The Small House.

The British Institute of Architects has been holding an exhibiton which offers solutions to problems of small house construction. Problems are:—

Necessity for close settlement owing to high price of land.

Access to main roads.

Ensuring privacy.

Aspect (chiefly in relation to sun).

Photographs, English and European, show how leading architects and planners have tackled these problems.

On a slope, houses may be built in terraces. Each house has a view over the one below it. Terraces are parallel or at right angles to the road, or are free-planned in relation to it. The method is economical in construction and in land coverage.

Another terrace system is planned at right angles to the main road which is screened by hedges and trees. Access is by small footpaths.

The cul-de-sac method is successful. Houses are grouped round communal parkland from which there is a safe outlet to the main road.

If houses must be built along a busy road, they should, if possible, be screened by trees.

A very interesting diagram gives the ideal aspect for different types of rooms. I will translate it for use in the southern hemisphere.

Larder and stores.—No sun. S.

Kitchen.—Early sun. S.E.

Bathroom.—Early sun. N.E.

Diningroom.—Morning sun. N.

Bedr. and sleeping porch.—Morning sun. N.

Study.—Afternoon sun. N.W., W.

Living r. and covered terrace.—Morning and afternoon sun. N.W., W.

Excellent preliminary plans for rectangular and L-shaped houses placed room accommodation according to the foregoing table.

The keynotes of photographs of interiors were simplicity and fitness. Much attention was paid to the extension of the house into the garden, where, by the way, it was suggested that existing trees be retained if possible. One living-room was separated from the garden by large, sliding windows. If there is no verandah outside the living-room, an area of garden may be paved and an awning stretched over it.

In the small flat, the dining-table may be pushed up against a wall-slide, giving direct access to the kitchen.

Central heating gives rise to the radiator problem. A wall which is nearly all sliding windows may have a window seat covering the radiator along its length.

Bedrooms have built-in cupboards deep enough for coat-hangers. Cupboard doors have no awkward mouldings or ledges to catch dust. Beds are placed so as not to face the light.

Inset shelves over bath and basin are of great utility.

page 59