THE MODERN HOME.

Otago Witness, Issue 3996, 14 October 1930, Page 5

THE MODERN HOME.

AMERICAN APARTMENT HOUSES.

“EVERY CONCEIVABLE CONVENI-

ENCE.”

WELLINGTON, October 8. Mr W. Fielding, a well-known architect, has returned to Wellington after touring the United States and Canada. He had many opportunities of studying the remarkable progress of modern building design and construction, especially in the cities.

In the course of an interview he said: “ Some of the tallest and most imposin' 7 buildings are apartment houses containing anything up to 100 suites each, replete with garage accommodation, solarium, frigidaires, radios, and every conceivable modern convenience and equipment. The solarium usually covers a good portion of the roof space, and the windows are glazed with vita-glass to ob.tain the full benefit of the sun’s rays. The solarium has its own kitchen, and is much in demand for card parties and private functions.

“ Improvements in the arrangement of and equipment for wall beds are noticeable, to say nothing of many patent contraptions for kitchens and bathrooms. No longer is woodwork desirable in bathrooms, where enamelled fireclay in many colours and enamelled metal fittings are ‘ all the rage.’ The floors and. walls are of tiles, and the cupboard shelves of glass.

“ A study of the latest designs for the modern homes in Canada and the States afforded me much interest,” added Mr Fielding, “ especially as regards the uses of materials such as cut stone, plaster work of varied' colours and textures, and roofing materials, of which shingles, strange- to . say, are in the greatest demand.” : • : ■■■