 The original Pagaruyung palace was built entirely from timber masonry, however, the current building frame was built using modern concrete structure.Nevertheless, the "Istano Basa Pagaruyung" was quite faithfully restored using traditional techniques and materials adorned with 60 carvings that signify Minang philosophy and culture.The palace has three stories with 72 pillars and the typical Rumah gadang "gonjong", a horn-like curved roof made from 26 tons of black "ijuk" aren palm fibers.