SERAMBI: THE DISTINCTIVE SPATIAL CHARACTERISTIC OF A MALAY TRADITIONAL HOME

Abstract

The serambi is a pronounced interior space within the Malay traditional home design, particularly for the Negeri Sembilan Malays in Rembau, the context of this exploratory case study research. This paper presents the interpretations of cultural values and socio-cultural viewpoint on the quality of life derived from critical, comprehensive literature reviews within the serambi context. ‘Cultural values’ concluded to be the infused refinement of the Adat Perpatih, through the inculcation of the custom in all aspects of serambi design. The local Malay community’s socio-cultural viewpoint on the quality of life, therefore, theorized as the inclusion of cultural values within their home design.

Keywords: socio-cultural values; quality of life; home environment; matrilineal Malay