Developing Sarawak Motif Elements of Ventilation Pattern Through Ceramic Stoneware Materials

Sarawak is one of the largest states in Malaysia which is located in Borneo Island that is rich with cultural influences of various indigenous races such as Iban, Melanau, Penan, Kayan and Kelabit. The evolution of Sarawak traditional housing model design is inspired by the influence of traditional natural ventilation and aesthetics concepts. Ventilation is a process of the filtration of air movement inside and outside of a building. It is divided into a process of air circulation system known as infiltration and exfiltration system. Common air ventilation nowadays is powered through natural and mechanical force. The research will be focusing directly on natural force ventilation. Literally it is the cheapest and easiest way of attaining a sustainable wind power ventilation system. Previous study shows that nowadays modern housing models are no longer adapting similar value in design element concept especially on the critical Sarawak traditional housing motif, and there is lack of studies on house planning for proper air ventilation. This study aims to identify ideal ceramic material composition and parameter for ventilation while assimilating the proper channel of ventilation with critical design forms influenced by Sarawak motifs. This study used two methods, which are standard ceramic lab and a series of morphological design charts consisting of eight phases, in order to determine a suitable design for Sarawak motifs which was implemented on the ventilation model. The research was conducted to keep the heritage for the future generation; yet the traditional sustainable technology can be improved to suit the new modern housing model especially in the process of developing eco-green and sustainable housing design.