Internal Decoration of Houses

Progress, Volume I, Issue 12, 1 October 1906, Page 352

Internal Decoration of Houses

The days of plaster, as applied to ceilings and walls, are already numbered. We live in a progressive age : fireproof materials such as metal ceilings and walls, combined with the rapidly expanding use of ferro-concrete, are effecting a transformation in building construction that will undoubtedly tend in the future to the increased durability and beauty of the home. In countries, too, where the danger of earthquake is ever present, the new materials have increased value, and in New Zealand the reformation in building construction set in long ago with the introduction of metal ceilings, which may be noticed in almost every up-to-date house that is now completed. We have yet to experience, however, a modern building constructed entirely of metal, similar to that which is often fitted out by the Metallic

Roofing Co , of Toronto, Canada, and which we hope to illustrate in a future issue. The metal ceilings made by this Company are specially adapted for use in business houses, churches and private residences They are made from soft steel plates embossed into an almost countless variety of designs, with harmonious adaptations of each pattern to suit the walls, ceilings, cornices and other members. These plates are made so mathematically conect, and the designs embossed with such absolute precision, that when put into place the joints are totally imperceptible, and the pattern continues throughout the entire ceiling or wall as though it were put on in one great piece. Once in position the decoration is commenced — the scope for the decorator's art being quite unlimited. A great advantage connected with the use of these metal plates is their ease of fixing, so that when placed in a new building they are simply nailed on rough lining or wood furring strips ; and when it is desirable to install a metallic finish in an old building where it would be inconvenient to remove the plaster, these furring strips are run over the plaster and the steel plates fastened to them, thus enabling the whole to be firmly stayed into place and at the same time obviating the litter usually associated with the handling of plaster. The sanitary feature in metal ceilings and walls is of almost equal importance to that of proof against fire or earthquake ; for though a fire or earthquake may not occur for years, the danger from disease germs is ever pre sent. Metal finish, however, gives no chance for such germs to get a foothold, for it may be cleansed by washing, without any injury to the decoration, and a possible hiding place for germs is thus rendered out of the question. The costs of metal finish for walls or ceilings is cheaper than plaster, and their durability and pleasing effect are incomparably superior. The system adopted by the makers is for prospective purchasers to send

in an outline sketch, of the room or rooms to be fitted out showing the shape and exact measurements of the walls and ceilings. Any skylights, windows, doors, stairwayb or other offsets require to be accurately located on this diagram, as" well as the size and location of beams. If a cornice is required, then it is necessary to show how far it comes down on the wall, and the height of walls should be taken from top of wood base or dado, where there is one, to the ceiling. Through the courtesy of Messrs. Smith & Smith, New Zealand agents for the Metallic Roofing Co., we are enabled to show on page 354 two very fine interiors equipped with the " Interior Metal Finish."