NEW TYPE OF HOUSE

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24869, 8 May 1946, Page 6

NEW TYPE OF HOUSE

ROOF CONTINUED TO FLOOR LEVEL

PROPOSAL TO SAVE WEATHER BOARDS

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, May 7. If the Auckland City Council’s decision to permit a new type of construction, known as “the sloping main walls method,” is taken advantage of by Auckland builders and architects, an entirely different form of dwelling may make its appearance round Auckland shortly. It'is claimed that the new method will effect a saving in weather boarding, which is at present difficult to obtain, by continuing the pitch of the roof in a straight line to floor level. It is proposed to make the roof serve the dual purpose of roof and WUll, the ceiling being formed within this at normal height, with low dwarf walls lower down. The council has already approved one building plan designed along these lines, and has indicated its willingness to consider similar plans which may be referred to it. “I understand that a local builder is proposing to take out patent rights on this method of construction,” said an Auckland architect, “but I cannot see that there is anything new in the principle. It simply goes back to the oldest forms of building in England. The Japanese have used it, too. to give greater strength in areas subject to earthquake risk. Provided two sloping walls are carried fight to the ground, there certainly is an added protection ageinst earthquake. There may also be a saving in cost at present, when weather boarding is so scarce and expensive, but that would depend on individual house plans.”