Built environment is a physical translation of our daily behaviorial pattern, needs and climatic conditions. "A Study of the Old Malay Village at Sayong and its Perak House' - aims to discuss the above mentioned issues as follows:- Chapter 1 - deals with the historical and social background of Malaysia. The geographical context of the peninsular Malaysia which led to the opening of Malacca as a trade centre, attracted hitherto many powers and cultures to the region. The Malay lifestyle is attached to the indian culture of Parameswara, the Majapahit Kingdom Ruler who opened Malacca in 1403 and later to Islamisation of the Ruler and his followers in the mid 1400's. The rise and fall of many powers and their cultures, e.g. the Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese and British all had their particular influence on the original Malay house. Chapter 2 deals with the climate and various principles which are used to combat extreme weather of Malaysia. These are the cross-ventilation, layout distribution, wind velocity gradient and building techniques such as overhangs and ise of light materials to combat solar radiation. Chapte 3 discusses various types of Malays houses in general. Different domestic architectures as usually identified by the different regions within the country, such as the Minangkabau House, Malacca House and Perak House, which relate to the original area in which the people settled. Together with photographs and drawings, their differences and common features are discussed. The case study begins at chapter 4. As rivers play a vital role in any civilisation, early settlements of Perak rulers are found at the intersection of the Sayong and Kangsar Rivers where there is also an abundance of building materilas. A few original Perak Houses are left at the chosen site for my case study. Chapter 5 deals with the planning and growth of Satong. The palace is the focal point for the village where daily activities are controlled by the ruler. The relationship between the Sultan and his followers, the villagers among themselves, and also its implications to the Perak House design are discussed. Chapter 6 - discusses the Indian customs which are practised by the Malays in constructing the house. The site must be free from the evil spirit and the right date and time to begin the construction is vital. The physical preparation includes finding suitable tress and wood for building materials, the measurement system, are further discussed in order to complement the study. Chapter 7 - Individual Perak House and its elements. This chapter discusses the Rumah Ibu (Main House), Selang (midway Hall) and Rumah Dapur (Kitchen House). The planning concept of these domains derived from the lifestyle and islamic religion which segregates males and females but not from their own relatives. The physical Elements are divided in to four; frame, Floor, Walls and Vertical circulation system. The assembly of these elements are discussed with the help of photographs and diagrams. Chapter 8 - External Influences and Further Development of a Perak House. As with the administration of Perak Government, The Acheh and Bugis architecture had significantly influenced the Perak House. The similarities are clearly shown in an Acheh House from Sumatra. With the advent of technology and improved infrastructure, old Perak Houses and villages had changed theri identity. Chapter 9- conclusion- Further Development of Houses in Malaysia in the 20th. century. As local materials become more scarce, and the demand for houses exceeds supplies, concrete houses are built but neglecting the identity or quality in design that respond to the climatic conditions and its environment.