Californian Bungalows.

Progress, Volume XIV, Issue 12, 1 August 1919, Page 567

Californian Bungalows.

Some Reinforced Concrete Homes.

Having long passed -the experimental stage, the employment of reinforced concrete as the important building material of the future is assured, and will supersede all others, not only for substantiability and durability, but also from a sanitary point of view, and the fact that it has,proved its worth on many occasions as an absolute fireproof element, gives it a claim to the fullest consideration, and

will readily lend itself to the artistic conception, as well as being durable.

The illustrations herewith will furnish a hue range to select from, and the floor plans a good idea to work on:— V : '

No. —This cement-finished mission bungalow of seven rooms exclusive of tower and bath, is a home that will appeal to many, it may also be constructed

places it in a class that is entirely its own. Architects and builders have not been slow to recognise its merits and that it permits , of more -rapid construction than almost any other material.

Concrete construction is undoubtedly to be the substitute in house construction, when the scarcity of timber demands an adequate building material to replace that commodity. By so doing- an improvement will come into vogue that will be of ; permanent value, inasmuch as the cost of the buildings is very little more, and the additional investment will total out less than the insurance premium on the timber building and the work is made permanent. The insurance can very well be eliminated the inflamable material being reduced to a minimum and the risk easily, handled.- When these Tacts are grasped and ' recognised by the home builder, concrete construction will have the preference, as the material

of cement blocks or reinforced concrete. There are few plans, comparatively speaking, which combine so harmoniously and well so many Californian features both outside and as to the interior It is a type of the Spanish Mission style. In many, respects it is a perfect home. It is large, and the rooms are ample in size and admirable in arrangement, especially so for a family that does much entertaining. - *

The reception hall, living room and dining room are arranged en suite, with a floor space of nearly 700 square feet. To this a corner bedroom may be added by-throwing open the connecting door: The roof may be red tile. The flower boxes are of cement. Hardwood floors and beam ceilings are used in the principal ground floor rooms.

The sun room at the left, opening off the dining room, with its comfortable seats, will be appreciated

by. many. The tower room can be used as an' openair sleeping room, or it may be fitted with windows and used as a sleeping room or den. And here ; s another pleasing innovation. The rear part of the roof can easily be made into an attractive roof garden. .The, dimensions of this house are 43| feet front and 441 feet deep, exclusive of porch, nook, etc. As indicated by the illustration, this house

should have a site that will set it off to advantage and lend itself to scenic effect. No. —This house is two full stories high, with all the charm and grace of a beautiful bungalow It has been placed in among the one-storey houses because of.its appearance, and with the thought that it might fit someone's needs better than a onestorey. The upper floor has a large family and

billiard .room combined, and a maid’s room. The living room and dining rooms are beamed and panelled, with mantels in each room and a wide buffet

in the dining room., The other unique features of the , plan are the sun,room, or bay window, and the breakfast room and court. The exterior walls are of reinforced concrete with plaster ornamentation

and cement steps and porches.:. This house needs a wide lot and should have generous lawns and wide gravel or cement walks or drives.

. No. 3—This beautiful and unusual design should be surrounded by spacious and well-planned grounds in order to fully develop its artistic merit, and if to this might be added the advantage of an elevated location, the conditions would--be .perfect. The entrance is quite unique, being.-- into an ■< open, pergola «■ court at.' the end of which .is the ; main; entrance. Directly in front .'is- [ the charming feature of the . house . a circular.; flower. bed, 1 and , a. manypaned window opens into a commodious ball. The dining room and living room occupy the front en-

tirely and all 7 rooms have an outside view. In this way every room in the house has almost immediate access to the outside. The mantel is in the reception room, and is faced with brick in two shades of brown. The living room has a panelled wainscot and; beamed ceiling, while the dining room has only a deep cornice beam. Large closet space' is provided and an excellent bath room.

No. 4 — This is a concrete bungalow that is well adapted to a cold climate as well as a very warm one, and the Avails are Avell protected, affording shade and keeping the rooms dry. This house may be built on a corner lot or Avould show Avell with plenty of space and the floor plan can be easily arranged. *