Northcote Settlement.

Progress, Volume XVI, Issue 5, 1 January 1921, Page 103

Northcote Settlement.

A New Housing Scheme at Papanui, Christchurch.

It is interesting to note that public bodies are taking such a keen interest in better housing, as the evidence about us shows. In our last issue we illustrated some plans of houses, and lay-outs of schemes

that the Railway Department are carrying out at Marton and Frankton Junction for railway employees, and although the designs of the houses are not of the highest grade, they are no doubt controlled by the cost. A better, class of design will no doubt follow in due course. In this issue we are glad to be able to show the plans and lay-out of a scheme to be known as “ Northcote Settlement ” at Papanui, Christchurch, ■by the Government Housing Board. It is an effort to assist in the relief of the housing problem and

consists of an area of 21J acres, situated in North Road, at the Papanui tram terminus. The land is level and the soil excellent for garden purposes. There is an abundant supply of artesian well water,

and the Lake Coleridge electric cables are on the North Road frontage. The lay-out, which is shown in this issue, is a rather narrow rectangle, simple and economical, and has been planned by the Board’s architect, Mr. P. H. Graham, to make the best of the site. The scheme provides for 77 houses. At the entrance space has been reserved for a small shopping area. Facing the entrance is an open space for a reserve and gardens, and space has been provided for a recreation hall and club rooms for dancing and

games, an idea which has become so popular since the war. In addition, there are reserves for small gardens, pumping station, water supply and drainage. The houses are grouped on the lines of the English town-planning schemes, and the roads will be laid out with narrow carriage-ways, bordered by broad green sward, and planted with trees and hedges. No living room or bedroom window will be within 90 feet of an opposite house wall, so that ample light will be admitted.

The houses are being constructed on the concrete slab method, with cavity walls, wnich system has

proved to be the most suitable and economical. The walls will be rough cast on the exterior, relieved here and there by brickwork, and the roofs are to be covered with terracotta tiles

Standardised plans for four different types are being built, mostly of five rooms, consisting of three bedrooms, living room, kitchen, separate bathroom, scullery and wash-house. Ample provision has been made for cupboards. Electric lighting will be installed, and hot and cold water supplied to all fixtures.

Messrs. Clark Bros., of Christchurch, have secured the contract for the erection of the houses, and are making good progress with the work. The average cost per house is under £BOO, and as the structures are being built of everlasting materials, the Housing Board are to be congratulated on being able to provide homes at a low cost for the workers.