Arts & Architecture Articles - April ????

 



  This house is in the nature of a prototype illustrating a production technique developed with the pre-manufactured units which apply in building of any size, design treatment, and using factory produced material is one answer to the problem of building.
All component parts are used in this house are produced by already existing manufacturers, and therefore, in normal times, the supply to the consumer would be unlimited. It is not necessary to set up any mass production factory to produce this type of modular house.
All closures in exterior walls and all interior partitions are non-load curtain walls. The structural materials are termite, fungus and wind proof. It has been found that this construction method competes in cost with other techniques now in use.
The frame work of the house is an all welded steel frame with pipe columns on the exterior walls rising out of the foundation to support joist and bridging. This simple modular frame work eliminates two design problems, namely diagonal bracing in the walls and bridging over windows. A steel deck is welded on the top of the joist. Cemesto, an insulated wall panel, and glass are placed in the opening between the columns. Interior division between room areas can be either glass, storage walls or other non-load bearing material according to the choice of the architect. Room divisions may also be designed to be movable so that areas maybe combined at the discretion of the owner.
Part of the roof structure design is a frame work of steel that receives panel of pre-painted acoustical fiberglass. This excellent insulation material is laid on the flanges of the steel and maybe removed at any time for spray repainting. Accessible behind this ceiling are recessed lighting fixtures and all fresh water plumbing.
The final result of this research and planning is a new and interesting tool for the use of architects; and certainly the results shown well deserve the attention of all those who are interested in the development of modular units in the building of the at reasonable minimums of cost.