Have you ever wondered about the architecture in Malay homes that is usually differentiated by state, culture and perhaps also by occupation? Those living in coastal areas tend to build their homes on poles and this can be seen especially on the east coast, as it is prone to monsoon flooding. Where else, those on the west coast are sometimes based on culture, such as Melaka House or even Minangkabau House (in Negeri Sembilan state).
As a person who has visited Terengganu many times and is familiar with Terengganu House, this has made me wonder about Kelantan House, the significant architecture of Kelantan House, also known as Rumah Tiang 12 or 12-Pole House.
Johan Ariff Ismail, a proud owner of the 150 years old Rumah Tiang 12 in Kelantan, has shared astounding details that will leave you spellbound by its wondrous architecture. Due to its location, it comes as no surprise that the Kelantan architecture is heavily influenced by Siam as a result of trading activities via the Golok River.
The characteristic of a 12-Pole House is that it is a modular home made up of three main sections, namely the Rumah Ibu (Main House) with a Serambi (veranda), Rumah Tengah (Middle or Central House) and the Rumah Dapur (Kitchen House). Also to note that the middle house and kitchen house are where rooms are being sectioned/placed. It consists of 12 main poles for the main house - 6 verandah poles and 6 poles at the Main House hence 12-Pole House.
Another highlight of a Kelantan House is the Jemuran Basah or Selasar (Passageway). This is an open common area for families to gather, rest and socialise with one another.
The feature wall is based on Janda Hias and Janda Ria consists of the 'alif' (Jalal) and 'ba' (Jamal) design, occasionally you will see beautiful carving on these panels that denote the social status of the family.
Another characteristic that is often mentioned is the 'pemeles' or loosely translated as a decorated crown, but in architecture the term would be a barge board. From my observation on why it is called pemeles, perhaps because of the shape of the pemeles is similar to the royal crown, of which also the shape/design of the barge board.
During this visit I learnt that there are not many Kelantan houses and this is said that due to the development and modernisation, in embracing this withhold our culture and heritage. I hope with my writing, you guys will appreciate and love local architecture more and make a trip to Rumah Tiang 12, in Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
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