CONCRETE HOUSES

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 45, 17 November 1920, Page 8

CONCRETE HOUSES

EXPERIENCE IN BRITAIN

BLOCK* SYSTEM PREFERRED

The construction o£ concrete houses is discussed in the latest bulletin of the Department, of Overseas. Trade. Sufficien time has jiow elapsed since the inauguration of the national housing scheme to consider the most- economical and rapid system of house construction available," 'says the "Bulletin,"' "and in view of the similar housing difficulties in overseas countries the following will lie of interest:—House construction on the concrete block system has made immense strides since the Ministry pf Health altered the building by-laws in order to Rive freer scope to concrete construction in England, where Ahe old bias in favour of 'brick and mortar' had prevented the full recognition of the greater strength of the new form of construction. "The block system is -.Mally different from that of the American type of cast or poured en bloc construction, which is lagely responsible for the erroneous impressions which prevail as to the. suitability of this form of building. 'Poured' uni'b are cold in winter, hot in slimmer, and are liable to sweat on the inside. "The continuous cavity block system, however, negatives all these disadvantages through the possibility of tlio free passage of air in the walls; and such is it's success that experts have now come to the conclusion that the concrete block system is the most satisfactory and economical solution of the' housing qeustion. "0 her factors are:— "(1) In view of the fact that raw material, slag, breeze, etc., abounds in most localities, the blocks can be made on the site«of the erection, thus obviating all transport. "(2) First class durability and rapidity of construction. ' "(3) Improved hygienic conditions over other forms of construction. "There are now several makes of concrete block-making machines on the market." . .