Fig. 165.—PLAN OF SECOND STORY.
Fig. 166.—PLAN OF ATTIC.
DESIGN XXXIX.
CONTIGUOUS HOUSES, COSTING $1,000 EACH.
These plans were originally prepared for six connected cottages, just completed, for Mr. Fred. Storms, (manufacturer), at Bayside, L. I. They were designed to give the largest amount of accommodation, convenience, and finish, possible, for one thousand dollars each, and are especially adapted to rapidly filling localities, or manufacturing districts. By this system of building in blocks, a very large saving is made in materials and labor, at first, and little expense is required to keep them in order afterwards. Where desired, the introduction of gas, or water-pipes, may be made, from one to the other direct, at small cost. Such connected houses are really more comfortable than separate ones, as they protect each other at their sides from the extreme changes of the outward temperature; and are therefore warmer in winter, and cooler in summer. The site chosen in this case is elevated, and has a westward frontage, securing the important advantages of good drainage, and the admission of direct sunlight to every room.... Exterior, ([fig. 167]).—Building in blocks is a favorite mode with many large owners of village property. The chief objection to a majority of such erections is their formal and stiff appearance, arising from a monotonous uniformity, a repetition of parts, and the overpowering predominance of horizontal lines—partaking too much of the city-street style. To overcome such objections in this design, simple but effective irregularities were introduced, so that really no two dwellings are alike. The sky-lines are broken and varied; the main roofs have pedimented projections—with Mansard sections intervening; all horizontal lines are either shortened or omitted, leaving vertical ones to prevail, and the window openings are varied in their form and distribution. While these several features are essential to the good appearance of such buildings, giving them the pleasing elements of variety and picturesqueness, they do not add very materially to the cost. Cottages designed for simple dwellings, whether built apart or connected, should, as far as possible, preserve their identity as cottages, and if destined for undulating and picturesque situations, should be outlined to accord with their surroundings.... Interior.—The following description of rooms has reference to the house at the extreme left; its relation with the adjoining one is shown by the dotted sketch at the side. All have equal accommodations; this and two others are similarly arranged, the remaining three have their sides reversed.... Cellar, ([fig. 168].)—Hight of ceilings 6½ feet. It is thoroughly floored, has outside entrances front and rear, and being well out of ground, is light and airy, and is adapted to general use for the coarser work. Bins for coal are placed where they may be readily filled from the front window. One corner is partitioned off for a bath-room and water-closet. The window to the latter is shielded by a latticed inclosure beneath the rear lobby, adding to its privacy. The rear area not being protected by the rear stoop, has hatchway doors to be used in stormy weather. The Stairs lead from near the front door, to the main hall of the first story.... First Story, ([fig. 169].)—Hight of ceilings 10 feet. A hall, parlor, and living-room are embraced in the divisions. The Hall is entered from a neat porch, contains the main stairs, and leads to the parlor, living-room, and the cellar stairs. The Parlor is pleasantly arranged, with double windows in front, has neat stucco cornices and centers, and a marble mantle. The chimney-breast is placed to allow sufficient space between it and the central partition, for a piano, or other large piece of furniture. The Living-room is of good dimensions and shape, has two windows, a closet, a large fire-place, and a sink. The door leading to the rear lobby has glass upper panels, admitting additional light in the room in pleasant weather, when the lobby door will be likely to stand open, and through it the lobby will be lighted at night from within. The Main Stairs, leading to the second story, are of the “quarter-circle” pattern, and are neatly finished with hard-wood railing, with a niche above.... Second Story, ([fig. 170].)—Hight of ceiling 9 feet. This story is divided into a small hall, two chambers, two bed-rooms, and three closets. Each of the rooms is well lighted, and chimney-breasts, with marble shelves, and stucco trusses are finished in each chamber.... Construction.—The average depth of the excavations below the surface is three feet. The Foundation walls are of brick work, 8 inches thick, those for the exterior are 7 ft. 4 in. high, showing an average of 4 ft. above the final grades. (In this particular case, the site being elevated, only 4 inches of additional filling was required in the grades, the balance of the loose earth being used to fill more depressed grounds). All interior cross-walls of brick are omitted, their places being supplied with brick “footings” and frame-work. These brick footings are laid in trenches 4 inches below the cellar bottom, and are 8 inches high and wide. Sills of 4 × 6 timber are laid on the center of these footings (edgewise), leaving a margin of 2 inches on each side for the support of the ends of the cellar-floor beams. Girts are put above the sills (also of 4 × 6 timber), anchored to, and level with the outer foundation walls, and are supported by studding and braces, thus forming an inexpensive and substantial division and bearing between the cellars. The principal frame is of regular-sized sawed timber, thoroughly framed and braced. The sidings are of clear pine clapboards, laid on hard-rolled sheathing-felt. The upper roofs are covered with IC. charcoal tin, “tern-plate,” and the Mansard sections are slated on hemlock boards. The interior flooring is of 7-inch milled spruce; outside flooring of 4½-inch milled pine. To prevent the transmission of sound, all the main divisions of frame-work between the houses are deafened by a filling of pale brick and mortar. The cellar ceilings and side walls are white-finished on one coat of brown mortar. All other plastering is hard-finished on two coats of brown mortar. Circular ventilators are placed in each gable, and two ventilators made to resemble the chimney tops are placed on the higher or central ridge of the roof, to allow for the escape of heated air from beneath the roofing. All windows have 1½-inch sash, of four lights each; those in the cellar are hung with butts; all above are balanced with iron weights, and have outside blinds. The doors are first quality, four-panelled. The interior casings are of clear pine, and are neatly moulded, and the parlor windows have panelled backs. The Painting is done as described in [Design XIII.], except that the blinds are of a chocolate color.
Estimated cost of materials and labor:
| Mason’s materials and labor. | $1,350.00 |
| Lumber of all kinds. | 1,150.00 |
| Tinning and slating, (complete). | 300.00 |
| Rolled lining, $30; porches and lobbies, $275. | 305.00 |
| Cornice materials, (prepared at mill). | 120.00 |
| Sash, doors, and blinds. | 400.00 |
| Stairs, with outside steps, with railings. | 500.00 |
| Shelving and sundries. | 325.00 |
| Nails, $65; hardware, $300. | 365.00 |
| Painting, $300; cartage, $85. | 385.00 |
| Carpenter’s labor, not included above. | 800.00 |
| Total cost of six Dwellings. | $6,000.00 |
Mr. Storms added about $1,000 to the total cost of six buildings in plumbing, sewers, gas-pipes, and in fencing separate front and rear yards, to each house. As these improvements are not generally required, they are omitted in the estimate.
