From tradition to transformation: typological evolution of riverine vernacular houses in Teluk Rumbia, Aceh Singkil

This study examines the architectural characteristics of vernacular houses located along the Singkil River, particularly in Teluk Rumbia Village, Aceh Singkil Regency. Built by the Singkil ethnic community, these houses represent cultural continuity while adapting to the geographical and climatic conditions of a riverine environment. The research employs a descriptive qualitative approach, using observation, interviews, documentation, and re-drawing of existing buildings. The findings reveal that the vernacular houses in Teluk Rumbia demonstrate adaptive and contextual design strategies, especially in response to floods and earthquakes, through the use of binangun (elevated stilt structures) and timber joinery without nails, which effectively reduce seismic vibrations. Local materials such as Sengketan and Punak wood as well as rumbia leaves are predominantly used, although a gradual shift to modern materials like corrugated metal and Rengas wood is observed due to resource limitations. Beyond their physical form, these houses embody social and cultural resilience through communal construction practices (gotong royong) and ritual traditions. Furthermore, typological transformations, including additional bedrooms, integrated sanitation facilities, and enlarged terraces, indicate continuous adaptation to lifestyle changes. Therefore, Teluk Rumbia vernacular houses can be regarded not only as cultural heritage but also as a sustainable architectural model for disaster-prone regions.