Evening star., 1932-08-27
MODERN BUILDING
METHODS CHANGE
New Plans for LoWer-Cost
Construction Developed
in Economic Stress.

Many new plans for production of
low-cost housing. through new types of
construction and material and new de-
signs, have been produced recently, with
the current economic condition lending
stimulus to normal scientific develop
ment.
The practical question Of what will be
the reaction of the public lies back of
all these new ideas, according to James
S. Taylor, chief of the Division of Build
ing and Housing Of the Department OF
Commerce
For one reason, there is need for sys-
tematic comparing of notes on Just
how far and under what conditions the
various plans and devices may be put
to practical, use by the operative builder,
he finds.
The builder must see things in the
dual terms of economy in building and
of consumer demand. Mr.. Taylor con-
cludes. He urges that all the groups
having a part in the creation OF the
house, including designers, construction
men and brokers familiar with the re-
actions of the homeowner, meet locally
periodically to gauge the response OF the
individual to the new ideas, some OF
which are conservatively new and some
radically so.
Summary to Be Issued.
Mr.. Taylors summary of New Econo-
mics in Materials and Construction,
given before the home builders division
of the National Association OF Real Es-
tate Boards at that bodyS annual con-
vention at Cincinnati is to be issued
by the division to its members.
The realtors problem in all this Is
partlv one of keeping track of current
development as to the vast number OF
items that 60 into houses, and partly
one of constructive imagination in try
ing out and testing proposals that nave
a more or less radical element in them'
MIR. Taylor said. For example, omlttllls
the basement is argued for and agalnst.
"The subject of new economies IN
materials and construction IS insepara-
blv bound up with problems OF des'gn
and selection, because in most cases
reduction in cost means some chan9e
in the product" Mr.. Taylor said. IneSe
new economies are Of Two types, eVolu-
tionary and revolutionary or raolcal.
The first type may be illustrated by the
growing use of end-matched hoorlng'
which saves material costs. AS an IN
stance of the second type, radical OF
revolutionary development, are houses
built in sections of considerable size IN
a factory, in virtually If no1 completely
finished form outside and In. 10 De
assembled with relatively little labor on
the site.
THE use of a one-piece window and
wall section one full story high and the
width of the window. such as has been
used In a number of large buildings, ap--
pears to fall between the radical and
the evolutionary. 1t reduces the number
of parts to be put together at the slte'
but 1t does not necessarily change the
main structure. and 1t may be conslo-
cred only as one step beyond the pre-
fabricated window frame shipped knock
ed-down for local assembly, which su-
persedes the hand-cut frame.
May Be Radical.
"A poured concrete foundation wall
involves no inherent change in design
of the structure as a whole as compared
with the masonry bearing walls that
had been used since time immemorlal.
However, II the main bearing is shifted
from the foundation walls to corner
posts or piers, as is done ir some OF the
new systems, then 1t may be consldereo
as radical. at least for houses OF any
size and permanence buii; on ordinary
soils in cold climates
THE battle royal for interior wall
surfaces that is now proceeding afforoS
one example of the struggle OF alterna-
tive methods. processes and materials
for recognition The intricate choice
open as as to floor materials is another
example. Floor coverings are rigid and
elastic. organic and inorganic, and fab,
ricated and assembled In hundred
different ways When one comes TO
roofs and roofing. questions OF design
such as the fiat roof versus the low
pitched or high pitched roof may enc
ter into the choice of materials.
"On whole group OF economies falls
under the heading Of management on
the lob. Some of the most thought1ul
men of the building industry lay great
store on the possibilities of closer CO.,
operation between the men skilled in
production and those engaged in design
and in the manufacturing and distrlbu-
ton of building materials. Tools and
equipment used on the job are still an
other avenue Of savings that cannot be
overlooked.
Practically, see no other way than
to have the various systems tried out
under q wide variety of conditions and
experience with them accumulated sys-
tematicaly. A good homespun under
standing of the housewife and her needs
should help lot and catch words need
to be avoided"