This is a stage-like house which floor does not stick to the ground. The original Rumah Panggung (Betawi Stilt House) was built by residents living both in the coastal areas and in the agricultural regions. Construction of a Stilt House is typicaly an adaptation measures to the environmental conditions and situation. In the agrarian regions, people use the space under the stilt house to raise livestock (goats, chickens, ducks) as well as to avoid possible attacks by wild animals, such as poisonous snakes.
Meanwhile, stilt houses in the coastal areas also have similar functions. Sea water that often rises during full moon often brings floods, locally known as rob, to the residential areas. Thus, the local community must build the house on stilts to prevent the water from flooding the house.
Stilt House models on the coast or agricultural areas can be similar. Space divisions and arrangements are not too complicated, with dimensions of a rectangle or an L shape. The materials used are made of wood with foundation made of large wood pierced into the ground. The steps are usually located in the front part with a sideways model. While the roof is usually consists of clay tiles. Despite its stilt model, the house has a distinctive Betawi style with carvings and geometric patterns such as rhombus, dots, semicircles or cycle patterns (sunflowers). Asides from being used for decoration purposes, they are also used for ventilation.