Interior Architecture Students Explore Heritage Conservation at Bon Ton Resort Langkawi

Interior architecture students from the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology at SEGi University took part in an educational trip to Bon Ton Resort Langkawi on 27 January 2026.

The visit provided students with a valuable opportunity to study the adaptive reuse of traditional Malay houses in a real life setting. Bon Ton Resort is widely recognised for preserving and relocating authentic kampung houses, transforming them into boutique accommodation while maintaining their original architectural character.

During the visit, students observed key spatial features of traditional Malay houses, including raised floors, verandas, natural ventilation strategies, timber construction, intricate carvings, and modular layouts. These elements offered important insights into how cultural values, climate responsiveness, and traditional craftsmanship continue to influence architectural and interior design.

The resort also served as a meaningful case study on how historical structures can be preserved while meeting modern functional needs. Students analysed how interior spaces were adapted for hospitality use, including bedrooms, bathrooms, and communal areas, without compromising the authenticity of the original buildings.

Beyond heritage conservation, the trip enhanced students’ understanding of sustainable design principles. The reuse of existing structures helps reduce material waste, while passive design strategies such as cross ventilation and shading offer practical lessons for environmentally responsive design.

Overall, the educational trip enriched students’ appreciation of Malaysia’s architectural identity while helping them connect classroom learning with real world observation. It also strengthened their understanding of adaptive reuse, cultural heritage, and sustainable design as essential considerations in future interior architecture practice.

This event supports the following Sustainable Development Goal:

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities