Fig. 102.—PLAN OF SECOND FLOOR.
DESIGN XXV.
A “HALF STONE” HOUSE FOR $2,800.
This plan is designed for a substantial, convenient, and inexpensive country house. It has two full finished stories, with well-lighted apartments of good size, and a large cellar and attic. It has also the merit of architectural beauty, well adapted to a commanding location.... Exterior, ([fig. 103].)—The “half-stone” composition of the side walls, and the strong outlines and slating of the main roof, give to this structure a rustic, yet substantial appearance, affording both diversity and picturesqueness, as shown in the variety of the openings and irregularity of the several parts. The front and rear elevations are similar; by changing the entrance doors and stairs, either side may front the road. The details of exterior finish are so simple, and easy of execution, that any “modification for the rear” is undesirable. Inharmonious and unsightly curtailments in the rear finish have a depressing influence on those obliged to face them daily, which can never be overcome by knowing there is a good front.... Cellar, ([fig. 104].)—Hight, 6½ feet, of which 4½ feet is below the ground surface, and therefore (with its thick walls), frost proof. It is always important to provide for carrying off the poisonous vapors apt to be generated in cellars. For this purpose side openings are made near the ceiling into one of the flues of each chimney. These flues, extending to the top, and warmed by contact with the fires of the upper stories, have sufficient draft to constantly change the cellar air, and prevent its ascent through the living-rooms.... First Story, ([fig. 105].)—Hight of ceilings, 10 feet. Here are conveniently placed three large rooms, a hall, china closet, and large pantry. Each large room has commodious windows with views in two directions. The pleasant piazzas at both the front and rear of the parlor, extend over and protect the entrance doors.... Second Story, ([fig. 106].)—Hight of ceilings, 8 feet. The divisions are very simple, a hall, four chambers, four closets, and a bath-room. Light railings may be put on the roofs of the wings and piazzas to form pleasant balconies to the windows of this story. One such balcony is shown over the wing-roof ([fig. 103]); the others may be similar. The small cost of these devices is fully repaid in their usefulness for airing purposes, besides imparting a cheerful appearance.... Garret or Attic.—This story is thoroughly floored, but otherwise unfinished. Should additional chambers be required, partitions may be set over those or the second story, duplicating that plan, with rooms having the same hight of ceilings. The stairs are placed immediately above those of the lower stories, are ceiled in, and have a door at the foot.... Construction.—The durability, general abundance, and substantial appearance of stone, make it the most desirable and appropriate material known for the exterior walls of any building. The cost of cutting and dressing such material ready for use is the principle barrier to its general adoption. By using bricks for corners and for the finish around the openings, the most expensive item of stone-work is saved. They need only to be “random dressed,” and laid nearly in the shape in which they are quarried, as more particularly described for [Design XXVII.] When such walls are carried beyond the hight that is convenient for the handling of the materials, the expense of their construction is largely increased. It is for this reason that the “half-stone” method is particularly valuable. In this plan, the stone-work extends only to the hight of the ceiling of the first story; to this hight the materials may be readily wheeled on trestled scaffolding, while to double this hight would require the use of the tedious derrick, and additional help. The upper stories are framed of the usual sized timber, and raised on the stone walls, which in this case become their foundation. The main roof is constructed as shown in [Design XXII.] The hight requiring siding is 4½ feet, or including water-table and cornice, 6½ feet from the stone-work of the first story to the slating of the roof. The main roof covering is of dark slate laid on tarred felt. At or near the floor-line dividing the upper stories, it is appropriate to indicate the division by the use of tinted slate, which may be laid in close courses or in simple figures, as shown on the elevation. The roofs of the hooded and dormer windows are also slated. The deck of the main roof, and the roofs of the piazza, are covered with IC. charcoal tin. The wood-finish is made of simple design, devoid of all efforts at pretentious display, each part being chosen with especial regard for its utility and appropriateness. The trusses, piazza-columns, and soffits are worked of timber neatly stop-chamfered, imparting a rustic appearance to them, in keeping with the stone-work. The water-tank is placed in the attic, directly above and in line with the bath-tub and kitchen-range, favoring the most practical plumbing. The soil-pipe leading from the bath-room floor passes down through the closet adjoining the kitchen chimney to the sewer-pipe, which is laid below the cellar bottom. The bad smells and gases arising from confined sewage may be easily disposed of by the insertion of a 2-inch pipe into the closet-trap (at its highest point), and connecting it with a flue of the adjoining chimney. All inside plastering is of three-coat work. The casing of the bath-room and around all plumbing is in hard-wood; all other trimming of clear pine. The Newel rail and baluster on the first-story flight of stairs are of black-walnut. All work usually painted has two coats of best lead and linseed-oil, with stainers to give the body (outside), a light gray, and trimmings in imitation of “Nova Scotia stone.” Inside, parlor and hall, in grays, dining-room in grays and drabs, kitchen in drabs, chambers white.... Cost.—Prices of building materials are quite as low as they were before the war; many kinds are really selling for the cost of their production or manufacture. Labor is also very cheap, nearly at old figures. Those contemplating building, and having the means at hand to do so, need not wait for a more favorable time. As soon as general business improves, there must be a “rise” in materials, especially such as require to be manufactured. The estimate appended includes the cost of all materials and labor for good work at the prices now ruling near New York city.—Estimate of the Cost:
Fig. 103.—FRONT VIEW OF HOUSE.
Fig. 104.—PLAN OF CELLAR.