Conservation of Sustainable Materials in Dayak Traditional Longhouse
Abstract
Dayak traditional longhouse is a massive dwelling built from sustainable materials. Ironwood, bamboo, palm leaves and rattan were among the basic materials used to construct Dayak longhouse in the past. Modernization of the Dayak people lifestyle in Sarawak due to economy improvement diminished the use of environmentally friendly sustainable materials in longhouse construction. The original materials of the existing traditional longhouses are replaced with modern materials. This paper discusses on the availability of sustainable materials in existing traditional longhouses. Study had been conducted at 15 Dayak traditional longhouses around Sarawak. Only ironwood is still widely being used due to its durability. Materials such as bamboo and palm thatches are frequently absent in any building elements of the longhouses. Conservation of the traditional materials need to be done not only to preserve the authenticity of the traditional longhouse but to promote the use of sustainable materials.
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