Preserving cultural heritage and sustainability in Malay traditional houses: architectural elements, adaptation, and modern challenges

Malay traditional houses are quintessential cultural and historical symbols that embody architectural heritage intertwined with sustainability principles. This review synthesizes existing literature to explore their distinctive architectural elements, including decorative motifs, indigenous construction techniques, spatial organization, and cultural-religious influences. It further examines the challenges posed by modernization, urbanization, and loss of traditional craftsmanship, alongside the adaptation strategies that integrate traditional design with contemporary sustainable practices. Preservation efforts highlighted include documentation, community engagement, adaptive reuse, and policy development aimed at safeguarding this heritage. The review identifies gaps in awareness and technological incorporation while advocating interdisciplinary research and digital tools to enhance conservation. This comprehensive analysis underscores the critical need to sustain the cultural and environmental values inherent in Malay traditional houses for future generations.