THE HOUSING PROBLEM.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 153, 28 June 1919, Page 17

THE HOUSING PROBLEM.

CONCRETE VERSUS "WOOD. NEW ZEALAXDERS' SUCCESSES IN BRITISH COMPETITIONS. The scarcity of houses is a world-wide problem at the present time, and in most civilised countries various suggestions for erecting suitable buildings as quickly and as inexpensively as possible are engaging attention. When concrete came into general use for building purposes about 25 years ago. some speculative minds thought they saw the solution of the housing problem. Modern civilisation is demanding for its vast army of workers better, more hygienic conditions. Why not Build houses of concrete? asks "Popular Science." The material is cheap and obtainable in abundance. Several inventors, among them Thomas A- Edison, devised means for making houses of concrete by casting them in one piece. A number of such monolithic concrete houses were built, but the great cost of the casting forms made the houses too expensive for persons of moderate means. CONCRETE HOUSES FOR £200. Robert H. Ingersoll, the watch manufacturer, worked out a plan to overcome this difficulty. He selected a type of a four-room house, with basement, bathroom, and kitchen as the most suitable, and had the forms for casting it made in such a way that they could be used again and again. Even at the present high cost of labour, these houses can be built in America for £200 each. After the ground has been carefully levelled, side rails are staked on the bottom and footings, and the entire floor is then poured in one piece. Next, vertical corner posts extending to the height of one story are set up on wedge •blocks, and are held true to the plumb by trusses and bridging. On this frame are hung the forms that mould the concrete of the outside and inside walls, the floors and roof construction, the cornice, etc. The ventilating and plumbing pipes, electric conduits, the window frames, etc.. are all set in place before the concrete is poured. Water supply pipes are exposed in accordance with modern plumbing methods. A complete house of the four-room type described requires about 1,000 pounds of steel and 75 cubic yards of concrete. NEW ZEALAND SOLDIEPvS' SUCCESS. A competition was recently promoted in England by the "Daily Express," which offered 1500gns as prizes for the best plans of model homes for workers. It is interesting to note that two of the most original plans awarded premiums in the competition were drawn by two young New Zealand soldiers, who are studying architecture in London. 1 In the amateur section, Mr. Erie Phillips, X.Z.E.F., was awarded a first prize of £100 by the adjudicators, who | included Mr. Henry T. Hare, president ! of the R.1.8.A.. for the best plans of houses for unskilled labourers. Mr. ! Phillips has designed a picturesque . block of cottages. A small oblong hall gives access to the large living room, the space at the side of the staircase, usually taken up by a long narrow pas- ! sage, being utilised for storing peranibulator. etc. This living room opens into a large scullery with an American range, gas-heated copper, separate bath- ] room, coalhouse and larder. Upstairs a j linen cupboard with a small window occupies the laudinjr space, and there • is one large bedroom and two small , bedrooms. \ There are many interesting innovations in the attractive little house, designed by Private Horace L. Massey, j X.Z.E.F.. for skilled artisans. A verandah runs along the front, and on entering the small lobby, there are two | doors immediately facing. That on the I left opens into a large living room, the ! other into a small parlour, and these , two rooms may be thrown into one, by . sliding back the folding doors of the , two rooms. At the back of the large living room there is a well-arranged j kitchen-scullery, with an opening in the I wall and service flap into the living j room. There is a range, gas-heated cop- , per. fitted washing tubs for laundry, , larder, coalhouse, and room for cycles i and perambulator. The staircase, instead of being in the hall inside the front door in the usual way, runs at the back of the parlour, and a cloak room is provided alongside. Upstairs

there are three bedrooms and a bath- ' room. The landing space is again occupied by a linen cupboard. It is interesting to note that in addi- . tion to his success in the "Daily Ex- ; press" competition. Private Massey also I secured the "Daily Mail" prize of £500 • out of 2000 competitors for architec- : tural designs. He is a son of Mrs. W. ' 'H. Massey, of Esplanade Road, Mount ; j Eden. ! Models of these two houses will be ! among those on view at the Model ; Homes Exhibition, which Mrs. Lloyd j George opened at Westminster last j month. i