Bali Expat Forum - Bali Travel Forum

In the ongoing discussion about wooden houses I wood (lol) just like to add that in ongoing discussions with a number of Balinese they have fully agreed with the original premise that wooden housing here in Bali was, back in the day, the "normal" method of building and that the massive, not to say fort-like, brick and stone building style in present use was brought in by the Dutch and is now a mark of "wealth" not a necessity caused by some specific climatic or insectivore reason, ie. termites.

I don't believe I ever argued that historically balinese built with brick. but if it really is a question you're interested in markit, in that you're wondering whether to build entirely with wood, why not go to one of the manufacturers, ask for (or buy) a small sample of their wood, and then go stick it somewhere where it's exposed to the elements. You see how it holds up after 6 months, 1 year and so on. I think in 2 years from now, you'll go for the brick having seen your wood turn grey, twist and crack. I'm guessing they're not using ulin.

Cheers,

Ct

Markit, I not that convinced that when you say you're talking to a Balinese that you would know that for certain!

In any event, since architecture and archaeology are not standard Balinese curriculum through the SMU level, why not consult a Balinese who would say otherwise...Drs. I Made Kusumajaya, who is the director of archaeology here in Bali. His office is in Gianyar.

And by the way Markit, the ONLY way to study traditional Balinese domestic architecture in Bali is to get inside of a Balinese compound. Have you been in one yet?

The only 2 types of wood that come into question for building in the tropics are Mirbau and Bankirei (sp probably but cant be assed to look them up).
There is, of course, also Teak but not a sustainable alternative and more importantly too damned expensive.

Bankerei is used exclusively for the outside due to its consistency, anti bug properites and excellent abilities to withstand weathering. It does develop cracks along the pattern of the growth rings but they don't inhibit its strength or durability - I'm told...

Mirbau is generally used for interiors for 2 of the previous reasons namely bugs and hardness - weathering is ok too but it tends to "bleed" a red coloring when exposed to rain.

As to putting some wood out for 6 to 12 months and seeing what happens, well its already happened - all around you here people build with wood as part of their houses, just not many do it as complete answer.

Roy about asking and archaeologist about modern building techniques only you could come up with that bullsh*t - if I asked you what time it was would you tell me how to build a watch?

yes markit, but even bangkirai needs constant oiling when outdoors. you're right about merbau bleeding, but in outdoor areas it can be used for decking still as long as there's no finished surfaces in contact with it for the 'blood' to stain..

of course it can be done, the question i always thought was being asked is whether or not it's feasible. and when you look at the cost and the maintenance of any wood home in indonesia, i believe it's not feasible. both bangkirai and merbau, as raw products (not installed / cut) are about $900-$1100 per cubic meter depending on grade.

i'm currently ordering our door-sets for our place which are solid bangkirai - including the the frames (also solid bangkirai) we have almost 65 linear meters of bangkirai framed glass external doors, all 2.9m in height. our internal doors are also solid bangkirai, 2.9m high, 50mm thick.. (4 people to lift one door).. but with all that wood there's still 1100m2 of rock surface being installed, andesit / slate (all external and wet area floor surfaces), paras (similar to limestone - all internal walls), sukabumi (for the pool) and that's not yet including granite for countertops..

teak is really on the decline in indonesia as a common use wood - the top grade stuff is generally exported and most if not all of the Class 2 and 3 wood is too green and warps over time..

in your post you didn't mention the most durable of outdoor woods which used to be used a lot but is now quite hard to come across and is also expensive - it's called ulin and it is the 'true' iron wood.

ct

I never jumped in on this topic , I guess its never too late . In Kuta from 1972 to 1986 , there where many wood strutures , we would have to rebuild them every five years do to the insects and climate .

Roy about asking and archaeologist about modern building techniques only you could come up with that bullsh*t - if I asked you what time it was would you tell me how to build a watch?

I guess you don't remember what you originally wrote, so here it is again for you:

in ongoing discussions with a number of Balinese they have fully agreed with the original premise that wooden housing here in Bali was, back in the day, the "normal" method of building and that the massive, not to say fort-like, brick and stone building style in present use was brought in by the Dutch

Clearly you are referring to historic architecture, thus my response was properly addressed to that topic.

And, while we are on the topic again, aside from Singaraja and Denpasar, the Dutch had little influence on Balinese architecture, and they had absolutely NOTHING to do with the introduction of brick and stone as a primary building material! The Dutch concentrated on infrastructure, primarily roads, bridges and port development in Singaraja. Even in those two cities, Dutch architectural influence was minimal, and the primary influence is Chinese, some by direct contact to Bali, but mostly through the Majapahit beginning in the 15th century. The only historic use of all wood primary structures in Bali is found within the Bali Aga.

Best to read what you originally wrote before making snide comments, don’t you think?

And by the way, you completely avoided my question...have you been inside any Balinese compounds yet?

Hmmm Balilife much food for thought - interesting with your per meter price and your other points too, of course.

Ulin or Ironwood as far as I can tell are only used for roofing any more - don't know whether this is due to pricing, durability or looks - maybe all three. In any case it, does not seem to be on offer for main construction purposes.

Care of the finished wood product is really what it's all about - with the price of labor here so low you can have your little man running around with his treatment spray/paint brush pretty much 24/7. Although the it is only recommended on an annual basis - to be on the safe side every 6 months wouldn't hurt.

BaliHi would love to know what those house/buildings were made off. Some constructors here are still using/selling main building support columns made of coconut.

They look great, nice and round but a surer way to having to replace them every 5 years I can't think of - the termites can't wait for building to finish.

Care of the finished wood product is really what it's all about - with the price of labor here so low you can have your little man running around with his treatment spray/paint brush pretty much 24/7. Although the it is only recommended on an annual basis - to be on the safe side every 6 months wouldn't hurt.

From another string:

During the course of our recent Melaspas ceremony the end of October, I had the opportunity to discuss with my architect brother in law his views on an all wood house in Bali. He is dead set against the idea because of several reasons. One reason is the original cost and maintenance is too high, another for conservation reasons, and a third was the safety factor.

He reminded me that here in Bali, termites are not the only wood eating/boring insects. He had several Balinese names for these other critters, one species being responsible for eating the entire insides out of two particularly fine topeng masks in our collection.

He went on to explain that the presence of such wood destroying critters is not easily detected. They normally do not come through the surface of the wood they have infested, and as a result, they can easily destroy the entire inner core of a support pillar before its too late, and a collapse results.

Our neighbour has that problem with his rather large property roy, which was originally built by tirtha as their first venue, before they moved to uluwatu. You can't see the damage, but many parts of the wood floor are merely a shell left there and their place uses wood for sturctural pilons, which they've been replacing slowly. Apparently when the property was first built, there was no land termite control solution implemented - they built it and then just treated the surface of the wood.. And it's mainly coconut wood throughout their place.

Ct

So Markit, what do you think? Have we put this issue to bed once and for all for you, or do you see a further need for parts “3 maybe 4"...?

Nope, heard all I care to on this subject but I would like to compliment you on your ability to stay on subject there Roy. Was it tough? Did you get any blisters?

Course, if you had any Balinese lumberjacks in the immediate/extended family that you'd like to promote well nows your last chance...

but I would like to compliment you on your ability to stay on subject there Roy. Was it tough?

As I read this string, you were the challenged one…as in remedial reading.

That was a fairly low brow return there Roy what's up Alzheimers raising its shaggy head?

Look on the bright side Roy, when you have got Alzheimers you are always meeting new people

“That was a fairly low brow return there Roy…”

Really? I didn’t think so. I think anyone who reads all the posts on this string can figure things out for themselves, and come to their own conclusions.

Alzheimer’s…me? Not in your wildest dreams, but since we are on memory retention issues, may I draw attention to two recent demonstrations of your Bali fantasies?

The first one was the idea that if a space ship landed in my village, all of villagers would most willingly jump on board and head off to anywhere else than Bali.

The second is your fixation with an all wooden house on Bali.

So, what’s next? Will it be panning for gold in the Ayung River, or maybe an Irish dance hall in Ubud?

Since you never answered the question…have you been inside of a Balinese compound?...I guess it’s fair to assume you haven’t, and as such, you haven’t even begun to see, or learn about Bali. I don’t even dare ask if you’ve attended a Balinese temple ceremony.

Your “cock sureness” is amusing to say the least, as I have no doubt where it all will eventually lead. For me, it’s all great entertainment watching fools making complete fools of themselves, so please, don’t stop.