Evening Republican, Volume 15, Number 48, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 February 1911 — The American Home [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

The American Home

WILLIAM A. RADFORD Editor

Mr. 'William A. Radford will answrr questions and give advice FREE OF COBT on all subjects pertaining to the subject of building for the readers of this paper. On account of his wide experience as Sdltor, - Author and Manufacturer, he la, without doubt, the highest authority on all these subjects. Address all Inquiries to William A. Radford. No. XM Fifth Ave., Chicago, XIL, and only onsloes two-cent stamp for replr-. The history of the human race presents no parallel to that of the marvelous development during the present generation In home architecture by the use of concrete hollow blocks and cement plaster. Signs are everywhere seen that this form of construction will continue to be in popular favor during the coming season. Home builders In all parts of the country are hungry for information about this material; what designs are best suited to Its use, what forms of construction bring the most lasting and satisfactory results. The demand for such information is unprecedented In the annals of building. “Tell us how to build a house of oement” is a popular fary heard throughout the land. The beginning of the twentieth century has witnessed rapid strides In the use of cement and concrete In a thousand and one branches of construction work; nor is it difficult to find the cause. The scarcity of timber and lumber Js the principal cause outside of all considerations of concrete as to its own Intrinsic value as a building material. The shortage of lumber and its high price has simply brought

the building world to a realization of its value sooner than would have been the case otherwise. Of all the manifold forms in which cement is being used in the various branches of construction work hollow concrete building blocks stand out most prominently. This without question is the most popular form in which cement is brought before the public, because it appeals to the home builder and to the contractor. , “I believe that concrete blocks represent the form in which concrete will be need to the very largest extent In the future,” an authority on this subject and a close observer of modern building tendencies has recently stated. “This is because the blocks are in a unit form, readily and easily adaptable to architectural arrangement. Moreover, every unit can be inspected before it Is placed in the building, giving to the builder a protection neoeasary to secure the very beat results in his construction work.” Concrete block construction offers many advantages. The hollow blocks make a saving of about one-third in the material without reducing the

strength so as to impair safety in any manner. Attractive facings can be used which will give rich effects without the use of an expensive mixture in the body of the blocks. In addition to the well-known Are resisting qualities of concrete, a concrete wall has the advantage of the Interior air chambers which allow It to conduct heat or cold but slowly. During a recent lire, while the flames from an adjoining structure were beating against a concrete block wall the inside surface of this wall remained so cool that the hand could be placed against it without harm. The Are protection afforded by these qualities of hollow concrete block walls is an enormous advantage to the home builder, especially one locating in rural communities, for there It Is very seldom that any Are fighting equipment is available, and an ordiuary house if one* it catches Ore must certainly burn completely. There is but tittle hope of saving it j The ability of the hollow block wall to stop the passage of heat or, cold ****** houses of this material wans ft ✓

in winter and cool in summer. It tends to prevent sweating and in mild climates often makes it possible to put plaster directly onto the inside of the block wall without the use of laths. This should not be done, however t where the .winters are at all severe. The concrete block appears at once as a substitute for both brick and stone, having all the good qualities possessed by both and. In addition, several advantages possessed by neither. - * The design illustrated herewith will serve as a good example of a concrete block house, or cottage, at its best. Hollow concrete blocks are used, both for the foundation and for the walls up to the eaves, a„ smooth finished block of uniform size laid up in coursed ashlar style being used. The gable ends are filled in with cement plaster on metal lath, the surface being divided off into panels by wooden strips after the English half-timber style. The Interior of this dwelling shows an exceptionally attractive arrangement. It Is Just what we would expect from the substantial, homelike appearance of the exterior. The living room and dining room form what is practically one large room, 24 feet by 17 feet 9 inches In size. This space is divided through the middle by a very attractive columned opening. A beamed ceiling is used In both of these rooms, and they are made attractive and homelike In other ways

by means of built-in bookcases, open fireplace and mantel, large square bay window with window seat, etc. The kitchen is located in ah ell projection at the rear, and so Is separated from the rest of the house, at the same time being convenient to the dining room. The large built-in kitchen cabinet takes the place of the ordinary pantry. A cross ventilation Is provided in this room which is a very desirable feature. The two good-sized bedrooms are at the left from the living room. The bathroom is situated between them, a small hall or passageway connecting all three. The total cost of this five-room fireproof dwelling Is estimated at $2,000, using the very best grade of material and most thorough construction.

Floor Plan