Structural Performance and Constructional Phases of Rumah Gadang of West Sumatra, Indonesia

Year 2021, Volume: 2 Issue: 1, 22 - 42, 20.01.2021

Johanita Anggia Rini İbrahim Numan Noor Cholis Idham

Abstract

Considered as an ideal representation of the vernacular architecture of the South-East Asian region, ‘rumah gadang’ (big house) of West Sumatra, Indonesia, is regarded as a thoughtful indigenous design responsive to various contextual demands. One of these is structural aspects, particularly due to the widely known seismic activities of Indonesian lands. To ensure the fulfillment of certain procedures and technical standards required for the adequate structural performance, the constructional phases of ‘rumah gadang’ are traditionally systematized in specific manner, not only according to certain technical considerations bus also cultural requirements as well. In this regard, to evaluate the structural performance of this vernacular house, this paper presents structural analysis of ‘rumah gadang’ in different constructional phases, both under normal circumstance and under seismic activities, conducted by simulations. The results show that, under various loads including earthquake, the structure of the house experiences only minor deformations, particularly in the roof area, and that the structural stability increases along with the development of the construction phases. The research also give insight on how the society of West Sumatra incorporate spiritual values into the structural design and construction process of ‘rumah gadang’.

Keywords

Indonesian vernacular architecture, rumah gadang, structural analysis, earthquake modelling, wooden house

Thanks

The authors also acknowledge and thank Mr. Nurman as the traditional master carpenter (tukang tuo), Mr. Mukhlis Zaini, S.Pd., as the teacher of Budaya Alam Minangkabau (Minangkabau Culture), and Mr. Harri Trisna A.S., S.T., S.Pd., M.M., as the Head of the Tourism and Culture Office of Solok Selatan District, from whom the additional information highly valuable for this paper was obtained.

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