Restoration Journey
Responsible heritage conservation does not happen overnight. It moves in stages, is documented, and is honest about where it stands. This is where you can follow it.
How restoration works
Collect oral histories, drawings, photographs, titles, legal records and prior reports
Document the existing condition and significant features
Professional assessments: structural, architectural, materials and services
Identify urgent stabilisation and weatherproofing priorities
Agree conservation principles and a viable future use
Prepare designs, estimates, approvals, funding and procurement
Carry out conservation works with photographic and technical records
Interpret the heritage for visitors and future generations
Establish maintenance, governance, programming and long-term care
Where things stand
Statuses are assigned only from verified evidence. There are no invented percentage bars; where details are still being assembled we say "documentation in progress" and name the evidence required.
Research & Documentation
Collecting oral histories, photographs, titles, court records and prior reports; recording the existing condition of Rumah Batu.
Evidence: Photographic documentation 2020–2022 completed; review of 2024–2026 archives ongoing.
In progressAssessment & Stabilisation
Professional structural, architectural, material and services assessments; identifying urgent stabilisation and weatherproofing priorities.
Evidence: Evidence still required: a certified structural assessment report.
NextConservation Design & Approvals
Conservation principles and a viable future use agreed by the heirs; designs, estimates, approvals and funding.
Future aspirationRestoration Works
Physical conservation works with photographic and technical records at every stage. The word "restored" will only be used once this work is truly complete.
Future aspirationLiving Heritage & Long-Term Care
Heritage interpretation for visitors and future generations; maintenance, governance, programming and continuing care.
Future aspiration
Frequently asked questions
Why does restoration take time?
Because the right order is to understand first and repair second. Hasty work can destroy original features that cannot be replaced. Every stage needs evidence, expertise, and the agreement of the heirs.
Who decides?
Every decision about Rumah Batu requires the consensus of the heirs through the representatives of the eight lines, guided by the W8-DBAK constitution and wakaf principles.
Can I visit Rumah Batu?
Organised visits will be announced on the Updates page and through the family’s official channels. For now the house is not an open visitor site.
How can I help?
Share memories, photographs and documents; offer expertise (conservation, architecture, law, media); or register your interest on the Participate page.