BETTER HOUSES AT LESS COST

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 16, 13 October 1933, Page 4

BETTER HOUSES AT LESS COST

Campaign in England; Efforts of Architect

£l5OO MODERN FLAT-ROOFED DESIGNS

Not only in the United States is there a growing belief that house construction can be made cheaper. In England increasing interest is being taken in this problem—one which has important socialogical as well as economic aspects. There is, however, a difference, at least up to the present, between the American viewpoint and that recently explained in England. In the New World the consensus of opinion appears to be that standardisation and mass production are the twin keys to the cheap home. In the Old Country it is agreed that a measure of standardisation is essential, but an important school of thought holds that systematised collaboration between individual architects and building firms can accomplish much in the way of cutting costs.

RECENT issue of “Building,” SLAS an English publication, contained an article on two JUJV bouses in course of erection Lat Maidenhead. These houses, have been designed by j Mr. • G. Alan Fortescue, ' F.R.1.8.A., represent the first organised campaign, conceived and carried out by an architect, to combat the - 111-considered work of the cheap speculative builder, and to retain the economy of his work in a house of better type and quality. Mr. Fortescue enlisted the collaboration of a firm of builders, Marchant. Hirst and Co., and a group of sub-con-tractors known as Master Builders, Ltd., to work in co-operation. As a result of these sub-contractors being in collaboration, it has been found that both time and labour can be economised, and greater efficiency also results through these experts working under the guidance of the architect.

A Complete Departure.

It is proposed to follow up these houses by building similar ones, costing about £l5OO each, in different parts of

the country. The plan Is a complete departure from the ordinary method of developing estates, and should conceivably have a considerable and beneficial influence on the design of small houses throughout the country. The houses have a practical modern character, everything having been planned with careful regard to efficiency ami economy as well as appearance. The houses have flat roofs, which are not only available for use, but also effect a saving in costs of drains, pipes, eaves, and guttering. The horizontal lines of the exterior have been made more interesting by raising the‘ roof line Sin. in the centre portion above the principal windows, and by lowering it 3in. on the end portion beyond the chimney stacks. The skill with which the chimney stacks and garages have been incorporated as a single unit of design is particularly noteworthy.

The line of the stack is continued by the horizontal roof to the garage, so that the eye travels down the chimney stack and is brought naturally to’earth beside the garage door. This treatment has the effect of incorporating the garages as integral features of the elevation. . They are essential to the character of the houses —not something separate and additional. Doors and Windows. The treatment adopted for the windows and doors is also interesting. The windows are metal casements painted

applegreen, and they are set in wooden frames painted cream. Each window frame has a 9in. head which takes the place of an arch in supporting the brickwork. These 9in. heads are decorated with applied valance boards painted green, which harmonise with the metal casements and create a uniform weight of cream painted woodwork all round the windows. The doors of the garages are also painted apple green with lilac rebates; they are constructed of ordinary Ilin, deal planks joined horizontally, and are rebated and painted at the joints, a decorative treatment arising from structure and in harmony with the prevailing horizontality of line being the result. The hood which protects the garage entrance is painted white and is provided with electric lights behind a sunken glass panel. The hood is roofed with sheet lead which has a scalloped ledge. The entrance doors to the house have similar treatment, but are provided with three glazed panels. The architect considers that a wide front door is always particularly desirable, and these doors have accordingly been

given a width of 3ft. Gin. The hood over the door, instead of projecting, is practically flush with the walls. It is recessed actually, about Jin. being sunk into the thickness of the splaved sides. The hood here is also provided -with electric light behind a sunken panel. Fireplaces and Hearths.

In the interior the fireplaces and hearths are of biscuit-coloured stone, and the recesses above and beside the fireplace, which are arranged to balance with the door, are formed in the thickness' of the brickwork and were done by bricklayers during the actual building. These recesses are provided with slabs of grey travertine, Ilin, thick.

The woodwork iu the sittiug room is painted apple green, and includes a 2in. picture rail which is kept down -Jin. from the ceiling. The skirting is continuous in character with the architrave to the dobr leading to the entrance hall. This door, moreover, is glazed to enable sunshine from the sitting room to reach the hall and staircase. i

The stairs are of oak, and travertine slabs are used to cap the solid balustrade, shelves, and other horizontal surfaces, which give utility aud architectural character to the staircase which, with its tall metal window, is a fine example showing how even a small staircase may be treated with distinction and simplicity.