Built in 1921, this is a rare survivor of the once-numerous traditional stilt houses in the city-centre area formerly populated by the Mandailing cultural group. Its preservation and transformation from a 10-person-family house into a 16-desk office with meeting room and dining facilities demonstrates how past and future can coexist. The initial structure, in brick and wood, was retained where possible in its original form, restored, and rigidified for seismic resistance. Ground-floor height-clearance, upper-floor oscillation and damp-penetration issues were solved through various strategies. Added external canopies and stairs use visibly modern materials: steel and glass. These are not directly attached to the old structure, avoiding load problems in the latter or displacement during earthquake. Ulin-wood roof tiles limit heat gain. 

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture