Page 13 Advertisements Column 1

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 285, 29 August 1935, Page 13

WARD BROS.’ BUILDING PALMERSTON NORTH AN IMPOSING ADDITION TO CUBA ST. ' | i ft : f-. j. ' Lj | . . YzrrrT Architects and Structural Engineers: L. G. West, Son, and Homibrook, AA.N.Z.I.A.-L.R.1.8A., A.M.l.Struct.E., M.R.San.I. THE BUILDING Messrs. Ward Bros., of Cuba Street, Palmerston North, well known throughout the Manawatu as painters, paperhangers, glass bevellers and house decorators, have celebrated their silver jubilee by replacing an old and obsolete wooden building with a distinctively attractive two story structure that forms a very pleasing addition to the Cuba Street shopping area. Thus, while housing their business in an imposing building, Ward Bros, have played their part in the progress of Palmerston North. , „ , .... ~ . Designed and erected under the supervision of Messrs. L. G. West, Son, and Hornibrook, the building, which is depicted above, compares more than favourably with any similar building in the city. The ground floor is divided into two shop fronts, the larger of which is used by Messrs. Ward Bros, for show and reception purposes. A feature of the shop is the use of opaque black glass as a counter top, this material also being used for the bottom portion of the shop windows. The wallpaper department occupies the whole of the first floor, half of the space being used as a showroom for the wallpapers, the furnishings and papers being attractively sot off by the pot plants. The remaining space is devoted tn storage of the many tons of wallpapers stocked by this enterprising flrm. THE BRICKWORK The numerous rumours that were current throughout New Zealand shortly after tho Napier Earthquake to the effect that bricks would no more be used in modern buildings were qukCdy subdued when the finding of the experts that bricks, properly used and reinforced, were unequalled for quake-resisting buildings of all types. In actnal practice, bricks are now more popular than ever for tile construction of large modern buildings. It being noticeable that in Wellington a large percentage of the buildings now in construction will use many thousands of bricks. , In tho case of Ward Bros.’ Building, the bricks were supplied by Messrs. Brick Und Pipes Ltd., whoso registered offleo is in Main Street, Palmerston North. Tho bricks used In Ward Bros.’ were -of a very high quality consistent with the supplying company’s reputation. They were strengthened with concrete pillars spaced at regular Intervals on all four sides of the building, tho front being plastered to obtain a colourful effect. For those who desire a brick finish, there is a large range of types from which a very effective brick finish may be obtained. THE PLASTERING The use of colouring to enhance the exterior appearance of buildings Is becoming more and more popular in Palmerston North, and in Ward Bros.’ Building the effective use of colour adds a charming finish to a well designed structure and presents a pleasing contrast to the many drab, unornamented buildings in the city. Export attention is necessary to ensure that the colouring does not defeat its own object, and in this respect the plasterers, Messrs. Johnson and Wix. of 4 Berctaunga Street, Palmerston North, are to bo complimented upon the tasteful execution of the architect’s design. These sub-contractors also finished off other plastering work on the building, and here again it is apparent that their stuff Is highly skilled. THE FIBROUS PLASTERING The fibrous plaster ceilings in this building were constructed on modern lines, and embody tho dignity and' severity lof modern architecture. This work was efficiently carried ont by the Manawatu Fibrous Plaster Company. This firm Is noted for the quality of Its products, and use Stainless Sisal fibre throughout all celling construction. Their factory is situated in Taonnl Street. Palmerston North, and realising the modern treqd in architecture, they are constantiy introducing now designs, and can oiler clients individual attention and the largest range of modern fibrous piaster ceilings in the district. THE LEADLIGHTS The dignity and quiet beauty that may be achieved by the tasteful choice of ieudllglits is well illustrated in Ward Bros.’ Bulldink. Modern architecture is continually oiling for the greater use of leadllghts, a generous use of which assists in obtaining the harmony with the genera! scheme sought by the architects. Their use in the office, and showrooms gives visitors an ample opportunity of Judging Just how effective leadiights can be if a littio ore is exercised in their selection. THE PLUMBING The feature of the plumbing on Ward Bros,* Building Is the highly ornamental stainless steel water lheads nntl down pipes on the front of the building. This work, together with all the plumbing and drainlaying, was undertaken by the Manawatu Plumbing Company, whose office and workrooms are just oil’ Broadway, at the rear of Berryman s Building. This company has had many years* practical experience in all phases of plumbing and draining in all parts of the district, and although the fittings on this building arc notable for their efficiency and durability 'rather than show, it is obvious that only the best quality materials have been used. THE CONCRETE METALLING Although invisible to the eye, one of the most important factors in any brick and concrete building is the screened metal and Bund for concrete making purposes. This sub-contract was entrusted to Messrs. Child Bros., of *• Palmerston North, who are also Manawatu Agents for Wilson’s Portland Cement. The meta) used on this building wai si>eclally selected and screened by the suppliers nt their plant on tho banks of the Manawatu River, 'and plays its part in the strength of Ward Bros.’ Building. THE FLOOR SERVICING The floors of the showroom and windows were surfaced by the Dominion Floor Servicing Co.» Clarendon Buildlugs, Kangitlkel St.. Palmerston North. This company also laid down Rubllno on the stairway and counter top, and also the Everwear surface iu the main shop. THE ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS The lighting and heating points In this building were installed by Messrs. E. P. Wln, Ltd., Broadway. Palmerston North. They also supplied tho light shades In the showroom.