On display is a cross-section of a Malay house. For centuries and right up to modern times, the Melaka Malay house is traditionally built on stilts without using any nails. The houses consist of various aspects of the Malay culture. The Melaka Malay House generally comprised the balcony, the main house, the central platform, the middle house and a kitchen. Besides, there is an attic too. The main staircase was usually colourful and attractive.

The Melaka Malay House usually had three staircases, which were also the entrances. One is in the front of the house, one is in the middle leading to a platform (not show in this section) and the last one is in the kitchen. The main staircase is usually beautifully decorated to welcome visitors. When a person visits the house for the first time, he would be led in through the main staircase, a symbolic gesture thought to bring a good luck and happiness. The middle staircase is for the frequent visitors to the house, such as relatives and friends. It would be rude for a person to approach the house through the main staircase, but refuse to enter it. The back or kitchen staircase is only for the womenfolk.

The balcony of the house is often used for gatherings such as to recite the Quran, feast or discussion. It can also be used as a bachelor pad when the boy grows up. The local custom dictates that when an enemy enters the house through the main staircase and sits on the balcony, the owner of the house should not react in any way except to call on the village officers to resolve the matter.

The main house usually contains one or two rooms. The parents would occupy the master bedroom while the daughter of the house stays in the maiden rooms. The parents would later vacate their room for their daughter. The main house would also have a movable ladder leading to the attic.

The main house would be connected to the middle house and the kitchen by a platform, which is sometimes uncovered. This platform would be the entrance used by relatives and friends.

The middle house is a multi-purpose unit. It is here that family matters are discussed. It is also serves as a dining area for the family and a place where relatives gather. The parents of the house will sleep here when they have ceded their room to their daughters.

The kitchen is the domain of the housewife. All kitchen utensils are stored here. There is also a special ledge to store crockery and firewood. Right outside of the kitchen will be an open platform, which is used to wash the utensils. It is rude for any man to enter the house through the kitchen staircase.