Architectural conservation arc3413 king street penang

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ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION
ARC3413
PROJECT 3
INVESTIGATION AND PROPOSAL FOR
ADAPTIVE REUSE
44 KING STREET PENANG MALAYSIA
TEAM MEMBERS
HARIISH KUMAR 0318852
KAN JIA WEI ADRIAN 0319384
LYNETTE LAW YONG YI 0317761
YEOW JINN SHENG 0318787
ADAM TAN YEN SHENG 0317750
TUTOR
MR AZIM SULAIMAN

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DECLARATION OF SUBMISSION
This is to certify that:
1) The Report comprises our original work towardsthe course
work on Architectural Conservation,
2) Due acknowledgements have been made in the text to all
other material used.
Signed by:
STUDENT NAME
HARIISH KUMAR
KAN JIA WEI ADRIAN
LYNETTE LAW YONG YI
YEOW JINN SHENG
ADAM TAN YEN SHENG

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We would like to express our sincere thanks and gratification to
our tutor, Mr Azim Sulaiman for guiding us throughout the entire
working and study process and going out of his way to ensure
that the group stays on the right track throughout the progress
of the project. We would also like to extend our thanks to the
managers and staff on duty at the Georgetown municipal town
planners for their willingness to help and cooperate with the
advancement of our assignment, providing invaluable
information and also taking the extra step of guiding us around
the building to explain and show all of the systems. Finally, we
give thanks to each and every one of our very own group
members whom participated flawlessly and were quick and
efficient in conducting and executing their respective parts of
the project with contributed to a successful completion of the
project.

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LIST OF FIGURES, PLATES,
ILLUSTRATIONS
Figure 2.01 Pictureof Captain Francis Light.
Figure 2.02 Map of Malaysia Indicating Location of Penang (RED)
Figure 2.03 Map of Penang Indicating Location of George Town
(RED)
Figure 2.04 File Picture of George Town.
Figure 2.05 George Town Heritage Zones.
Figure 2.06 George Town Buffer and Core Zones.
Figure 2.07 Diagram Showing Location of King Street.
Figure 3.01 Shop houses transformed to boutique hotels(top), Old
barber shop house in Georgetown(bottom).
Figure 3.02 A big fire which was due to guest of wind which blew
burning incense papers destroyed more than 100 wooden
house and attap houses, with only two buildings
remained. This incident was known as the Great Air Itam
Fire.
Figure 3.03 Georgetown shophouses in the 1900s(Top), Penang in
1899(Bottom)
Figure 3.04 Open courtyardand 3 floor steel structure.
Figure 3.05 Restorationof front façade.
Figure 4.01 Bare party wall of No.42, the premise beside No.44,
which was damaged by fire on the 2nd
of July, 2012.
Figure 4.02 Four bats surrounding a coin, a common Chinese
motif found in air vents.
Figure 4.03 Façade.
Figure 4.04 Panel inserted window In good condition, Located at the
front facade.
Figure 4.05 Timber louvred windows at the airwell in a better,
less weathered condition.
Figure 4.06 Opened air well.
Figure 4.07 Closed air well.
Figure 5.01 Wall deterioration sign on first floor wall.
Figure 5.02 Exposed wall of clay bricks can be seen near airwell.

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Figure 5.03 Deteriorated lime washed wall.
Figure 5.04 Efflorescencemark on party wall near airwell.
Figure 5.05 Efflorescencehappened on the exterior wall, which
affectingthe visual quality of it.
Figure 5.06 Rusted door hinge can be spotted.
Figure 5.07 Window iron grill was corroded and looks brittlefrom the
appearance.
Figure 5.08 Rotted wooden door was measured and recorded.
Figure 5.09 Colours of the wooden window panel was paler and
rougher in texture.
Figure 6.01 Lime washing in progress.
Figure 6.02 Scrubbing a wall.
Figure 6.03 Pressurizedwater washer is being used to remove the
efflorescence.
Figure 6.04 Rust can be removed by using acidic solutions.
Figure 6.05 Case Study: Salud Tapas interior, I beam as the
alternative.
Figure 6.06 Case study: No.8 Heeren Street, Malacca for information
board display on wall.
Figure 6.07 Proposed ground floor plan (above) and first floor plan
(bottom).
Figure 6.08 Render 1

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUBJECT
PAGE
Cover Page
Declaration of Submission
Acknowledgement
List of Figures, Plates, Illustrations
Table of Contents
Abstract
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Aim
1.2 Objectives
1.3 Methodology
1.4 Methods of Documentation
1.5 Procedure
2.0 HISTORY AND SITE CONTEXT
2.1 History of Penang
2.1.1 Origin of Name
2.1.2 Background
2.2 History of George Town
2.2.1 Origin of Name
2.2.2 Background
2.2.3 Architecture of Georgetown
2.2.4 UNESCO World Heritage Site
2.2.5 Core and Buffer Zones
2.3 History of King Street
2.3.1 Little India
2.3.2 King Street
2.3.3 Significant Buildings of King Street
3.0 INTRODUCTION TO SHOPHOUSES
3.1 History

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3.1.1 Birth of Shophouses
3.2 Architectural Shophouses Evolution
3.2.1 Architectural Timeline of Shophouse Styles
3.2.2 The Contemporary Shophouses
4.0 ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES
4.1 Party Wall
4.2 Air Vents and Windows
4.3 Doors
4.4 Airwell
4.5 Ornamentation
5.0 DEFECTS AND DILAPIDATION
5.1 Wall Deterioration
5.2 Efflorescence
5.3 Metal Corrosion
5.4 Timber Deterioration (Dry Rot)
6.0 PROPOSAL
6.1 For Defects and Dilapidation
6.1.1 Wall Deterioration
6.1.2 Efflorescence
6.1.3 Metal Corrosion
6.1.4 Timber Deterioration
6.2 Proposal for Adaptive Reuse
6.2.1 Proposed Floor Plan
6.2.2 Perspective Renderings
7.0 PROVISIONS AND GUIDELINES
7.1 Federal Constitution (9th
Schedule) – Articles 74, 77
7.2 UNESCO Convention Concerning The Protection of The World
Cultural and Natural Heritage
7.3 State of Penang Heritage Enactment 2011
7.4 National Heritage Act 2005 (Act645)
7.5 Guidelines for Conservation Work on Category II Buildings
8.0 CONCLUSION
APPENDIX
REFERENCES

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ABSTRACT
This investigation and proposal report aims to provide students
with the relevant and necessary ideas in which conservation
towards a building is conducted. The project requires groups of
five to survey and choose an abandoned building for the
purpose of proposing it with a new lease of life. Some of the
required assessments include the production of a written report
highlighting the historical context of the building, the proposal
and its new use. Furthermore, students are also expected to
produce measured drawings through site visits, and computer
impressions about how the building may look like when reused
or readapted. It is expected from the students that the
production of the report be sent accordingly and a verbal
presentation is required with the production of presentation
slides as well. The information gained from this project would
provide students with a better understanding of the
conservation industry in Malaysia as well as a new found
respect and appreciation for historical buildings.

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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 AIM
The aim of the assignment would be to understand the
conservation statuses and procedures when conserving a
building in Malaysia through conducting an investigation of a
real site and producing a report and proposal which ensures a
proper learning experience. Furthermore, this project would
also provide architecture students on the awareness of
historical buildings which provide context to building and
designing a new building.
1.2 OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this assignment include and the production of
a complete investigative report and proposal to the
conservation and adaptive reuse of an abandoned building or
site with historical context. Objectives to include also require
students to gain enough understanding on adaptive reuse and
produce measured drawings and computer generated
impressions on how the space would be utilised based on the
designer’s wishes. Thus, one of the objectives of this project
would also mean the understanding and realisation of the
historical context within a site or building with historical or
cultural value.

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1.3 METHODOLOGY
As this assignment require the students to conduct a site study,
the main resources used for this assignment in the site study
include a car for transportation to the site, multiple cameras as
photographic evidence is due to be recorded, measurement
tapes for the information gathering for the production of the
measured drawings and a small ladder which was brought
along to reach height that are not reachable by humans
normally. From then on, the production of the investigative
report meant that technologies such as the laptop was used.
Books and websites were also used as sources or informative
resources for more information regarding the history of the site.
1.4 METHODS OF DOCUMENTATION
Various methods were used in the documentation process of
the report and proposal, which are not limited to the uses of
book sources, online research and interviews. Some of the
book sources which were referred to were obtained from the
university library which helped in the historical study of the site.
Peer references were also used in reference to past building
drawing works which was used to double check and look out
for inaccuracies. Throughout the research using online
resources, scholar journals, articles, government and heritage
websites with proper documentations of conservation rules and
acts were also extensively sourced. Finally, a lot of interviews
were conducted impromptu with various people of the site,
including locals, tourists of all ages, gender and life.

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1.5 PROCEDURE
Below is the procedure list of the entire study process:
1. Preliminary investigation and photo survey, indication of
potential spaces for adaptive reuse.
2. Measurement and production of floor plans, gridlines.
3. Research on historical and cultural context.
4. Production of investigation.
5. Production of proposal and adaptive reuse.
6. Analysis of data and production of report.

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2.0 HISTORY AND SITE CONTEXT
2.1 HISTORY OF PENANG
2.1.1 ORIGIN OF NAME
In the earliest time, the name Penang Island came from
numerous amount of Areca Palm found on the island, the word
‘Penang’ was derived from the word ‘Pinang’ in Malay. During
1786, after British East India Company occupied Penang
Island, Captain Francis Light named it Prince of Wales.
However, this name did not last long as the locals continue
naming it Penang Island. This is also the reason most people
have already forgotten about the original name of Penang
Island as Prince of Wales. Later in 1880, the land across
Penang Island was also occupied by British and was named as
Province Wellesley, which is called Seberang Perai today.
Province Wellesley was then added to Penang Island by the
British and was called The State of Penang, which means,
Penang was no longer only an island. However, the locals still
call it as Penang Island, which in Bahasa Malaysia, it is still
called Negeri Pulau Pinang, but not Negeri Pinang.
2.1.2 BACKGROUND
Situated on the north-western coast of the peninsular Malaysia,
the second smallest state in Malaysia, Penang is divided into
two sections which are the Penang Island and Seberang Perai,
also known as Province Wellesley.
One of the major reasons for its cultural richness is the 171
years of British presence. Unlike Singapore where many
heritage buildings are replaced by high-rise apartments due to
rapid development rate, Penang and Malacca the other two
British Straits Settlements are able to retain its cultural heritage.
Both named as World Heritage Sites by the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO),
what makes Penang different from Malacca is the influence of
the Chinese people. With an ethnic composition of 45.6% (in
2010) compared to that in Malacca which is 24.6% (in 2010),
buildings in Penang are relatively more affected by the
architecture from China as can be seen from the shophouses
and Chinese temples like the spectacular temple of Kek Lok Si.

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Figure 2.01 Pictureof Captain Francis Light.
Figure 2.02 Map of Malaysia Indicating Location of Penang (RED)

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2.2 HISTORY OF GEORGE TOWN
2.2.1 ORIGIN OF NAME
The George Town area was once known as Tanjung (Cape) in
the Malay Language by the Malay community living there as it
was situated on the cape area of the island northeast. The
name is derived from the older name of the town, Tanjung
Penaga (Cape Penaigre).
As a settlement was soon established and founded by a British
Captain Francis Ligh in 1786, the town was soon named after
King George III.
2.2.2 BACKGROUND
Located at the Northeast corner of the island. George Town is
the capital city of Penang consisting an estimated population of
500,000 (in 2010). George Town Penang has long been
associated with the British even though it is described as the
latecomers in a line of Western Colonialists in Malaysia's
history.
Since 1948, George Town heritage buildings were under a
Rent Control Act. The architecture of the old city can be altered
or rebuilt without circumstances. A 1994 census later showed
that Penang had more than 12,000 rent control premises with
over 8,000 located in the heart of George Town. The repealing
of Rent Control that is coming nearer in the new millennium is
causing the tenants who have lived in the historical city for the
past 50 years to face potential dislocation. This will bring about
the bleak future that Penang's living heritage city is now facing
hence causes many to voice their unhappiness as a whole
historic environment together with the old way of life for
Penangites may disappear forever. However, the Penang State
Government is doing all it can to ensure that George Town's
heritage city and living culture will survive in this difficult period.
For example, George Town is now recognized as a World
Heritage City and will go a long way towards achieving the goal
of retaining its cultural heritage.

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Figure 2.03 Map of Penang IndicatingLocation of George Town (RED) Figure 2.04 File Picture of George Town.

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2.2.3 ARCHITECTURE OF GEORGETOWN
The Historic City of George Town encompasses a rich
collection of historic buildings in various styles. They include
the indo-Malay Palladian Style, Anglo-Indian Bungalow, Early
Shophouses, Early Transitional Style, Early Electicism
Shophouses, Sino-Anglo Bungalows, Neo Classical Style, art
Deco Style, Early Modern Style, Late Modern Style, as well as
numerous religious buildings such as Mosques, Churches,
Chinese and Indian Temples. These architectures scatter along
the many streets of George Town, bearing witness to the
evolution of this rustic port city. Architectural styles vary
tremendously and are often unique blends of British colonial
and Chinese designs & decor, including but certainly not limited
by the peranakan designs.
There are today very few Indo-Malay style of bungalows and
terrace houses in George Town, Penang. The few that are left
can be found scattered throughout the city in areas where there
were former Malay or Indonesian settlements. More often than
not, these houses stand in the shadow of looming high-rise
apartments and condominiums.
2.2.4 UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
On 7 July 2008, during the 32nd
session of the World Heritage
Committee which met in Quebec City, Canada, on 2-10 July
2008, George Town, together with Malacca have become the
first ever cultural sites in Malaysia to be inscribed into
UNESCO’s World Heritage Listing, with the official title for the
inscription “Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the
Straits of Malacca”.
The properties were celebrated for the following outstanding
universal values:
1) Multicultural Trading Towns forged from exchanges of
Cultures;
2) Testimony to Multicultural Tangible and Intangible Heritage;
and
3) Melting pot of Multicultural Architecture and Townscape.

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The original heritage zones in the inner city of George Town
were divided into six areas. The six areas were categorised
according to the most prevalent economic or cultural activities.
They were;
1) Seven Streets Precinct;
2) Cultural precinct of Chulia Street and Love Lane;
3) Historical commercial district of Little India;
4) Waterfront business financial district:
5) Mosque and clan house enclave; and
6) Market and shopping district
2.2.5 CORE AND BUFFER ZONES
UNESCO draws a distinction between core and buffer zones.
The core zone is the actual World Heritage area, while the
buffer zone is the land directly surrounding the core zone. The
buffer area has been designated to ensure effective protection
of the core zone.
T H E C O R E Z O N E
George Town covers an area of 109.38 hectares bounded by
the Straits of Melaka on the north-eastern cape of Penang
Island, Love Lane to the north-west and Gat Lebuh Melayu and
Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong to the south-west corner. There are
more than 1700 historic buildings within this zone.
T H E B U F F E R Z O N E
This zone has an area of 150.04 hectares bounded by the
harbor, Jalan Perangin to the south-west corner and Jalan
Transfer to the north-west corner.

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Figure 2.05 George Town Heritage Zones.
Figure 2.06 George Town Buffer and Core Zones.

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2.3 HISTORY OF KING STREET
2.3.1 LITTLE INDIA
This regimented network of streets that makes up Little India
are Market Street, King Street, Queen Street and Penang
Street were amongst the earliest parts of town planned under
the administration of Captain Francis Light, the English founder
of the multicultural trading port of Penang, which is referred to
as “The Francis Light Grid”, which was a grid bordered by Light
Street, Beach Street, Chulia Street and Pitt Street.
The predominant community of Little India in the nineteenth
and early twentieth centuries was of Tamil Muslim origin,
known as Chulias, socially divided on the basis of occupation
which consists of 3 groups, stated by the Governor General, Sir
George Leith In 1804. The first group was made up of
merchants who were ‘fixed inhabitants and possess Property
to a very great amount’. The second group who formed the
greatest portion, were sojourning Chulias who brought exotic
imports from the Coromandel coast and small quantity of fine
goods whenever they return to the ‘Coast’. The third group
consisted of ‘coolies and boatmen’, working-class migrants
who returned to India after a few years. The permanent settlers
of the first category, were well connected both to each other
and to the British administration.
There used to be two major Indian settlements at Chulia Street,
across the King Street junction. The largest influx of Indians and
their myrial trades occurred during the early part of the
twentieth century. The area then briefly underwent a slight
change during the Second World War, when economic
activities lulled a bit. The Japanese presence was very much
felt in Little India. A few Japanese-owned shops were set up in
China and King Street. The shops were novelties then. A
gradual incursion of modern trades, still run by Indians, slowly
seeped into the area during the postwar decades, but many of
the traditional enterprises remained.

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2.3.2 KING STREET
This road got its name after King George the 3rd
. It mostly
consists of sailors or harbour workers in the South Indian
Harbour. Its distinguished that 5 main Hokkien clan houses
sited to the South. Associations and temples here reflect
different Chinese influence on them, hence the heritage came
from the Chinese part of the community. This is due to the mass
immigrants that settled in that area during the British colonial
period. Which explains the reason why there are lots of Chinese
temples in that area. For example, the Cantonese Tua Pek
Kong Temple, Nin Yong Temple, Nagore Shrine and much
more.
King Street dates all the way back to the late 18th
century and
was originally laid out by Francis Light, which is why the road is
connected to Light Street. Back then the road was meant to be
for the Europeans that settled there. In the Mid-19th
century,
when the Europeans started to move away into the suburbs,
wealthy Chinese began to occupy all the real estate all the way
to Light Street itself.
The Hokkiens in Penang call King Street by various names
depending on its location. The section from Light Street to
Bishop Street was called Kau1 Keng3 Chhu3 Au3, which meant
“The back of the nine houses”/ This was referred to the nice
terrace houses facing towards Penang Street and their back
towards King Street. The Section of King Street between
Bishop Street and China Street was the heart of the Cantonese
community in the 19th
century George Town, which explains the
number of Cantonese district associations and temples that are
located in that area whereby the Hokkiens call them Kin1 Tang3
Tua3 Pek1 Kong3 Kay1, in reference to the Cantonese Tua Pek
Kong Temple.

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Figure 2.07 Diagram Showing Location of King Street.

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2.3.3 SIGNIFICANT BUILDINGS OF KING STREET
N A G O R E D U R G H A S H E R I F F
At the northeast corner of Chulia and King Street, a white dome
sitting astride three pointy blue-and-white arches seems like
something of a subcontinental anachronism, and indeed, it is
the durgha shrine of Syed Shahul Hameed of Nagore, a 13th
century Muslim saint, which was built in 1801 and it is the
earliest Indian Muslim shrine in Penang. It is inspired by the
architecture style of Nagore Durgha which features multi-storey
squared minarets, prominent domes, doric columns and pointy
arches which features the unique blend of East and West.
K O O S A I N G W O O I T E M P L E
Koo Saing Wooi Koon is a clan temple along King Street in
George Town, Penang. Though it was built as a townhouse,
this double-storey building is a standalone structure. This is a
combined-clan temple, for people of the Lau, Kuan, Teoh and
Teo clans. Dating to 1872, this is believed to be the oldest
combined-clan temple in the country. The name Koo Saing
Wooi Temple is derived from the Chinese historical
novel,Romance of the Three Kingdoms, one of the Four Great
Classical Novels of Chinese literature. It features a statue of the
four heroes Liu Bie, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun which
commemorates their merciful actions, loyalty and brave spirits.
T O I S H A N N I N T E M P L E
The Toishan Nin Temple at 36 King Street, is a clan temple of
the Toi San Association, a Cantonese district association of the
Sing Ling dialect group from Toi San District, Guangdong
Province. It is one of three Cantonese-style temple buildings in
a row along King Street, the other two to its left are the War
Emperor's Temple and Ng Kongsi. The temples are clearly
defined by projected nine-inches party walls with protruding
stepped ridge at the gables roof. The facades were designed
as double height porticos with arches cutting through the party
walls, to function as continuous five-foot covered walkway of
neighbouring shophouses
N G K O N G S I
Also known as Seh Ng Chia Soo or Ng See Kah Meow at 40
King Street, it is a clan association of the Cantonese people
surnamed Ng. It is part of a row of Cantonese-style association

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buildings and temples that lines King Street. This includes
Kwan Kong Temple and Nin Yong Temple next door. The
present building was renovated around 1910. The original
structure dating from 1830 is encased into the new facade. Art
Nouveau tiles adorn the exterior walls of Ng Kongsi. The outer
facade was re-finished in stucco until around 2007, when these
were replaced with granite tiles. It features Cantonese-style
temple architecture with its prominent stepped gables. The
double-height panels, traditional furniture and ceramic flower
stands as well as the wall tableaus are attractive
ornamentations to the building.
L E E S I H C H O N G S O O
Lee Sih Chong Soo, or Lee Kongsi, is the clan association for
the Chinese surnamed Lee. The association has its clan temple
at 39 King Street, George Town. It occupies the middle building
of a row of three double-storey shophouses. The building was
modified in the Straits Eclectic style in 1926 to house the Lee
clan temple. East meets west at Lee Sih Chong Soo. On the
ground floor, you see a pair of Ionic columns while on the upper
floor, you see a pair of Chinese-style temple columns. The roof
is also modified to follow the elements of a Chinese temple,
complete with circular windows adorned with ornate faux-
bamboo grills.
C H I N S I M A N S I O N
Chin Si Thoong Soo or Chin clan association, is located along
King Street in George Town. This ornate two-storey building
houses the clan association of those surnamed Chin. The Chin
Si Thoong Soo building was designed and built in the
Cantonese Straits Eclectic style in 1914 to encourage
camaraderie between clan members and to care for the sick
and helpless. Viewing the building from the side, a ‘fire’ styled
gable is seen while on the roof is a pair of stone lions sitting at
either end of the gable wall. Meanwhile, the exterior upper floor
features balustrades backed with a row of carved timber
screen.
tableaus are attractive ornamentations to the building.
C H O N G S A N W O O I K O O N
It is a Cantonese district association located at the junction of
King Street and Church Street. Constructed in the mid-19th
century, the association was founded by Heong San Hoay
Kuan in 1801 then renamed Chong San Wooi Koon in the early

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20th, in honor of Dr Sun Yat Sen, who is also known among the
Cantonese by the name of Sun Chong San. Both names can
be seen at the front facade. The original name is in relief on the
lintel of the front door while the latter name on wooden plaques
on both sides of the door. Admire the Cantonese-style
architecture, with its decorated glazed tile roof and granite
columns. Its lantern beams, with its intricate design, terracotta
relief at the corbels and granite columns are all very attractive.
K A R Y I N F E E K U A N
The Kar Yin Association is a Hakka district association of
clansmen from the Kar Yin District of Guangdong Province in
southern China. Founded in 1801 the association obtained a
deed from the East India Company for the premises at 22 King
Street. One of its founders was Low Amee, an early Hakka
merchant in Penang. The adjoining lot, No. 24, was added to it
at a later date. Located to the left of Tseng Lung Fui Kon, it
was constructed in the Art Deco style which was popular
around that the 1930's, and finished with a rusticated Shanghai
plaster facade. Kar Yin Fee Kuan, though keeping a lower
profile than the other more ostentations clan association
temples, is a fine example of Shanghai Art Deco style.
T U A P E K K O N G T E M P L E
The Taoist temple is located at 32, 32A & 34 King Street,
sandwiched between the Heong San Hoay Kuan and the Nin
Yong Temple. It was built by the Hakka and Cantonese
communities to ensure a place to worship the god of prosperity.
The building was constructed in the middle of the 18th century,
with renovations done around 1909. The Cantonese Tua Pek
Kong Temple follows a Hokkien style temple architecture
admiring the roof ornamentation and sloping roof rafters while
Chien Nien broken pottery ornamentation is used in the
decoration, which sees dragons and tiny figurines. The red
facade, divided into three bays, with ornate windows in the
middle bay, is particularly attractive. On either side of the
temple are side bays with act as living quarters, with decidedly
simpler design.
T S E N G L U N G F U I K O N
Tseng Lung Fui Kon at 22, King Street is a district association
of the Hakka people from the Tseng Lung district of Guangdong
Province in southern China. It is located next to Kar Yin
Association. The original building on the site was constructed
in 1849 and was restructured in 1920-22. The Tseng Lung Fui

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Kon has a parapet façade with four rusticated columns. A huge
double-height arch frames the main entrance. On the upper
floor facade are keystone arches that sit on pilasters. The first-
floor balconies have been sealed up and windows installed.
The double-height main hall inside retains the original old
columns.

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3.0 INTRODUTION TO SHOPHOUSES
3.1 HISTORY
3.1.1 BIRTH OF SHOPHOUSES
Figure 3.01 Shop houses transformedto boutique hotels(top), Old barber
shophouse in Georgetown(bottom).
‘Shophouses’ the term was originated from Mandarin, which
means shops and houses, served as a dwelling place and a
shop at the same time. Majority of shophouses are usually 2-3
stories high, built in row with a five-foot-way and back alley,
facing the busy streets. The ground floors are mostly used for
business purposes, while the upper floors are used
residentially.
It all started from the Straits Settlements, shophouses were first
built to provide mostly single male immigrants a place to work
and sleep. More women migrated to Penang as years past, and
more workers decided to settle down and build their own family.
Over time, the functions of shophouses changed, some
shophouses were completely transformed into residential
places, especially after World War II.
Earlier days, the businesses ran by the owner in the lower floors
were mostly barber shops, kopitiam (coffee shops), clan
associations etc. Whereby the functions of the shophouses has
changed with the passing of time. Some of the shophouses
were transformed into boutique hotels, café, offices and so on.

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Figure 3.02 A big firewhich was due to guest of wind which blew burning
incense papers destroyedmore than 100 wooden house and attap
houses, with only two buildings remained. This incident was known as the
Great Air Itam Fire.
During the 1780s, the earliest of shophouses were built using
timber as walls and attap as roof. They were squat and crudely
built, with mangrove legs and roughly-sawn planks. After a fine
incident in Georgetown, people began to utilise bricks and tiles
to build the shopshouses. During 1790s-1850s, clay, bricks and
lime became popular building materials, which then resulted in
the birth of the ‘Penang’ style shophouse. Georgetown
shophouses styles were mostly influenced by the building
traditions of early immigrant Chinese, with long and narrow
plans and the air wells which were typically seen in a Chinese
shophouse. Other characteristics and features of shophouses
in China were also implemented here due to the similar climatic
exposure, for example high ceilings and air vents. After Penang
was colonized by the British, the style of shophouses slowly
changed due to the influence of colonial architecture attributed
to the eclectic architectural style of shophouses. However,
even though the style or façade design of the shophouses kept
evolving until today, the main structure and key features of
shophouses kept its integrity.

28
Figure 3.03 Georgetown shophouses in the 1900s(Top), Penang in
1899(Bottom)
During the Victorian Era, many shophouses were built around
Little India area, which is very near to King Street. Thus, the
styles of the shophouses are similar, which was the early Straits
Eclectic Style. The shophouses in Little India are strongly
associated with Chinese and Indian traders. Even though a lot
of Indian people live there, most of the shops were owned by
Chinese.

29
3.2 ARCHITECTURAL SHOPHOUSES EVOLUTION
3.2.1 ARCHITECTURAL TIMELINE OF SHOPHOUSES
STYLES
Early Shophouses 1700s
Cheap combustible materials were used. However, none of
these buildings can be found today as they were replaced with
more durable materials, such as bricks. The one storey
structure ensured uninterrupted view of the ocean to match the
Feng Shui purposes.
Early Penang Style 1790s-1850s
The adaptation rectangular form was due to the paying
assessment as indicated by the width façade in Malacca.
Penang shophouses later imitated the design. Moreover, this
timber span was determined by the availability of maximum
length of timber use for the beams.
Early Transitional Style 1840s-1900s
Two storey structures were assembled by the road edge, fusing
a five foot pedestrian walkway, also known as the ‘five footway’
by the middle of the 19th
century.
Southern Chinese Eclectic Style 1840s-1910s
Building regulation in the 1880s dictated that all buildings
should be erected of durable materials such as bricks and tiles.
Firewall was to prevent fires from spreading to neighbouring
blocks. An inside yard and an air well to provide ventilation and
natural sunlight, which isolates the banquet room in the front
from the kitchen. Underneath the rows of wooden windows, the
spandrel space is regularly embellished with green ceramic air
ventilation. Same goes to the entrance both sides of windows.
Early Straits Eclectic Style 1890s-1910s
The full-length windows are regularly called imitation of the
French window which is topped by arched transoms. The
pilasters between the windows and spandrels are usually
unadorned.
Late Straits Eclectic Style 1910s-1940s
Pilasters are of classical order, the arched or rectangular
transom over the window opening and plaster renderings are
to reflect the wealth and status of the owners. To prevent water
smudge on the wall that would damage the lime plastering wall,
coloured ceramic tiles are included.

30
Art Deco Style 1930s-1960s
Geometrical shapes were emphasized on the vertical and
horizontal elements. Its features include banding devices,
Shanghai plaster renderings and concrete flag poles. Higher
pediments and extended parapet walls made the building look
taller.
Early Modernism Style 1950s-1970s
Smooth curvature of machines, fused into the outline of the
shophouses. Following the functional style of the modern
movement, which was greatly influenced by European style.
The trend further influenced contemporary practices without
ornamentation but large flanks of overhanging and shading
design.
3.2.2 THE CONTEMPORARY SHOPHOUSES
With the strict UNESCO requirements, and the desire to
implement advance technology, the refurbishment of
shophouses has become relatively challenging as compared to
the olden days, due to the structure and cost efficiency.
However, this has made Georgetown an assembly point for
exciting architecture, resulting from the charming cultural
feature and creative contemporary design. One of the most
evident examples that can be found in the town is the Sinkeh
hotel.

31
Figure 3.04 Open courtyardand 3 floor steel structure. Figure 3.05 Restoration of front façade.

32
4.0 ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES
4.1 PARTY WALL
In simple terms a party wall divides the buildings of two owners
with the boundary between ownerships usually, but not always,
positioned at the centre of the wall. They transfer the weight of
the roof and upper floors down to the ground, unlike the post
and beam system, we have today.
The idea of party wall was brought from the Southern Chinese,
by the Chinese immigrants with building skills. The smaller
early shop houses, more Indian in influence can be identified
for their lack of diving party wall above the roof.
With this construction method, it restricted the width of the shop
houses, as the masonry party walls supported floor loads of
these structure and the timber beams carried the roof, partly
causing the long, narrow plan of shop houses.
Figure 4.01 Bare party wall of No.42, the premise beside No.44, which
was damaged by fireon the 2nd
of July, 2012.

33
The benefit of this masonry system compared to post and beam
system is that it serves as a barrier to the spread of fire in a
crowded urban settlement, so the party wall could be a fire wall.
Besides, masonry was also used to bear the heavy loads to
provide privacy and security.
The party wall of No.44 is built with fired clay bricks and the
plastered with lime plaster. The party wall withstood the fire on
2nd
July 2012 that damaged No.42 (neighbouring premise),
leaving No.44 unharmed.
4.2 AIR VENTS AND WINDOWS
Ground floor masonry walls have symmetrical double doors, a
pair of window and bat shape air vents above. Both windows
and air-vents are fixed with vertical iron bars. The transom is
carved with Chinese mascot that implied the meaning of
blessing and good fortune. Usually the transoms are carved
with four bats with the word “福” in the middle, which means
blessings.
Buildings of the Early Straits Eclectic style often features three
arched openings on the first floor as full-length windows. The
top part of the window is often shuttered, and the bottom part
is a flat panel. The windows are often built with steel bars to
prevent falling accidents.

34
Figure 4.02 Four bats surrounding a coin, a common Chinese motif found
in air vents.
Figure 4.03 Façade.

35
Figure 4.04 Panel inserted window In good condition, Located at the front
facade.
Figure 4.05 Timber louvred windows at the airwell in a better, less
weathered condition.

36
4.3 DOORS
The entrance of the shop house is significant in feng shui. The
door has to be located at the middle of the shop house. The
size of the door is measured using the feng shui ruler as the
ancestors are very concerned about the location of the door.
The main entrance id called as “ shu zi men” ; it acts as an
opening for air ventilation.
Usually, the door is carved with magpie and plum flower, which
means happiness; carved with flowers of four seasons, which
means peaceful throughout the year. In addition, the ancestors
are also concerned about the height of the ceiling; It is usually
between 10 to 11 feet, it has a meaning of good fortune.
Moreover, the curved timber door, air vents gable end and air-
well has the Chinese influence style while the full-length
shuttered windows has the European influence style.
4.4 AIRWELL
Surrounded by three other building, getting natural light and
fresh air is a problem. As a solution, one of the most important
features of the shop house is the use of a variety of open-to-
sky spaces. This helps shop houses to admit natural daylight,
as well as natural air, improving the ventilation.
These open-to-sky spaces are normally multi-purpose internal
courtyards. These courtyards may be landscaped spaces for
chilling, reading newspapers, or taking. It could also be used
for household purpose, as a place to dry laundry. Moreover, it
is a vent for cooking smoke, taking away the heat from the
charcoal fired stoves, or it could be a fine dining area.
However, air wells do come with problems like heavy rain could
make the interior wet, even minor flooding. When air
conditioning became a popular household electronic device,
many owners chose to cover up the airwell, losing the natural
ventilation, as well as the natural lights, causing the courtyard
become dark and damp.

37
The air well of No.44 King Street has a pulley roof system that
allows the roof above the air well to be opened or closed
manually. During the day, the air well would be opened up to
be brighten up the building and also to allow better air
ventilation. The air well can be enclosed immediately when it
starts to rain because the pulley system is easily controllable
from both floors.
The roof pulley system for the air well is considered a modern
addition to the building, as it was not present when the premise
was built in its original condition.
Figure 4.06 Opened air well
Figure 4.07 Closed air well

38
4.5 ORNAMENTATION
No.44 King Street is not adorned with many ornamentation
elements, but they are still evident within the premise. Most
ornamentation details occur at the front facades of Early Straits
Electric architecture, which unfortunately in No.44, most of
those details cannot be visually documented as they are
obstructed by planks. There are a few notable ornamentations
at other parts of the buildings, as listed below :
DECORATIVE TIMBER VENTILATION SCREEN
Timber lattice screens are popular in vernacular shop house
designs for ventilation purposes, but the lattice screen featured
in No. 44 is intricately decorative. It is subtlety included on the
top of a wooden partition wall, featuring interwoven octagonal
geometry.
DECORATIVE TIMBER BLOCK
Decorative timber blocks, as seen on top of the timber
ventilation screen in Figure X, are aligned along top part of the
partition walls. It is shaped into the shape of a butterfly, which
is an auspicious Chinese feng shui element for the symbol of
love and transformation.
CORNICE
The cornice is an ornamental element discreetly embedded
between the masonry walls in No.44 and the first floor slab
structure. It is molded into a simple, classical design, enabling
a more aesthetically pleasing connection between two planes
of different orientation (wall-to-slab corner).
CORBEL
A few corbels are featured in No.44 intended for structural
purposes in supporting the I-beams of the first floor slab.
Despite its straightforward and pragmatic function, it still
molded into seamless curves to enhance its aesthetic appeal.
BALUSTRADE (STAIRCASE)
The row of balustrade between the handrail and threads are
crafted with care and precision, with streamlined forms and
delicate curves of varying circumferences. Cortel and cornice,
portraying both structural and aesthetic qualities.

39
5.0 DEFECTS AND DILAPIDATION
5.1 WALL DETERIORATION
No.44 shophouse’s wall was composed of traditional burnt clay
bricks as structural load bearing, singular unit, lime mortar as
workable paste to bond bricks, and lime plaster as wall finishes.
Lime is a building material which allows moistures to remain in
the masonry for periods. Eventually, it can leads to binder
leaching and reduced strength and adhesion properties which
obviously can lead to serious problem. From the figures below,
the sign of deterioration can be seen on the wall surface, due
to the climatic and other factors.
Figure 5.01 Wall deterioration sign on first floor wall.
Figure 5.02 Exposed wall of clay bricks can be seen near airwell.
Figure 5.03 Deteriorated lime washed wall.

40
5.2 EFFLORESCENCE
Efflorescence is a crystaline deposit on surfaces of masonry,
stucco or concrete. It is whitish in appearance, and is
sometimes referred to as "whiskers". The formation of these
salt deposits are not mysteries. They are, for the most part,
water-soluble salts that come from many possible sources to
mar and detract from an otherwise beautiful and serviceable
structure. First of all, there must be water present to dissolve
and transport the salts. Groundwater is often a source of
efflorescence. For water to carry or move the salts to the
surface there must be channels through which to move and
migrate. The more dense the material, whether it be brick,
stone, stucco or concrete, the more difficult for the water to
transport salts to the surface. Conversely, the more porous the
material (lime for example), the greater the ease with which
salts are transported and deposited. Most of the water will
deposited on the lime-mortar wall, and eventually caused pock
marks, which clearly affecting the aesthetic quality of the wall.
Figure 5.04 Efflorescencemark on party wall near airwell.
Figure 5.05 Efflorescencehappened on the exterior wall, which affecting
the visual quality of it.

41
5.3 METAL CORROSION
Not too surprising to notice rusted metal components in this
over 150 year old building. Basically, metal reacts to the
surrounding environment especially humidity, and throughout
the chemical reaction it resulted in the deterioration of the entire
exposed surface of a metal. Deterioration of a metal can lead
to the structural failure of the particular component, which it will
be brittle and weak.
Figure 5.06 Rusted door hinge can be spotted.
Figure 5.07 Window iron grill was corroded and looks brittle from the
appearance.

42
5.4 TIMBER DETERIORATION (DRY ROT)
Dry rot (Serpula lacrymans) is a wood-destroying fungus that is
found in most parts of the world. Although it affects forest
timbers, dry rot is best known for its ability to destroy timbers in
buildings. There are a few indications of dry rot outbreak
includes:
A. Cuboidal cracking - Caused by the removal of moisture from
the wood, this is an indicator of a brown rot attack.
B. Dry timber - Crumbles easily between fingers.
C. Mushroom like odour.
Meanwhile, the corrosion of metal building components such
as nails, metal window frames, can be a cause for the timber
deterioration, as the rust can contributes to the rotten wood
effect.
Figure 5.08 Rotted wooden door was measured and recorded.
Figure 5.09 Colours of the wooden window panel was paler and rougher in
texture.

43
6.0 PROPOSAL
6.1 FOR DEFECTS AND DILAPIDATION
6.1.1 WALL DETERIORATION
In order to restore the building’s wall, we have to understand
the materials or ingredients that are appropriate for
conservation work. The main principle of the repair work is to
remain the original look of the building, therefore, the colours or
materials that chosen to be applied should be refer to the
building original choice. Usually scraping method will be carried
out to investigate the initial colour the building.Lime mortar is a
mixture of lime and sand, generally in the ratio of 1:3. It is the
best for burnt clay bricks in bonding and create stronger
adhesive forces. In places where only non-hydraulic lime is
available, pozzolan is added for strength. Lime wash is a
traditional way that being applied externally and
internally.Limewash is a repairing material, being used to fill
small shrinkage cracks on the lime coverings. Limewash can
also be used in conjunction with various aggregates to make
shelter coats for friable masonry and will act as a sacrificial
protective coat. Meanwhile, limewash creates a cooler interior
as it is a breathable material.
Figure 6.01 Lime washing in progress.

44
6.1.2 EFFLORESCENCE
It is much easier to overcome the efflorescence issue
compared to wall deterioration. Washing by scrubbing off the
deposits by using mild or diluted acidic solutions (depends on
the conditions) that is stronger than vinegar. However, more
diluted solutions are recommended for integral - coloured
concrete to avoid surface etching that may reveal aggregates
and change the colour and texture of the surface. Another
alternatives is to using pressurized water to remove the
efflorescence. Even though this solution does not works
suitably as it might tear or peel off the wall layers, but further
discussion is essential for a better technique.
Figure 6.02 Scrubbing a wall.
Figure 6.03 Pressurizedwater washer is being used to remove the
efflorescence.

45
6.1.3 METAL CORROSION
In the case of No.44 shophouse, most of the iron components
such as window metal grill etc. were in unpleasant conditions.
Therefore, some of these items are encouraged to replace with
parts that is similar materials and colour or coatings. Some of
the components such as door lock, which is potential and
functional, we can try to remove the rust by scrubbing it with
some solutions such as vinegar and other acidic solutions.
Figure 6.04 Rust can be removed by using acidic solutions.

46
6.1.4 TIMBER DETERIORATION
Timber-made components that are found in No.44 shophouse
such as door and window panels are still in functional condition,
which is encouraged to be reused and served as their role over
the years. However, structural components such as timber
beam, timber wall which is unlikely steady and firm should be
replaced with another materials such as steel or timber.
Regardless of the materials, the colours should be able to blend
into the building interior. Below is the figures that showcases a
case study on how new materials can actually merges well in
an old building. However, timber components are still the best
choice, since it gives a similar colours, textures and
appearance.
Figure 6.05 Case Study: Salud Tapas interior, I beam as the alternative.

47
6.2 PROPOSAL FOR ADAPTIVE RE-USE
After the investigation and research on the building and its site
context, we decided to propose a community centre which
symbolizes King Street, Penang. Even though there are plenty
of temples and clan associations, which served as the same
purposes, but we wanted to attracts public responses from
different classes, races, social and cultural background, into
our centre to revitalise No.44 shophouse and bring its back into
its glorious moment. As far as we know, King Street is a diverse
streetscape that used to be a busy street, with mainly Chinese
and Indian-Muslim.
So we started our design proposal, by separate ground and first
floor into public and private spaces. Main hall, which served as
a social and semi-public space in the past, is proposed to be a
place where visitors can get their souvenir, which is locally
produced by the local craftsman (mainly elderly around that
area). Walked through the corridor, users can read the
information boards hung on the wall which next to the
airwell.Dining area is prepared, which can served as reading
area, for visitors and locals to get a short drinks or meal which
provided by nearby coffee shop, and obtain the knowledges
about Penang culture and history. At the back, where the
services will be provided, such as washrooms, bathroom,
kitchen with pantry for staff uses. Upper floor is more focus on
the private spaces. Recalling back to the spaces that were
utilized before dilapidation, those spaces were used to be room
for each family. Therefore, we came out with an idea that each
spaces served as different functions.
Handicraft-making space will the located at the bigger room,
which is at the back and close to the airwell, which is much
better in air and light ventilation. Services will be provided at the
end of the first floor. Offices for stuff or shopkeeper will be
utilized at the cantilevered room, which is central and ease of
approaching. Smaller room that next to main room at first floor,
which be an exhibition hall. By looking back to the history, King
Street was a places where Hakka community stayed and
worked at the nearby sea as a fisherman. Since that, we think
the room can exhibit some of the antiques or nostalgic items
that can be display to showcases the daily life and precious
moment of the community,
The main room, which is the biggest room will be function as a
private hall, where private events such as public lecture, local

48
story telling sessions, movie-playing theatre can be carried out.
Basically, it will be a multi-purpose hall where gathers local
culture and society into one room.
Figure 6.06 Case study: No.8 Heeren Street, Malacca for information
board display on wall.

49
6.2.1 PROPSED FLOOR PLAN
Figure 6.07 Proposed ground floor plan (above) and first floor plan
(bottom).
LEGENDS:
1. Souvenir shop
2. Reception and cashier
3. Storeroom
4. Dining room
5. Artwork / information board display wall
6. Counter
7. Reading Area
8. Pantry
9. Kitchen
10. Washroom 1
11. Bathroom
12. Event hall (Multi-purpose use)
13. Exhibition hall
14. Office
15. Handicraft-making
16. Washroom 2

50
6.2.2 PERSPECTIVE RENDERINGS

51
By exploring the spaces and programming involved in general
shophouses, the main hall served as a guest-greeting spaces,
which is semi-public. The carved screen acts a border line
between main hall and the spaces behind, which is much more
private. Usually the screen was carved with excellent
craftmanship, to show off the house owner's social level.
Therefore, weproposed it as a souvenir shop (Render 1), which
welcomes the visitors at the first moment.
Airwell is a crucial yet prominent feature that can be spotted in
every shophouses. It provides good light and air ventilation for
the particular building. In No.44, the airwell is flexible for users
to control by using the retractable roof panels. The reason why
we proposed the dining area (Render 2) at the airwell, because
we wanted the visitors to enjoy their light meal and drinks under
the bath of soft sunlight, and facing the information boards that
hung on the corridor wall. Flipping through the books that
provided on the shelf, allows them to understand the culture
and history of Penang shophouses, a basic yet fantastic
pioneer in early architectural design.

52
As the room used to be a dark, yet abandoned spaces, we
considered it as a potential to be a private, yet efficient
workspace. It is proposed as a handicraft-making spaces
(Render3), which brings advantages for the local community by
giving them a job to make handicraft or art and sell to the
visitors. The airwell, which is just next to it, will enhance the
spatial quality by giving light and refreshing air.

53
7.0 PROVISIONS AND GUIDELINES
7.1 FEDERAL CONSTITUTION (9th
SCHEDULE) - ARTICLES
74,77
Legislative List:
List 1-
13. Education, including -
B. Libraries ; Museums ; Ancient and historical Monuments and
records ; Archaeological sites and remains.
List 11b -
9e. Perservation of heritage
7.2 UNESCO CONVENTION CONCERNING THE
PROTECTION OF THE WORLD CULTURAL AND
NATURAL HERITAGE
Article1
For the purpose of this Convention, the following shall be
considered as "cultural heritage": monuments: architectural
works, works of monumental sculpture and painting, elements
or structures of an archaeological nature, inscriptions, cave
dwellings and combinations of features, which are of
outstanding universal value from the point of view of history, art
or science; groups of buildings: groups of separate or
connected buildings which, because of their architecture, their
homogeneity or their place in the landscape, are of outstanding
universal value from the point of view of history, art or science;
sites: works of man or the combined works of nature and man,
and areas including archaeological sites which are of
outstanding universal value from the historical, aesthetic,
ethnological or anthropological point of view.

54
Article 4
Each State Party to this Convention recognizes that the duty of
ensuring the identification, protection, conservation,
presentation and transmission to future generations of the
cultural and natural heritage referred to in Articles 1 and 2 and
situated on its territory, belongs primarily to that State. It will do
all it can to this end, to the utmost of its own resources and,
where appropriate, with any international assistance and co-
operation, in particular, financial, artistic, scientific and
technical, which it may be able to obtain.
Article 5
To ensure that effective and active measures are taken for the
protection, conservation and presentation of the cultural and
natural heritage situated on its territory, each State Party to this
Convention shall endeavor, in so far as possible, and as
appropriate for each country:
(a) to adopt a general policy which aims to give the cultural
and natural
heritage a function in the life of the community and to integrate
the protection of that heritage into comprehensive planning
programmes;
(b) to set up within its territories, where such services do
not exist, one or
more services for the protection, conservation and presentation
of the cultural and natural heritage with an appropriate staff and
possessing the means to discharge their functions;
(c) to develop scientific and technical studies and research
and to work
out such operating methods as will make the State capable of
counteracting the dangers that threaten its cultural or natural
heritage;
(d) to take the appropriate legal, scientific, technical,
administrative and financial measures necessary for the
identification, protection, conservation, presentation and
rehabilitation of this heritage; and
(e) to foster the establishment or development of national
or regional centres for training in the protection, conservation

55
and presentation of the cultural and natural heritage and to
encourage scientific research in this field.
Article 8
1. An Intergovernmental Committee for the Protection of the
Cultural and Natural Heritage of Outstanding Universal Value,
called "the World Heritage Committee", is hereby established
within the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization. It shall be composed of 15 States Parties to the
Convention, elected by States Parties to the Convention
meeting in general assembly during the ordinary session of the
General Conference of the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization. The number of States
members of the Committee shall be increased to 21 as from the
date of the ordinary session of the General Conference
following the entry into force of this Convention for at least 40
States.
2. Election of members of the Committee shall ensure an
equitable representation of the different regions and cultures of
the world.
3. A representative of the International Centre for the Study of
the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (Rome
Centre), a representative of the International Council of
Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and a representative of the
International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural
Resources (IUCN), to whom may be added, at the request of
States Parties to the Convention meeting in general assembly
during the ordinary sessions of the General Conference of the
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization, representatives of other intergovernmental or
non-governmental organizations, with similar objectives, may
attend the meetings of the Committee in an advisory capacity.

56
7.3 STATE OF PENANG HERITAGE ENACTMENT 2011
Part V State Heritage
Declaration of State Heritage
29. (1) The commissioner may, with the approval of the State
Authority, by notification in the Gazette, declare any tangible
cultural heritage site, intagible cultural heritage or natural
heritage site as a State Heritage.
(2) In making a declaration under subsection (1), the
Commissioner may consider the following matters:
(a) the historical importance of the State;
(b) the design or aesthetic characteristics; 22 Laws of the
State of Penang ENACTMENT 14
(c) the innovation or scientific or technical achievements;
(d) the social or cultural relationship of society;
(e) the potential to educate, illustrate or provide scientific
investigation in relation to the cultural heritage and natural
heritage in the state of Penang; or
(f) the uniqueness of the cultural heritage or natural
heritage.
(3) Where the site is on an alienated land or belongs to any
person other than the State Government, the owner, custodian
or trustee of that site, shall be notified at least thirty days prior
to the date of the proposed declaration.
(4) Where the declaration under subsection (1) involves an
intangible cultural heritage and copyright still subsists in such
works, the consent of the copyright owner shall be obtained
before any declaration is made.
Ownership or possesion of State Heritage
30. Any State Heritage which is owned or possessed by a
person other than the State Government may remain in the
possession of its owner, custodian or trustee.
State Heritage Register
31. (1) The Commissioner shall establish a register known as
the State Heritage Register which contains the lists of tangible
cultural heritage site, intangible cultural heritage and natural
heritage site which have been declared as the State Heritage
under section 29.

57
(2) The Commissioner shall maintain and ensure that the
Register is kept up to date from time to time and in good
condition. (3) Any person may request for any information
contains in the Register and the Commissioner may provide the
information and impose prescribed fee for such information.
7.4 NATIONAL HERITAGE ACT 2005 (ACT645)
Part VI management, Preservation and Conservation of
State Heritage
Care of heritage
34. (1) The owner or occupier of a heritage site shall ensure
that the site is always in a good condition.
(2) The owner or occupier of a heritage site shall permit the
Commissioner,any authorized officer or enforcement officer to
enter the site for the purpose of carrying out any conservation,
repair or maintenance works as he deems expedient or
necessary.
(3) Where the Commissioner is satisfied that reasonable
steps are not being taken for properly preserving the heritage
site, he may carry out such repair works, after giving to the
owner or occupier of the site a fourteen days notice in writing
of his intention to do so, and all costs and expenses incurred
while carry out the works shall be reimbursed by the owner or
the occupier of the site.
Application for planning permission
35. (1) The local planning authority shall coordinate and seek
the advice from the Commissioner before giving any planning
permission or development order involving a heritage site.
(2) An application made under subsection (1) shall contain
the following matters:
(a) sufficient particulars to identify the monument or
building in relation to the application, including its layout plan,
measured building plan and photographs of its angle, including
the exterior and interior of such monument or building;
(b) such other plans and drawings to describe the work in
the application;

58
(c) measures that have been taken to secure the safety of
the heritage site and the neighbouring land; and Penang
Heritage 25
(d) such other particulars as may be required by the
Commissioner.
(3) For the purpose of paragraph 2(c), neighbouring land
means—
(a) any adjoining land within a distance of two hundred
metres from the boundary of the land to which an application
under this section relates;
(b) any land separated from the land towhich an application
made under
this section relates by any road, lane, drain or reserved land,
the width of which does not exceed twenty metres and which
would be adjoining the land to which the application relates had
they not been separated by such road, lane, drain or reserved
land; or
(c) any land located within a distance of two hundred
metres from the boundary of the land to which an
application under this section relates.
(4) The Commissioner shall advise the local planning
authority to impose any condition when approving planning
permission or a development order involving a heritage site
which may include—
(a) requiring the compliance with any conservation
guidelines and procedures issued by the State Authority;
(b) requiring the payment of any damage caused to any
heritage site after the works authorized by the planning
permission or the development order are completed; or
(c) requiring the protection and preservation of any specific
features of the heritage site. 26 Laws of the State of Penang
ENACTMENT 14
(5) Where the planning permission is given, the
Commissioner shall liaise, co-operate and coordinate with the
local planning authority to ensure that any terms and conditions
imposed on the owner or occupier of the heritage site relating
to the conservation of heritage are complied with.
(6) Any person who contravenes any condition imposed
under subsection (4) commits an offence.

59
7.5 GUIDELINES FOR CONSERVATION WORK ON
CATEGORY II BUILDINGS

71
8.0 CONCLUSION
From the production of this investigative report and subsequent
proposal for an adaptive reuse of the building, we have gained
invaluable and insightful information regarding the conservation
methods of historical and culturally active buildings in and
around Malaysia. It has been brought to our attention that, even
though buildings may have been abandoned long ago and may
look like it has lived out its lifespan, the buildings may have a
new lease of life through proper conservation work. This is in
stark contrast to our design modules which have always given
us a clean slate to design our buildings without regard to the
previous occupants. As architecture students we now feel an
expanded knowledge on building types and construction and
that not all good and active buildings need to look modern and
sleek but they can also come in the form of a humble old looking
building that still has plenty of essence and soul on offer
especially in regards to the site context which may still be rich
in similar heritage.

75
REFERENCES
BOOKS
1. Tan, Y.W. (2015). Penang Shophouses : A Handbook of Features
and Materials. Penang : Tan Yeow Wooi Culture and Heritage
Research Studio.
ONLINE RESOURCES
1. PenangShophouses. (n.a.). General facts of Penang Shophouses.
Retrieved 20 Nov, 2016, from
http://penangshophouse.com.my/?page_id=2.
2. ConcreteConstruction. (March 2013). Efflorescence : Causes and
Solutions. Retrieved 20 Nov, 2016, from
http://www.concreteconstruction.net/how-to/efflorescence-causes-
and-solutions_o.
3. Decker, W. (n.a.). Efflorescence, what is it and what causes it?
http://www.deckerhomeservices.com/what%20is%20efflorescence.
htm.
4. LimeStuff. (n.a.). How to apply lime wash. Retrieved 20 Nov, 2016,
from http://www.limestuff.co.uk/pages/user-guides/how-to-apply-
limewash.html.
5. ProtumServices. (n.a.). How best to restore & preserve buildings
in Ireland. Retrieved 20 Nov, 2016, from
https://protumservices.wordpress.com/2013/01/25/3/.
6. SafeGuard. (n.a.). Dry Rot and its Control. Retrieved 20 Nov,
2016, from http://www.safeguardeurope.com/applications/dry_rot.
7. TheBalance. (2016). Types of Corrosion. Retrieved 20 Nov, 2016,
from https://www.thebalance.com/types-of-corrosion-2340005.
8. ePublications. (2015). The effect of efflorescence on the
mechanical properties of fly-ash based geopolymer binders.
Retrieved 20 Nov, 2016, from http://epubs.scu.edu.au/acmsm23/19/.
9. HomeInspections. (n.a.). Masonry Deterioration and Repair.
http://homeinspectionsusa.us/masonry-deterioration-and-repair/.
10. PenangShophouses. (n.a.). Repair, Planning & Building Control
Procedures. Retrieved 20 Nov, 2016, from
http://penangshophouse.com.my/?page_id=104.

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