Gallery of Peranakan Cina Kelantan presents the history, culture and heritage of Peranakan Cina Kelantan, the only Peranakan Chinese who had acculturated to two prominent ethnics in Southeast Asia, namely the Malay and the Siamese. Although the donated architecture was not the finest of all the architecture still adapts the traditional Chinese space arrangement, the parents’ room on the right and the children's’ room on the left, and the Malay kampung houses built on stilts. According to the owner, this architecture was built by the Malay tukang in the 1900s. The adaptability and high tolerance in this Peranakan Cina community allow them to blend into the local cultures and live harmoniously with the native societies.

          We had an extended opportunity from the measured drawing project five years ago and this time we were engaged as an architectural designer for this project by KALAM of University of Technology with the appointed specialist from the Persatuan Peranakan Cina Kelantan (PPCK) and the contribution from the community and completed this project by the end of 2019.

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          As this traditional house has both historical and sentimental value to the community, we have worked closely with the conservation consultant and examined the design continuum over decades and decides the best serambi concept that matches seamlessly according to the architecture’s purpose and its historical period.

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          The construction highly involves local timber and skilful craftsmen. Material authenticity does not play the main significant role in this restoration project, however, the timber used was sourced within the region of Kelantan.

          From one perspective, the architecture follows, both in compositional and museological terms, the traditional, domestic character of a house. Its essence and rustic materials are preserved.  The new elements are interwoven into the visitor’s path to activate a unique experience, following the rhythm of the existing architecture. The museography follows the life and culture of the community of Peranakan Cina Kelantan, spreading the exhibition spaces one level of the house. 

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           The gallery reveals a new perspective on how art and architecture would benefit from each other’s challenges, unveiling the real substance of the building to its visitors, and, through its informal learning opportunities, giving a new vantage point on history and present times.