Project Title: Cheng Hoon Teng Main Temple (The Temple of Green Cloud)

Date of Completion: December 2000

Location: Malacca, Malaysia

Size: 3,680 square feet

Cost: US$ 400,000

Client: The Board of Trustees of the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

Heritage Architect: Laurence Loh and Lim Huck Chin

Contractor: Syarikat Success Construction S/B

Project Synopsis

Constructed in the early seventeenth century and acknowledged as one of the oldest formal sites of worship for the immigrant Chinese community in Malaysia and Singapore, the Cheng Hoon Teng temple in Malacca is of great historical significance. The temple is also of high social importance, as evidenced by its daily use by the community and the fact that it is has maintained a viable existence for four centuries. Furthermore, the main temple building has enormous architectural value. Constructed of brick and timber with terracotta roof tiles, this exceptional building is Malaysia’s earliest example of Hokkien temple architecture and exhibits the high quality workmanship and skills of immigrant craftsmen from China’s southern provinces of Fujian and Guangdong.

Since its construction the temple complex has undergone a number of alterations and has evolved in appearance, attaining its current form in 1801. In the subsequent 161 years a variety of ad hoc repairs and ill-advised modifications were undertaken on the main building, culminating in the latest major renovation in 1963. In recent years it had become clear that the temple was in great need of conservation work, but it was not until the collapse of a main beam in one of the side bays in 1997, that the temple Trustees and religious community were galvanized into action.

The restoration project focused on the main temple building and began with a process of research and documentation. First a study of the current state of the building and the extent of the building’s dilapidation was undertaken and then an inventory was made of all moveable fittings and artifacts. Both tasks were completed by the end of 1997. Actual works did not commence until April 1999 because works could begin before the deities were moved from the main hall to ancillary buildings, and this could only occur on certain auspicious dates.

During the restoration process the investigative and record-keeping process continued, with every aspect of works carefully filmed and photographed. Furthermore, instructive signboards were put up so as to provide the public with information on the project’s restoration methodology and progress.

The Cheng Hoon Teng temple restoration process was successfully and authentically accomplished only with the understanding and tolerance of its Trustees, highlighting the necessity of foresight among owners of heritage structures. As a result of its success, this restoration project has ignited a passion and a consciousness for historic integrity never before witnessed in Malacca.

Highlights of Conservation Approach

The restoration team aimed to provide a model for other projects in the region. The guiding principle of the restoration project was to ensure authenticity and the team set out to demonstrate the effective use of original materials and traditional processes and methodology.

Conservation works included repair of the timber roof beams, roof re-tiling, and the restoration of lime plaster mouldings, chien nien (decorative porcelain works), gilding and frescoes. The project also involved the incorporation of modern electric wiring into the building, carefully installed to minimize the aesthetic impact.

In the restoration of decorative features, particular attention was placed on ensuring the methods and materials were traditional and authentic so as to retain and restore as much of the original appearance as possible. For example, ta chik, a traditional laquer paint, was applied to timber as a protective layer against termites and as a base for gold leaf application. Then gold leaf was applied using traditional methods and tools. Similarly, in the restoration of chien nien works, Chinese artisans used imported porcelain bowls specifically made for the purpose, which they broke into shards. They then carefully interspersed the new shards with old ones. Likewise, in the restoration of the chai hui (murals), specialist Chinese artisans were employed to retouch and repaint the frescoes with original tempera paints and organic dyes. And in repainting the building, the original type of lime wash was imported from China.

In the repair of the roof, approximately 75 per cent of the timber had to be replaced in order to ensure structural stability. Damaged beams and structural pieces were removed with a custom-made steel hoisting frame. Replacement circular timber purlins (beams) were hand-carved by local carpenters and capped at the ends with copper sleeves.

Conservation and the Community

By ensuring the continued existence and viability of this critically important and highly culturally significant building, the restoration project has ensured that the temple continues to serve the community in their daily lives, reinforcing the traditions established four centuries ago. At the same time, members of the community have been made aware of the heritage value and significance of the Cheng Hoon Teng temple and are motivated to continue to maintain the building through on-going donations.

In addition, the project has promoted awareness of best practice conservation methodology within the community and has sparked further preservation and restoration endeavours.