Evening Republican, Volume 14, Number 165, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 July 1910 — The American Home WILLAM A. RADFORD Editon [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

The American Home WILLAM A. RADFORD Editon

Mr. William A. Radford win answer questions and give advice FREE OF COST on all subjects pertaining to the subject of building for the readers of this paper. On . account of his wide experience as Editor, Author and Manufacturer, he is, without doubt, the highest authority on all these subjects. Address all inquiries to William A. Radford, No. 194 Fifth Ave., Chicago, 111., and only enclose two-cent stamp for reply. It is generally conceded that the employment of concrete in construction has added a marked Impetus to architectural study In recent years, especially in that branch of it relating to home architecture. The pliability of cement makes it readily adaptable to any form the architect may evolve. In many parts of the country architects are applying themselves to this subject and beautiful effects have been produced. Charles D. Watson has been giving much Study to the problems connected with home architecture. He says: "Progress in concrete construction has recently been notable along the lines of Improvements in its appearance, to enable it to be used for face work in the higher class of buildings where good architectural effect Is essential. For many years the unsatisfactory appearance of structures built of this material has prohibited its use for facing of high-class structures, and this difficulty in the use of a material which is otherwise superior to the majority of other materials used for a similar purpose, on account of its durability, has long been lamented by architects and engineers. It is only in the past few years that much progrfisq. has been made tn devising for an* improvement in its appearance and to do

away with the objections. First, design; second, execution. By far the most important of the two factors is that of design, which comes entirely within the jurisdiction of the architect, while the execution depends upon the builder. To produce the best results, therefore, we must have co-operation between the architect and the builder. One of the most acceptable forms in which cement is employed in home construction, as well as the most eco-

nomical, is its use for the exterior coating over lath. Color effects can be produced to harmonize with any desired tint of the wooden trim, by the addition of mineral coloring matter to the cement before it is mixed. Then the surface may either troweled smooth or may be given a rough pebble dash finish. The design of the house here shown is typical of the style We mention. This house would have a highly artistic appearance finished with a coat of dark gray cement in which a small percentage of lamp black has been Introduced. With the porch, the bay window and the window frames painted white it would be most attractive. It will be noted that the porch of this house is Included under the roof of the main structure. This gives a compact appearance and an effect of coziness. This residence is of a design admirably adapted either to suburban or county location on a large lot where there will be ample room for trees, shrubbery and formal garden.

These are factors that should be taken* into consideration In building a house.! It is a fine thing to have windows in; a house and a still finer thing to have 1 something to look at out of the windows. This house has a width of 28 feet <! inches, and a length of 28 feet 4 Inches, exclusive of porches. Entrance is had directly to the living

Second Floor Plan

room; which is 17 by 15 fee( in size. The ceiling of this room may be paneled at the pleasure of the owner. The exposed side of this room has a. bay effect and in one corner is a large Areplace. The dining room, immediately! ’ back of the living room, is 14 by IS

fedt in dimensions. The kitchen and pantry are conveniently arranged. The stairway leading to the second floor has provision also for a hall tree, aa will be noticed. A hall on the second floor leads through the entire building, and with windows at each end provides for plenty of cool air on hot summer nights. There are two chambers, each 14 feet by 17 feet 6 inches in dimensions. The bathroom is placed at one side in the central part of ths structure and is convenient to both bedrooms. It will be noticed that the space over the porch has been utilised for closet room and for storage purposes. The cost of this house should be well within 12,500, depending upon- location, price of materials and the cost of labor.

First Floor Plan