Page "Culture of Malaysia" Paragraph 22

Architecture in Malaysia is a combination of many styles, from Islamic and Chinese styles to those brought by European colonists.

Malay architecture has changed due to these influences.

Houses in the north are similar to those in Thailand, while those in the south are similar to those in Java.

New materials, such as glass and nails, were brought in by Europeans, changing the architecture.

Houses are built for tropical conditions, raised on stilts with high roofs and large windows, allowing air to flow through the house and cool it down.

Wood has been the main building material for much of Malaysia's history ; it is used for everything from the simple kampung to royal palaces.

In Negeri Sembilan traditional houses are entirely free of nails.

Besides wood, other common materials such as bamboo and leaves were used.

The Istana Kenangan in Kuala Kangar was built in 1926, and it the only Malay palace with bamboo walls.

The Oral Asal of East Malaysia live in longhouses and water villages.

Longhouses are elevated and on stilts, and can house 20 to 100 families.

Water villages are also built on stilts, with houses connected with planks and most transport by boats.