as the “Sakai or Malay village”. The Orang Asli used the
poisonous latex of the numerous pohon upas to smear their blowpipe
darts for hunting. The Malay called it as pokok ipoh which ipoh means
the dart poisons in general. (Gimlette, 2016.)
Figure 2.24 - Map of Ipoh Town, c. 1921. (Ho, 2016.)
43
There were two kampongs at the banks of Kinta River which were
Kampong Ipoh and Kampong Paloh. The words paloh means the pools
that formed by fishing traps set up by the villagers. The earlier Malay
settler will pass at least three landing stages when they came to Ipoh.
The lowest landing stages was Kampong Paloh and later on known as
Kampong Masjid Lama (which near the present-day FMS Bar) and
finally the Gunung Cheroh. The Gunung Cheroh formed a natural
bazaar which allowed the goods to be taken from the boat and used
the elephants to send them to the interior of Ulu Kinta.
44
2.3.2 - Timeline
45
2.3.3 - Development of the Ipoh Town
(i) 1880 - 1889
Up to the mid-1880s, Ipoh wasn’t the most important mining centre. But
things changed in the mid-eighties. Although there were challenges to
access Ipoh, it didn’t seem to be a problem to the immigrants. They were
more concerned about the rich deposits that could be found in Ipoh.
Ipoh began to transform in 1882. The Governor of the Straits
Settlements visited this place and described it as a “large and straggling
village with majority Malay, few Sikh and some Chinese”. (Ho, 2016.)
The chief of Ipoh at that time was Dato Panglima Kinta Mohammed
Yusuff (See Figure 2.25). He owned a lot of land and laid out plans for
the town in 1886. The town planning was too rushed to build without
referring to the Land Office and regulations.
There are 227 houses, 50 of which are brick or earth buildings
and 175 houses with tile or iron roofs. The land upon which the
town is built was formerly kampong land, the greater part of
which belonged to the Dato Panglima Kinta. With the approval
of the Collector and Magistrate, the Dato divided his land into
building lots and sold them to the Chinese at $25 per lot.
The same land is now worth from $200 to $300 per lot. (Ho,
2016.)
Figure 2.25 - Dato Panglima Kinta Muhammad Yusuff. (Lord of Kinta, 2016.)
46
The first Tin Rush happened in 1884. The report in 1888 stated that
there were nearly 2,000 Chinese and 8,000 Chinese miners flocked
into Kinta and guessed that most of them were actually moving towards
Ipoh. Ipoh was one of the biggest towns besides Gopeng.
The wooden Hugh Low Bridge was built across the Kinta River, allowing
the wheeled traffic to go all the way from Lahat to Gopeng. The
development of roads slowly started to open up the development of the
Ipoh. The early development of the town was fuelled by the ongoing high
price of tin which was $35 per picul.
The earliest facilities in the town were built at the Club Road, Station
Road, Belfield Street and Hill Street. Railway station, courthouse, police
station were all situated in a small locality. Hospital was built as well to
answer the needs of the large mining population where beri-beri, fever
and dysentery were prevalent.
Kinta became the principle tin producing district and Ipoh replaced
Gopeng, became the chief district of mining activity.
Figure 2.26 - Ipoh, 1887. (Ho, 2016.)
47
(ii) 1890 - 1899
In 1891, the first Chinese Theatre was built in Leech Street and following
suit not long after were entertainment quarters such as brothels,
gambling houses and liquor shops were built. A market was built at the
Market Street, where the riverbank and landing stages of Kinta River
was.
However, it was a densely-populated town, with mostly wooden and
attap houses built, the perfect recipe for a conflagration. A fire broke out
in 1892 which burnt down 123 houses. How the fire began is not known
but probably due to arson. The rebuilding happened very efficiently after
the fire. The tragedy gave the local authorities an opportunity to
reorganise the town. A more proper and detailed plan was laid out with
the assistance of WJP Hume, the Assistant Collector of Land Revenue.
The Old Town was actually founded after the fire and the original
timbers were replaced with bricks for fire precaution. By the beginning
of 1893, its population had grown to over 5,000. The wide straight
streets were metalled. Trees were planted along the main streets. The
houses in course of construction were of a far better class than any in
the States.
Figure 2.27 - Ipoh, 1894. (Ho, 2016.)
48
The Ipoh Sanitary Board was established which was responsible for the
cleanliness and hygiene of the town.
Ipoh has now become a considerable town with 340 houses and
a population of about 4,000. The attap houses in it are being
replaced by brick ones, of which 20 are now under construction,
and altogether the place has a most prosperous air. (Leech,
2016.)
The restoration speed of Ipoh was the fastest among all the towns in
peninsula Malaysia. It served as the commercial hub and premier town
of a rich-tin mining district.
In 1895, Ipoh had become a town. After 1895, Ipoh started to acquire
other public buildings and a new mosque was built in 1898. Soon,
churches and town field (padang) (See Figure 2.28) was constructed.
Figure 2.28 - Town Field
49
(iii) 1900 - 1909
Starting from this period, the infrastructures in Ipoh was starting to
delevop. The wooden bridge across the Kinta River in Hugh Low Street
was now replaced by iron in 1900 (Figure 2.29). More and more facilities
were being built by the local authorities. The Ipoh Sanitary Board
succeeded to in taking effective measures to secure proper ventilation
of houses, adequate back lanes and spaces between buildings, and the
removal of unsafe and unhealthy dwellings.
More importantly the opening up of a branch of the Chartered Bank in
1902 which met a long-felt need. Finally there had been nowhere money
could be safely deposited beyond the doubtful security of one’s home.
In 1909, another public space was constructed which was the People’s
Park. The land at Ipoh was premium and the rent of buildings was
extremely high. The fantastic development of Ipoh was administrated by
the British Resident, E.W. Birch and he wrote:
Ipoh is growing apace. It is in a state of transition which makes
it in many ways inconvenient and unslightly. Building is going
on everywhere. Land is being reclaimed, and the method of
Figure 2.29 - Hugh Low Bridge rebuilt in iron. (Khoo,
Lubis, Wade, 2016.)
Figure 2.30 - Ipoh Town, c. 1910. (Ho, 2016.)
50
reclamation is in some cases unsavoury. Bridges are being
erected and the process of construction does not facilitate
traffic. It possesses a newspaper (The Times of Malaya) and
the impatient give vent to their feelings in its columns. But in
possesses, I am glad to say, many citizens who are very proud
of it, who have made money in it, and who are assisting the
government while they assist themselves in making it a town
which will excite the admiration of visitors. (Jennings, 2016.)
Ipoh continued to expand rapidly under the term of E.W. Birch as the
Resident of the Perak. The development of the New Town was started
in 1908 by Yau Tet Shin, the Ipoh’s foremost contractor. Yau was
considered as one of the largest property owners in Ipoh, where he had
about 400 houses already in occupation (See Figure 2.31). He was
building a new township of 350 houses in the Gopeng Road. The latter
referred to the New Town which built according to a better standard, with
regular street wide enough for motorcar.
Figure 2.31 - New Town in 1900s. (Ho, 2016.)
51
(iv) 1910 - 1940
The population in 1911 was 12,791 whereas in 1914, it had reached
around 27,500 which had more than doubled in the 14 years since the
turn of the century. The outbreak of World War I happened in 1914.
Many of the volunteers left to fight on the various fronts overseas, some
never to return. But generally the prosperity and political disturbance
arose because of the war.
The real crisis for Kinta and Ipoh started with the end of the war. The
increased tin production and the unanticipated drop in demand caused
a slump. The tin market didn’t recover till 1922 and during 1928, the tin
production reached its new peak. The slumps lead to great distress
amongst the mining population in Kinta. Towkay Leong Sin Nam (See
Figure 2.32) established the Ipoh Chinese Relief Camp after the first
slump to help the miners who were remained behind. The second slump
was more severe and longer in duration than the first, causing the Kinta
Sanitary Board to forego part of his land revenue for a period of years
and to base its assessment in the Ipoh area.
The public electricity supply for the town was installed at 1906. Ipoh was
the only town in Federated Malay States to have completed its town plan,
Figure 2.32 - Portrait of Leong Sin Nam. (Ho, 2016.)
Figure 2.33 - Whiteaways submerged. (Ho, 2016.)
52
Submitted it for approval and got it approved before the World War II.
The whole town was divided up into zones or development areas and
detailed schemes for each area carefully worked out.
The most important development in Ipoh was the Ipoh Flood Mitigation
Scheme between 1914 and 1941. Due to its location besides the Kinta
River, Ipoh experienced flood quite frequently during the heavy rain
especially the Great Flood happened in 1926 (See Figure 2.33). The
houses on the streets nearest the Kinta River fared the worst. Shops
were submerged into a depth of six feet and no one dared to cross the
street due to the swift current (See Figure 2.34).
The state engineer came out with conclusion to divert the waters of
Sungei Choh into Sungei Pinji instead of directly flow into Kinta above
Ipoh. Most of the work was consist in straightening and canalising the
Kinta River itself. As a result, the decision was very much dependent on
making sure Ipoh was flood-free.
Although Ipoh had made a full recovery by 1941, the plans for
transferring the state capital from Taiping to Ipoh were shelved
indefinitely, and in fact, it fell to the Japanese to put them into effect.
Figure 2.34 - The Venice of Malaya. (Kok, 2016.)
53
(v) 1957 - now
The British returned to Malaya after the Japan surrendered in 1945. The
returning British took another few weeks to consolidate control over the
whole country. During the Japanese Occupation, tin mines, plantations
and all productive concerns once were owned by the European, were
requisitioned by large Japanese companies called Kaishas. The
Japanese wasn’t utilize the mines in a proper way yet allowed huge
quantities of provisions and household-utilities to dump into the mines.
When the tin miners began to re-habitat their mines after the Japanese
occupation, the Chinese gravel pump mines paled in comparison with
the dredges. The ranks of the tin wasn’t as valued as before due to the
events in 1930s- the slump, followed by tin control, the repatriation of
thousands of mining coolies to China, laws that restricted the coolies’ re-
enter the country, the cessation of mining during the Japanese
Occupation and the unsettled post-war conditions with lawlessness in
the countryside, the miners had to make up for lost time by renewed
industry. The government started a re-habitation fund to help the miners
to reopen their old mines or to start a new mining site.
Figure 2.35 - One of the famous rich tin miners, Foo Yet Kai. (Ho,
2016.)
54
The returning of the miners (See Figure 2.35) in 1950s helped to rebuild
the mines as well as redounded upon society. The mines were flooded
during the year of inactivity. They built schools, formed associations to
support the Chinese and upgraded the mining methods.
Even after the independent, Ipoh Town Council was still served. But the
difference was the chairman and committee that appointed were the
representatives from us. Ipoh was a truly Malayan town which developed
and adorned through the energy and munificence of the representatives
from all the races that make up our plural society today.
In the early 1960s, Ipoh was the first town in the Federation of Malaya
to install parking meters at Shaik Adam Road, and to build the first ‘multi-
storey’ parking facility – the triple-storey municipal car park at Post Office
Road.
The mining industry was once the major contributor of Malaya economy.
In 1979, Malaysia produced almost 63,000 tonnes of tin which was 31
percent of the world output. However in 1994, only 6,500 tonnes was
produced (Yap, 2007.). Now, the tin is exported as the domestic
electronic and tinplating industries. The inactive tin industries is believed
to be due to the exhaustion of tin deposits, the low tin prices and high
operating costs.
Compared to the early centuries, Malaysia no longer relies on the tin
as the income of the country. Malaysia is now an industrialized
market economy and agriculture with potential like palm oils and
rubber had taken over the place of tin.
55
2.4 History of Jalan Sultan Iskandar
2.4.1 - Origin of the Name
Jalan Sultan Iskandar is the first main street after development. It was
formerly named after Sir Hugh Low, who was the fourth British President
of Perak. In 1975, it was renamed as Jalan Sultan Iskandar Shah who
was the 30th Sultan of Perak.
Figure 2.36 - Jalan Sultan Iskandar. (Google map, 2016.)
56
2.4.2 - Insight
Jalan Sultan Iskandar was a Malay kampong surrounded by the jungle
at first. After the arrival of the tin miners, the Malay kampong started to
develop. The early development was too rushed to build without
referred to any local authorities. However the outbreak of the fire in
1892, created an opportunity for the local authorities to reorganize their
town planning system. The Ipoh Old Town was believed to be built at
this time. On the other side of Jalan Sultan Iskandar which is across
the Sultan Iskandar Bridge, it was Ipoh New Town. Ipoh New Town
was built in 1908 by Yau Tet Shin.
The streets in the Old Town are narrower than those in New Town.
Generally, they were designed to accommodate a slower form of travel
such as bicycles and trishaws. Jalan Sultan Iskandar in Old Town can
only accommodate two vehicular lanes.
Whereas in New Town, the street able to accommodate a greater
volume of traffic on a daily basis due to the effective town planning.
Jalan Sultan Iskandar in New Town consists of four vehicular lanes
and intersects with many roads to form traffic junctions.
Figure 2.37 - Jalan Sultan Iskandar now. (Tan, 2016.)
57
Businesses like goldsmiths’ and tinsmiths’ shop, cloth shops, Chinese
coffee shops and provision shops can be founded along Jalan Sultan
Iskandar. However due to the recession of the tin mining industry, the
goldsmith’s and tinsmiths’ shop along the street began to close down
and people started to move back Kuala Lumpur, leave the unused
spaces which were neglected by society.
Fortunately the consciousness of conservation had arisen a few years
ago in the Ipoh Old Town. The restoration of heritage shop houses was
carried out by the Ipohites and gave the old buildings a new light in
modern society.
58
2.5 History of Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay & Event Hall
Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay & Event Hall is a collection of three
shophouses which one of them used to be the Yik Woh Goldsmith &
Jeweller Shop and the other two was the former Overseas Banking
Chinese Corporation (OCBC) headquarters.
2.5.1 - Ownership
According to the history of the Ipoh, the land in Ipoh Old Town originally
belonged to Dato Panglima Kinta. After building the shop houses on his
land, he sold the lot to the Chinese with $25. One of the famous tin
mining local Chinese tycoons, Leong Sin Nam bought it and opened the
first Chinese Bank, which is Bank of Malaya. Due to the recession of
Leong Sin Nam, this building was later on bought by the Overseas
Banking Chinese Corporation (OCBC).
The OCBC purchased Yik Woh Goldsmith & Jeweller Shop unit and Lim
Kopi unit as well when they bought the buildings from Leong Sin Nam.
By a chance of coincidence, the unique Art Deco style façade of the
OCBC building attracted the attention of Lim’s family. The building was
on sale at that time and they submitted the tender to show their
interest to purchase.
Figure 2.38 - Four units that bought by Lim’s family. (From left) Yik
Who Goldsmith & Jeweller Shop, OCBC Building, Lim Kopi. (Tim,
2016.)
59
The first tender submission failed. However, not more than half a year,
the tender came back and asked them whether they still interested in it.
But the only term was to buy the four units altogether which were the
Yik Woh Goldsmith & Jeweller Shop (one unit), OCBC Building (two
units) and Lim Kopi (one unit) (See Figure 2.38). The Lim’s family
bought up the four units and started their heritage preservation and
conservation journey (See Figure 2.39).
The name “Sarang Paloh” was a combination of Malay word for nest and
traditional Cantonese word for pa-loh which means dam. The name was
inspired by Mr Lim who travels a lot which flying everywhere like a bird.
By using the aviary theme in their hotel, they hope that the hotel will be
able to create a sense of belongingness to all the travellers here.
Figure 2.39 - Mr Lee, one of the contractors that in charge of the
restoration work of all Lim’s heritage buildings. (Tan, 2016.)
60
2.5.2 – Timeline
61
Chapter 3 ARCHITECTURAL DEVELOPMENT
Covers the site context of the surrounding, the design
concepts of the mentioned building, the spatial typology
of the building, the implemented spatial planning of the
interior and the building’s design and construction in
regards to it climatic adaptations.
62
3.1 Site Context
The site context are documented in such a way that it is segregated into
4 sub components, namely the 3.1.1 - site plan and lot number plan
(illustrates the location of the building in regards to the site while
portraying the scale of the building within the site using certain proximity
scale, while the lot number plan shows the zoomed in site plan of the
building along with its surrounding building close up along with its lot
number), 3.1.2 - external structures and surrounding buildings (depicts
the prominent buildings and landmarks surrounding the site building
which may indirectly influence the site building some way or another),
3.1.3 - hardscape surrounding the site building and also 3.1.4 - building
accessibility surrounding the site building.
3.1.1 - Site Plan & Lot number plan
The site plan which shows the surrounding of the site building (see
Figure 3.1) while also illustrates the location of site building’s exact
location and how it correlates with the sit surrounding it. As illustrated
from the site plan, the building is located Jalan Sultan Iskanda
Figure 3.1 - Site Plan which indicates the site building (within the
red circle) and also its surrounding site building.
63
known as the infamous Hugh Low Street. This road stretches over a
bridge which connects Old Town Ipoh and New Town Ipoh which is
separated by the Kinta River. Being one of the infamous street in Ipoh,
this stretch of road is one of the busiest and bustling road in Ipoh and it
was and still flanked by many heritage shophouses which till now still
remain functional and occupied with family business and local trading
activities.
The lot number plan (see Figure 3.2) indicates the location of the building
by which lot of land the building is situated based on the locality map of
Ipoh by the municipality of the city of Ipoh. The building occupies three
lots, one being the Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay boutique hotel’s lobby
with hotel rooms and lofts on the floors above (formerly known as Yik
Woh Goldsmith & Pawn Shop) while the other two lots are occupied by
the Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay’s event hall with also hotel rooms and
lofts on the floors above. (Formerly known as Overseas Building,
occupied by the Overseas Chinese Banking Corporation in the 1930s
back then and was left vacant later on.)
Figure 3.2 - Lot Number Plan which indicate the site building within
the red circle which indicate lot 638S & lot 639S as Sarang
Paloh Event Hall building and boutique hotel lot as lot 640S.
64
3.1.2 - External structures and surrounding buildings
As illustrated in the image (see Figure 3.3) depicts the location of Sarang
Paloh Heritage Stay along Jalan Sultan Iskandar while surrounded by
various prominent buildings which either rich in culture and history,
architecturally significant or built approximately during the period of time
when the mentioned site building was too built. Various buildings can be
found surrounding it including municipal building, government buildings,
or buildings by which serves the public of the citizens in Ipoh.
(i) Ipoh Railway Station
The Ipoh Railway Station, affectionately known as the Taj Mahal of Ipoh
by the locals is a Malaysian Train Station and was named after the
state’s capital. (See Figure 3.4) It serves as the main railway terminal for
the state under Keretapi Tanah Melayu. It was designed by Arthur
Benison Hubback and was officially inaugurated in the year 1917. Its
architecture embodies various vernacular colonial Western styles and a
mixture of eclecticism which includes the Neo-Moorish, Mughal and also
the Indo-Saracenic styles that draws influences from the British Indian
colonial architecture. Its prominent adoption is the late-Edwardian
Baroque architecture which shows moderate rustication distinctively.
Figure 3.3 - Image depicting the location of Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay and its surrounding prominent buildings. (Google Maps, 2016).
Figure 3.4 - Image illustrating the historical and majestic view of the Ipoh Railway Station. (PencintaLensa, 2016).
65
(ii) The Ipoh Supreme High Court (Mahkamah Tinggi Ipoh)
The Supreme High Court of Ipoh, (see Figure 3.5) originally known as
the Courthouse was officially inaugurated on the 14th July 1928 by RW
Thomson who was the British Resident at that time. It was designed and
constructed also by Arthur B. Hubback, based on the architectural style
embodied by the current City Hall of Ipoh with intentions to provide an
imposing and elegant balance within the streetscape. Its design
emphasized on imposing elegance and balance not only within the
streetscape but also in terms of the façade. Its balance were seen
through the ground floors archways and covered walkways and the
imposing covered verendas with decorative pillars on the upper storey.
The original 2 storey building had also been increased in size with a new
3 storey building which had been constructed in keeping with the original
architectural style. (Colonial Buildings & Architecture, 2016).
(iii) The Ipoh City Hall
The Ipoh City Hall, (see Figure 3.6) formerly known as the Ipoh Town
Hall was built along with the Supreme High Court of Ipoh. Its construction
began in 1913 and was complete in 1916 due to delays caused by the
shortage of materials and the high cost of labor due to the occurrences
of the First World War. Its design was mainly a combination of classical
Figure 3.5 - The Supreme High Court of Ipoh which flanks the side of the City Hall of Ipoh. (Lim, 2016).
Figure 3.6 - Ipoh City Hall stands majestically, flanking the Supreme High Court of Ipoh which illustrates eclecticism. (Flickr, 2016).
66
and Renaissance designs which indirectly led to eclecticism. This
striking piece of architecture was too designed by Arthur B. Hubback.
This building now serves as venue to hold various significant events and
inaugural congress. (Colonial Buildings & Architecture, 2016).
(iv) Ipoh Birch Memorial
The pavilion-shaped Birch Memorial (see Figure 3.7) is located along
Dato Sagor Food Courts which is directly opposite the state mosque and
behind the city council buildings along Jalan Dato Sagor and Jalan Dato
Maharajela. This monument was erected by the British as a
commemoration symbol of the death of the first British Resident, James
Wheeler Woodford Birch (J.W.W. Birch) who was murdered on 2nd
November 1875. It was constructed in the 1908 and was completed a
year later. It was designed by Mr. Steadman, a British architect. The
tower was constructed with bricks and concrete instead of marble and
granites in order to save cost. (Colonial Buildings & Architecture, 2016).
Figure 3.7 - Ipoh Birch Memorial, a symbol of commemoration for the first British Resident of Perak, J.W.W. Birch. (GoWhere, 2016).
67
(v) Hugh Low Bridge (Jambatan Hugh Low)
Started as a wooden bridge, it was the first erected across the Kinta
River in 1890. The bridge was named after Sir Hugh Low (1824-1905),
who served as the 4th British Resident of Perak between 1877 and 1889.
The bridge was later then rebuilt with iron 10 years later, enabling its
expansion of Ipoh across the river which leads to new town development
of Ipoh across the Kinta River. Widening works on the bridge were
commenced in order to curb with the increase traffic in the 1930s. It is
now known as the Jambatan Sultan Iskandar (see Figure 3.8) in
conjunction with the renaming of the road across it. (Exploring Malaysia,
2016).
Figure 3.8 - Hugh Low Bridge, now renamed as Jambatan Sultan Iskandar connecting the old and new parts of Ipoh town across the Kinta River. (Adiyon84, 2016).
68
3.1.3 - Hardscape
The hardscape that will be covered are structures which surrounds the
site building, for instance the five foot ways both front and back lane of
the building, the pavements and sidewalks which circulates the front of
the building, the curbs that is laced along the pavements and also the
awnings used for shading purposes.
(i) Passageways / Sidewalks / Pavements
The pedestrian pavements (see Figure 3.9) that surrounds the building
serves to segregate the main boundary of the building with the main road
flanking it. The walkway is made of colored granite bricks which are
assemble pieces by pieces. It provides accessibility and convenient
circulation to the pedestrians which guarantees safety from busy traffic.
(ii) Curbs
The curbs (see Figure 3.10) basically serves to fabricate the edge of the
sidewalk in order to increase its aesthetics and also to define a smoother
drop from different levels of ground and serves as a distinct divider
between the pavement and the main road. This band of elements goes
all the way around the walkways.
Figure 3.9 - An image illustrating the pedestrian passageway which segregates the building with the main road which provides accessibility to the pedestrians. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.10 - Image depicting typical curbs implemented in order to segregate the pedestrian walkways with the flanking main roads.
69
(iii) Five Foot Ways / Exterior corridor
The five foot walkways (see Figure 3.11) are the most frequent used
mean of circulation by the occupants and visitors of the shophouses
around. It circulates the front foyers of each and every single
shophouses throughout the entire row. It serves as a buffer between the
main road and the pavements with the interior of the building. The
walkways are also setback within the building to provide shade from sun
and rain.
(iv) Awnings at the back lane
Awnings (see Figure 3.12) were implemented above the rear doors of
the building. This is to provide external shade against the sun and also
the rain while granting accessibility to occupants entering the building
from the rear doors. The awnings, made from ceramic roof tiles and
simplified wooden trusses serves also to add aesthetics values onto the
rear elevation of the building.
Figure 3.11 - An image taken portraying the five foot way that flanks the foyer and entrances of the buildings that stretches throughout the entire row of shophouses. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.12 - Installed awnings above the rear entrances while providing external shade to the occupants entering the building from the rear entrances. (Tan, 2016).
70
3.1.4 - Building Accessibility
Due to Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay being located along Jalan Sultan
Iskandar, one of the busiest and prominent street in Ipoh, hence
accessibility granted to the site building was not a major issue and due
to it being situated at a strategic location in Ipoh, hence its accessibility
was quite direct - 2 of the main entry points located each one at the front
and back respectively.
(i) Surrounding road conditions
The stretches of roads are well paved. The few main roads which
surround the building include Jalan Sultan Iskandar (see Figure 3.13)
which formerly was known as the infamous Hugh Low Street which was
also one of the busiest main roads in Ipoh, Jalan Bandar Timah (see
Figure 3.14) and also Jalan Sultan Yusuff. (See Figure 3.15). As
compared to Jalan Sultan Iskandar, the other two roads which flank both
sides of the building lot are relatively less busy, with both roads having
1 lane each and which goes in opposite directions whereas the entire
stretch of Jalan Sultan Iskandar is with 4 lanes. This easily differentiate
the contrast of the traffic conditions handled by three roads respectively.
Figure 3.13 - An image illustrating Jalan Sultan Iskandar which are set off with 4 lanes which are flanked by rows of heritage shop houses. (Panoromio, 2016).
Figure 3.14 - An image depicting a view of Jalan Bandar Timah which goes in opposite direction as compared with Jalan Sultan Yusuff. (KenWooi, 2016).
71
Greeneries were scarce around the road due to the restriction of space
along the road and hence, the transition between the building and the
main road were drastic. The only distinct segregation between the
building and the main roads were pedestrian walkways.
The 2 roads, namely Jalan Bandar Timah and Jalan Sultan Yusuff are
oriented oppositely, in the sense that traffic flow are of opposite direction.
These 2 single lane roads both intersects over Jalan Sultan Iskandar
(see Figure 3.16) which forms two junctions along the road, and hence
traffic flow of both these roads are of perpendicular traffic direction with
Jalan Sultan Iskandar.
Figure 3.15 - A Google Street View depicting Jalan Sultan Yusuff which leads to the main road of Jalan Sultan Iskandar. (Google Street View, 2016).
Figure 3.16 - Image showing a typical intersection/junction between Jalan Sultan Iskandar and Jalan Bandar Timah. (Tan, 2016). (ii) Walkability
72
According to on site observations and experiences, the walkability rate
and range of Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay is relatively efficient. Indirectly
due to the building being located along one of the busiest streets in Ipoh
- Jalan Sultan Iskandar, hence form the factor of immense pedestrians
being around the building.
Having mentioned that, pedestrians’ pavements and sidewalks are
sufficiently and adequately provided for along the surrounding roads of
Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay which are quite well maintained in terms of
conditions and cleanliness. This ensures better walkability for tourists
and visitors throughout the surrounding and also to the building. As the
building is located on one of the busiest streets in Ipoh, hence there are
vast amount of backpacker inns, coffee shops etc. which tend to attract
immense tourists, backpackers or maybe even the locals within the area.
Apart from that, all of these attractions and hotspots of Ipoh are within
vicinity with each other, hence granting the ease of accessibility and
reachability and indirectly granting higher walkability rate for any
pedestrians travelling by foot.
Figure 3.17 - Image taken on site depicting the stretch of pedestrian pavements which are laced around the edge of the road which provides pedestrians’ walkability. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.18 - An image taken on site which shows the adequate safety measures provided (zebra crossing and traffic lights) as to provide convenience and safety to pedestrians. (Tan, 2016).
73
(iii) Entry points of building
Generally due to the building being a heritage shophouse, hence the
need of many entry points are unnecessary. Besides, due to the fact that
it is an intermediate lot, hence directly, the building only have entry
points from the front and also from the back. The building lot and location
along the road can be noticed through the zoomed in site plan. (See
Figure 3.19).
Technically, there were two entry points (front and rear each) for each
lot and considering the fact that two buildings were conjoined hence
there were 4 points of entries that could grant access into the building,
2 being the front entries and the other 2 being the rear entries. (See
Figure 3.20).
Due to the factor that both conjoin building serves and a hotel and the
hotel’s event hall respectively, hence the front entrances are mainly used
to access the interior of the building as compared to the entries at the
back of the buildings. Having said that, the entrances at the back are
mostly for the delivery of goods or also shortcuts to the back rows of
shophouses which saves much more time as compared to having to go
around to the back of the building.
Figure 3.19 - A site plan showing the building being an intermediate lot located along Jalan Sultan Iskandar which is flanked by a back lane behind the building. (National Archive, 2016).
Figure 3.20 - An image depicting one of the back entries which was used less frequently and grant access to the back of the building. (Tan, 2016).
74
The front entrance of the then Yik Woh Goldsmith and Pawn Shop, (see
Figure 3.21) leads to the main lobby and reception of the Sarang Paloh
Heritage Stay, whereas the front entrance of the then OCBC Bank
Building, (see Figure 3.22) leads to the event hall of Sarang Paloh
Heritage Stay. Both of the main entrances are often used and prioritized
as there were no means of connectivity between 2 buildings from within
the ground floor of the building.
Figure 3.21 - An image taken on site showing the main entrance which leads into the main lobby and reception of Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.22 - Image depicting the main entrance leading into Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay’s event hall. (Tan, 2016).
75
3.1.5 - Genius loci & surrounding cultural activities
As of today, the stretch of Jalan Sultan Iskandar still grasps traditional
and cultural spirit of the spaces which spans over a century ago. The
shop owners and the locals of Ipoh are mostly elderlies who lead a very
casual lifestyle. Quality of life and welcoming presence are what most of
the residents seek rather than the hectic and congestive fast pace of the
urban city lifestyle.
According to on site observation, most of the shophouses along the
street of Jalan Sultan Iskandar begin their business at the beginning of
the day at around 8.30am in the morning while closes at different points
of time around the day which depends on the type of business being
operated.
Various types of businesses are being carried out within vicinity of this
area, regardless of it being a family business or branches and franchises
of local businesses. Some of the businesses are of food and beverages
(see Figure 3.23) whereas some are of local goods, souvenir store and
malls (see Figure 3.24) and some being inns and boutique cafés (see
Figure 3.25), local hotels as what Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay is.
Figure 3.23 - An image illustrating a typical coffee shop in Ipoh which serves food and beverages. (Star Online, 2016).
Figure 3.24 - An image depicting one of the malls along the street of Jalan Sultan Iskandar which sells souvenirs and local goods. (Tan, 2016).
76
Due to the State Mosque (see Figure 3.26) being strategically placed on
the opposite side of Jalan Sultan Iskandar, the people distribution
around the area are dense especially during peak hours - Muslims
prayer hours.
All of this shows the distinct trading activities which supports the Ipoh
local economy and brings in the spirit of the past.
Figure 3.25 - An image illustrating one of the boutique hotels and cafés within vicinity of the Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay. (Trip Advisor, 2016).
Figure 3.26 - The state mosque of Perak which is located also along the opposite side of Jalan Sultan Iskandar. (Ais Kacang Merah, 2016).
77
3.1.6 - Orientation of building on site
The row of shophouses which consist of Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay
and event hall flanks the south side of the stretch of Jalan Sultan
Iskandar, and hence its main façade is facing north. This can be seen
via site plan. (See Figure 3.1, 3.3 & 3.19).
As the front and rear façade of the building faces north and south
respectively, hence sun orientation is not a major problem which will be
an affecting factor in regards to the buildings activities due to the
temperature. This is because the building will be of moderate
temperature as it will not be facing the direct glare of the sun neither in
the morning nor noon as it not facing neither east nor west.
One of the image sees the sun glaring from the east in the morning (see
Figure 3.27) which does not form direct glare to the building nor when it
is on the west in the late afternoon which is illustrated in the other image.
(See Figure 3.28).
Figure 3.27 - An image illustrating the sun from the east side of the building which casts shadows but do not produce glare. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.28 – The image sees the sun in the late afternoon which strikes down on the building without directly penetrating the building’s façade. (Tan, 2016).
78
3.2
Design ConceptThe design concept has 4 different aspects that is studied, namely under
3.2.1 - relation to context (depicts the design relations of the building
with the community of its time), 3.2.2 - form , 3.2.3 - exterior (covers
mainly the façade of the building) and finally 3.2.4 - interior.
3.2.1 – Design in Relation to Context
Vernacular architecture or better yet known as traditional architecture
was commonly known during the early 19th century, where local builders
and designers were mainly employed to design and build most of the
commercial buildings using materials that deeply reflects the traditions
of its community. This particular style of architecture tend to be
influenced by the climate and culture of the community, therefore it is
seldom a single style but a mix of different features, as is the concept
behind the interior of the heritage stay Sarang Paloh & Event Hall. The
façade however is not of oriental design but European.
From the year 1900 to 1960, the architectural style of the
surrounding buildings gradually changed; adopting western
characteristics which emphasizes more on geometrical shapes and
the use of industrial materials, such as concrete, glass and metal.
These characteristics are evident on the façade of both buildings;
Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay & Event Hall which are the styles of art
deco and neo-classical. Art deco and neo classical styles in
Malaysia resulted from British colonization.
With exception to the façade of the building, the concept of the building
design follows the straits eclectic style which is evident in the designs of
the interior doors, windows, spaces and exterior roofs. As a
consequence of a predominantly Chinese and Malay community.
79
3.2.2 – Form
The concept in terms of form for both buildings place emphasis on
verticality and length. The building consist of few spaces in a linear
fashion and is arranged accordingly with other shop lots to form a row of
shops. There is a possibility that the form is designed such a way due to
the working life of the community during the year the building was built
which was the early 19th century. Larger buildings were not very
conventional as shop lots because the cost is too high for it to be built.
This lead to spaces being compressed to a linear form to give an illusion
of being small and compact on the outside while to compromise, the
height of the building is usually exaggerated to a few floors and individual
lots tend to have long bodies; usually separated into specific functional
spaces. Additionally the concept of symmetry can be easily identified
just from the façade itself. Individual lots tend to be rectangular without
any circular geometry added to the space as the style of “straits eclectic”
and “art deco” often portray a more simple, elegant and traditional layout.
Figure 3.29 - An image depicting the front façade of Sarang Paloh . (Tan, 2016).
80
3.2.3 – Exterior
The design concept for both exterior and interior will be divided into a
few parts to be studied, namely the Sarang Paloh Hotel and Lobby
(formerly known as Yik Woh Goldsmith), Sarang Paloh Multipurpose
Event Hall (formerly known as the OCBC Bank) and the first floor of
both conjoined buildings where the hotel rooms are. (Lee, 2016)
Starting from the hotel lobby, its exterior façade slightly defers from
that of the event hall. While the event hall is more dominant in its art
deco mixed neo classical approach. Sarang Paloh’s hotel lobby design
concept accentuates a style that is more traditional, evident from its
choice of windows, doors and air-vents. The building’s façade itself is
from the art deco period; hard edged, linear with geometrical shaped
ornaments of straight lines and the often seen flag poles on the very
top of the building. Its entrance however, uses windows and doors that
are wooden which dates back to styles used during the 1920s which
will be further elaborated in the “interior design concept” section. The
air-vents above the windows retain its original features which were
made out of metal and has a design resembling that of a “cloud” being
its outline. These designs for the windows, doors and air-vent can be
seen throughout the entire Goldsmith building as the owner of the
current hotel wanted to preserve the building’s original identity.
Figure 3.30 - An image showing the front façade of the boutique hotel; the former Yik Who Gold Smith shop(Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.31 - An image showing boutique hotel’s façade door, windows and air vent design. (Tan, 2016).
81
The current event hall and hotel taking up two shop lots is the former
bank of OCBC. This building’s façade as mentioned earlier is a mix of
art deco and neo classical. The style of Art deco plays more
importance on the bottom half of the building while the top half where
the pediments and circular columns are, reflects more of the neo
classical style. The use of decorative metal grilles and glass for the
windows were preserved by the owner. The center piece that is round,
might have some engravings on it in the past but is now left empty.
This could be a reference to the well-known porthole window that is
normally present in art deco designs however is only translated to the
grille as a geometrical window ornament. Above the door, a decorative
motif familiar to the art deco style can also be seen. The door itself
however, is not that of art deco but a design chosen by the owner as
the original door design was not known.
Figure 3.32 - An image showing the art deco designed decorative motif found above the main entrance. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.33 - An image showing the art deco designed window grilles (Tan, 2016).
82
The four columns holding up the top half of the façade is quite
remarkable as it might not be purely art deco but a hybrid of the
European style and Chinese architecture. The column head, or better
yet known in Chinese as “chi tou” can be found in Chinese influenced
building where the column head’s projecting brick bracket is at the top
of the column. The column itself however, is more influenced by
European style as it follows the Tuscan order where the column is part
of the wall. While the combination of both Chinese and European
styles were quite interesting with one being simplistic while the other
being more decorative, such design is now rarely seen as the trend
brought over by art deco later becomes more simplified and is
rectilinear in shape.
On the top half of the façade, neo classical designs can be seen in the
pillars as well as the pediments. The pillars holding up the pediments is
a well-known characteristic of the neo classical movement which was
at its prime during mid 18th to early 19th century.
Figure 3.34 - An image showing one of the columns holding up the event hall. (Tan, 2016)
Figure 3.35 - This image shows column head or “chi tou” of one of the pillars.(Tan, 2016)
83
3.2.4 – Interior
The three former shop lots (ex-OCBC Bank being 2 lots), were
originally built 2 storeys high. The ground floor being where trades
were normally carried out during the day while the top floor as living
areas during the night. This is still kept true by the owners as they had
refurnished the 1st floor into hotel rooms. While many original designs
have changed due to time, the buildings were very well preserved as
the materials used for the roofs, windows, floor tiles, staircases and
many more, were antiques as well.
The interior of the hotel lobby’s ground floor is influenced by an
abundance of Chinese culture. The windows are identical to the one on
the façade which is made out of timber with vertical timber bars and
solid timber shutters built inwards. According to Mr Lee, who is the
contractor responsible for most of the furnishing done in Sarang Paloh,
all the window openings and style were kept as it is, some replaced
with similar materials as the original were too old. As for the air vents
which were also on the façade, the metal bars remained as it is. These
style of windows and air vents were introduced to shop lots owned by
the wealthy during the 1930s. (Lee, 2016)
Figure 3.36 – This image shows the interior space of the boutique hotel. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.37 - An image showing one of the metal barred windows found in the boutique hotel that follows the original design. (Tan, 2016).
84
Figure 3.38 - An image showing a wooden barred window that uses louvres. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.39 – The floor tiles were scavenged from other old buildings and reused.(Tan, 2016).
85
Looking up at the ceiling of the lobby, the wooden and beams are
visible rather than being covered up. This made the space feel lighter
and gives the illusion of height which in turn makes the 5 meter width
shop lot more spacious and open.
Figure 3.40 – An image of the visible wooden beams that runs across the room. (Tan, 2016).
86
Connecting the lobby to the kitchen is the atrium. A spiral staircase
made of metal is situated on the inside of the atrium, enabling
circulation to the 1st floor of the building. An opening can be seen just
above the staircase which allows sunlight to bask on the metal material
and the vegetation planted on the walls which gives off a refreshing
and cooling ambience to the space. There is no particular design style
to the space itself as the metal staircase made out of “garmia” metal is
a modern addition to the building. The style however could be related
to Bauhaus as the design applies the trademark exposure of
construction materials and support pillars. The choice of material for
the staircase and the type of staircase allows visual continuation from
the kitchen to the atrium which in turn makes the space less compact.
The second type of staircase that can be found in the building is the L-
shaped wooden stairs. This type of staircase were widely used in
straits eclectic shop lots. Its design is rather modest where the railings
and baluster tend to be simple in design. The stairs allow circulation to
the top floor as well but rather than being open in terms of visual
continuation like the spiral stairs, this staircase allows more privacy as
it causes visual barrier between floors.
Figure 3.41 - An image showing the spiral staircase found at the airwell. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.42 – The second staircase found in the boutique hotel which is L-shaped that also leads to the 1st floor. (Tan, 2016).
87
A majority of the furniture used in the building were antiques, each
handpicked by the owner to preserve the aged look and design of the
interior.
Figure 3.43 – Antique chairs handpicked by the owner being used in the building.(Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.44 – The kitchen furniture such as tables and chairs were also handpicked antiques.(Tan, 2016).
88
The events hall interior design concept retains most of the art deco
style that we see on the façade. From the windows, to the cornices and
also the columns, the original art deco design has been kept by the
owner. The tiles used for the event hall were “Nyonya” decorated tiles
chosen by the owner. “Nyonya” being a mix of Chinese and Malay
culture, fits the concept well as it gives off a natural and traditional
touch to the interior space. Hand painted tiles can be found along the
walls as they were originally there since the building was made. The
floral design on the tiles goes well with the flooring tiles which in turn
gives off a sense of continuation between wall and floor.
Figure 3.45 - An image showing the interior of the event hall.(Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.46 – An image showing the floor tile design which were “Nyonya” styled.(Tan, 2016).
89
At the ceiling, wooden beams are visible and is quite in contrast to the
walls. The concept being, wanting visitors to be able to see the old
wooden beams left by time. Throughout the entire building, this design
concept presents itself in many of the details and structures; most were
left as it was with minor to major repairs done to make them usable
again, while some had to be completely replaced with similar structure,
design and material. Nevertheless, the essence and spirit of the space
remains.
Figure 3.47 - An image showing the event hall’s ceiling where the ceiling joist are exposed ; showing the contrast between ceiling and wall.(Tan, 2016)
90
At the back of the event hall which is an outdoor courtyard where the
bunker, office and toilets are situated. Again, a contrast can be seen
between the event hall’s art deco design and the courtyard’s traditional
Chinese design. The main attention goes to the bunker situated in the
center of the courtyard which is made out of bricks where the rough
masonry work indicates the original vernacular style.
Figure 3.48 - An image showing the bunker’s exterior view. Its material is made out of bricks using rough masonry work. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.49 - An image showing the interior of the bunker (Tan, 2016).
91
Both the heritage stay lobby and the event hall have first floors with
similar design concept. The floors connected to one another and can
be accessed from either building.
The overall concept of the design for the hotel room floor can be
summarized as a mix of traditional Chinese and Malay style. Like the
bottom floor, the ceiling is not covered; exposing the wooden beams
and trusses. While the space is quite small in width, the exaggeration
of the height completely makes up for it. The concept is similar to that
of traditional houses as the structures are bare. There are certain
areas where the roof tiles can be seen as well. These roof tiles can be
properly seen on the outside courtyard which is also a floating garden.
Figure 3.50 – An image showing the visible roof trusses on the 1st floor of the event hall (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.51 - An image showing the exposed roof tiles and beams found on the 1st floor of the boutique hotel.(Tan, 2016).
92
Situated above the bunker, the garden serves as a beautiful view and
also helps ventilate the building. The symmetrical layout of the garden
and the attempt of a “roof garden” which gives back to nature, blends
in well with the concept of the hotel. Surrounding the garden are hotel
rooms; each having windows that faces the garden.
Figure 3.52 - An image depicting the visual symmetry of the roof garden.(Tan, 2016).
93
While trying to preserve the history and architecture of the building, the
owner had also implemented their very own interpretation of culture
and tradition to each hotel room. Each room have different styles;
some using straits eclectic style windows that still uses a stick to toggle
the wooden louvres, while some pays tribute to the exaggerated height
seen throughout the building.
Through the mix of different architectural styles, Sarang Paloh brings
its guest to a series of different times and era of architecture. Its
concept lies in its spatial division; each accentuating a style and culture
of the past that cannot help but resurface as its beauty is without a
doubt, undeniable.
94
3.3
Functions of Spaces of BuildingA shophouse is typically made up of façade which strongly depicts their
own architectural style and identity influenced by the era back then.
Generally, a heritage shophouse consists of a standard five-foot way
which is recessed within the ground floor which is shaded by eaves
above, front hall and second hall which is relatively smaller, which is
segregated by an internal courtyard or an air well, rear court, back lanes
and floors above. Besides, within the internal spaces, consist of various
types of party walls and partition walls, roofing systems above, floorings
and beams. This traits and features of a typical heritage shophouse
architecture is depicted in the architectural style of the boutique hotel lot
of Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay.
The unique feature of this two lot is that both are un-identical to each
other, unlike most of the rows of shophouses which portrays similarities
with each other. Unlike them, the event hall lot for Sarang Paloh Heritage
Stay is contrastingly different from the boutique hotel lot of the hotel.
Hence, it does not portray the exact same spatial layout and spatial
function as of what is depicted by the boutique hotel lot.
As mentioned, the event hall actually comprised of two lots of
buildings which conjoined into a single large building. Hence from
an elevation point of view, it dominates the building surrounding it
within that same row of shophouses.
Generally, Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay which is comprising of two
un-identical different buildings show its own uniqueness and
own specific spatial layout which serves different functions.
95
3.3.1 - Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay boutique hotel building lot
The building, which portrays a typical heritage shophouse building style
portrays the straits eclectic style which also comprise of the Art Deco
style, Neoclassical and also the Chinese cultured style. As mentioned
previously, the lot of building is constructed with the presence of a five
foot way (see Figure 3.53), a front hall (see Figure 3.54) upon entering
the main entrance which is now converted into a main lobby and
reception for the hotel, a second hall (see Figure 3.55) within the building
which in this building features a central atrium to house the spiral stairs,
which also opens up to an air well (see Figure 3.56) which illuminates
the spiral stairs and provide natural ventilation as well. Moving deeper
within the building after the second hall is the rear court (see Figure 3.57)
which is now converted into a kitchen cum dining area which serves the
hotel guests and lastly a second rear court (see Figure 3.58) which holds
sanitary services and also a skylight. Attached floor plans of the boutique
hotel lot of Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay for reference.
Figure 3.53 - An image showing the five foot way shaded by the eaves of the building, as indicated 1 in Figure 3.59. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.54 - An image illustrating the front hall of the building, which is the main lobby and reception of the building, as indicated 2 in Figure 3.59 (Tan, 2016).
96
Figure 3.55 - The second hall within the shophouse building which is converted into a sitting area which features a central atrium for the spiral stairs, as indicated 3 in Figure 3.59. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.56 - The air well which illuminates the spiral stairs atrium which is the central feature of the second hall cum sitting area, as indicated 6 in Figure 3.59. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.57 - The rear court which is located after the second hall is converted into a kitchen cum dining area to serve the guests of the hotel, as indicated 4 in Figure 3.59. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.58 - The second rear court which is relatively smaller, converted into storage cum sanitary services space with a skylight illuminating the interior, as indicated 5 in Figure 3.59. (Tan, 2016).
97
Figure 3.59 - Ground floor plan of the boutique hotel lot of Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay which serves different functions and as indicated by the numbers in the plan. (Ashik, 2016).
(i) Five Foot Way
The five foot way (see Figure 3.53 - while as indicated 1 in Figure 3.59),
better known as kaki lima are pedestrian walkways intended into the
ground floor of a building from the road, so that the overhanging upper
floors can provide a cover to shield pedestrians from the sun and the
rain. This feature can be found in many shophouses, especially heritage
buildings around Malaysia. It is known as a five foot way because it is in
fact a consistent 5ft width from the absolute front of the building to the
wall of the main entrance of the building. It is often used to extend the
premises of businesses to the walkway or gain visual publicity by
exhibiting their items outside. Likewise, the five foot way in
our site building is used to act as a foyer which leads to the main
entrance. It is decorated with mosaics and ceramic
tiles with different patterns which gives off a sense of nostalgia as its
aesthetics is traditional.
98
(ii) Front Hall / Main Lobby and Reception
The front hall of the boutique hotel (see Figure 3.54 - while as indicated
2 in Figure 3.59 for location) is of semi-public use. It is used as a main
lobby cum reception to serve Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay. It indirectly
serves as a welcoming porch for visitors. Typically back then, this lobby
was used a front hall to serve in house guests and it is highly decorated
as it is the first part of the building in which the guests will experience. It
is also used as a business premise to house local goods and a space to
deal and handle customers
(iii) Second Hall / Central Courtyard & Private Hall / Sitting Area
The second hall (see Figure 3.55 - while as indicated 3 in Figure 3.59)
back then was usually used as a private hall which serves for either the
employees of the building to access storage spaces or will be adapted
to be used as an ancestral hall. The ancestral hall within were usually
spaces where family ancestral altar were placed but the uses within the
second hall were not restricted to only this. Due to the typology of
building being a goldsmith and jewelry store, hence this part of the
building was used as a vault to store safe and for safety storage for gold
and jewelries. As for what it is currently, the management of Sarang
Paloh Heritage Stay had converted it into a central courtyard which
features the spiral stairs which leads up to the first floor above. Apart
from that, it also serves as a sitting cum resting area while being
served tea for the hotel guests. The second hall is illuminated and
ventilated with an internal air well which now serves as an atrium to
house the mentioned spiral stairs.
(iv) First Rear Court / Kitchen cum Dining Area
The first rear court (see Figure 3.56 - while as indicated 4 in Figure
3.59) which is indirectly the third court is a relativelysmaller court
right after the second hall. It usually serves as a private court for
kitchen and dining area. This building back then was slightly unique
in the sense that the entire rear court serves as parking spaces for
employees evehicle such as their bicycles. Besides, it also serves
as a space to unload business goods and also indirectly a storage
space. Currently, the management of the hotel had converted the
original parking space into a kitchen and dining area which serves
as a venue to serve the hotel guests.
99
(v) Second Rear Court / Sanitary Services cum Back Storage Area
Back then, the second rear court (see Figure 3.57 - while as indicated 5
in Figure 3.59) was technically uncovered to allow natural lighting and
ventilation. It also used to and is still housing the sanitary services. The
unique feature of this space back then was the basin which was used as
a space for gold and jewelries’ cleansing. Gold and jewelries were
washed and scrubbed in the basin here before exhibiting it in the front
hall for sale. As of what is currently, it still retaines its use to provide
sanitary services but too also use it as a storage space while the use of
the basin and the rest of the space for gold and jewelries cleansing is
disregarded.
(vi) Open Air Well and Courtyard
The air well (see Figure 3.58 - while as indicated 6 in Figure 3.59)
back then mainly serves to enhance natural lighting illumination
while also ensuring sufficient ventilation within the interior. It had a
mobile canopy which was operated via a horizontal pulley system.
Currently, the hotel management still retains the use of the space as
an air well while adding a spiral stairs within it and hence indirectly
forming a spiral stairs atrium and a central courtyard in the second
hall.
100
Figure 3.60 - First floor plan of the boutique hotel lot of Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay which house the rooms of the hotel and also hold several circulation spaces as indicated by the numbers in the plan. (Ashik, 2016). (i) Receiving Hall of the first floor
The receiving hall of the first floor (see Figure 3.61 - while as indicated
1 in Figure 3.60) is the first space a user experience as he or she ascend
to the floors above. It serves as a sitting area while connecting all lofts
and rooms of the first floors. It also serves as a space to further
segregate and distribute the rooms accordingly to each sides of the
entire floor as it is a central hall connecting hotels from the left and right
side while also serving as an entry way connecting the boutique hotel lot
to the event hall lot next to it. Apart from serving as a receiving hall
from the spiral stairs, it serves also as a mean of connection to the
transitional walkway by which is reached upon ascending the rear stairs.
(As indicated 4 in Figure 3.60).
101
(ii) Platinum, Silver Gold Lofts’ Hall
This hall (see Figure 3.62 - while as indicated 2 in Figure 3.60) is a direct
connection from the receiving hall next to it and by which opens up to
the Platinum, Silver and Gold Lofts of the hotel. It mainly leads to the two
main doors, by which one straight leads to the Platinum Loft while the
other entry on the side leads to the Silver Lofts. Apart from that, the
space features a stairs which ascends upwards to the Gold Loft above
on the second floor of the hotel lot.
(iii) Platinum, Silver and Malaysian Honeyguide Lofts
This three rooms are hotel lofts which fills the interior of the first floor of
the hotel lot. Two of which are Platinum Loft (see Figure 3.63 - while as
indicated 3 in Figure 3.60) and the Silver Loft (see Figure 3.64 - while as
indicated 3 in Figure 3.60) are rooms located far end due north side of
the building and is accessed via the Platinum, Silver and Gold Lofts’ Hall.
Platinum Loft is relatively bigger as compared to the Silver Loft and by
which consist of two bed chambers and a washing closet for sanitary
services, whereas the Silver Loft only consist of one bed chamber and
a washing closet which is relatively smaller in size as compared to the
washing closet of the Platinum Loft. Malaysian Honeyguide Loft (see
Figure 3.65 - while as indicated 3 in Figure 3.60) is the largest room
within the entire first floor of the building. It consists of a bed chamber
which is twice the size the bed chambers in the Platinum Loft and
has a larger washing closet. These rooms are decorated interiorly
with different styles, ranging from neoclassical style, to straits
eclectic and also to Chinese cultured traditional style.
Figure 3.61 - The receiving hall of the first floor of the boutique hotel lot via ascending a spiral stairs. (Tan, 2016).
102
Figure 3.62 - The hall leading into the Platinum, Silver and Gold Lofts within the first floor of the hotel lot by which features a stairs ascending to the second floor which is the Gold Loft. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.63 - The side bed chamber within the Platinum Loft by which is flanked by to side entries, one leading to a nextbed chamber and another leading to the washing closet. (Qwuen, 2016).
Figure 3.64 - The bed chamber within the Silver Loft and an entry which leads into the washing closet. (Qwuen, 2016).
Figure 3.65 - The Malaysian Honeyguide Loft which is unique as it is the biggest room within the floor and also within the entire boutique hotel lot which bed chamber twice the size and the door at the far end leading into a luxurious washing closet. (AsiaBooking, 2016).
103
(iv) Rear Stairs and Transitional Walkway
The rear stairs (see Figure 3.66 - while as indicated 4 in Figure 3.60)
which is located at the rear court of the building ascends to the
transitional walkway (see Figure 3.68 - while as indicated 4 in Figure
3.60) above which gradually leads to the receiving hall which is located
at the first floor of the boutique hotel. This stairs first ascends to a door
which separates it from the transitional walkway. The transitional
walkway is then flanked by entries on both sides, the left an entry which
leads to the event hall lot and the one of the right grants access to the
Malaysian Honeyguide Loft. The walkway then transits to the receiving
hall which is ascended also from the spiral stairs.
Figure 3.66 - The rear stairs which is located in the kitchen of the
building which connects to the first floor above which leads to the
transitional walkway. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.67 - The transitional walkway which is reached directly upon ascending the rear stairs while connecting it to the receiving hall. (Tan, 2016).
104
(i) Gold Loft within the Second floor
The Gold Loft (see Figure 3.69 - while as indicated 1 in Figure 3.68)
located on the second floor of the building is the only space occupying
the second floor of the building of the boutique hotel lot. This room is
unique in the sense that it is constructed above the platinum room while
utilizing the property of the space being a double volume space. It is
accessed via the stairs in the Platinum, Silver and Gold Loft Hall. The
Gold Loft views downwards through two windows onto the top of the low
ceiling which covers the Silver Loft within the space. Its bed chamber is
relatively bigger than the Silver Loft but relatively smaller as compared
to the Platinum Loft.
Figure 3.68 - Second floor plan of the boutique hotel lot of Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay which house the Gold Loft of the hotel which is the only room housing the second floor of the boutique hotel lot. (Ashik, 2016).
Figure 3.69 - Gold Loft as seen interiorly while windows opening to the low ceiling covering the Silver Loft. (Sarang Paloh, 2016).
105
3.3.2 - Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay event hall building lot
This building depicts its own uniqueness as it comprises of two lot, hence
dominates the rest of the other building within that same row. The
building portrays a strong Art Deco exterior through its linear elements
and geometries and what lies within the exterior holds strongly onto the
neoclassical style of architecture. Due to its current typology of being a
bank building, hence the interior of the building depicts a grandeur
design due to the implementations of the high ceiling. After taken over
by the current hotel management, they had took the initiative into
implementing the traditional Chinese cultured design into the building,
such as the implementations of the Nyonyans tiles onto the floorings.
This building generally also consist of a five foot way before entering the
entrance of the building, which leads to the foyer of the building upon
entering the hall of the building. Within the hall of the building leads to
the stairs atrium which serves as the main means of connectivity
between two floors within the building. The building comprises of 3 floors,
the ground floor (see Figure 3.59), the first floor (see Figure 3.60)
and the second floor (see Figure 3.69).
106
Figure 3.70 - Ground floor plan of the event hall lot of Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay which accommodates different spaces which serves different functions. (Wee, 2016). (i) Event Hall
The event hall (see Figure 3.71 - while as indicated 1 in Figure 3.70) is
one of the main venue featured in Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay. Due to
its typology being a bank back then, this used to be the great hall where
banking activities were carried out and counters and bank lobby were
placed. Currently, being a venue where various events are hold, it is
grand in terms of height and embodies a grandeur style with the use of
a traditionally looking overhead timber canopy, decorated with various
colors of glazed stained glass above by which supports and leads to
the second door of the event hall which is made of glass.
Hence this area directly serves as a buffer and a grand foyer between
the event hall and the main entrance. The walls of the event hall are
highly decorated with embedded columns and pilaster with neoclassical
and art deco design while decorated with embedded mosaics with floral
patterns on its wall and body. Besides, the floorings are decorated with
107
the usage of Nyonyan tiles and ceramics mosaics, giving off and
ceramics mosaics, giving off an essence of Chinese cultured tradition.
(ii) Event Hall stairs atrium
The event hall stairs, (see Figure 3.72 - while as indicated 2 in Figure
3.70) located at the east side of the hall leads straight upwards to the
floors above which are lofts and hotel rooms of Sarang Paloh Heritage
Stay. The stairs, being a 2 quarter landing stairs form interesting
circulation while ascending the floors above. It also serves as the main
circulation and access point to connect to the boutique hotel lot next door.
These stairs which are decorated with steel balustrade are concealed
within a glass room atrium which indirectly segregates it from main event
hall space.
(iii) The vault cum storage space
Due to the building serving as a bank back then, this space used to be
the vault or a strong room (see Figure 3.73 - while as indicated 3 in
Figure 3.70) which serves to keep the money-safe safely and securely.
This space is tight and cramped and is located at the far end of the event
hall. This space was strategically placed that way in order to ensure its
security in the sense that it limits its access only to the employees back
then. It is guarded through the usage of grills and locks which are
currently seen today. Now, as it serves as an event hall, this
particular space is converted into a storage space by the hotel
management to store furniture such as chairs and tables which are
used to serves and hold various events.
Figure 3.71- The spacious event hall of Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay which sees a grandeur eclectic style which is lighten up using traditional Chinese cultured style ornaments. (Tan, 2016).
108
Figure 3.72 - Event hall stairs atrium which is the main mean of circulation and connectivity between floors. (Tan, 2016). (iv) Offices and utilities
Generally, the usage of this particular room (as indicated 4 in Figure 3.70)
still retains its function as an office. Back then, the office serves to house
working spaces for higher ranking bank employees and hence explain
its location being strategically placed at the end of the hall which is much
safer and secure. Now, the hotel management still retains its usage and
function as an office to accommodate the staff and employees of the
hotel working as the management of the event hall. This space,
accessed via a modern glass door is rather long, wide and spacious as
it was used to accommodate a number of employees back then as what
also is now.
(v) Storage bunker
This bunker (see Figure 3.74 - while as indicated 5 in Figure 3.70) is
a unique piece of building feature within the premises. This bunker
back then literally serves as a bunker, only that back then it was not
used to accommodate storages but rather a place to seek shelter
and refuge. Due the bank being established during the midst of the
Second World War, hence the security of the bank was always their
main concern and priority. Hence, this refuge bunker serves to
provide refuge for the staffs and employees of the bank and thus
explains the thick walls and numerous amount of air vent used to
construct this refuge bunker. This is to ensure survival necessity for
whoever seeks refuge in it. Besides, due to the function it served
back then, it is strategically located behind the bank as to limit
access to any means of hostility. As of now, the hotel management
had utilized the space and converted it into a storage cum utility
space for the hotel.
109
Figure 3.73 - Grill door leading into the vault cum storage space located at the far end of the event hall. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.74 - Storage bunker entry behind the event hall. (Tan, 2016).
(vi) Sanitary services
The vast amount of sanitary facilities and services (as indicated 6 in
Figure 3.70) being located with close proximity with each other is
due to it serving the survival needs of refugees back then. The
sanitary services are vast in amount to ensure sanitary the survival
needs of refugees back then. The sanitary services are vast in
amount to ensure sanitary conveniences in regards to the refugees
seeking refuge within the bunker back then. As of now, the hotel
management had also retained its sanitary usage while converted 1
out of 6 of them into another storage space.
110
Figure 3.75 - First floor plan of the event hall lot of Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay which accommodates different spaces ranging from hotel rooms, lofts and also internal courtyard with interior landscape as its central feature. (Wee, 2016). (i) Stairs hall
The stairs hall (see Figure 3.76 - while as indicated 1 in Figure 3.75) is
an atrium accommodating the stairs led up from the ground floor of the
event hall. This stairs hall directly opens to a door on the eastern wall
linking the boutique hotel lot and the event hall lot together which grants
access directly to the receiving hall of the first floor of the boutique hotel
lot. This stairs, being a 2 quarter landing stairs also leads straight into
the courtyard garden while due north, leads straight up into the hall with
5 hotel rooms above the event hall lot of Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay.
111
(ii) Hotel Rooms and Lofts
The hotel rooms and lofts (as indicated 2 in Figure 3.75) which are
identified as Magpie Room, the Great Tit Room and also the two other
smaller rooms located in the great hall of rooms on the first floor of the
event hall, are rooms and accommodations offered by the management
of Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay Each of these rooms are decorated and
ornamented with different styles and interior essence which intend to
transcend different user experiences.
(iii) Great Hall with Rooms
This hall (see Figure 3.77 - while as indicated 3 in Figure 3.75) is grand
in terms of height and space. This space back then was actually a high
ceiling height office which serves the banking corporation. These offices
were accommodated by higher ranking banking officers as a working
space. As of now, the hotel management had converted the entire
spacious space into a great hall and corridor which leads and opens up
to various different types of hotel rooms. This great hall is an L-shaped
hall which is spacious and is laid with timber furnished floorings and by
which embodies the grandeur essence of the interior as it possesses a
very high floor to ceiling height. The walls are now decorated with
paintings of different kinds and also chandeliers to provide interior light
illumination.
Figure 3.76 - Stairs hall as seen from the receiving hall on the first floor of the boutique hotel lot. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.77 - The hall which accommodate multiple rooms portrays grandeur essence. (Tan, 2016).
112
(iv) Red Throated Sunbird Room and Stork Kingfisher Room
These two unique rooms (see Figure 3.78 - while as indicated 4 in Figure
3.75), being directly behind the walls of the façade, are rooms of high
ceiling and by which the double volume heights are utilized. These two
rooms utilized the height of the rooms in order to place the bed and
sleeping area in order to cope with small floor room area within the room.
The ground floor (first floor of the entire building) of these two rooms is
being utilized as living area and also to implement a space for the
washing closet. Due to the room being strategically placed behind the
façade walls, hence the interior of the rooms are being naturally
illuminated by the natural light entering from the façade windows,
producing a soothing and warm stay and environment.
(v) Olive Bird Pipit Room
This room (see Figure 3.79 - while as indicated 5 in Figure 3.75) is the
largest room within the entire floor of the event hall lot building and also
the largest out of the three rooms which are strategically placed behind
the façade wall. Due to its larger space, hence the room fully utilizes the
spacious floor area without sacrificing the double volume height within
its interior. This room is located in between the Red Throated Sunbird
Figure 3.78 -The living space within the ground floor of both rooms while featuring a stairs which leads up to a bed. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.79 - The interior of the mentioned room which sees
a spacious interior. (Sarang Paloh, 2016).
113
Room and Stork Bird Kingfisher Room and hence is directly placed
behind the arched windows as seen from the façade walls.
(vi) Walkway
The walkway (see Figure 3.80 - while as indicated 6 in Figure 3.75)
technically links the building’s void together which is present due to the
internal courtyard and the garden. The walkway leads from the stairs hall
via ascending it form the ground floor of the event hall, which directly
faces the Great Tit Room while overseeing the view and scenery of the
internal courtyard and the garden due to it being at a higher level as
compared to the gardens’ floor level. The walkway is decorated with
Nyonyan tiles which portrays a sense of traditional Chinese culture while
being shaded by a row of gabled roof.
(vii) Courtyard garden
The courtyard garden (see Figure 3.81 - while as indicated 7 in Figure
3.75) is strategically placed in the central courtyard of the building and
hence directly becomes a central feature within the hotel. The garden
was implemented by the hotel management by utilizing the roof slab of
the bunker while implementing a pond on top of it. The garden also
features an arched bridge which is being strategically placed in the
center of the garden while being filled with lush greeneries and
landscape. The garden can be either accessed via the stairs of
leading from the walkway or the ladder which leads to the ground
floor of the building which is the rear side of the bunker.
Figure 3.80 - An image of the walkway which leads from the stairs hall to the garden which faces the door of the Great Tit Room. (Tan, 2016).
Figure 3.81 - The garden which is featured within the central courtyard within the hotel. (Tan, 2016).
114
(viii) Walkway to Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay Gallery
This walkway (see Figure 3.82 - while as indicated 8 in Figure 3.75)
technically leads to the sanitary services of the floor but also can be
implied to access the Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay is within the premises
of Lim Ko Pi. This walkway is accessed via a stairs which links from the
center of the garden.
(ix) Sanitary services
These sanitary services (as indicated 9 in Figure 3.75) are located
beside the garden which flanks the south side of walkway. Besides,
there are also strategically placed next to the Sarang Paloh Heritage
Stay Art Gallery which grants conveniences to the users, visitors and
also tourists visiting the premises.
(x) Open yard
These two open yard (as indicated 10 in Figure 3.75) one being at the
back of the hotel room and the other located at the back of the sanitary
services, are open spaces with flexible uses. Currently, the hotel
management had utilized to place mechanical services and also flower
pots and landscape in order to enhance the greenery within the area.
Figure 3.82 - The walkway linking the garden into the sanitary services which gradually leads into the Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay Art Gallery. (Tan, 2016).
115
Figure 3.83 - Second floor plan of the event hall lot of Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay which accommodates only the second floor of the two double volume rooms - Stork Bird Kingfisher Room and also the Red Throated Sunbird Room. (Tan, 2016). (i) First floor of Stork Bird Kingfisher Room & Red Throated
Sunbird Room
A wise way used to cope with the spatial limitation within the interior of
these two rooms, the hotel management took the initiative to implement
a second level while utilizing the double volume height within the space
of these two rooms. (See Figure 3.84 - while as indicated 1 in Figure
3.83) The double volume height within these two rooms is used to
accommodate the bed and sleeping area.
This gives off a different and unique user experience while having a
comfortable and warm living experience.
(ii) Void spaces
116
These void spaces are formed by the different ceiling heights due to the
implemented room space through the utilization of the double volume
space of the two rooms within the space.
Figure 3.84 - The bed chamber and sleeping area on the first floor of the room, the second floor of the building, through the utilization of double volume space. (Sarang Paloh, 2016).
117
Chapter 4 ARCHITECTURAL & SPATIAL LAYOUT
Covers the relationship between shophouses and its
spaces and also its properties of spaces in which covers
the technicalities which comprises of the interior and
exterior spatial properties, circulation to use, private and
public, organization analysis and also the visual
experience and acoustics within the space thrughout the
building.
118
4.1
Spatial LayoutA shophouse is typically made up of façade and also repetition of halls
within the interior. Generally, a heritage shophouse consists of a
standard five-foot way which is recessed within the ground floor which is
shaded by eaves above. The front hall and second hall which is relatively
smaller, is segregated by an internal courtyard or an air well, rear court,
back lanes and floors above. A shophouse varies from place to place
and hence depicting different varieties of spatial layout. A shophouse is
a vernacular architectural building type that is commonly seen in areas
such as urban Southeast Asia. Shophouses are mostly two or three
stories high, with a shop on the ground floor for mercantile activity and
a residence above the shop lot. This hybrid building form characterizes
the historical centres of most towns and cities in Southeast Asia region.
Typically, shophouses consist of spaces of halls, ranging from public and
private spaces as it ascends deeper within the building. Shophouses
abut each other to form rows with regular or irregular façade, with fire
walls between them and adherence to street alignment. Shophouses
have narrow street frontages, but may extend backwards to great
depths, in some cases extending all the way to the rear street due to
the limitation of space within the interior. Hence, most of the early
shophouses are usually narrow but long in terms of length.
The basic layout of Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay boutique hotel lot
and event hall lot derives from each other.Sarang Paloh Heritage
Stay is designed with the basic layout of heritage shophouses,
whereas the spatial layout within the event hall is slightly different as
the typology of the shophouse in the past served as a bank, hence the
layout was understandable due to its usage as compared to the
boutique hotel lot next door.
119
4.1.1 – Circulation
The circulation of a building shows the sequence of which the architect
wants the user to experience. The following sub components 4.1.1a and
4.1.1b will further elaborate on the circulation intended by the owner for
the boutique hotel, event hall and both shop-house’s 1st floor.
Figure 4.1 - An image showing the ground floor plan of Sarang Paloh
with its circulation indicated in red. (Ashik, 2016).
120
4.1.1a – Boutique Hotel Ground Floor Circulation
The objective of the boutique hotel’s circulation is to enable its guest,
experience the warmth of home lodging. For a hotel, its introduction to
the building begins with a modest entry, moving in from the five foot walk
way. Moving past the lobby, the user is then quickly introduced to the
air-well and kitchen where the spiral stairs to the 1st floor of the building
is visible. These two spaces were not separated by any obvious partition
but is instead deliberately left open to the user’s view. This then ends
with a rear court where the toilet is situated. From the plan, we could see
that the linear experience of the building not only shows in its form but
rather its circulation as well where the placement of its walkway
promotes a sense of continuity in both visual and space.
4.1.1b – Event Hall Ground Floor Circulation
Much like its neighbor in the boutique hotel, the halls circulation also
follows a linear sequence. However, the event hall only has two main
spaces; the main hall and an air well / rear court. The circulation begins
with the five foot walkway as its buffer zone to the entrance. The first
interior space experienced would then be the main hall where it would
Figure 4.2 - An image showing the first floor plan of Sarang Paloh with
its circulation indicated in red. (Ashik, 2016).
121
be booked with events throughout the year including the likes of
weddings. The following space that comes after that serves not only as
an air well but also as the building’s rear court. The circulation revolves
around the bunker situated in the center of the air well space which
allows access to offices, utility rooms and toilets.
4.1.1c – Boutique Hotel & Event Hall First Floor Circulation
There are a few access points that leads to the upper floor of Sarang
Paloh; main one being the two staircases from the boutique hotel. The
event hall also has access to the upper floor but is recognized as a
private space. The first approach being the inconspicuous stairway
located on the left of the event hall in the main hall. Ladders on both
sides of the bunker in the air well also allows access to the upper floors.
However, this approach is not conventional and is primarily only for hotel
staff and owner’s private use.
The circulation on the top floor is only limited to the semi-public spaces.
The remaining spaces are private as they function as hotel rooms for
guest. Accessible areas are limited to the hallways, walkways and roof
garden; all of it with loop circulation. This meant that guest were
encouraged to stroll around the accessible areas where the main
attention is placed on the spatial ambience.
The shop houses of Ipoh Town were built with the intention of
sustainability in mind. This lead to its banal and repetitive design
layout which in turn makes it cost efficient as it does not require an
architect to be built or designed. However, the influence of
community culture and architectural history is apparent, as they
managed to give individuality to the building’s façade alongside its
decorative motifs which is an outward expression of the community’s
ideology and aspirations. While the vernacular style of circulation
leaves not much of an impression, the spatial palimpsest gives birth
to a new form of architecture only explainable by the changes of time.
122
4.1.2 – Public & Private Spaces
Figure 4.3 & 4.4 – The above shows the public, semi-public and private spaces of the ground floor and first floor circulation.( Ashik, 2016)
The highlighted blue zone indicates the public zone which as its name
implies, is open to the public. The five foot way is part of the building
and functions as a buffer zone before moving in to the building hence,
making it a public zone. Sarang Paloh is not only known for its heritage
stay but also its interior designs that mimics that of old buildings. This
attracts tourist which in turn makes the hotel lobby and atrium a space
open to the public for viewing.
Semi-public spaces are controlled by the owner: accessible only to
certain people which in this case, the customers of the hotel and event
hall. These spaces are closed to public.
There are 10 hotel rooms, and 4 miscellaneous rooms (offices, storage
and utility); all of which are private spaces. These rooms are only
available to the hotel customers, owner and workers.
123
4.2
Spatial Program & Experience
A building’s activity or program has always been predetermined before
it is built. Architecture always revolve around spaces; the activities
planned for the spaces which in turn reflects its identity. Throughout
the history of architecture, buildings were designed and built for a
purpose. The same also goes for Sarang Paloh.
In its history, Sarang Paloh was two buildings that were adjacent to
one another yet had no relation. The current boutique hotel lobby was
a goldsmith shop while the event hall was a bank. This explains the
difference in spatial layout of both buildings as the programs and
activities carried out respectively are different.
Now, Sarang Paloh is a heritage hotel with over 10 rooms for lodging
on its top floor. The ground floor kept its overall form with some
changes made to cater to its current use.
Generally, a building’s spatial program and properties are fully
dependent on its owner or architect. Although Sarang Palloh’s
current design is a reminiscent of its past glory, the spaces within
is a palimpsest of the taste of its successive owner.
124
4.2.1 Spatial Programming
Figure 4.5 – Sectional perspective Y2Y2 (Ashik, 2016)
Program Objective
To preserve the architectural historical and cultural features of the
building.
The building offers spaces that cater to families and couples as a
haven for holiday getaways. The spatial sequence of the building
emulates that of a comfortable heritage home that sets itself apart from
the outside world; starting from the lobby where people would relax
and socialize like that of a living room, followed by the kitchen and
toilet as the last of its sequence. On the top floor; a place to rest, sleep
and to experience the different aspects that each room has to offer.
125
Figure 4.6 – Sectional perspective Y4Y4 (Ashik, 2016)
Program Objective
To preserve the architectural historic and cultural features of the
building.
Similar to the boutique hotel, event hall also functions as a space for
reminiscing. However, this building offers spaces that cater more to
larger groups of people. The program is set in such a way that
customers of the hall are allowed to use the ground floor facilities while
walk-in outsiders are only allowed access to the facilities if they
participated. The hotel customers on the other hand, are open to all
facilities available on both floors. The halls program is not limited to
meetings, performances and big or small events as it is well known for
its multipurpose use. The top floor is similar to the boutique hotel with
the exception of a roof garden. Guest are allowed to interact with the
garden which expands the possibilities of activity in the provided
space.
126
4.2.2 Passive Designs
i) Natural Lighting
Natural lighting is lighting provided by daylight. It could be muted or
brilliant as long as it is the main source of light that illuminates a space.
In Sarang Paloh, natural lighting from the airwell illuminates the
kitchen/ dining areas where the spiral stairs are located. The rear court
of the boutique hotel also has natural lighting that comes from a sky
well. Naturally, the bunker and garden also has natural lighting as it is
exposed without cover.
Figure 4.7 - Section Y1Y1 depicting spaces with natural lighting
(Ashik, 2016)
Figure 4.8 - Section Y3Y3 depicting spaces with natural lighting (Ashik,
2016)
127
ii) Green Space
Green space is an element of architecture that brings nature to design.
Not only does it provide aesthetic function, it also adds on to the
ambience of the surrounding and affects the comfort of people as it cools
spaces using effects such as evapotranspiration. Green spaces also
serves its purpose visually. As the building is sandwiched between two
other shop lots, the presence of the garden enable customers to have a
relaxing view alongside a cooling atmosphere.
Figure 4.9 - Section Y1Y1 depicting green spaces.(Ashik, 2016)
Figure 4.10 - Section Y3Y3 depicting green spaces (Ashik, 2016)
128
iii) Ventilation
Sarang Paloh makes use of the stack effect to ventilate the building. The
double volume spaces; some with ceiling and some without, ensures
that wind is captured and then distributed to the interior spaces. The air
well also ventilates the building by introducing wind from outside to the
building’s spaces and then out again.
Figure 4.11- Section Y1Y1 depicting the buildings ventilation (Ashik,
2016)
Figure 4.12 - Section Y3Y3 depicting the buildings ventilation (Ashik,
2016)
129
4.2.3 Spatial Experience
4.2.3a Ground floor of Boutique Hotel
Hotel Lobby
The hotel lobby is dimly lit most of the time. This alongside the exposed
structures such as the timber joist gives the space a warm and cozy
atmosphere that makes one reminisce and imagine its past. The space
seems bigger than it is as the furniture used was mostly made out of
wood that are light and thin.
Spiral Staircase Airwell
The natural light that illuminates the space alongside the spiral staircase
gives the dim space a warm ambience. The space feels lighter and open
as the spiral staircase seems to be floating in between spaces due to its
exposed structure.
Figure 4.13- An image showing the hotel lobby (Ashik, 2016)
Figure 4.14 – An image showing the airwell (Ashik, 2016)
130
Pantry/Kitchen
The kitchen is normally illuminated by day light from the air well. This
results in the space being dim. However, the change of light intensity in
the space throughout the day gives a sense of time to it. The space is
also cool due to the ventilation and the plants planted around the space.
Rear Court
Located behind the kitchen is the rear court which is also where the toilet
is. The space is small but is well ventilated. The sky well provides ample
lighting which also contributes to the open atmosphere of the space.
Figure 4.15 – An image showing the pantry/kitchen space (Ashik,
2016)
Figure 4.16 – An image showing the rear court of the boutique hotel
(Ashik, 2016)
131
4.2.3b Ground floor of Event Hall
Event Hall
The event hall gives off a grand impression with its size, ornamented
walls and columns. Its choice of floor tiles adds on a local oriental vibe
to the space which gives the space its originality. Just like the boutique
hotel, the ceiling is also exposed; showing the joist within. This
amalgamation of different materials gives a fresh perception to the space.
Bunker
The bunker is currently used as a storage by the owners. The space
within is small and stuffy as the air ducts were sealed off. Besides
storage, the space is not suitable for any other activities due to the
spaces constraints and lack of ventilation.
Figure 4.17 – An image showing the interior of the event hall (Ashik,
2016)
Figure 4.18 & 4.19 – The images shows the exterior and interior of the
bunker respectively(Ashik, 2016)
132
4.2.3c First floor of Boutique Hotel
Hallway
The hallway can be accessed via the spiral staircase. The space is very
well ventilated due to the outside being not just the air well but also green
plants that helps cool down the space. Natural lighting is also provided
to the space. While the space is small, it is appropriate for light activities
such as reading.
Corridor
The corridor can be accessed via the L- shaped staircase of the
boutique hotel. Though its narrow, it compensates with its high ceiling
which is inconsistent; showing the roof joist and roof tiles. This gives off
an illusion of an open space and the space no longer seems cramped.
Figure 4.20 – The image shows the hallway space at entrance to
the spiral staircase (Ashik, 2016)
Figure 4.21 & 4.22 – The images show the narrow corridor and the
ceiling above it respectively (Ashik, 2016)
133
Gold, Silver & Platinum Room Corridor
This corridor leads to 3 rooms which are the gold, silver and platinum
rooms. The space makes use of its double volume to fit all 3 rooms into
that space. Like the rest of the 1st floor, the ceiling is exposed showing
the roof joist. Some of the roof tiles were transparent which allows
natural light to penetrate through. The space gives off a vintage vibe with
the use of old materials such as terracotta roof tiles and bamboo.
Hotel Room (Honeyguide)
One of the hotel rooms found on the boutique’s first floor. Each room
has its own particular style. The only similarity is that they all have high
ceilings and are often pitched. The rooms tends to be long with high
walls which gives a grand vibe to the space.
Figure 4.23 & 4.24 – Both images depicts the view of the space
from the ground and from above (Ashik, 2016)
Figure 4.25 – An image showing the interior space of the Honeyguide
hotel room (Ashik, 2016)
134
4.2.3d First floor of Event Hall
Hotel Corridor
Above the event hall is another corridor that leads to a few other hotel
rooms. The corridor is L-shaped where it hides the rooms from view
when not approached. The main feature of this space is its double
volume void space where the ceiling’s height is exaggerated. Just as the
corridor in the boutique hotel, the space is narrow yet seemed big due
to its height. This space has three contrasting features; the art deco
design wall, the hotel room’s gypsum wall and the wooden flooring.
Courtyard & Roof Garden
The roof garden serves as the green space of the building. It is directly
above the bunker and is accessible via the 1st floor walkway. Alongside
the garden is a mini pond with fishes and a variety of aquatic plants. The
space has ample natural light as well as being well ventilated. The sight
of the blooming flowers accompanied by the sound of running water
adds on to the already soothing ambience.
Figure 4.26 & 4.27 – The images depicts the narrow hotel corridor
and its double volume void ceiling (Ashik, 2016)
Figure 4.28 & 4.29 – The images shows the roof garden and its
courtyard repectively (Ashik, 2016)
135
4.3 Spatial Comparison Yik Woh Goldsmith & Jeweller shop was a typical shop house where the
ground floor was used for business, however the upper floors were the
residential accommodations. Currently, it now houses the boutique hotel.
Through interviews and analyses of the remaining structure of the shop
house, we managed to interpret the spatial usage and layout. The
changes that had made are:
(i) From Front Desk to Hotel Lobby
From the five foot way entering hotel lobby, the changes of the ceiling
height interrupt the visual and spatial continuity between two spaces and
create a strong sense of enclosure to the users. In the past, this space
was used as the front desk. This was the only space that the public was
able to access. After the front desk, two alcoves were found. The alcoves
were used to freshen up and stored the tea set. Whereas now, the public
is not restricted to access this space which now serves as the hotel lobby.
The two alcoves are no longer usable.
Figure 4.30 - Front desk of Yik Woh Goldsmith & Jeweller shop.
Figure 4.31 - Front desk of Sarang Paloh Boutique hotel lobby. (Tan, 2016.) Figure 4.30 (above) & Figure 4.31 (below) - Comparison of spatial usage during past and present.
136
(ii) From Safe to Open Courtyard
Only the staff had accessibility to the spaces after the front desk. For
security purposes, the open courtyard was covered. This space was
then used as a safe. A door was originally there to access the safe from
the front desk.
Figure 4.32 - Safe of Yik Woh Goldsmith & Jeweller shop.
Figure 4.33 - Open courtyard in Sarang Paloh Boutique Hotel. (Tan,
2016.)
Figure 4.32 (above) & Figure 4.33 (below) - Comparison of spatial
usage during past and present.
137
(iii) From Parking Space to Kitchen
The kitchen was used as a bicycle parking space for the staff. The staff
would enter the parking space through the back door and then walk to
the front desk. The circulation of the public was different of that of the
staff. Initially there was no L-shape staircase to connect the ground floor
to first floor.
Figure 4.34 - Staff parking space.
Figure 4.35 - Kitchen for Sarang Paloh Boutique Hotel. (Tan, 2016.)
Figure 4.34 (above) & Figure 4.35 (below) - Comparison of spatial
usage during past and present.
138
(iv) Rear Courtyard
The spatial usage of the rear courtyard in the past and present remain
the same. The washing basin in the rear courtyard was used to wash
gold. Where there was a toilet located opposite it. Today there are two
toilets and a store as can be seen in figure 4.8.
Figure 4.36 - Rear courtyard.
Figure 4.37 - Rear courtyard now. (Tan, 2016.)
Figure 4.36 (above) & Figure 4.37 (below) - Comparison of spatial
usage during past and present.
139
(v) From Living Spaces to Hotel Rooms
The second floor was the living quarters for the employees. Right
above the current kitchen was the former kitchen located in one of the
rooms called ‘The Malaysian Honeyguide’. It is currently a washroom in
The Malaysian Honeyguide. The former Chinese style air vents are still
present in the washroom.
The owner added a partition wall to separate the spaces into different
rooms where previously it was a spacious living space and store room.
Figure 4.38 - Living spaces for the staffs.
Figure 4.39 - Hotel rooms. Figure 4.38 (above) & Figure 4.39 (below) - Comparison of spatial usage during past and present. (Tan, 2016.)
140
The Sarang Paloh Heritage stay and event hall was the former
headquarters to the OCBC Building. The function of this buildings isn’t
similar to that of typical shop houses. There were no tenants residing in
this building. The ground floor was the front desk of the bank while the
second floor was used for offices. This commercial building was
transformed into an event hall and hotel rooms after it was bought by
Lim’s family. There were some changes of the spatial usage listed below:
(i) From Front Desk to Event Hall
The high ceiling height can be observed from the entranceway from the
five foot way to the event hall. The ceiling height creates a sense of
grandness experienced by visitors. The accessibility of the public was
restricted; as they could only access the front desk. The event hall has
one private staircase that was used by staff to access the second floor.
Figure 4.40 - Front desk of OCBC Building.
Figure 4.41 - Sarang Paloh Event hall. (Tan, 2016.)
Figure 4.40(above) & Figure 4.41 (below) - Comparison of spatial
usage during past and present.
141
(ii) From Locker to Store Room
There are a few rooms before the courtyard. Since this was once a bank,
there was a room that was used as a vault to store money. The grille
that once served as protection is still there and now serves as the grille
for the store room for the event hall. Besides the locker, the other room
was believed to be used as the office which now is utility room.
Figure 4.42- Store room for Sarang Paloh Event Hall. (Tan, 2016.)
142
(iii) From Bunker to Store Room
. At the end of the event hall is where the bunker is located. The bunker
was built during a time where there was war. Its current function is a
storage room. The pre-existing air vents are still in pristine condition. The
rooms that surrounded the bunker were once offices. Currently houses
the managers office and washrooms. The windows in the offices are for
ventilation purpose without any views.
Figure 4.43 - Bunker.
Figure 4.44 - Store room. (Tan, 2016.) Figure 4.43 (above) & Figure 4.44 (below) - Comparison of spatial usage during past and present.
143
(iv) From Insurance Company to Hotel Rooms
The rooms that found in the first floor of the Event Hall were the offices
for the insurance company. There was no connection between the Yik
Woh Goldsmith & Jeweller shop and OCBC Building. A door was later
added on the common wall of both buildings to join the hotel as one. The
spaces in the third floor were commodious spaces which is now
partitioned into different rooms.
Figure 4.45 - Insurance company.
Figure 4.46 - Hotel rooms. (Tan, 2016.) Figure 4.45(above) & Figure 4.46 (below) - Comparison of spatial usage during past and present.
144
(v) From Flat Slab to Roof Garden
Upon descending the staircase, there is a roof garden consisting of a
small bridge and a fish pond. There was initially no roof garden.. It was
once a flat slab with air vents built on it. The staircases connected to the
roof garden were built later on. The only structure that existed was the
corridor that connected opposite room.
Figure 4.47 - Flat slab with air vents.
Figure 4.48 - Roof garden. (Tan, 2016.) Figure 4.47 (above) & Figure 4.48 (below) - Comparison of spatial usage during past and present.
145
Chapter 5 BUILDING MATERIALS & CONSTRUCTION
Covers the traditional and modern building structural and
finishing materials and the construction details of the roof,
floor and wall.
146
5.1 Building Materials
Structural
(i) Clay Bricks Masonry
The brick is a singular unit, which together with others, forms walls or
columns. Clay bricks were used to construct the wall in the Yik Woh
Goldsmith & Jeweller Shop and OCBC Building. The clay bricks were
introduced in 1982 after the fire outbreak in Ipoh. As afire precaution,
the firebreak wall was built between the two units.
Additionally the bunker (See Figure 5.1) in the OCBC Building was
constructed by clay bricks. As an incredibly hard wearing material, clay
bricks arevable to take the knocks of everyday life as well as the extreme
weather conditions,Such that there are situations where there are no
defects even after a hundred years.
Mortar is used to bond bricks in the construction of a wall. Lime mortar
was used. This kind of mortar allows the ground moisture to rise and
evaporate through the wall which strengthens the structure, lasting
for centuries.
Figure 5.1 - Bunker that constructed with clay bricks, painted with
white. (Wong, 2016.)
147
(ii) Timber
Timber is a traditional yet economical material. It is used widely in the
early architectural building such as traditional Malay architecture. It can
be easily found and can be worked in various ways such as carvings.
The good insulation helps to keep the interior cool. It is used in the
battens (See Figure 5.2) and joists. The early shop houses in Ipoh were
constructed by timber. Although it brings a lot of advantages, the
greatest problem about timber is, it is an easy combustible material.
Besides that, timber requires maintenance because it is susceptible to
termites or water damage.
According to Mr Lee, the damaged timber truss will be replaced with
recycled timber, as wood from older trees has higher load carrying
capacity compared to the new wood.
Figure 5.2 - The original timber battens that located in the rear courtyard of the boutique hotel. (Tan, 2016.)
Figure 5.3 - Timber is used to construct the window frame as well as the timber shuttered wall. (Tan, 2016.)
148
(iii) Steel
Steel is cost efficient, durable and sustainable. Steel construction was
first introduced to Ipoh in 1900 due to the reconstruction of the wooden
Hugh Low Bridge. Iron replaced the timber in the bridge. Steel was
widely used in the OCBC Building such as the grille used for the safe as
well as the window grille.
The steel columns in the boutique hotel were later added on to support
the structure of the old building. Additionally, steel is used to construct
the spiral staircase (See Figure 5.5) in the boutique hotel to connect the
ground floor to first floor, It is important to note coating is required for the
exposed steel to prevent galvanization.
Figure 5.4 - Steel beams and columns are added to support the load of the first floor. (Tan, 2016.)
Figure 5.5 - Steel spiral staircase in the open courtyard which coated with black paint to prevent corrosion. (Tan, 2016.)
149
Finishing
(i) Gypsum Plaster
Plaster is used as the finishing for the exterior and interior walls. It is
applied on the brick masonry walls for protection and aesthetic
purposes. Plaster is very workable and easy to apply. Lime plaster is
made up of lime (calcium carbonate), and aggregate and water. The
lime plaster allows the ground moisture to rise and evaporate through
the walls and strengthen it over time. It is also beneficial as it absorbs
harmful carbon dioxide when it sets and reduces the chances of an
invasion of pests, unlike timber. The application of the gypsum plaster
is popular from 1930s to 1950s.
The use of gypsum plaster can be found in the walls of both buildings
except the bunker which was constructed by the clay bricks and coated
with white paint.
Figure 5.6 - Gypsum plaster applied on the skirting. (Tan, 2016.)
Figure 5.7 - Usage of gypsum plaster in the wall in ground floor.
150
(ii) Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are available in a wide variety of colours and sizes. It is
moisture and stain-resistant, easy to maintain and comparatively
affordable. However, the porcelain tiles are very easily to break. Once it
has broken, it is difficult to repair.
The porcelain tiles is a new addition to the building. It is added on cover
up the cement floor. It can be found in the boutique hotel lobby.
Figure 5.8 - Porcelain tiles. (Tan, 2016.)
Figure 5.9 - Usage of porcelain tiles in ground floor.
151
(iii) Mosaic Tiles (Spiral Staircase)
Mosaic is the art of creating images with the repetition of small pieces of
coloured glass, stone or tiles. Mosaic tiles has different sizes and
colours. Similar to the terrazzo tiles, it is fashionable and practical thus
it was widely used in the early modernism buildings. The mosaic tiles
can be found on the spiral staircase of the Botique Hotel (figure 5.11).
Figure 5.10 - Mosaic tiles in the staircase. (Tan, 2016.)
Figure 5.11 - Usage of mosaic tiles in the ground floor.
152
(iv) Terracotta Tiles
Terracotta tiles is essentially baked clay, cement and composite material
such as terrazzo, used for floors. Terracotta tiles have high durability and
versatility. They are lied on the lime concrete floor to keep the
breathability of the surface - cool the rooms.
Most terracotta tiles originated from Fujian and Guangdong. They can
be found in the kitchen and rear courtyard of the boutique hotel (figure
5.13). It reflects the natural colour of materials and creates a sense of
old-worldly feel and ambiance to the spaces.
Figure 5.12 - Terracotta tiles. (Tan, 2016.)
Figure 5.13 - Usage of terracotta tiles in ground floor.
153
(v) Ceramic Wall Tiles
The ceramic wall tile was introduced as decoration. This kind of tiles
were originated from Europe. The ceramic wall tiles with raised
decoration, bright colour and high gloss finish, were very popular in
1920s. The more ornamentations reflected the more prosperous the
owner and the surrounding area.
The ceramic wall tiles can be found in the interior of the event hall (figure
5.15). They believed that the tiles were constructed during the time of
Bank of Malaya by Leong Sin Nam. The wall tiles used to be covered by
plaster during the time of the OCBC Building and was discovered by the
current owner.
Figure 5.14 - Wall tiles found in the event hall. (Tan, 2016.)
Figure 5.15 - Usage of ceramic wall tiles in ground floor.
154
(vi) Hydraulic Cement Tile (Event Hall + Roof Garden)
Hydraulic cement tile is made up of high quality Portland cement mixed
with coloured pigments, then poured into a metal mould and pressed
with a hydraulic press. It was introduced in the eary twentieth century
and became more popular from 1920s to 1940s.
The hydraulic cement tile is widely used in Art Deco style shophouses
which give a great sense of beauty. The Nyonya style hydraulic cement
tiles found in the event hall are further added on by the owner. The
Nyonya style tiles have a very brilliant and attractive colour and unique
motifs design. This kind of tiles can be found in the event hall and the
corridor on first floor (figure 5.16).
Figure 5.16 - The flower motifs Nyonya tiles found in the event hall. (Tan, 2016.)
Figure 5.17 - Usage of hydraulic cement tiles in ground floor.
155
(vii) Terrazzo Tile (in situ)
Terrazzo tile is a composite material, poured in place or precast, which
is used for floor or wall treatment. It consists of marble chips and
coloured cement, poured on site.
It is a modern material thus it can be easily found in the early modernism
building. Practicality and trend were the main consideration during the
modernism period; therefore the in situ terrazzo tile was widely used.
Terrazzo tiles can be found in the five foot way and the corridor outside
the bunker of event hall (figure 5.19).
Figure 5.18 - Terrazzo tiles with pattern that found in the five foot way. (Tan, 2016.)
Figure 5.19 - Usage of terrazzo tiles in ground floor.
156
(viii) Timber Finishes
Timber finishes used to cover the timber to provide an overall protection.
A transparent coating was painted on the timber flooring in the first floor
as well as all the timber structure. It was first introduced to cover the
doors, shutters and air vents.
The floor finishes was done a few years ago during restoration. Timber
flooring finishes can be found in the first floor of boutique hotel and the
rooms.
Figure 5.20 - Timber flooring in the first floor or the boutique hotel. (Tan, 2016.)
Figure 5.21 - Usage of timber finishes in first floor and second floor.
157
5.3 Construction Details
(i) Roof System
The roof system can be clearly seen from the first floor of the Boutique
hotel and the second floor of event hall. Timber was used to construct
the roof structure in the boutique hotel whereas in event hall, steel was
used. The timber structure provides a lighter weight construction which
‘chengal’ wood is the first choice.
The roof system in the boutique hotel is a typical timber roof construction.
It consists of ridge board, rafters, purlins and joists, the roof is covered
with terracotta tiles on the most upper part. Till days, timber is still widely
used as the roofing materials. It is easy to handle and construct. In the
past, metals such as nails are rarely seen in the construction. However,
pre-cut holes and grooves are used to fit the timber elements into one
another
Figure 5.22 - Structural diagram of the timber roof system.
158
In the event hall, gable roof with steel compound trusses are used to
construct the roof. Compound trusses are used by combining the king
post truss and queen post truss, which the straining beam of the queen
post truss as the tie beam for a king post truss above (See Figure 5.24).
The steel trusses are supported using the bolts and nuts. Not only are
they designed to take tension loads, they are also affordable. The steel
trusses are believed to have been built around 1900s during the OCBC
Building period. The gable roof created a magnificent height for good
ventilation purpose as well as created a sense of grandness for the users
which matched the Art Deco style.
Figure 5.23 - Section of the roof of event hall.
Figure 5.24 - Section - a combination of king post truss and queen post truss are used in the roof of event hall.
159
(ii) Wall system
There are two types of walls that can be found in the buildings. Namely
load bearing walls and timber wall panels. Load bearing walls are used
to support the weight of the building, from roof to floor. Bricks are
arranged overlapping and bound together by mortar. Plastering process
is applied later on to create an acceptable final wall. Most of the walls in
both buildings are plastered besides the bunker wall was not plastered
but is coated with paint.
The load bearing wall also served as the fire wall after the fire outbreak
in 1982. It is extremely important for shop houses to prevent the fire
spread from one unit to the other as this has detrimental consequences.
Fire walls are thicker in order to withstand high temperatures and long
burning periods.
Timber wall panels were inherited from the traditional Malay architectural
style. The timber wall panels can helps to keep the interior cool and it
reflected the way of life and culture of the users. It can be found on the
second floor of the boutique hotel. Originally, there were only two
windows opening on the timber wall panel.
Figure 5.25 - Construction drawings of the timber wall panel.
Figure 5.26 - Timber wall panel in the second floor of boutique hotel.
(Tan, 2016.)
160
(iii) Floor system
The ground floor system was built using concrete. The concrete slabs
is laid on the ground that was covered with aggregate such as sand
and stones. It creates a stronger base for the buildings. Tiles will be
added later on to create a more aesthetic surface.
First floor and second floor were using timber as the supporting floor
structure. The timber floorings are lighter in the construction. As a fire
precaution, the timber flooring was supposed to be changed into
concrete flooring. However the owner managed to deal with the
appropriate authorities, and managed to continue the use of the timber
flooring, which retains the essences of the old building. A layer of
timber flooring finishes will be added on to protect the timbers.
Figure 5.27 - Timber flooring system.
161
CONCLUSION
162
Architecture is a way of life that transcends every medium including
even time. It is not a religion that stays stagnant forever, but a belief
that evolves with time. Through this believe, we learn about the
evolution of aesthetics, the appreciation one should have for its
environment and also the appreciation to a buildings existence as a
precedent.
Through this project, we were lucky enough to study a building filled
with architectural history and culture. However, it was not a
coincidence that this historical building still exist. Preservation of old
historical buildings is no longer a common cause in our country,
Malaysia. Historical buildings are slowly being replaced one after
another, its history forgotten.
It could be that the idea of conserving an old run down building
serves no purpose and brings no profit to its owner. Sadly, that
could be the sad truth and one of the biggest factor to why old
buildings are now left to crumble on its own.
Sarang Paloh is exactly that old building. It was in pieces, its art
form no longer memorable but now a holiday getaway destination
that is known to many. Not only does this attract the attention of
people, it also brought awareness and even made us appreciate
the building more. It was also due to this that we were able to study
the history and culture of Sarang Paloh’s former identity. We were
able to derive for ourselves the evolution of its aesthetics,
appreciate its existence as a part of the community and understand
its design roots that would not have been possible without the
conservation of the building.
163
References
Ahmad, A.G. (1994). The Architectural Style of The Peranakan Cina.
Retrieved 15 February 2015, from
http://www.hbp.usm.my/conservation/SeminarPaper/peranakan%20cin
a.html
Guan, T.C. (2011). Learning From The Singapore Shophouse:
Towards A Sustainable Tropical Architecture. Retrieved 8 February
2016,
http://ufdcimages.uflib.ufl.edu/UF/E0/04/38/63/00001/GUAN_T.pdf
Ho, W.H., Lim, T.B., Flores, R.S. (2013). Encounters with Ipoh: familiar
spaces, untold stories.
Ho, T.M. (2009). Ipoh: when tin was king. Ipoh, Perak: Perak Academy.
Ipoh World. (n.d.). Retrieved 12 February 2016, from
http://www.ipohworld.org/
Joshi, N. (2015). Conservation + Communication + Communities:
Culture and Community Design Studio. Petaling Jaya: Taylor’s
University.
Kamal, K.S. (2008). Categories and Styles of Shophouses and
Townhouses in Malacca and George Town, Malaysia. Retrieved 10
February 2016, from
http://buildingconservation.blogspot.my/2009/01/categories-of-
shophouses-at-malacca.html
Khoo, S.N., Lubis, A.R. (2005). Kinta Valley: pioneering Malaysia's
modern development. Ipoh, Malaysia: Perak Academy.
Shah, R.N. (2006). Landmarks of Perak. Kuala Lumpur: RNS
Publications.
Tan, Y.W. (2015). Penang shophouses: a handbook of features and
materials.
Too, A. (n.d.). The shophouse typology.
Yeang, K. (1992). The architecture of Malaysia. Pepin Press.
164
Glossary Autocad - a commercial software application for 2D or 3D computer-
aided design (CAD) and drafting.
Abut - an adjacent object or the subject to be next to or have a
common boundary with, to touch on and also to lean upon.
Accessibility - the approachability and also the quality of being
available when needed.
Accommodate - the tendency to reconcile and bringing into harmony or
to be able to occupy certain volume of object.
Adaptations - the responsive adjustment of a sense organ or a certain
alteration and moderation made in order to suit the external
environment.
Adequate - the sensation of having sufficient and satisfactory or
acceptable in quality or in quantity.
Aesthetics - a set of principles concerned with the nature and
appreciation of beauty, especially in art and also the branch of
philosophy that deals with the principle of beauty and artistic taste.
Affectionate - having the tendency to show and display warmth,
affection or care towards a certain subject.
Air well - an architectural structure built in the olden days to
promote natural lighting illumination and also to enhance natural
ventilation within the interior spaces.
Ancestral hall - it is also known as the lineage temple which is a
temple or a hall dedicated to deified ancestors and progenitors of
surname lineages or families in the Chinese traditional religion.
Anjung - Porch, raised portion of a house.
Approximate - the estimation of a certain calculated value of
something based on informed knowledge.
Attap - Refers to the leaves from a nipa palm that are used for covering
the top of a building or a roof in kampongs.
Awnings - a canopy that extend from a certain area which serves the
purpose to provide shading and to shelter people from rain and sun.
165
Balustrade - an ornamental feature or parapet on a balcony or
surrounding a bridge, terrace or stairs which consist of railings.
Buffer - an architectural subject which exist to lessen or moderate the
impact of something and to shield and protect something within.
Bumbung - Roof; the cover at the top of a house.
Chandeliers - a decorative hanging light with branches for several light
bulbs or candles.
Collaborate - an action of working with someone to produce or create
something.
Colonial - an architectural term depicting the style of certain buildings,
usually referring to buildings of or relating to the characteristics of the
British architecture which colonized dofferernt regions of the world.
Coordinate - an action to bring different elements of a complex activity
or organization into a relationship that will ensure efficiency and
harmony.
Commemoration - an action that serves as a remembrance which is
typically expressed in a ceremony.
Conjoin - the action to join or combine two or more separate elements
and subjects.
Conjunction - the action or an instance of two or more events or
things occurring at the same point in time or space.
Eaves - the part of the roof that meets or overhangs the walls of a
building.
Eclecticism - a conceptual approach that does not hold rigidly to a
single paradigm or set of assumptions, but instead draws upon
multiple theories, styles or ideas to gain complementary insights
into a subject.
Embedded - the action that fix an object firmly and deeply in a
surrounding mass and also to attach.
Embodiment - a tangible or visible form of an idea, quality or feeling
and also a representation or expression of something in a tangible
or visible form.
Essence - the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something,
especially something abstract, that determines its character.
Fabricate - construct or manufacture (something, especially an
industrial product), especially from prepared components.
Fengshui - In Chinese thought, system of laws considered to govern
spatial arrangement and orientation in relation to the flow of energy
(qi), and whose favorable or unfavorable effects are taken into account
when siting and designing buildings.
166
Flank - be situated on each side of or on one side of (someone or
something).
Franchises - an authorization granted by a government or company to
an individual or group enabling them to carry out specified commercial
activities
Gabled roof - the triangular part of an outside wall of a building formed
by the sides of a sloping roof.
Genius loci - the prevailing character or atmosphere of a place.
Grandeur - splendor and impressiveness, especially of appearance or
style.
Hardscape - the non living or man-made fixtures of a planned outdoor
area.
Illumination - the shade and piercing of rays of lighting or light.
Immense - extremely large or great, especially in scale or degree.
Inaugurate - mark the beginning or first public use of (an organization
or project).
Inclination - a slope or slant.
Ingenious - cleverly and originally devised and well suited to its
purpose.
Initiative - the ability to assess and initiate things independently.
Implementations - the process of putting a decision or plan into
effect; execution.
Intricate - very complicated or detailed.
Joists - A length of timber or steel supporting part of the structure of
a building, typically arranged in parallel series to support a floor or
ceiling.
Methodologies - a system of methods used in a particular area of
study or activity.
Mobility - the ability to move or be moved freely and easily.
Municipal - an organization body of or relating to a city or town or its
governing body.
Nanyang - Chinese name for the warmer and fertile geographical
region south of China, known as Southeast Asia.
Nostalgia - a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past,
typically for a period or place with happy personal associations.
167
Nyonya - Combination of Chinese, Malay and other influences into a
unique blend.
Orientation - the relative physical position or direction of something.
Ornamentations - things added to something to provide decoration.
Overhang - a part of something that sticks out or hangs over another
thing.
Pavilion - a building or similar structure used for a specific purpose, in
particular which are usually highly decorated.
Perpendicular - a straight line at an angle of 90° to a given line, plane,
or surface.
Pilaster - a rectangular column, especially one projecting from a wall.
Pitch - the steepness of a slope, especially of a roof.
Premise - a house or building, together with its land and outbuildings,
occupied by a business or considered in an official context.
Proximity - nearness in space, time, or relationship.
Purlins - A horizontal beam along the length of a roof, resting on a
main rafter and supporting the common rafters or boards.
Rafter - One of several internal beams extending from the eaves to
the peak of a roof and constituting its framework.
Reminiscing - indulge in enjoyable recollection of past events.
Renaissance - the cultural rebirth that occurred in Europe from
roughly the fourteenth through the middle of the seventeenth
centuries, based on the rediscovery of the literature of Greece and
Rome.
Ridge board - A timber laid along the ridge of a roof, to which the
upper ends of the rafters are attached.
Rustication - fashion (masonry) in large blocks with sunk joints and
a roughened surface.
Sanitary - of or relating to the conditions that affect hygiene and
health, especially the supply of sewage facilities and clean drinking
water.
Soothing - having a gently calming effect.
Skylight - a window installed in a roof or ceiling.
T-square - a T-shaped instrument for drawing or testing right angles.
Towkays - A business owner; boss especially a Malaysian Chinese
168
Transcend - be or go beyond the range or limits of (something abstract,
typically a conceptual field or division).
Typology - a classification according to general type, especially in
archaeology, psychology, or the social sciences.
Ventilation - the provision of fresh air to a room, building, etc.
Verandah - A roofed platform along the outside of a house, level with
the ground floor.
Vernacular - architecture concerned with domestic and functional
rather than monumental buildings.
Vicinity - the area near or surrounding a particular place and proximity
in space or relationship.
Walkability - It is a measure of how friendly an area is to walking.
Appendix A: Interview Transcript
This interview took place between the interview team and the owner
of the Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay & Event Hall, Ms. Lee Yoke Chee.
Interviewer : Hi Mrs. Lim. Good afternoon. We are students from
Taylor’s University and we would like to have an
interview with you about Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay.
First of all, what do you think about the current Ipoh
heritage conservation practices and movement?
Mrs. Lim : We hope that the citizens of Ipoh would move on and
light up Ipoh make it more prosperous. But it seems like
the younger generation are the ones who are educating
the older generation. Part of the younger generation love
old buildings and indirectly attracts and pull the older
generation closer into conserving older and heritage
buildings. Older generation nowadays think that old
stuffs, including buildings should be
either thrown away or just to let it be how it was without
any sort of mind-set into conserving, preserving and
making it better. Regardless, the younger generations
here in Ipoh have different mind-set and really do feel
the essential need to preserve old buildings. So I would
say some of people of the older generations are quite
open-minded with the changes and supportive of the
younger generations’ ideas. Hopefully the citizen of
Ipoh will move on from the narrow minded mentality
of theirs and thinking deeper into preserving their
culture. Because of this intention, we are willing to be
initiative and we really hope that through us, people
would come to realize and appreciate the value of
old buildings and that they could be preserved.
Frankly, we are one of the pioneering families who
are preserving and conserving heritages around
Ipoh. Due to our initiation, everyone around starts to
follow our footsteps as well, and this is what that was
intended since the beginning of our initiation.
Interviewer : From our understanding, Mr. and Mrs. Lim are not in
Ipoh as often back then. Mind sharing with us what’s the
story behind this?
Mrs. Lim : Yea, we aren’t always in Ipoh. We used to stay in
Indonesia because we were working there. I came back
here at around the year 2000 due to my children’s
education. Currently, Mr. Lim is still in Indonesia due to
his career as an engineer. During the time when I got
back, they (my children) were still young and I was a
housewife back then. By the time they were older, the
eldest daughter came back from Australia andstayed
here for around a year while waiting for her results.
Throughout her stay in Ipoh, this particular OCBC
Building caught her eyes considering the fact that it was
on sale, she suggesting purchasing the premise. The
first tender handed in was a failure, but despite that,
after more than half a year, the tender circulated back
and asked if whether we were still interested and hence
leading us into purchasing the building.
Interviewer : So basically this particular OCBC Building is the first
heritage building that you guys purchased and by which
initiated the family business into conserving and
preserving heritage buildings around Ipoh?
Mrs. Lim : Yes, and to be precise, all of these started off with my
daughter. I like old building but not to the extent that I
would purchase the entire building. But it is my daughter
who encouraged us to start preserving old heritage
buildings. We knew from the moment we start that
it’s a long road down and it’s definitely not going to
be easy but definitely worth it. Throughout the
process, there’re bound to be many arguments and
contradictions between one another. Not many
people are aware that it’s actually much harder to
preserve old building than to rebuild a new one. After
purchasing the OCBC lot which comes together as a
package of 4 lots (Yik Woh Goldsmith & Pawn Shop
and also the lot which is currently Lim Ko Pi), we first
start out with the opening of Lim Ko Pi as it was the
least damaged among the rest of the lots. The
reason of the opening of Lim Ko Pi is to indirectly
raise awareness regarding the importance of
preservation works towards heritage buildings and
also to appreciate the value within heritages. Through
the opening of this coffee shop, the public would
indirectly also know more regarding the history and
culture of Nan Yang as the shop embodies its essence.
I believe you guys are all also aware of the history of this
particular OCBC building. It too had also started off with
a Chinese back then - Leong Seng Nam, who happens
to also be from Nan Yang. For Sarang Paloh Heritage
Stay, it’s actually taken charge and care by Miss Peggy,
who happens to be my second daughter. She is also the
one oversees of all the construction during the
refurbishment phase and currently managing it.
Throughout the refurbishment process, we didn’t go
through any architects or interior designers but we do
consult them. We personally employed contractors and
one of them being Mr. Lee and he is one of our most
trusted employee as he is very capable and also very
passionate about heritages ranging from buildings to
furniture. Wear and tear occurrences do happen onto
these old buildings frequently and it is he who we seek
for at such times.
Interviewer : So basically purchasing the OCBC Building was the
first move made and then later on moved on to
purchasing the lot which is currently Lim Ko Pi?
Mrs. Lim : Actually Lim Ko Pi, the OCBC Building and Yik Woh
Goldsmith belong to one owner, which is under the
ownership of OCBC Bank. So upon purchase, we are
required to purchase the entire four lots together.
The particular OCBC Building lot is actually bigger
than the rest and hence houses 2 lots, Yik Woh
Goldsmith & Pawn Shop is of one lot and Lim Kopi
another. And as mentioned, we started off with the
opening of Lim Ko Pi and later one the seven multi-
colored shop lots.
Interviewer : Throughout this entire conservation and
preservation process, do any of you guys happen to
face any sort of restrictions and obstacles caused by
the rules and regulations enacted upon this entire
thing?
Mrs. Lim : One of the highest priority set by the government is
that the main façade of the building must be preserved
and must be remained unchangeable. Besides there are
also certain rule which we are abided in regards to the
interior.
Interviewer : Oh, so what are the restrictions for the interior?
Mrs. Lim : Keeping the original wooden flooring is definitely not
permitted and the government wants it to be torn down
and wants it to be cemented. But in our opinion, this
would greatly degrade the heritage value and
authenticity within the interior of the building, thus we
fought for it to be retained.
Interviewer : Why did they insist on changing all floorings to cement?
Mrs. Lim : It’s because of the fire and through changing it would
cope greatly in regards to any sort of fire tragedy
interiorly. Due to us not wanting the flooring to be
cemented, we need to come out with all sort of safety
proposal and documentations in order to cope with any
sort of fire emergencies. Precautions must be taken and
all proposed safety measures had to be approved by the
authorities in order to cope with it and furthermore these
lots involve some of it being a hotel, hence it has to be
far more fireproof.
Interviewer : So they approved of it in the end?
Mrs. Lim : They allowed it as our proposal and
documentations were sufficient and efficient in order
to cope with any sort of fire emergencies.
Interviewer : So what are the steps taken in order to gain the
approval?
Mrs. Lim : Quite a lot that was needed to be done to be
precise. We asked people to hand in letters while
gaining some help with some of the runners from
MBI (Majlis Bandaraya Ipoh).
Interviewer : So, in the end despite the restrictions, you guys
didn’t change the materials?
Mrs. Lim : No. There’s no point to that and which will contradict
with our aim. Preserving façade is definitely important,
but changing the interior will totally defeat its purpose,
making the building to lose its original essence. There
are a lot heritage buildings with only preserved façade
but then there’s no meaning to that, no value in it and
not counted as truly preserving the heritage building.
Interviewer : As a matter of fact, we came across some similar
concept shop lot with one by the name of Sekeping and
was wondering do you know it and if you do, we were
wondering as to whether or not you could give us some
opinion regarding its preservation works. They sort of
have the same intentions and ideas as to preserve the
building but they did it in a very much different way. For
instance, their walls are not touched at all, structures are
left as what it was back then and even their lobby has
the essence of abandonment. In your opinion, what do
you think of this kind of preservation approach?
Mrs. Lim : Well I would say that could definitely preserve the value
but in my opinion that lacks practicality. They need to do
something about the walls for instance as they would
corrode sooner or later. Actually as for us, we actually
did studies regarding the lime as back then it was used
to mix the plaster in order to make the walls. We try to
do that for our wall in order to preserve the quality of the
walls and giving back the essence of the walls.
Interviewer : As for the structure within the buildings, how do you
make sure that the structure is safe?
Mrs. Lim : For those of which are corroded, we took it down
and replaced it with the old wood, the ones of which
we got it from the junk yard.
Interviewer : Ahh I see. So, instead of replacing the spoilt ones
with new ones you actually replace it with old and
recycled building materials in order to reflect the
originality, authenticity and the essence of the
interior of the building?
Mrs. Lim : Yes, that exactly was our intention.
Interviewer : So did you guys asked for help from any professionals
in the field?
Mrs. Lim : Before we did anything, we consulted architects and
civil engineers. Mr. Lim has some construction
knowledge and background and my daughter, Peggy
studied Chemical Engineering. So regardless, she too
has some knowledge about engineering which could
help in terms of construction.
Interviewer : Behind the event hall (OCBC lot) why is there a bunker-
like structure behind and was it always there?
Mrs. Lim : It’s exactly a bunker. Based on passed owners, it’s a
place where staffs of the bank take refuge during cases
of emergencies and war, and was frequently in use
especially during World War II.
Interviewer : We noticed that there’s a garden above the
bunker. What was it like back then before renovations?
Mrs. Lim : It’s just a floor slab back then. Stairs were originally not
there before. You can notice there are two holes
penetrating through the roof slab above the bunker
which actually serve as air vents back then.
Interviewer : While we were touring around the bunker which is now
converted into a storage space, we noticed a few stacks
of old, chattered roof tiles.
Mrs. Lim : Are they still good or old?
Interviewer : It looks very old. Were they the original old tiles or
otherwise?
Mrs. Lim : No it’s not the original old tiles. Actually the roof tiles
on the top of OCBC Building are mostly worn and
torn down. These are the tiles that we used to
replace them with. The ones that you saw were
spares which will be used to further replace any
broken roof tiles in the future as time goes by.
Interviewer : Due to the way you preserve the building, the
building looks as if it were as real as of what it was
like back then to a point where it’s hard for us to
distinguish any sort of differences as to which was
refurbished and which was originally there.
Mrs. Lim : But then here comes the other problem, old tiles tend
to break easily. That’s why we are having problem with
our roof occasionally. It tends to break off from time to
time due to wear and tear caused by weathering
conditions.
Interviewer : How often does it occur?
Mrs. Lim : Quite often. That’s why we have a lot spare roof tiles
stacked in our storage for times like those.
Interviewer : How was it like back then on the top floor of the OCBC
lot?
Mrs. Lim : It was filled with trees and roots lingering all over. It’s
very creepy.
Interviewer : As for the floorings, like for instance the floor tiles that
are in the event hall now, were they there originally?
Mrs. Lim : They are the new tiles. We utilize the Peranakan
(Nyonyan) tiles in order to reflect the essence of a
traditional Chinese building. As for the mosaics
embedded onto the columns, it was originally buried
deep under roughly a feet of wall plastering. My
daughter and I wanted to play a hunch and try our luck
like the heritage building of Cheong Fatt Tze, to see as
to whether or not we could dig up any sort of good
tiles and indeed there were, buried deep beneath the
layer of plaster which was used to coat the walls of
the bank.
Interviewer : Does that mean that there were other owners back
then besides OCBC that owns the building?
Mrs. Lim : Yes they were. Actually OCBC Bank bought it from
a Chinese merchant - Leong Seng Nam. He started
a bank known as the Bank of Malaya and back then
due to the great recession during the 1930s, OCBC
Bank bought it from him and hence did some interior
changes within the building, one of which being the
plastering of the walls which covered the mosaics
embedded onto the columns.
Interviewer : But while touring within the event hall, we notice that
one of the strip of mosaics on the columns are actually
sticker pasted onto it.
Mrs. Lim : The original strip of mosaics were spoilt. To add on to
that, our building had been actually used to film movies
before by Singapore MediaCorp, a renowned movie
producer and filming firm. They came here to film a show
and wanted to utilize the space as a traditional Chinese
medicine shop. So in order to provide consistency of the
tiles onto the walls of the columns, they duplicated the
tiles in the form a sticker strip, printed it and pasted it
onto the walls.
Interviewer : Out of all kinds of spaces that you guys could transform
this lot into, why change it into an event hall but not
something else?
Mrs. Lim : We wanted to fully utilize the space to become a venue
where several events can be held and where people
could gather while admiring the beauty of the interior
essence of the space, rather than maybe converting it
into just a lobby which will be wasting the potential of the
building. Besides, throughout this whole time, people
from the local Chinese orchestra craves to book this
event hall for performances and events as they were
complimenting the acoustics of the space and with
this I must really give credit to Ms. Peggy as she is
the one who insisted to convert this space into an
event hall and not something else.
Interviewer : Yea. We were just thinking as to why it isn’t a used
as a lobby? Because lobbies are normally grand.
Mrs. Lim : Yea indeed. But in the end of the day, lobbies are
just places where people, client, or visitors linger
around while checking into a hotel while without
actually really utilizing the space which is a waste.
But now you see people, client and visitors enjoying
the beauty of this space and actually utilize it for
numerous purposes and functions.
Interviewer : Do you roughly know how the arrangement of the
interior within this lot of building was as it being a bank
back then, in terms of the furniture, the counters and
also the placing of the vaults?
Mrs. Lim : Yes they do have a vault. In the event hall, as you can
see there’s a place where it is covered by a grill door
and within in now is converted into a storage space for
furniture. That place back then was the vault serving the
bank.
Interviewer : We also noticed something uniquely odd within that
particular area. The ceiling height near the vault is lower
than the space within the event hall. Was it originally
there or not and why was is done that way?
Mrs. Lim : I think it was already originally there. The only changes
we made there was the increase of the drop of the
ceiling in order to fit the air-conditioning.
Interviewer : The top floor of the OCBC Bank Building currently
serves as hotel rooms for Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay.
What was it like back then?
Mrs. Lim : It’s empty. There were no rooms. We make partition
walls for that. But despite that, there were certain rooms
which were originally there which we just converted it
into hotel rooms also.
Interviewer : Were the three buildings connected in a sense that
they already have doors connecting within it or it was
added on later?
Mrs. Lim : We took down some of the walls. The hallway
connecting the garden courtyard to the art gallery
above Lim Ko Pi was originally a wall by which we
took it down later on, the door connecting Yih Woh
Goldsmith & Pawn Shop was also added on later by
which originally was a wall which is also taken down.
Interviewer : So what was it like back then within the atrium
which houses the spiral staircase now?
Mrs. Lim : It’s just an air well.
Interviewer : But was it covered?
Mrs. Lim : Yes, everything was covered back then because it is a
pawn shop. Even the air wells in Lim Ko Pi were covered
because it was an insurance company back then.
Interviewer : So what do you know about the history of the shop
houses in Ipoh? When and why it started? Based on our
understanding, this road was known for its goldsmith
shops and trading activities right?
Mrs. Lim : Actually this area were owned by Malays but due to the
bad economy situation back then, it was then sold to the
Chinese. Leong Seng Nam started the Bank of Malaya
and then sells it to OCBC bank during the recession. So
we can actually conclude that trading activities and
family businesses have been along this road for more
than 40 years.
Interviewer : Correct me if I’m wrong but weren’t it squatters for the
staffs back then above Yik Woh Goldsmith & Pawn Shop
and OCBC Bank building?
Mrs. Lim : For OCBC Bank building, it wasn’t because it was a
bank. But as for the floors above Yik Woh Goldsmith &
Pawn Shop were squatters for the workers.
Interviewer : Then in regards to this whole stretch of road - Jalan
Sultan Iskandar, any significance of it? Was it a very
stable land? Did you face any obstacles during
refurbishment like for instance land settlement or
other sorts?
Mrs. Lim : It was and still is a very stable land. In regards to
settlement, I’ll tell you directly, every buildings have
settlements, and depending on how minor or major
it is. Every building will experience it due to
vibrations occurring on the road. But this land is not
an agricultural land nor a mining land, so it is
relatively quite stable.
Interviewer : So as far as you could remember, any sort of
incidents, tragedies or obstacles faced while undergoing
the process of refurbishment?
Mrs. Lim : So far so good. But the only problem that we encounter
is definitely the wetness and dampness. You see for the
buildings here and it being old buildings, the tendency of
wetness and damping emerging out from the walls are
frequent. Waterproofing wasn’t that good back then and
we can’t avoid these problems. So the only thing we
could do is to maintain it from time to time frequently.
Interviewer : From what we manages to see from the hotel rooms
which were the Silver and Platinum Rooms, we noticed
that different styles of design were used. Mind sharing
what was the intended design styles which were
implemented within the rooms?
Mrs. Lim : I’d say that we did based on our own design instincts
and also to our personal likings and design preferences.
Interviewer : Oh ok. It sort of brings back the Chinese cultured
essence of the interior space.
Mrs. Lim : We were aiming for that. Some of the beds that you all
saw were actually works of Mr. Lee. While most of the
furniture are of antique collectors. They are all from
traditional Chinese families. Some of the small stools
are built by Mr. Lee as well. If you ask me if there’s any
sort of significance in the design of the interior space or
anything or where the ideas came from, there are no
particular styles and ideas and merely based on self-
instincts.
Interviewer : But your point of view is to maintain the Chinese
essence.
Mrs. Lim : Yea. To be honest, it’s a mix and match of a lot of
Chinese cultural style, including Nan Yang and
Nyonyan style.
Interviewer : Yea that explains the Nyonyan tiles used within the
event hall.
Mrs. Lim : Yea. Because to be honest, the Nyonyas reflects
on a very deep culture and then it looks grand. We
actually really do like Nyonyan tiles and stuffs and we
were thinking why not merge all together and this is what
was resulted from those intentions.
Interviewer : Oh ok. Interesting thought. Alright, thank you so much
for your time and effort to help us out in gathering
information for this assignment through this interview.
Mrs. Lim : Yea. Because to be honest, the Nyonyas reflects on a
very deep culture and then it looks grand. We actually
really do like Nyonyan tiles and stuffs and we were
thinking why not merge all together and this is what was
resulted from those intentions. Thank you guys also for
utilizing our buildings for your assignments and it was a
pleasure meeting you all. I hope that I’ve helped you
guys enough for your assignment.
Interviewer : Thank you so much, you already have. See you soon.
Appendix B: Photobook
Appendix C: Scaled Drawings