TIMBER has long been used in traditional construction for the framing of houses, as well as external cladding and joinery - not to mention that it is also a very versatile interior product that has been a major decorative element in Malaysian homes, especially for products such as timber flooring, wall panelling, veneer doors and furniture among others.
What has changed, however, is the range of products made with locally-sourced timber, thanks to Malaysia’s diverse timber species that are suitable for use in interior design and furniture.
For example, there are medium hardwood such as Alan Batu, Derum, Kasai, Kayu Malam, Keledang, Mengkulang, Meransi, Merawan and Merpauh, as well as light hardwood such as Alan Bunga, Bayur, Berangan, Bintangor, Dedali, Kembang, Semangkok and many more.
As with all construction projects, be it interior and exterior, technology in manufacturing has led to many more timber products being available for use and at more cost effective prices. In turn, this has contributed to the rising trend of incorporating timber into architecture and interior design.
In the concrete jungle of the city, people live hectic lives with little to no time for relaxation, which is why they need their living spaces to be a safe haven of comfort.
With timber being a natural material, it has the ability to reduce stress and boost a feeling of calmness.
The use of timber - which is considered the only carbon-neutral construction material and can be reused - in interior design also regulates humidity in the air, which could aid in helping people with respiratory problems.
Moreover, timber is one of the most durable natural materials in Malaysia’s tropical climate. Not only is it versatile as well, it is also a water- and rust-resistant material that increases acoustics.
There is also increasing awareness that sustainable sourced and manufactured timber-related products are more environmentally friendly, as it has been scientifically proven that wooden structures absorb and store atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Another key difference is in the low energy usage of the industry, when compared to brick, stone or concrete construction projects, which enables it to save time and labour.
As such, to market and promote the benefits of timber usage in interior design, the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) has often joined local and international interior design or home-based exhibitions throughout the years.
Among the key initiatives that it strives to achieve this objective is the Tanggam Design Centre initiative, which aims to provide design services and become a design hub for designers, students, the industries related or connected to design and other end-users who want to utilise the design facilities. Although acceptance is increasing, there is still a long way to go.
For MTIB industry development division senior assistant director Nik Zuraihah Nik Mohammad, who is among those tasked with spearheading the Tanggam Design Centre initiative, she believes that the acceptance of independent local designers remains on the lower side, even after more than five years.
“We’ve had a few success stories internationally, but locally, the acceptance is still lower than overseas. In Malaysia, we’re still looking into the idea of value, the price point and how the interior design and furniture industry are going to be marketed.
“It’s really about sustained, consistent effort in awareness and that takes time, since it’s a venture that we started from scratch.
“Our role is to ensure all the stakeholders involved realise the importance of design. It’s a hard role and we have to be patient in getting buy-in from their buy-in, but we’re happy that we’ve started and people have started emulating what we do, since that increases the impact, ” she concluded.
