Traditionally, these settlements were a cluster of houses set in a compound — incidentally, the word “compound” itself is derived from kampung. These dwellings were often surrounded by the pastoral landscape of rice paddies, fruit orchards, and fishing jetties, which were the sources of livelihood for the community.uit orchards, and fishing jetties, which were the sources of livelihood for the community. It is apparent that the large space of traditional Malay homes, multiple windows and raised house is designed to not only host large groups of friends and family but it also promotes great airflow throughout the house to beat our intense heat. Buildings in Malaysia were generally designed with regard to our tropical climate... that is, until air-conditioning became a staple! Houses were built on stilts out of timber and the walls were made from wood or bamboo which was set in a large compound surrounded by lots of greenery – nature’s very own air-conditioning. Traditional Malay homes are designed with socio-economic, cultural and environmental needs in mind.