The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1926-07-09
BY WILLIAM A. RADFoRD

Mr.. William A. Radford will answer
questions and give ADVICE FREE OF
COST on all problems pertaining to the
subject of building, for the readers of
this paper. On account of his wide
experience as editor, author and man
ufacturer, he is, without doubt, the
highest authority on the subject Ad-
dress all inquiries to William A. Rad
ford, No. 1927 Prairie avenue, Chicago,
Ill, and only inclose two-cent stamp
for reply.
The builders of small detached
homes have been taking their cue
from the most modern of kitchenette
apartment architecture and are con-
densing into the smallest possible
space the greatest amount of housing
efficiency. This includes such innO-
vations as the double use Of rooms by
the expediency of disappearing beds
and dressing closets, dining hooks and
the elimination of porches and recep-
ton halls. The tendency is all in ac
cord with the times, and because of
the many advantages of the new COM
pact homes, there is little likelihood
of any swing back to the old-fash-
Toned big house Of the past genera
ton.
OF course this process of condensa-
ton appears in varying degrees in
different houses, but almost every
home now displays the effects of the
new tendency. Most of the changes
can be seen in the house plan shown
here. There is a separate dining
room, but the space might easily be
used for some other purpose. 1t
could well be made a part of the
living room for, in the condensa-
ton of other rooms, the living room
has been given more prominence and
grown larger This is IN no way OPP
posed to the general tendency for, as
here, it frequently serves as a sleep
ing room at night.
Though the reception hall has dis
appeared there is semienclosed YES
thule with this plan which is very
worthwhile feature. 1t will be most
appreciated in the cold winter months
or on rainy days. With the dining
room thrown into the living room the
breakfast room would ordinarily an
swer for the serving of meals. On
the special occasions when a number
of guests were to be entertained, the
end of the living room could be used
for setting larger table.
Some people will object to the plac-
ing of the electric refrigerator inside
the breakfast nook. 1t would un-
doubtedly be an Improvement to
move this back, around the partition,
into the kitchen, even though the cleo
trio refrigerator of today is really
attractive piece of furniture. Though
the kitchen is quite small, careful
planning has made it even more con-
venient for the preparation of meals
than a larger room would be. 1t is
conveniently reached either through
the dining room and breakfast nook
or through the hallway.
The bedroom is of very practical
size, and its large closet will be wide
ly appreciated. With the big dress
ing closet, which hides the disappear
ing bed during the day, it affords
ample space for the clothing of the
whole family. Right by the bedroom
door is the door to the bathroom.
This bathroom is installed in an ex-
ceedingly small space by the expedi-
ency of using seat tub, and it per-
mits the provision of clothes chute
to the basement laundry.
From the outside this little home
presents a most attractive appear
ance. Its lines are simple but very
good, and the attractive arched en-
trance and the brick outside chimney