PLASTIC HOMES PLANNED

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23944, 11 May 1943, Page 3

PLASTIC HOMES PLANNED

POST WAR HOUSING IN AUSTRALIA (Special Australian Corresp., N.Z.P.A.) SYDNEY, May 10. Throughout the United Nations the solution of post-war housing problems is occupying increasing attention. Australia expects the mass production of plastic, as well as other prefabricated materials, to make an important contribution. The latest report of the Town Planning Association claims a shortage of 45.000 homes in New South Wales alone, with 30,000 other homes unfit for habitation. The total shortage is expected to increase at the rate of 20.000 yearly while the war lasts. Plastic houses for Australian postwar production, of which plans nave already been made, are stated to be cheaper than brick or wooden houses, less inflammable than a wooden house, weather and termite proof, they need no painting, and are easy to clean, with all the internal .walls washable. They can be quickly built. Six men could erect the prefabricated sections of one house in a week. A disadvantage is that all rooms will have to be made to a uniform pattern, since economical mass production will require at least 1000 rooms to be made from each set of moulds. A plastic house with two bedrooms, a lounge, a kitchen, and the usual conveniences is expected by experts to cost as low as £2OO, against £7OO or £BOO for the same house in wood or brick. A plant costing about £IOO,OOO could turn out a complete plastic house every 15 minutes. Plastic furniture and crockery could be used for furnishing. Americans who want to own their homes can now walk into a department store and order one for after the war. Prefabricated homes range in price up to £BOOO in New Zealand currency. A popular model is stated to be a sevenroomed colonial type house, complete with heating plant, plumbing features, cooking, refrigerating equipment, furniture. rugs, curtains, and drapes.