Abstract:
At first glance, the (Batak-) Mandailing traditional house in
North Sumatra—Bagas Godang—resembled the Bolon house of the
Toba people and the Siwaluh Jabu house of the Karo people in
appearance. However, it had a very close form to the Rumah
Gadang of the Minangkabau people in Luhak Agam, West Sumatra:
particularly the roof form. These similarities and differences of
house forms are unique and have not been understood well.
In this context, this study investigates the architectural
characteristics of the Mandailing traditional house by comparing it
to the Minangkabau traditional house in Luhak Agam. The study
included the Bolon and Siwaluh Jabu houses as additional
comparisons. The objective was to discover the linkage between the
Bagas Godang house in Mandailing and the Rumah Gadang in
Luhak Agam, in terms of space, form, and style.
The study employed qualitative research methods and
analyzed and compared them through observations, interviews, and
documentation.
The findings reveal that there is also a process of culture and
knowledge shared among them.
