Traditional timber joinery and local materials in the Mak Ani heritage house: sustainable construction in Negeri Sembilan vernacular architecture

The traditional Malay houses of Negeri Sembilan reflect a unique socio-cultural system rooted in Adat Perpatih, inherited from the Minangkabau community. The Mak Ani Heritage House, located in Kampung Parit Istana, Kuala Pilah, stands as a rare example of vernacular architecture that has remained structurally intact for over a century. Remarkably, it was constructed entirely without the use of nails. This study focuses on documenting traditional timber joinery techniques and the application of locally sourced materials that have contributed to the house’s longevity and environmental sustainability. A critical issue addressed in this research is the growing risk of losing traditional carpentry knowledge due to insufficient technical documentation and the influence of modernization. Using a qualitative approach, including site observation, measured drawings, semi-structured interviews, and literature review, this study identifies various joinery systems such as mortise and tenon (tanggam lubang & puting),through beam joint (tanggam penyalur), notched joint (tanggam takuk), half lap joint (tanggam lekap), tongue and groove (tanggam lurah dan lidah), wooden pegs (pasak), and wedges (baji), all of which are applied in a modular and flexible construction method. The findings reveal that these traditional techniques are not only sustainable but also share fundamental principles with modern prefabricated building systems, being demountable, reassemble, and relocatable. The use of naturally treated hardwoods such as merbau and meranti further enhances the house’s structural resilience. As a whole, the Mak Ani Heritage House represents a model of vernacular construction that embodies both functional structural integrity and a deep cultural understanding of the tropical environment. This study aspires to serve as a technical and cultural reference for future conservation and innovation in traditional Malaysian architecture.