Contribution Mortise and Tenon Constructions in Traditional Malay Houses in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

EasyChair Preprint 6258

Abstract

Traditional heritage architecture is an important part of society's heritage that is presently threatened by destruction, extinction, and ambiguity in modern times. However, to this day, areas on the various branches of Malay wisdom in building technology have received little attention and promotion. For instance, a Malay house system without nails, dubbed 'Joinery' and 'Mortise' is among (100) the innovative technology architecture, which serves as the primary method of wood consolidation employed in the traditional Malay architecture. However, only a few studies in Malaysia have explored mortise and tenon as a branch of sustainable design. Hence, this work aims to overcome this knowledge gap through data documentation. This study outlines two primary objectives: i) to identify the types of mortise and tenon joints found in Rembau heritage houses and ii) to assess the placement and function of mortise and tenon. Using a descriptive approach, a qualitative investigation was undertaken on ten residences over 100 years old, located in the Rembau district of Negeri Sembilan. The current study demonstrates four distinct mortise types that are further grouped into four distinct designs: (i) repeated perforated component mortise; (ii) perforated component mortise, (iii) partially perforated component mortise, and (iv) non-perforated component mortise. It can be deduced that the main functions of joint in timber construction can be seen in terms of structural strength, component continuity, flexibility and mortise and tenon joints are not influenced by the roof type or house typology. Overall, the findings can increase awareness of the unique characteristics of Malay architecture, including the possibility for technological advancement in contemporary wood building construction.

Keyphrases: mortise and tenon, timber construction, traditional architecture

@booklet{EasyChair:6258,
  author    = {Rohayu Daud and Nor Zalina Harun and Noor Hayati Ismail and Nik Lukman Nik Ibrahim and Noraslinda Abdul Rahman},
  title     = {Contribution Mortise and Tenon Constructions in Traditional Malay Houses in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia},
  howpublished = {EasyChair Preprint 6258},
  year      = {EasyChair, 2021}}