Norwich Chambers.

Progress, 1 October 1908, Page 420

Norwich Chambers.

The building of our city is to-day embracing styles of the old and the new, and our street architecture evidences many varied, pleasing arrangements of both old and new, to suit modern requirements. The Norwich Chambers is one of the most recent adornments of our city. It is built in brick, with brick and plaster exterior finish. The upper part is massed in brick and terracotta, and the lower portions in stone finish, which is a modern interpretation of the

Tudor style of architecture, and the whole building is earthquake proof. A pleasing feature of the facade is the chosen symbols of various branches of Mr. Kernot's extensive business worked m the adornments. The building consists of a large basement used by Mr. Kernot as stores and wine vaults, which is damp proof. There are also two large fire and burglar proof strong rooms The ground floor is approached by white marble steps to a well-proportioned hall, treated in a pleasing colour scheme, from which stairs lead to the upper floors. Tins floor is also occupied by Mr. Kernot

for the purposes of his various branches. The main office is a very handsomely designed chamber, the ceiling being the work of the Carrara Ceiling Co., Ltd., while the enrichments are chaste and well chosen. Complete accommodation is provided for the large staff. The typists' and waiting rooms are off the main office, thus ensuring privacy. The first floor consists of a large office, 40ft. x 28ft., with four rooms of smaller dimensions, and corridor, strong room and conveniences. The second floor contains an arrangement of offices detached and en suite, nine in number. Strong rooms are also provided. Natural lighting is everything to be desired, from the fact

that the light areas tend to the result. All the chambers are provided with gas heaters on a most modern, principle, and electricity is installed everywhere. The sanitary arrangements are the most perfect of their kind. Ventilation has been very carefully considered by a system of regulated vents, perfectly controllable. Contract price, over £8000. Architects, Crichton and McKay; contractors, E. & A. Reynall; clerk of works, F. AY. Hunt ; fittings, Mainland and Barr; plumbing, R Martin; lighting, Turnbull & Jones; painting, decorating, glass designs and embossing. R. and E Tingey.