Evening star., 1939-05-06
Stream|ined Windows
Latest Innovation
In Construction
Concuve Wash Bowls
And Aluminium SiIIs
Are Other Appliances

Streamlined windows are one Of
the latest innovations in construc-
ton, according to research bulle-
tin edited by the structural service
department of the American Insti-
tute of Architects from data pro-
vided by the Producers Council.
Other new appliances include con-
cave washing bowls that permit the
user to stand close enough to pre-
vent splashing, and architectural
glass that can be nodded into
sculptured panels or simple light
fixtures.
Windows may now have fiat slid
ing bolts fastened on steel case
ments, which, placed inconspicuous-
ly on the bottom of the window in
stead of in the middle of the frame,
do not interfere with fiat screens,
blinds and shades. The new bolt
permits full width screens for more
than one vent, and provides extra
convenience and economy on all
sash installations.
The smooth, streamlined sur
face of the window made possible
by the fastener is extremely useful
where stool lines are high and sash
installations are above normal
reach, such as over sinks" the re-
port says. Furthermore, the lock
requires no special detailing, no fit
ting on the job, and no added cost
above standard equipment"
Aluminium Sills, New.
Another new development in win
dow design is the growing use of
watertight, aluminium sills. The
weight of an average width alum
mum sill is approximately l pound
per foot of length" it is explained.
''Thus. it is easy for one man to
handle sills of any length which
job might require. Aluminium can
not rust, so these sills never need
painting and the evenneSS with
which they weather keeps them al
ways attractive looking Their price
is generally lower than sills of
other suitable permanent materials
offered to the building industry
Since aluminium sill sections are
thin and do not exceed the width
of masonry joints, the body of the
sill may be extended at either end
into the masonry to provide an eX-
tremely weatherproof joint. If it
is not possible to embed the sill in
the masonry, the sill may be cut
to the window width and calked
at the jamb to obtain a proper
joint.
aluminium sills can be selected
to fit almost any construction con-
dition. Because they come in long
lengths they may be cut to fit from
jamb to jamb, thus eliminating
troublesome intermediate joints.
Again maximum Weathertightness
Is attained. Also, since but few
joints are necessary, installation
time is reduced and erection cost
lowered. The sill may be made to
fit around distractions, such as
posts or mullions, by simply cutting
notches or mitering as required, with
a hackSaw."
New Model LavatOry.
A new model vitreous china cab
met lavatory, which, because of
concave front, makes possible
closer approach for washing, has
been designed. The basin is rec
tangular, with a handy low shelf
back, and the supply controls,
mounted on an angle instead of hor-
izontally, are out of the way" the
bulletin states. THE cabinet is of
all-steel welded construction with
durable baked enamel finish. Two
large compartments and three
shelves in each door give ample
storage space, while the cabinet
base is recessed to give toe room.
The new lavatories have spacious
basins, greater handy shelf areas,
out-of theway fittings, mixer fau-
Gets, and compact controls that op-
crate with fnger-fick ease"
Architectural glass may now be
produced by new process which
has substantially lowered its cost
and has made it available for far
wider use by architects and design
ers than ever before, it is pointed
out. Especially cast shapes of the
glass may now be used with success
for such purposes as strip illumina-
tion, illuminated bulkheads, friezes,
spandrels, door and fireplace trim,
band courses, decorative inserts,
pilasters, interior screens and par
titions
Light Gives New Life.
"Its possibilities in modern build
ing construction and decoration are
largely uneXplored, but that they
are almost limitless is indicated by
the striking achievements already
accomplished by its use. The glass
can now be specially cast in sculp-
tured panels for decorative pur-
poses. This revolutionary develop
ment has turned the architects and
designers desire for true sculptural
treatment of glass into an actuality.
In working with this medium in bas-
relief, shadows and high lights have