Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1935-10-19
LEE D. BUTLER
BUILDING HOME
New Type Prefabricated
Dwelling Being Erected
in KenWood.

A new type of prefabricated home
to the Capital area, the result OF nVe
years of scientific study by representa-
tiyes of Houses, Inc, In the labora.
tories of Purdue University, is being
built for Lee D. Butler. prominent
Washington automobile distributor, on
Brookside drive in Kenwood. Md.
The home is now nearing compile
ton. and it is expected that it will
be ready for occupancy during No.
vember. 1t is called the American mo-
tohome, and a number Of the struc-
lures have been erected about New
York City. Last year one of the homes
was set up in New York department
store and attracted much attention.
The Butler home will be the largest
and most pretentious motohome yet
attempted.
Initiated by Young.
The movement which resulted IN the
motohome was initiated by Owen D.
Young, chairman of the board Of the
General Electric Co. and Houses, Inc,
Is a subsidiary of that company.
The house is framed OF prefabrl-
Gated steel into which are set fire
sound and termite proof panels OF
compressed asbestos and cement that
are practically indestructible and al
ford perfect insulation. In this new
home science has harnessed dozen
or more tireless slaves to mechani-
cal nerve center that responds to the
push of a switch to wash and dry
dishes, to do the family wash. cause
the heating system to reverse its func-
ton and become a cooling agency.
control the temperature and humidity
and filter dust from the air. Many OF
the principles Of the automotive in
dustry have been applied to its pro-
duction.
The modern straight line architec-
ture in Mr.. Buffers new home elimi-
mates gables and in their place af-
fords pleasant second-foor sun decks.
Steel easement windows that operate
from an inside crank are assembled
at room corners rather than their ira
ditional locations, creating a pleasant
open-air effect. This arrangement is
made possible by air conditioning with
which cross ventilation is not required.
The air conditioning process eliminates
most of the house cleaning, as all dust
and dirt is picked up before it has a
chance to settle and is passed through
q filter before it is dehumidified and
recirculated
Large Electric Unit.
The kitchen contains 16-foot elec-
trio kitchen unit. largest installed to
date. In place of monel metal, STAIN
less steel is used. An extra large cleo
trio range and oversize refrigerator
with IL cubic feet capacity, electric
clock, mechanical dish washer and
dryer, basin and work bench with
drawers and cupboards scientifically
arranged to save steps for the house
wife and a special arrangement SO
that all cooking odors are withdrawn
are some of the features. Thus. the
kitchen becomes as fresh and airy as
the coolest spot on the lawn.
The house has IL rooms, three baths
and a two-car garage. On the first
floor are two maids bed rooms with
one bath room and extra large living
room, dining room, library and the
kitchen. The second floor has four
bed rooms and two baths. A huge sun
deck, largest built to date by Houses,
Inc, will serve as an outdoor recrea-
ton room. There is basement with
q spacious recreation room and fire.
place and a store room.
The house is so constructed that
without too much trouble sections of
It can be added to or altered without
disturbing any basic features in the
home. The house was designed by Rob-
ert w. Mclaughlin, well-known New
York architect who has been appoint
ed chairman of the board of American
Houses, Inc. subsidiary of Houses,
Inc