School of Architecture, Building & Design Bachelor of Science (Hons) Architecture August Intake 2012 Architecture Culture &

History 2 (ARC 1323) Project 1: Architecture Heritage Building Analysis

THE RESIDENCY
Semester 2, April 2013 Tutor: Ms. Ida Marlina

Group Members: Wong Ai Ling Eunice Quah Xuet-Wyne Caleb Ong Yan Weng Chua Soo Jun 0303742 0302968 0315460 1007P70994

CONTENT

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................... 3-7
Fast facts .............................................................................................................3-4 Contextual condition..........................................................................................5-6 The architect .................................................................................................... 7

BUILDING ANALYSIS ................................................................................ 8-20

Building features ...............................................................................................8-13 Comparative study ........................................................................................14-20

REFERENCE ................................................................................................. 21 APPENDIX

3 INTRODUCTION- FAST FACTS

Fig. 1: Illustration of the Residency (middle) with two annexes (memorial)

On a terraced hillock peering down on Kuala Lumpur cityscape, stood the Residency, which housed Malaysias first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman. Built in 1888, the Residency was also once the living quarters of British residents until the outbreak of the Word War II. The Residency consisting a total of 10,000 sq. ft. is currently located at Jalan Tun Hussein Onn (formerly known as Brockman Road), Kuala Lumpur. It was built at a cost of $34,000. The Residency today is part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Memorial, which comprises of three buildings (ref. to Fig. 1). Back in 1800, the original building was transferred from Kelang to Kuala Lumpur by the British Resident of Selangor, Captain W. Bloomfield Douglas. However, due to the lack of funds, every timber, brick & mortar was transferred to Kuala Lumpur via human labor. Later in the year 1888 and 1889, Sir Frank A stately Swettenham rebuilt the Residency while retaining its original features. major changes done were: 1. The stairs were widened 2. The stores located opposite the guestrooms were relocated. 3. An iron portico was added to ease getting on and off carriages. However, even after the major changes done to the house, Frank Swettenham did not reside within it. He erected the Carcosa Seri Negara, which was more suitable to represent his status as Resident of Kuala Lumpur. In 1956, Selangor British Advisor,

bungalow in style of a European wooden house replaced the house. Among the

F.V.Duckworth, offered Tunku Abdul Rahman the house. He then resided there until his retirement in 1970. In the same year itself, 1970, renovations were done after Tunkus retirement. While Tunku was on a conference trip to Jeddah in 1971, there were plans to demolish the building to make way for new buildings. Tunku Abdul Rahman managed to stop this by requesting Tunku Abdul Razak to spare the Residency. In 1972, the building was used as the office for Jabatan Perpaduan Negara. Then 9 years down the road, the building was renovated again for the Jabatan Perdana Menteri. Later 1991, Dato Seri Dr. Mahathir, the fourth Prime Minister, decided to preserve and convert the Residency as a national monument to preserve and exhibit Tunkus possessions and achievements. The rooms within were reconstructed. Two massive modern wings were built on the side. Swimming pool , tennis courts and servant quarters gave way to refurbishments. It took 3 years, but finally in 1994, the Memorial was completed.

5 CONTEXTUAL CONDITION
The original location of the Residency was in Kelang, not Kuala Lumpur. In 1800, the British Authority in Singapore transferred the administration center from Port Klang to Kuala Lumpur, which was striving economically at that time as a mining centre. Thus, the Residency was shifted to Jalan Dato Onn (ref. to fig. 2) while other government buildings were moved to Bluff Road (Todays Bukit Aman). The Residency was originally occupied by the British Resident of Selangor, Captain William Bloomfield Douglas. Overlooking the Gombak River, the captain dubbed the Residency his personal fortress. The Residency in a way, displays Douglas authority. It was said that he was an arrogant commander, uncaring towards the conflicts between the natives and the British. There used to be a howitzer gun placed on the lawn where the Captain would display his power to visitors by lobbing missiles to selected targets in the jungle below (journey Malaysia, 2013). By the time Tunku Abdul Rahman moved into the Residency in 1956, Brockman road was still fairly quiet and isolated. There were not many buildings around then save for a Residency Lodge for his secretary at the foot of the hill. Although the Residency is located in heart of Kuala Lumpur, the road up the hill is surrounded by lush greenery that emanates an idyllic feeling which in turn contrasts with hustle and bustle below (ref. to fig. 3). Tunku also entertained and held meetings with foreign dignitaries. The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester who were representing the Queen Elizabeth attended the Independence Day celebration held at the Residency. The Residency was Tunkus personal abode where he could distance himself from all the political pressure and be with his family. Despite being the top echelon of the society, Tunku and his family lead a typical life. Numerous celebrations and birthdays held there depicted the happy and cheerful lifestyle Tunku had practiced back then. Staying true to his Malay roots, dance parties such as the joget lambak took place quite frequently on the garden lawns. The Residency with its compound was so big that it needed 20 servants, comprising of Malaysians of different races. In a sense, Tunku had created his own Mini Malaysia within his quarters. After Tunkus retirement, the Residency had gone through numerous renovations, with the most major in 1991, where old structures were demolished for the memorial buildings. The wooden servant quarters and the landscaped gardens had to make way for the two new annexes. This disrupted the original context whereby the essence of the Residency is overshadowed by the exhibits. The Residency today has lost its purpose as a home but rather as an exhibit for tourists eager to know Tunkus legacy. Nevertheless, the Residency stands tall as it witnessed the shift of administrative power from British to Malaya.

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Fig 2: Map of Kuala Lumpur

1. Location of the Residency 2. Location of Government buildings 3. Kelab Di Raja Selangor, where Tunku often plays golf

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Fig 3: Top view of the Tunku Abdul Memorial and its surroundings

1. The Residency 2. Block A of the Memorial (originally servant quarters) 3. Block B (originally swimming pool and garden)

7 ARCHITECT & DESIGN CONCEPT

Arthur Charles Alfred Norman (A.C Norman) was in charge for the major refurbishment in 1888. A.C Norman was one of the senior architects in the Public Works Department. His works include Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad, Carcosa and St. Marys. Being from England, most of his buildings are hybrids, (Moorish, Tudor, Neo-classical, Neogothic). Like the Carcosa, the Residency is
Fig. 4. Carcosa Seri Negara, which bores resemblance to the Residency

designed in the form of a Bungalow. The Palladian symmetrical layout, Greek columns and Roman arches show the emphasis of neo-classicism in the Residency. The British introduced neo-classicism in Malaya to signify dignity, rank and prestige. Moreover, Norman adapted his design to suit climatic conditions. For example, the use of high ceilings, verandah, and louvers, wide overhangs and canopies were to suit the hot and humid weather. Norman also used buildings materials that were available locally, such as brick, mortar and timber.

BUILDING FEATURES
The Residency was derived from the Anglo-Indian Bungalow, which

originates from the British influence in India. The architecture first occurred in India when Britain was experiencing the Georgian era. Thus, it is not unusual for the bungalow to have Georgian features. According to the encyclopedia of Malaysia, Malayan bungalow emerged as a large, airy, detached, two-storey house constructed of timber or brick, covered by a hipped pantile roof with a porte-cochere (ref. to fig. 20). From the faade, the Residency bears the similar sense if austerity in bungalows. The interior is illuminated with full-length windows on all sides and opens up to the veranda. The plan of the residency follows the symmetry and plain faade of the later Georgian House. During Tunkus days, a typical carriage would drive up to the porte-cochere, where the guests would be greeted by a flight of steps with green glazed balusters. Located at the centre of the faade, the front door is opened onto a central narrow hallway with chambers on both sides. The marble-tiled lower storey comprises of the Tunkus private office, Cairo room, dining room, anteroom and lounge. It can be seen that there are several spaces that were used to suit Tunkus political status. The long dining room can accommodate up to 30 people and was where the cabinet meetings were held after office hours. Tunku had seen it as a way of bonding and friendship between the ministers. The dining room is also adjoined to the ante room and Cairo room where men and women who adjourned to after dinner. These two rooms were mainly used to entertain foreign dignitaries; especially the Cairo Room which exuberates grandness and opulence. The Tunkus office equipped with a private spiral staircase is where he deals with office work. Meanwhile, the timber-floored upper storey consists of a master bedroom, five guestrooms and a lounge. Compared to the lounge on the lower floor, which serves as a waiting area, the lounge here is for feasts, prayers and thanksgiving ceremonies. It is seen that floors were divided based on usage, where the lower is for public access and the upper being more private. The Georgian style consisting of neo-classical style and Palladian style can be seen throughout the residence. For example, the use of Corinthian columns in the anteroom and arches are part of neo-classical architecture, namely Roman revival. An iron portico with filigree is eminent in the front faade. Stucco details depicting a flower can been on the exterior while molded architraves also suggests mid Victorian influences. Multi-pane windows (ref. to fig. 17), which normally include 6-20 panes in each sash, are purely Georgian. In typical Anglo-Indian style, verandahs surrounding the house play a prominent role in cutting off glare and heat into the inner quarters.

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The bedrooms are large and airy to keep the rooms cool. The Residency also features hipped, gable and hexagonal roof types. As Malaysia is subjective to hot weathers and torrential rains the hipped roof is suitable for draining rainwater whereas the gable roof is useful in ventilation. Vents at the gable end also cool down the roof. Timber shutters can also be seen lining the verandah. Despite being Anglo-Indian influenced, the timber stairs is inclined towards Malay vernacular architecture. The stairs was originally concrete but was later replaced to local timber when Tunku moved in. The timber panels are connected via tenon and mortise joint. The bungalow is built of wood, brick and plaster. It also has large overhanging eaves. High roofs draw hot air from within the house into the roof cavity and to be dispersed via vents. The bungalow also sits upon landscaped gardens, fitting the concept of the garden house.

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Fig 5: Lower floor plan of The Residency

Fig. 6. Lounge

Fig. 7. Office

Fig 8. Cairo Room

Fig. 9. Kitchen

Fig. 10. Dining Room

Fig. 11 Anteroom

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Fig 12: Upper floor plan of The Residency

Fig. 13. Lounge

Fig. 14. Bedroom

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Georgian features

Fig. 15. Corinthian columns

Fig. 16. Fanlights

Fig. 17. Multi-pane windows

Fig. 19. Stucco artwork, architrave and balusters

Fig. 18. Iron Filigree

Fig. 20 Porte-cochere

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Anglo-Indian features

Fig. 21. Timber shutter

Fig. 22. Overhang

Fig. 23. Vent at gable end

Fig. 25. Verandah

Fig. 24 Joint of timber stairs

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COMPARATIVE STUDY
The word bungalow came from

the word bangla the Hindi or Maharatti term meaning of or belonging to Bengal as in Bangladesh (plantation bungalow book). Bangla was originally referred to as peasant huts in Bengal in the 17th century. According to William Hodges, the bungalows are raised on a base of brick, one, two or three feet from the ground,
Fig. 25 Old Bengal hut

and consist of only one storey; the plan of them usually is a large room in the centre for an eating and sitting room, and rooms at each corner for sleeping; the whole is covered with one general thatch, which comes low to each side; the spaces between the angle rooms are viranders or open porticos to sit in during the evenings; the center hall is lighted from the sides with windows and a large door in the center. Sometimes the center viranders at each end are converted into rooms. (India Netzone, 2012). The early Anglo-Indian Bungalow used to be pretty appalling, oblong in structure and built with mud bricks. However, the Europeans later came to modify the Bengali house, from a simple, humble dwelling to something that is more suited to their stature. Most British bungalows were built as bachelor quarters, but after women and children came to India via steamship, the bungalow became more complex. The bungalow we chose to compare is the Binfield bungalow, located at 87, Richmond Road, Bangalore, India. Bangalore was the largest military cantonment town of the British Raj in South India. Most bungalows were built there for military officers and retired officers. The bungalow types in India can divided to 2 types, the classical type and the latter gothic type. The carpenter gothic type began to flourish in India in the late 19th century due to gothic revival in Europe. Compared to the Residencys neoclassical style, this style features a pitch roof with carpentry details and extensive use of monkey tops. Monkey tops which were unique to gothic-style bungalows are made of trelliswork of vertical slats that are suspended from the eaves of the window hood. This particular bungalow only consists of one storey, as it does not cater to a large number of guests like Tunku. It also does not feature a porte-cochere for carriages. There is only a front veranda as earlier bungalows only feature verandas in the front or back or both. It was also a significant aspect of the bungalow as it was where the men socialized and the women would feel connected

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to the alien world of India. Likewise, the veranda is supported via timber slats. Doric columns marked the porch as a sign of British empowerment and a symbol of European heritage. The portico serving as entryways is topped with parapets. Regency fanlights blossomed above the windows. The typical layout makes uses of the symmetrical Georgian layout. Though both buildings are of the same basic typology, there are still differences in terms of specific style, function, and user. This shows how culture and environment affect architecture.

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Fig. 26. Floor plan of Binfield bungalow

Fig. 27. Location of veranda in the Binfield bungalow (left) and the Residency (right).

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Fig. 28. Elevation and section of Binfield bungalow

Fig. 29. Features of Binfield bungalow

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MEMORIAL TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN

TITLE Circulation

ANGLO-INDIAN BUNGALOW

Circulation within the house is LINEAR. All rooms are accessible via a central hallway.

Division of Spaces Legend Primary Spaces Secondary Spaces Symmetry

Circulation within the house is LINEAR. All rooms are accessible via a central hallway.

When separated into two this bungalow is not symmetrical Massing

This bungalow is symmetrical when separated into two parts

1 9 Light Penetration

The large verandah around the house allows maximum light penetration into the house.

Light enters the bungalow via the two large entrances and windows at both ends of the house. Structure

The Residency uses the post lintel structure. Only using columns on the outer zone while the inner part all are supported by load bearing wall. Unit to Whole

The Anglo-Indian bungalows also use the post lintel structure. Only using columns on the outer zone while the inner part all are supported by load bearing wall.

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Proportion

Table 1: Analysis diagrams of comparative study

2 1 REFERENCE
Archiestudio. (n.d.). Old bungalows in Bangalorein 1978. [online]. Available at http://archiestudio.in/when_there_were_only_pencil_pen_and_typewriter/old_bungalows_of_bangalore_in_1978#Next (Accessed 15 May 2013).

Arkib Negara Malaysia. (2007). Memorial Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra (0037275).

Desai, M. & Desai, M. (2011). The Colonial Bungalow in India. The Newsletter. (57), pp 26-27. India Netzone. (2012). British Domestic Architecture, British Indian Architecture. [online] Available at http://www.indianetzone.com/38/british_domestic_architecture.htm (Accessed 17 May 2013).

journey Malaysia. (2013). Kuala Lumpur Colonial Influences. [online]. Available at http://www.journeymalaysia.com/MHIS_klcolonial.htm (Accessed 15 May 2013).

Malaysian Explorer. (n.d.). AC Norman. [online] Available at http://www.malaysian-explorer.com/acNorman.html (Accessed 4 May 2013).

Perasmian Memorial Tar Putra. (1994). Kuala Lumpur: Percetakan Watan Sdn. Bhd.

Simon, A. (1992). Memories of the Residency. The Malay Mail, p.8.

Syed Abdullah Barakhbah. (2008). The Residency Years: Tunku Abdul Rahman. Kuala Lumpur: RA Fine Arts.

Tunkus House to be turned into museum. (1992). News Straits Times, p.33.

Waveney, P. & Waveney, J. (2007). The Planters Bungalow. Singapore: Editions Didier Millet.

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