CLIMATE RESPONSIVE DESIGN IN HERITAGE STRUCTURE: AN ANALYSIS ON THE DECORATIVE ARCHITECTURAL COMPONENTS DESIGN OF RUMAH LIMAS BUMBUNG PERAK (RLBP)

The absence of readily available energy in the past such as electricity has contributed to the indigenous formation of a climate-responsive dwelling structure that harnesses the provided energy from nature. The decorative architectural component is one of the heritage values in traditional Malay house that is not only functional but also symbolic and aesthetic towards the house's heritage architectural character.  The aim of this research is to explore the climatic responsive function of the decorative architectural components of Rumah Limas Bumbung Perak (RLBP). Qualitative research was used as the research approach via case studies. This encompassed field works of site observation conducted on the decorative architectural components observed from the 9 samples of Rumah Limas Bumbung Perak (RLBP) chosen. The analysis was conducted by analysing the design attributes of the decorative architectural components that lead to the research findings. The findings of the research found that the design attributes of the decorative architectural components of RLBP correspond to multiple climatic functions – as a shading and filtering device, ventilation device, and climate protection device that contributes to the climate responsive design of the components. The output from this research not only strengthened the existing findings but also can contribute to the formation of the planning guideline for future housing planning in Malaysia, particularly on the spatial and sustainable quality of modern house design.