Transformation of Baba Nyonya Architecture
Before we get into Baba Nyonya construction , the previous blog , i have explained what's Baba Nyonya , so basically Baba Nyonya architecture is t
he mixture of chinese ,malay and western architecture design .
(Zolive , November 10, 2017 )
How does chinese architecture looks like ?
(Matta , Nov 30, 2005 )
In older days , usually the chinese live in the shophouses . Chinese shophouses usually are 2 storey high , with lower floor used for trading , and upper floor use for residential purposes , To closed shop, front was boarded with fitted timber panels and secured with horizontal bars.
European influences with stucco designs of flowers and birds decorate the walls below the windows, while wreaths, festoons and swags decorate the walls. The interior , there's a central courtyard in the house , typical of residences in China.
Going on, for the traditional malay houses are usually , built of hardwoods and entirely free of nails , they are built using beams. High-pitched roofs and large windows not only allow cross-ventilation but are also carved with intricate organic designs .
For the western architecture , in melaka , the houses are built with its wooden doors, thick red walls and wrought iron hinges .
How Baba Nyonya house architecture change ?
Lets have a look at the early shophouse , during 1790s- 1850s , the features are 1-2 storeys , and a simple facade . It has the simple design .
In 1840s -1900s , from a simple design of shophouses , transform into a little Indian , western design . It is influence y the Indian and European .
The features are , 2-3 storeys , it had upgraded into 3 storeys , compare to the first generation of the Baba Nyonya house .
From the picture above , we are able to see that
-the roof is in the shape of Terra Cotta V-shaped roof tiles.
-wooden louvered shutter windows
-Low wall with ceramics air vents
-chinese air vents
-Timber windows and iron bars
-Brick wall
-Carved timber and ventilated door
-Terra Cotta floor tiles and granite edge block.
"Early Straits " Eclectic Style in 1890s -1910s
has the features of
- Terra Cotta V -shaped roof tiles
-Row end top with chinese gables
-Plaster arches and central keystones
-Full length louvered window
-chinese air vents
-carved timber ventilated door
-carved timber ventilated window with iron bars
-geometric pattern clay floor tiles and and granite edge, block and step
In 1920s -1940s , the building in the picture is known as the " Late Straits " Eclectic style .
-Terra Cotta V-shaped roof tiles
-overhanging eave and ceilings
-3 dimension decorative plaster wall with intensive use of both Chinese and European decoration
-Full length louvered windows with fanlights
-Majolica ceramic wall tiles on dado
-carved timber ventilated door
-Terra Cotta floor tiles and granite edge block and step
Before the traditional Baba Nyonya house became modern , this is the last style that Baba Nyonya had . It was transformed in 1930s -1950s .
the features are
-Marseille roof tiles
-Flag pole
-Strong horizontal vertical lines
-Stepped parapet wall
-sea green glass with metal frame
-shanghai plaster with wall finish
-date of building in the centre
-metal frame panel door
To wrap it up , from the early straits house till today , i still see theres are some Baba Nyonya house preserve in a good condition . I hope we can preserve the Baba Nyonya house well , so the house can be view till the next generation .
References
-http://mattaclass.blogspot.my/2005/11/chinese-architecture.html
-http://www.hbp.usm.my/sanusi/lalilu/penang/art_style/early%20straits%20shophouses/earlystraitsshophouses.htm
