A NOVEL HOUSE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 194, 6 August 1908, Page 4

A NOVEL HOUSE.

I XiIIULItLESS A.ND UlliuvulitfS. i.YTKKK.STLXG Ji.U IviUMIiNT. A W±,L.LXNCiION jL\ \ KMiON. There is at present in course of erection at Island Day, Wellington, the lirst and only budding of its kind nt the world. The proprietor and others interested are not concerned about the price of timber, and care nothing wlietlier the duty on Oregon pine be increased or abolished. For their building is timberle=s, with the oingle exception of the plates on whicu the roof is to rest. The building is to be a private residence, and is entirely in the nature of an experiment. The material used is a combination of asbestos and ferro-eonerete, and the scheme is the invention of Air Yourretl, an architect, lie. and Mr Jieilingihain have patented ttt-eir new method of building throughout Mew Zealand and Australia, as they hope to prove the pioneers of something like a revolution in the construction of all kinds of premises—residential, business and otherwise. The sheets of asbestos are imported from Austria (duty free). Concrete is placed between walls of asbestos and iron rods take the place of scantling. In the house now being built thi' door frames and window frames are of wood but the syndicate has in view the substitution in future of work of aluminium, i.he roof will be ot asbestos, and the Hour, of petrified sawdust. The eottage is being errclcd for Mr Mcl'arland on his land in Dorwent street.

the principal recommendation urged by the promoters for their new method of construction is its durability. They say that of asbesp»s "and ferro-concrete»v.ill be practically everlasting. Anolier advantage claimed is that the risk tYl' tire is reduced to a minimum; in fact, is abolished, such buildings being nreproof. No lining is required, ttie inner walls of asbestos taking paint or paper as may be desired, and lending themselves readily to all the ordinary decorations of the painter's brush. 'the coat is, of course, a question of prime importance . On this point the promoters will be able to speak with mure confidence and accuracy when the lirst experiment is concluded. .Many initial difficulties have been met with but have been overcome, and the exp rience will lead to more complete arrangements in future for tic supply of asbestos in required sizes and quantities. It is claimed, however, on the knowledee so far acquired thai the-syn-dicate will be in a position to creel biiihjiiiL's fireproof and permanent in the truest "sense of Hie word at an expenditure not exceeding that involved m the erection of similar-sized builduigiu timber, which have a ncecs-jry limited life.