Transformation of stilt houses: a way to respond to the environment to be sustainable

One type of houses on stilts that are spread on the west coast of the Aceh region is rumoh santeut located in the Teunom area. This vernacular architecture is a residence that has been tested by climate and natural disasters for hundreds of years, but still stands strong and is still inhabited by the fourth generation today. The Teunom settlement environment can represent the characteristics of other settlements on the west coast of Aceh, because it is in the same natural conditions. These settlements often experience flooding due to the overflowing of the Krueng Teunom River which is located adjacent to the settlement. This paper discusses the principles and techniques of construction in the construction of houses on stilts, and how the elements of construction respond to environmental problems as sustainable construction through a process of architectural transformation. Data has been analyzed with qualitative descriptive methods to find out the factors that affect transformation, and how transformation occurs. The findings show that the nature and potential of the material affect the structure / construction, building components, and construction methods. The houses on stilts in Teunom have been transformed together with changes in the socio-cultural community and changes in the natural environment. The use of cement, brick, and iron has now resulted in changes in the method of construction and appearance of the house. Wooden stilt houses that are transformed can be divided into two types of construction, they are transformed into contemporary houses, and are transformed as new stage houses. How the ancestors took care of their homes, and the fact that these houses still exist, should be an example in modern society.