FLAT BUILDING

Evening Star, Issue 23737, 19 November 1940, Page 3

FLAT BUILDING

NEW VENTURE FUR GOVERNMENT LARGE WELLINGTON BLOCK WILL BE ERECTED SHORTLY One of the most interesting phases of Government housing construction in New Zealand provided by the block of flats illustrated on this page. It is planned for a site in Dixon street, Wellington. Checking of the earthquake stresses involved has been responsible for a good deal of the time taken up since the completion of the plans—an important point, because, as buildings go, the ratio of width to height in this one gives a slender structure. This is the first work of the kind undertaken by the Department of Housing Construction, and like all now ventures, can be subjected to a good deal of criticism. NOT FOR FAMILIES. In the first place, from their appearance and layout, the flats are not intended for families with children. Each of the 116 flats, which are identical in size, consists of living room, bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom with, the usual amenities. Rentals will be cheap, probably about £1 6s a week, and the central position will make transport costs practically, nothing for most people. The cheap rental, combined with the other

amenities—each window will command a beautiful view of the harbour—will not induce young married people to leave and look for a place where they can bring up a family. Considered in the other light, the flats will afford' a haven where money can be saved sufficiently to allow such young people to branch out. PRECAUTIONS AGAINST FIRE. Planning work has taken some time to prepare, particularly as the department has had to turn out plans for the rdgular housing scheme at the rate of 75 to 80 houses a 'week, or a house to every halfhour of the working day. ■ ■ The whole of the building is in reinforced concrete except for the internal partitions of the individual flat and for this reason the fire hazard is reduced to a minimum. However, should a lire occur in the kitchen there is a possibility of access tc the rear balcony being cut off, and for this reason escape exits are being provided to the neighbouring flat from sun porch to sun porch. This will probably take the form of some panel which can readily be broken down in case of emergency. In these matters the department has obtained the ready co-operation and advice of the Fire Board. There will probably be a caretaker or caretakers who will be responsible for the proper conduct of the tenants, a gardener and an attendant who will take care of the cleaning of those parts of the building which are subject to common usage. Each flat has more or Jess the same aspect overlooking the harbour. The kitchen will contain the standard electrical equipment and the living room will be electrically heated. Access to each flat will be obtained by lift, of which’ there will be two. The lifts at each floor level will give access to a balcony at the back. Each balcony nine

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tlie full length of each floor. Escape stairs are provided near each end of the building. HISTORIC SITE. The site is historic. It was selected as his first place of residence by Mr George Hunter, the first mayor of Wellington, and the house which he brought out in sections from the Old Country stood there more than 40 years before it was removed to make way for the commodious two-story wooden house, which is to be demolished. This residence was occupied for many years fay the late Mr W. Seftou Moorhouse (who married a Miss Hunter), and later was occupied by Sir George Hunter, M.P., up to the time of bis death. Since then it has been occupied by Lady Hunter, and was subsequently let for occupation as a boarding house. As the picture shows, the whole of the existing garden will be retained. The building itself will cover only about a quarter of an acre, and ample room is left for the grounds.