My group proposal for Adaptive Re-use project of Melaka Stamp Museum, Malaysia

1. Page | 1
Figure 2: Master Plan of Bandar Hilir.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Our country, Malaysia has many settlements and issues of historic and cultural significance that
are worthy of preservation for sustainable development. However, many of them subjected to urban
modernization. Therefore, the heritage buildings should be documented as it is to conserve old buildings
for the future generation. Heritage buildings are part of human creation, which produces icons for a
country, provides local identity, reflects the cultural values and background, represents a source of
memory, historical events, and contributes to the tourism industry. A heritage building consist sentimental
value for the new generation to be remember. Bandar Melaka is an example has many historical values
to be preserve and study by researcher and future generation.
Building conservation play a major role in preserving building element. Accordingly conservation
initiatives or conservation of the building is intended to:
1. Maintain and strengthen the heritage and history of the buildings, monuments and sites;
2. Protect and ensure the buildings, monuments and heritage sites are safe and remain for the period
beyond a few generations to become a reference, education and memories of the generations present
and future;
3. Buildings, monuments and heritage sites are part of evidence to an event or historical importance. He
became a physical background to the story of the history that will be presented to future generations. This
historical background that will shape the face and identity of Malaysia.
4. Heritage will be an important asset for the country, whether for education and for the return of the
economy through the tourism industry, the reference R & D and dignity in the eyes of the world. An
important heritage to be shared with the citizens of the world as a world heritage recognition universal as
the UNESCO World Heritage List.
1.1 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
We chose Melaka Stamp Museum as our case study. Stamp Museum is one of the state's oldest
museum after independence and was once occupied by Westerhout family for 300 years until 1930. The
museum showcases not only stamp collections, but also the history of stamps, envelopes, letterheads,
postmen’s uniforms during the early 1950’s, 1970’s and 1990’s, unreleased stamps, erroneous stamps,
specific themed stamps and many more.
The museum building was originally used as the residence for Dutch dignitaries living in Melaka
until the end of World War II after which the building was abandoned. According to the locally available
pamphlet 'Malacca Dutch Heritage Trail 1641-1824', this residence was occupied by the Westertout family
for 300 years until 1930. On 19 March 1954, G.E.W Wisdom, the British Resident Commissioner in
Melaka, turned the building into the Melaka State Museum. However, in 1982 the museum was moved
to Stadthuys. The Melaka Islamic Foundation took over the building and used it for several years until the
Enforcement Unit of the Melaka Municipal Council took over. In 2004, the building was restored by the
Department of Museum and Antiquity and handed over to the Melaka State Government. In 2007, the
state government, in cooperation with Pos Malaysia, decided to set up the Melaka Stamp Museum at the
building.
1.2 MASTER PLAN
Late 18th
-
1930
1954 1982 20072004
Occupied by
Westertout
family
Turned as
Melaka State
Museum
The museum
moved to
Stadthuys
building
The building
was restored
Turned to
Stamp
Museum
Figure 1: Building history timeline.

2. Page | 2
Figure 3: Key Plan.
Figure 4: Location Plan.
Figure 5: Site Access.
Figure 6: Main road.
1.3 KEY PLAN
1.4 LOCATION PLAN
The Stamp Museum is located in Banda Hilir, Melaka where most of the Melaka historical
building are located. It is located in Jalan Kota.
1.5 SITE ACCESS AND PARKING
I. Site access
The access to the site are through Jalan Kota and Jalan Taman. However, the visitors only can
walk or by riding a trishaw through Jalan Kota. At Jalan Taman, the visitors can park their vehicle along
the Jalan Taman and walk towards the building.

3. Page | 3
Figure 7: Parking Area.
Figure 8: Menara Taming Sari parking area.
Figure 9: Second Parking Area.
Figure 10: Jalan Taman parking area.
II. Parking area
1. Menara Taming Sari parking
Parking area can be found in front of Menara Taming Sari. The spacious parking lot is
monitor by the authority and also CCTV surveillance. A bus stop also available nearby rhe parking
area. The bus driver usually drop off their passengers at the bus stop.
2. Jalan Taman
Another one parking area is beside Dataran Pahlwan Megamall. This parking is located at Jalan
Taman and it is also a coupon parking. The location also monitor by the authority and unde CCTV
surveillance provided by the mall administration.

4. Page | 4
Figure 11: Adjacent buildings.
1.6 ADJACENT BUILDING
This museum located nearby the other museum such as People’s Museum, Kite Museum, UMNO
museum, Islamic Museum and Muzium Dunia Melayu Dunia Islam. Perbadanan Muzium (PERZIM) is the
responsible authority that collect, preserve and disseminate information or materials in a professional and
quality-related heritage for future generations present and future.
2.0 MALAYSIA HERITAGE BUILDING CONSERVATION GUIDELINE
Conservation and preservation of heritage buildings and sites in Malaysia is under the
responsibility of the National Heritage Department (JWN). The development and expansion of
conservation of heritage buildings that are in the interest of the State when Kebangssaan Heritage Act
2005 (Act 645) was passed in Parliament. This Act was gazetted on 31 December 2005 and came into
force on March 1, 2006. With this Act 645 ancient artefacts Act 1976 (Act 168) and the Treasure Trove
Act, 1957 (Act 542) was repealed. National Heritage Act 2005 provide for the conservation and
preservation of national heritage, natural heritage, cultural heritage, tangible and intangible, underwater
cultural heritage and other things related. On March 1, 2006, the National Heritage Department was
established. The establishment and restructuring of the functions and duties under JWN has been further
development in the field of heritage conservation. JWN chaired by the Heritage Commissioner
responsible for the registration and implementation of national heritage building heritage conservation
projects throughout the country.
Heritage conservation guidelines are provided as a guide for the implementation of the
conservation of heritage buildings in Malaysia. The preparation of these guidelines refers to the National
Heritage Act 2005 (Act 645) and conservation guidelines at international level, the United Nations
Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and charters under the International Council
on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) as Charter Charter Burra, Australia 1999 (Charter for the
Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance). Reference guidelines of UNESCO and ICOMOS in this
guideline is the principle of conservation of the building. Apart from Act 645 and international guidelines,
these guidelines are based on a heritage building conservation practices implemented by JWN. With
these guidelines, activities and work related to the conservation of heritage buildings must comply with
the principles and procedures contained in the guidelines and approved by the Department of National
Heritage.
2.1 TYPE OF CONSERVATION WORK
1. Preservation – Preservation means aiming to halt further deterioration, decay or state of dilapidation
and providing structural safety and well being. Preservation should be carried out only in such a way that
evidence of the construction or use of the fabric would not be obscured.
2. Rehabilitation – Emphasizes the retention and repair of historic materials, but more latitude provided
for replacement because it is assumed the property is more deteriorated prior to work.
3. Adaptive reuse – Refers to the process of reusing old and existing site of building for a purpose other
than which it was built or design for. Along with brownfield reclamation, adaptive reuse is seen by many
as a key factor in land conservation and the reduction of urban sprawl. However adaptive reuse can be

5. Page | 5
Figure 12: Conservation framework.
controversial as there is sometime a blurred line between renovation, facadism, and adaptive reuse. It
can be regarded as a compromise between historic preservation and demolition.
4. Façadism – the practice of demolishing a building but leaving it façade intact for the purposes of
building new structures in it or around it.
5. Restoration – Restoration means the process of accurately recovering the forms and details of
structure or part of a structure and its setting, as it appeared at some period in time, by removing the latter
work and replacing the missing original work, and includes full restoration which involves both exterior
and exterior. Restoration action is appropriate when it is limited to the reassembling of displaced
components and the removal accretions. The reassembling of displaced components is appropriate when
it is based on respect for original material and authentic documents.
6. Reconstruction – Reconstruction means the process of accurately reproducing by new construction,
the form and detail of vanished structure, or part of it, as it appeared at some period in time and includes
full or partial reconstruction. Reconstruction is appropriate only when a site is incomplete, and
reconstruction is necessary for its survival and it reveals the cultural significance of the place as a whole.
2.2 MALAYSIA PRACTICE IN CONSERVATION WORK
STAGE 1 : PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION
i. Historical research
Before embarking on any physical interventions in, or design strategy for a potential conservation
project it is essential to assemble all the available evidence on the building and/or site that is to be
conserved. Original documentation that may be of interest includes: Original design drawings. Drawings
from previous investigations. Historical evidence such as old photographs, old maps and old paintings.
Reports from previous investigation or any historical reports. Historical research should be conducted
well in advance of physical investigation. This allows time for important written, visual, and oral information
to be located, transcribed, organized, studied and used for planning the actual works.
ii. Measured drawing
Measured drawing or “as found drawin” means a set of line drawings that, accurately and in some
detail, delineates the subject building in existing condition. The measured drawing will illustrate the interior
and exterior of a building including the structural detail. It will also illustrate the defect areas such as
cracks in plaster and the missing elements.
STAGE 2 : BUILDING DILAPIDATION SURVEY
A dilapidation survey is the practice of identifying and recording building defects through the
means of photographic and digital documentation prior to any conservation work. The core of dilapidation
survey is the process of walking through a building to gather and record information based on observation
of the finished surfaces and any exposed structure. In the practice of building conservation, dilapidation
surveys are generally instrumental in regard of the following aspects: Understanding the state of building
defects, determining the causes of the building defects, identifying appropriate methods and techniques
of building conservation and providing reference materials to client, consultants and projects contractors
STAGE 3: PREPARATION OF TENDER DOCUMENT
The tender document preparation stage is very important stage where all decisions relating to the
conservation approach has been made by professional members involved in conservation projects. In
this level quantity surveyor will work with the architect and consultant conservator building in determining
the scope of work and the appropriateness of the methods and techniques adopted conservation building.
As a result of discussions with, quantity surveyor can ensure conservation project cost estimate of the
proposed building. This stage is considered critical in building conservation framework for the failure of
the consultant to determine the estimated cost of the whole project properly will cause the cost
implications of a conservation project.

6. Page | 6
STAGE 4: BUILDING CONSERVATION WORKS
After diagnose the defect of heritage buildings, the conservator will prepare the proposal or
method of statement on technique to repair and conserve heritage buildings. Conservation works start
with preliminary activity such as cleaning the building surface form dirt and leech; make clear to the
surrounding area, cut all the unwanted vegetation and poison it to prevent future root damage; and
consolidation the buildings with temporary structure like tent to cover the leaking roof and control the
damp admitting to interior space. The major conservation works will start after preliminary works finished.
By doing this, the appearance of old historic building becomes clear and the conservation activities
can be manage systematically such as dismantling, removing rotten timber and hack crumble plaster can
be done earlier and followed by preservation, restoration, repair and reconstruction activities. The building
conservation process start with roof repair and continue with others part of buildings elements. The
process is from top to the down of the buildings. Example of building conservation works as follow:
1. Removal of dirt, fungal and harmful growth on wall and column.
2. Dismantling roof tiles and storage the salvage.
3. Cover the roof structure before started restoration works.
4. Removal of any rotten timber trusses and ceilings.
5. Reconstruct the central Jack Roof
6. Laying new clay tiles
7. Fixing water proofing membrane to roof
8. Remove and replace the badly decayed timber floor
9. Hack off the crumble plaster
10. Re-plastering and painting the wall with lime wash
11. Reconstruct the collapse and damage column to the original form
12. Remove and re-pointing loose mortar on the exposed bricks.
13. Restoring any decayed door, window and fanlights
14. Laying and fixing new timber floor
All those process and activities are guided and monitored by the guideline and standards from
Department of National Heritage. Especially in choice of the materials and technique, it should respect
the traditional practice. The use of traditional material like terra cotta roof covering; timber species and
grading; mortar for plastering, masonry and brick layering; and buildings colour scheme is main concern
and if there is no source of it, the new material must compatible with expression, appearance, texture,
scale, colour, materials and form of the original.
The reconstruction of missing and damage elements also should respect the original technique
and the design must base on historical documentation and compatible with the historic character. The
final stage in conservation process is preparation of final report. The final report is very important
document. It contains the whole process of building conservation. This report becomes an importance
evidence for future reference on heritage conservation and maintenance. It’s a valuables record of
National Heritage property and serves as an essential archival resource for future reference.
STAGE FIVE: MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF HERITAGE SITES
Conservation of heritage buildings is essentially a continuous process and not a one off. It requires
a comprehensive planning and action through the conservation of cultural heritage management plan.
Professional management not only required during conservation work on the building site but also after
the completion of the building restored and working again as normal. It involves the efforts of the care,
maintenance and repair of heritage buildings from time to time and carried out periodically. Therefore, to
keep the heritage buildings continue to be preserved and maintained as well as can be appreciated by
future generations, an action plan on conservation management of heritage buildings should be
established effectively.

7. Page | 7
Figure 13: Heritage Building plague.
Figure 14: Building façade.
Figure 15: Building porch.
Figure 16: Pilaster on the façade.
Figure 17: Stucco pironnen.
3.0 ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN OF THE BUILDING
The house is a combination of different architectural styles: Malay, Chinese, Dutch and
Portuguese. The house is five bays wide with a front and rear side gallery. The arched openings at the
front are probably the result of a later renovation. On the façade of the ground floor and the first floor
there are pilasters with a profile on top. The Department of Museums and Antiquity has gazette it as an
ancient monument according to Section 15 of the Antiquities Act 168/1976.
Dutch architecture in Melaka, in the Public Buildings, shows an accuracy and symmetry in design.
Most of the buildings are rectangular in form which shows a balance in size and measurements. The side
façades of the houses are facing the street. The buildings have bays, doors and windows which are
symmetrically placed. The bays in the façades of the buildings are similar in size and design, the doors
and the windows are similar in size and design and the windows are similar in size and design.
3.1 EXTERIOR OF THE BUILDING
The architecture and design element of Stamp Museum building are as follow:
1. The façades of the Stamp Museum was divided in bays. In architecture, a bay is the space
between architectural elements, or a recess or compartment. Bay comes from "Old French
baee," meaning an opening or hole.
2. The building’s doors and windows are symmetrically placed in the façade,
3. This building also have front porches.
4. The buildings have hinges on the doors and windows which are Dutch in design and allow the
windows to open inward or outward.
5. The building have pilasters on the façade.
6. The building have side gables.
7. Stucco pironnen have been placed on top of the side gable.

8. Page | 8
Figure 18: Terra-cotta roof tiles.
Figure 19: Hardwood door. Figure 20: Hardwood window.
Figure 21: Louver shutters window.
Figure 22: Display area 1. Figure 23: Display area 2.
Figure 24: Display area 3. Figure 25: Display area 4.
Figure 26: Backyard area. Figure 27: Landscape in backyard area.
Figure 28: Panorama of Interior space.
8. Terra-cotta tiles as the roof finishing.
9. Wooden flooring
10. The doors and windows have heavy hardwood framing.
11. The Stamp Museum has rectangular windows with louver shutters in the façade.
3.2 INTERIOR OF THE BUILDING

9. Page | 9
Figure 29: Checkers Backpackers Front View.
Figure 30: Checkers Backpackers Reception Counter.
4.0 ADAPTIVE REUSE OF MELAKA STAMP MUSEUM
Backpacker’s hotel provided budget-oriented, sociable accommodation where guests can
rent a bed, usually a bunk bed, in a dormitory and share a bathroom, lounge and sometimes a
kitchen. Rooms can be mixed or single-sex, and private rooms may also be available. The
development of the tourism sector in Malaysia has increased the opportunities for budget hotel
owner to make a profit. Consistent with the development of the tourism sector, has led to
increased competition. Therefore, backpacker hotel owner must have a good strategy and strong
foundation to ensure the hotel can run well despite stiff competition.
One of the ways that have been applied in the adaptive reuse of the Melaka Stamp
Museum is the Scandinavian concept. A case study has been selected for the proposed design
for the Melaka Stamp Museum to transform the museum to the backpacker’s hotel. In addition,
tourist can learn the history of the heritage building, because in the hotel, we also provide a
gallery or information centre expose the history of the museum.
Every area or space in the hotel has an interesting concept, which is difficult to obtain
elsewhere. In short, guest who comes to visit our hotel will not feel loss and boring.
4.1 SWOT ANALYSIS
4.2 CASE STUDY – CHECKERS BACKPACKERS, SINGAPORE
4.2.1 Background of Case Study
Located at Little India Lane, Singapore. About 35 guests can be occupied at a time.
Have 6-bed mixed Dorm, Double Room, 9-bed mixed Dorm and Family room.
Affordable price :
o Mixed dormitory – RM28/night
o Family (4 person) – RM120/night
o Separate dormitory – RM35
4.2.2 INTERIOR DESIGN AND SPACE
a) Check In Counter

10. Page | 10
Figure 31: Checkers Backpackers Reading and TV space.
Figure 32: Checkers Backpackers Family Room.
Figure 33: Checkers Backpackers Dormitory Room.
Figure 34: Concept.
b) Waiting & Reading Area
c) Family Room
d) Dormitory Room
4.3 IDEA PROPOSAL OF DESIGN & CONCEPT FOR MELAKA STAMP MUSEUM
For the proposal of design and concept, we presented into 3D graphic rendering by using
SketchUp software and also Lumion3D.

11. Page | 11
Figure 36: Example of Proposed Flooring.
Figure 38: Example of coffee tables.
Figure 37: Example of lighting.
Figure 39: Example of Receptionist Counter.
Figure 35: Spaces and its Function.
a. Space
b. Flooring
c. Lighting
Lighting is the crucial element in providing comfort to the occupants.
d. Furniture
Coffee Table at Waiting Area – We chose this type of table because is look modern with Scandinavians
style.
Counter Reception Table - This type of table is suitable for small reception or mini lobby area.

12. Page | 12
Figure 40: Example of Furniture in Lounge Area.
Figure 41: Example of Air-conditioning system.
Figure 42: Example of sprinkler system.
Figure 43: CCTV camera system.
Figure 44: WiFi connectivity.
Waiting Area at Lobby Space – We chose this pattern of sofa because this is will give more comfortable
and can hold many people compared to the individual chair.
4.4 SERVICES AND AVAILABLE FACILITIES
a. Air-conditioning system
For comfort to the user, the air conditioning system is provided in this backpacker hotel.
b. Sprinkler system
Sprinkler system is provided to detect, control and extinguish the fire and warning the hotel occupants.
c. CCTV Surveillance
For safety purposes to consumers, CCTV is provided
d. WiFi Connectivity
WiFi also provided in this hotel. The backpackers can upload, share and search their memorable
moments from their electronic devices.
4.5 EXPECTED ACTIVITY THAT CAN BE ORGANIZED
Backpackers have been traveling the globe for decades now, and these visitors are a worthwhile
demographic to target for tour and activity providers. Generally, backpackers are interested in immersing
themselves in the local culture, supporting small businesses and enjoying authentic experiences along
their journey. So, there should to diversify your customer base, it may want to make some changes in
order to attract these lively visitors.
We chose some activity that can be organized for the backpacker daily in order to give them a
wonderful experience when they stay in our hotel. These activity are :

13. Page | 13
Figure 45: Movie show at night.
Figure 46: Socializing through music.
a. Movie night
Backpackers can choose what movie that they want to watch and relaxing with their partners watching
the movie
.
b. Socializing through music
The customer may request a song to be play as to chill out and also bonding with other backpackers
that stay there. However, this activity is limit until 11.00 pm only in order to avoid any nuisance to the
other hotel user.

14. Page | 14
Figure 47: Single bedroom view 1. Figure 48: Single bedroom view 2. Figure 49: Single bedroom view 3.
Figure 52: Lounge area view 2.Figure 51: Lounge area view 1.Figure 50: Office and record area.
Figure 53: Toilet view. Figure 54: First floor view 1. Figure 55: First floor view 2.
4.6 3D VIEWS AND RENDERING
a. Interior

15. Page | 15
b. Exterior
Figure 56: Backyard area covered with grass. Figure 57: Front view of building.
Figure 58: Balcony. Figure 59: Arches in porch area.

16. Page | 16
c. Material
Figure 60: Terra-cotta roof tiles
Figure 61: Hardwood door
Figure 62: Concrete columnFigure 63: GrassFigure 63: Ceramic tiles