HOUSING THE CAR

Shannon News, 18 September 1928, Page 1

HOUSING THE CAR

BUILDING THE NEW GARAGE. POINTS TO BEAR IN MIND. In these dark days, when the number of car-owners is ever increasing a few observations on the necessary housing of these conveniences may prove of interest to the everyday motorist. To begin with, it is desirable to provide a building which shall harmonise with its surroundings. ' Many of the garages which bestrew the suburbs look like potato or corn sheds, and are absolutely out of harmony with the adjoining buildings and the residence of the owner, making a-very aggressive blot on the landscape. There is no need to put up any old thing as with the wide field from which to select suitable and economical materials it is possible to erect a pleasing and picturesque shelter at a moderate cost.. Let the position of the garage bktid with the layout of the residence. Do not treat it as a magazine for explos-" ives as really some that have been built suggest. Although that most adaptable material galvanised corrugated iron has undoubtedly played a big pa"rt in the development of New Zealand it may now be regarded as an excellent pioneer's material, 'o£ up-country , requisite, but it certainly is mot sufficiently artistic for suburban landscapes. With the modern fire-proof and very adaptable fibro-eement sheets and roofing materials, in conjunction with hard wood or Oregan timbers for framing a picturesque building can be put up. The timber framing outside the walls should be treated with one of the many wood preservatives to obtain a rich brown or even black colour. An excellent point is.a mixture of Stockholm tar and raw linseed oil,-mixed to give the required depth of colour. It should be applied to the timber (sawn faced for best absorption) while hot—one or two coats as required. It is a preservative and by adding more tar than, oil gives the darker tints. With a fibro and framed buildingtimbers showing outside and treated as. aforesaid, with galvanised iron or libroslate roof, painted red or green for choice, and the barge-boards and rafters' feet and doors coloured to match: Avail timbers, a pleasing effect can be ings look more effective than hipped roofs, and a louvre, ventilator in each gable provides proper ventilation. Of course, brick or stone, or reinforced concrete will make a much more substantial structure, but the cost is far higher. There is another method which gives substantial construction and picturesque effect —namely a framed walling filled- in between each pair of studs with half brick facings pointed and in cement studs Sin. x 2iin., and the outside face of bricks set back £in. flush inside. The timber must be thoroughly seasoned before using. This is called "brick-n'ogging"—of early date. -

The floor should be of concrete, slightly dished to the centre and a small sump formed there with a grating and drainage to suitable outside fall. Space for a good working bench, lock-up chest, petrol store, and good lighting for same should be provided and ample space for free access to car: all round when in garage. The approach to the garage should be as straight as possible and avoid sharp turns in giving access to the entrance. Where possible it will add to the pleasing appearance of the building if it can be combined with, say, a toolshed and the footpath to the garage from the residence designed with a simple pergola treatment for rose vines. As all buildings must be approved by public authorities, plans must be submitted before proceeding to build, approval must be obtained and fees paid. The regulations must be carefully adhered to in the carrying out of tne work. In most cases it is wise to secure the services of a qualified architect conversant with all details to prepare, negotiate and obtain approval of the plans and specifications and supervise the work. The client is then j'rm possible litigation or disputes with contractors, which can easily arise over alterations being made. This is an age of specialists, and the "cobbler should stick to his last." Moreover, it will protect the owner's interests and pocket A stanclpipe for hose attachment should be provided in a convenient position and a great convenience will be afforded by providing a washing space —of concrete —outside the doors of the garage, also with a sump and drains, for the inside floors. Where permitted to be connected to sewerage systems the sumps must be properly trapped and ventilated.

As regards the. actual design of the garage, all must depend on its surroundings; but if the owner desires to .have everything in proper order, and appropriate to the locality and buildings, skilled professional advice should be sought and everything approved before the work is commenced.

These few. suggestions will give the iuexperieneed but enthusiastic motorist leading hints as to what course to pursue in -providing a suitable, container for his preo'ouf vehicle...