Chapter VI: Preface (6)

This plan of a large house provides ample and conveniently-arranged apartments, containing the most requisite of modern improvements, suitable to the requirements of a good-sized family. The general outline of the ground plan is nearly square—30 × 36 feet—securing the greatest economy in expense of construction, and embracing a liberal provision for comfort, and a suitable regard for appearances, without sacrificing one for the other. There is always a certain boldness in the exterior, or _elevation_, of a square double front, which no other style affords, expressive of substantial dignity. The two Bay-windows and Porch are united in construction, the porch having its ends partly sheltered by the projecting bay-windows, is a pleasant feature. The second story, attic, and cupola windows, have circular heads, with heavy dressing. The main Cornice is heavily trussed; the Cupola is large and roomy, and all are proportioned to make this house worthy of almost any situation.... The CELLAR extends under the whole house, with walls of hard brick and mortar 8 inches thick, and 7 feet high, and should extend 1½ inches outside of the frame-work of the house, so as to be “flush” with the sheathing. The cross-walls, as shown on the plan, are of the same materials; all such walls should have “heading-courses” every 20 inches, and if in sandy bottom, a suitable bedding should be provided, as described for Design XII., which will insure a perfectly safe and satisfactory foundation. The AREA walls should be made of hard brick, with stone coping and steps, laid in cement mortar. All chimneys should be started and laid up with the foundation, and the materials interlaced to bind them together; this will insure additional strength to both foundation and chimney. We recommend plastering, or “laying off” the ceiling of the cellar, with one coat of brown mortar, at a cost of $25, which would be a permanent benefit to the whole house, in preventing the damp cellar air from rising up through the floors and frame-work of the house. Such air is almost sure to be vitiated by decaying vegetable matter, and is the undoubted source of much disease. Another advantage derived from such plastering is the shutting out of rats and mice from the frame-work of the house, and lastly, it affords an opportunity of purifying and sweetening the cellar easily by (the simplest of all means) a coat of white-wash.... The materials used in the Frame are indicated in the estimate appended below. Sills should be framed for each cross and outside wall, so as to secure equal bearings, and allow for even shrinkages; and when put in position, they should be bedded in mortar, to prevent any inequalities in the bearings of the frame-work, to strengthen the foundation, and also to effectually shut out cold air from getting between the cellar ceiling and the first floor. All beams and studding are placed 16 inches from centers. The first tier of beams should be framed into the sills, and their tenons wedged from the outside, to “draw them home.” They should also bear upon the wall equally with the sill. All beams having a span of 12 feet and over, should have at least one row of cross-bridging of 1¼ × 3-inch “fencing.” The second and third story beams are notched over the ties, and spiked fast. The cupola posts rest directly on the center girts, and the principal roof-timbers are framed and secured to these posts. In this frame there need be no tendency to self-destruction, so common in large buildings, such as oblique or outward thrusts, or irregularity of bearings, but a perfect “repose” is secured to every piece of timber in the house.... The BAY-WINDOW frame-work (see fig. 140) is 1 inch less in depth than the principal sills of the house, to allow for the thickness of the boarding beneath them, so that the water-table, when put around the house may be in line. The distances given on the diagram of the bay frame may be relied upon as correct. “Bay-windows are apt to be cold,” is often said, but a sure preventive of such “cold” is easily secured by filling in between the beams and panels with dry sand, which will make them as tight as any other part of a house.—The _character_ and _quality_ of a house depends greatly upon the material and manner of SIDING. In our estimate we have provided for mill-worked sheathing, which should be put on diagonally, and thoroughly nailed to the frame, which will serve the double purpose of securing more warmth and strength than any “filling in” of brick, and is less expensive. A strip of the same thickness as the sheathing, and 2 inches wide, should be first nailed to the sill, close down to the masonry, to prevent the air from entering the joints of the sheathing, and following them upwards into the house. Tarred paper is next stretched over the sheathing, when the window-frames, water-table, and corner-boards should be set, and lastly, the novelty-siding put on, and double-nailed to each stud. The Windows are arranged for each sash to be hung, and all to have blinds. All windows above the first story have “circular heads,” with caps turned of 4-inch timber. The Keys shown on the elevation are sawed out at the back, so as to fit over the caps (not cut through them). This is much simpler, more ornamental, and does not impair or affect the solid head.—The roof projects 27 inches beyond the frame of the building, and is covered with IC. charcoal tin, laid and soldered in the best manner, on sound hemlock boards. The gutters of the main house are made as described for Design V.... The FIRST STORY plan (fig. 141) shows the general division of four rooms and three halls. The Entrance Hall, or Reception Room, is 7 × 12 feet. The Stairway Hall is also 7 × 12 feet. The Rear Hall is 7 × 7 feet. These halls are divided from each other by sash doors. The entrance hall is divided from the parlor and dining-room by large _double_ doors. The advantages of dividing the halls in the manner shown will be obvious to any one when they consider how cold, windy, and cheerless most halls are. By this arrangement all drafts are prevented, either when opening the entrance door, or when passing from one room to another. The inside double doors may be swung open altogether, throwing the principal rooms of the lower floor into one spacious apartment, if occasion should require, for a large company, without altering to any material degree the temperature of these rooms. The stairway hall contains the principal stairs, which are of the easiest “platform” construction, so arranged that a more private stairway is entirely unnecessary. The rear hall is the common hall of the house, and is easily reached from every part. The Parlor is the largest room, has a bay-window, marble mantle, and fire-place heater, and is separated from the library by sliding doors. The Dining-room has also a bay-window, marble mantle, and fire-place heater, and is intended as the Living-room. It is conveniently connected with the kitchen, stairway hall, entrance hall, and has a good pantry (_c_). The Kitchen is separated from the dining-room by a single door, and in close proximity to the rear entrance and cellar stairway doors. It contains one large closet, range with elevated oven, warm-closet, and water-back, boiler, sink, and wash-tubs. The Kitchen should be wainscoted 3 feet high, with ⅝ × 3-inch ceiling-boards. The clock and lamp-shelf should be put between the closet and hall doors, and not over the range. The advantage of having the kitchen on the same floor with the dining-room must be apparent to every one.... The SECOND STORY plan (fig. 142) is divided into four large chambers, a child’s bedroom, a bath-room, five closets, with a good-sized hall. The two Front Chambers are heated by hot air from the “fire-place” heaters of the first story, so that they are always comfortable in the coldest weather. For many reasons we prefer the fire-place heaters over any other. They take little room, are cheerful in appearance, easy of management, and economical, requiring attention but twice in twenty-four hours, if hard coal is used. Each heater will keep two ordinary sized rooms comfortable in winter, and are not unsightly in summer. Like any other device for heating, the perfect and satisfactory results depend altogether on the manner of setting them. In no case should a heater be expected to develop its full power when placed in a fire-place in so close proximity with the brick as to allow the hot air to strike against and be absorbed by them. The heater should be enclosed in a jacket of sheet-iron, having an 8-inch opening, and a collar at the top. Attached to the collar, and “built in” the chimney, should be an 8-inch tin pipe, connecting with the register-box in the second story. Above this box this flue should be entirely closed. The smoke-pipe should be 4-inch, and pass up through the 8-inch tin pipe to the register-box, where an elbow should be put on, turning the smoke into the side flue adjoining. The side flue should have no other side openings. The Bath-room has bath-tub, seat-closet, wash-basin, with cold and hot water faucets. Each chamber to the right of the hall to have wash-basins. These Chambers have marble mantle shelves, resting on plaster trusses, at an expense of $6 each, which answer the purpose that a $20 mantle would, and are really more cheerful and appropriate for such rooms.... The Attic is reached by the enclosed stairway, and is arranged so that two or four bedrooms may be “finished off” as required. The Tank is placed on the floor over the bath-rooms, and is supplied partly from the roof, and partly by the force-pump in the kitchen. All the remaining space in the attic may be used for storage, etc.... The Cupola-room is 7 × 7 feet, reached by a light stairway. The head-room is made to subserve the purpose of a stand or table, so that really very little room is taken away by the stairs.... Very few people have any definite idea of the expense of the separate items that are comprehended under the head of Plumbers’ Work. The following estimate in detail of plumbing, required in this house, gives facts and figures enough to enable any one to decide just how much plumbing can be done for any given sum, viz.:

Sheet-lead, 3½ lbs. to square ft., for tank, 2 × 4 × 6 ft.,
with stop-cock. $21.00
Bath-tub, 10 oz., $15; plated flange and thimble-cock, $6;
plated plug and chain. 22.50
Pan-closet, $12.25; plated cup and pull, $1.50; French bowl,
$2.20; trap, 4 in., $3.75. 19.70
3 wash-basins, $1.70 each; marble slabs, $5 each; plug, stud,
and chain, $1.50 each; 2 cocks, trap, screw, plug, $3 each. 36.60
1 iron sink, 18 × 24 inches, $2; 2 cocks, $3.50; trap and
screw, $1. 6.50
35-gallon copper boiler, $27; with stand, $2. 29.00
Force-pump, with brass cylinder. 17.00
20 ft. 4-in. iron soil-pipe, at 50c. per ft. 10.00
372 lbs. supply and circulation pipe, at 8½c. per lb. 31.62
125 lbs. waste-pipe, at 8½c. per lb. 10.63
Solder, tacks, and charcoal for this job. 3.00
5 days’ time, plumber and helper, $6 per day. 30.00
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Total amount of cost. $237.55
10 per cent added by plumbers in estimating. 23.75
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Total Plumber’s charges for the job. $261.30

To the bill for plumbing we add the cost of:

_Range_, with elevated oven, warm-closet, water-back,
set complete. $80.00
_Heaters_, 2 “fire-place,” with registers and heating
pipes, $45 each. 90.00

COST.—Estimate of cost of building by this plan. It will be noticed that the prices given for bay-windows, porch, lobby, stairs, windows, cupola, and doors, include materials and labor complete, and that the amount of carpenters’ work is for the balance of such labor required on the job:

100 yards excavation, at 20c. per yard. $20.00
24,000 brick, furnished and laid, at $12 per M. 288.00
950 yards plastering, 3-coat, at 28c. per yard. 266.00
6,578 ft. timber, at $15 per M. 98.67
4 sills, 4 × 8 in. 30 ft. long.
2 sills, 4 × 8 in. 36 ft. long.
10 posts, 4 × 7 in. 24 ft. long.
Ties, 4 × 6 in. 390 ft. long.
4 cupola posts, 4 × 6 in. 15 ft. long.
Plates, 4 × 6 in. 132 ft. long.
70 beams, 2 × 8 in. 15 ft. long.
60 beams, 2 × 8 in. 22 ft. long.
15 beams, 3 × 8 in. 22 ft. long.
4 hips, 3 × 8 in. 18 ft. long.
4 valleys, 3 × 8 in. 18 ft. long.
14 rafters, 3 × 5 in. 17 ft. long.
100 joist, 3 × 4 in. 13 ft. long, at 22c. each. 22.00
400 wall-strips, 2 × 4 in. 13 ft. at 11c. each. 44.00
320 sheathing, ⅞ × 10 in. 13 ft. long, at 25c. 80.00
200 lbs. tarred paper, at 5c. per lb. 10.00
320 novelty siding-boards, 9½ inch, at 38c. each. 121.60
195 hemlock roof boards, at 22c. each. 42.90
240 tongued and grooved flooring, at 35c. each. 84.00
168 ft. cornice, at 70c. per ft. 117.60
17½ squares of tin roofing, at $10 per square. 175.00
190 ft. gutters and leaders, at 10c. per foot. 19.00
Cupola, complete, except tin (included above). 100.00
2 bay-windows, complete, at $75 each. 150.00
1 porch, complete, $75; lobby, complete, $50. 125.00
4 stairs, complete, $100; 17 windows, complete, $15. 355.00
5 cellar windows, at $6 each. 30.00
34 doors, at $12 each. 408.00
2 marble mantles, at $30 each. 60.00
4 marble shelves, at $6 each. 24.00
5 kegs nails, at $5 each. 25.00
Painting. 250.00
Cartage, average 1 mile. 56.40
Shelving, base, bell-hanging, etc. 73.70
Carpenter’s labor. 360.00
Plumbing, as detailed above. 261.80
Range, $80; Incidentals, $162.83; 2 heaters, at $45, $90. 296.33
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Total cost of house. $4,000.00

DESIGN XXXIII.

A BRICK HOUSE COSTING $4,000.

This plan was designed for the residence of Dr. Samuel McClure, of Olney, Ill. The style and general characteristics are significant of elegance and comfort, and suggest its adaptation to suburban, rather than the more rural situations.... ELEVATION, (fig. 143.)—There is a peculiar compactness in the outlines of the principal building, while the piazza and tower contribute largely to the symmetry and gracefulness of the entire structure. The general details of the exterior are quite simple in themselves, and are so proportioned and arranged as to adapt them to each other with artistic effect, and to produce marked features of unity and completeness.... FIRST STORY, (fig. 144.)—Hight of ceiling, 11 feet. The general divisions and arrangements are simple and practical. The principal entrance from the piazza is through outside and vestibule doors. The outside doors are made in pairs, with solid panels heavily moulded on the face. The vestibule doors are of similar construction, except that their upper panels are of glass. There is a seeming extravagance in such “vestibules,” or duplication of doors, at the entrance of any dwelling, and they may be regarded as a luxury rather than a necessity, and would be superfluous and inappropriate in the ordinary cottage or farm-house; but in residences of this character, where there is abundant space, such vestibules are manifestly proper, adding a feature of elaborateness, and providing for many contingencies of times and seasons. The outside, or storm-doors, afford protection against extreme cold and severe storms, and furnish additional security. The vestibule, or “glass” doors, admit an abundance of cheerful light to the hall. The Main Hall is roomy, and contains the principal stairs, which are of platform construction, are wide, and have hard-wood rail, balusters, and newel. The Parlor and Dining-room adjoin the hall through large double doors. The parlor and bed-room are separated by sliding doors. The Bed-room has doors leading to the principal hall and to the bath-room, which has a wash-basin and water-closet. The Kitchen is supplied with a range, with elevated oven and a water-back; a 30-gallon copper boiler, a sink with closet underneath, a pump, and stationary wash-tubs in three divisions, and it connects through doors with the dining-room, rear lobby, cellar-stairway, a large pantry, and a dish-closet. The Rear Lobby is arranged to connect with the rear entrance, kitchen, bath-room, and principal hall. The Bath-room contains a tank, with a capacity for four hogsheads of water (placed near the ceiling), bath-tub, washstand, and seat-closet. Lead pipes necessary for the supply and distribution of cold and hot water, are provided in the kitchen and bath-room. Marble mantles are provided for the principal rooms of this story, at an average cost of $25 each. Double architraves are intended for the trimmings of the windows and doors in the principal apartments, and neat chair-backs are provided for the dining-room and kitchen.... SECOND STORY (fig. 145.)—By the peculiar method of constructing the roof and frame-work, it will be found that the inside walls of this story are vertical or plumb, instead of angling as in the usual Mansard roof. The ceiling is 9 feet high. This story has a hall, four large and one small rooms, five closets, and a stairway to the tower. Each of the four large chambers have marble shelves resting on plaster trusses, as described in Design XXXII. Single architraves are intended for the trimming of this story.... CONSTRUCTION of the Walls and Roof.—The excavations are made 1½ foot deep, and the earth thrown out is used in grading around the house at completion, raising the surrounding surface 1 foot. The foundation and cross-walls (fig. 146) are 6½ feet high. The principal walls resting on the foundation are 14 feet 3 inches high, and the walls of the tower extend 11 feet 6 inches above the principal walls. The walls inclosing the wing in the rear are 10 feet high; all of hard burned brick and good mortar. The exterior walls of the foundation are 12 inches thick, and all other walls are 8 inches thick, and have heading courses every 2 feet. The bottom courses of the exterior foundation, to the hight of 2½ feet, are laid in mortar composed of hydraulic cement and sharp sand, to prevent the absorption of dampness from the earth; all other mortar is composed of lime and sand. All exterior surfaces of brick-work that are exposed to view have “flush-joints,” and those intended for painting should be rubbed smooth. All windows for the cellar and first story have sills of dressed stone, and have heads neatly arched of brick-work. The window-caps for the first story windows are laid of brick, as shown in sketch, (fig. 147). These caps are easily executed while constructing the walls, and are quite ornamental; the figures on the sketch denote the distances or projections of the several parts beyond the face of the wall.... Plates of 3 × 8 timber are laid flatwise on top of the brick walls, and the upper or roof framework is added as shown in section, (fig. 148): _A_, foundation, 12 inches thick; _B_, principal wall, 8 inches thick; _C_, _C_, tower walls; _D_, _D_, tower posts, 4 × 6 inches, adjoining the upper portion of tower walls, and forming a part of the tower; _E_, _E_, principal plates, 3 × 8 laid on brick work; _F_, tie, 3 × 8, resting on 2 × 4 studding, placed inside the wall, and nailed to the principal plates; _G_, _G_, rafters sawed to pattern, the lower end projects one inch beyond the face of the wall. _H_, ceiling timbers resting on the ties. The remaining framework will be readily understood. The roofs are inclosed with rough hemlock boards of even thickness, and thoroughly nailed to the rafters—and lastly covered with IC. charcoal tin. The method of laying the tin on the upright or Mansard part of the roof, is known in the trade as the “raised groove” plan, in which all the vertical joints of the tin are raised and folded, leaving an elevated seam or ridge, which stiffens the general surface, and adds to the picturesqueness of this form of roof, without increasing its cost. The balance of the tinning is laid with the ordinary lock-joint and soldered. _Gas pipes_ are inserted in the framework so as to be concealed, except where they appear for attachments for 4 ceiling lights, and 4 side lights in the first story; for 8 side lights in the second story; for 1 ceiling light in the tower, and for 1 side light in the cellar. Ample opportunities for a thorough _Ventilation_ are provided for in this plan. It will be seen that the four large rooms have windows in two of their sides, affording the most certain and satisfactory means of ventilation known.—Flues are also provided adjoining each room in which registers are put, for use in the more severe weather. Provision is made for the escape of the air from between the ceiling of the second story and the roof.—Five strong tin 4-inch tubes, with funnel covers, are inserted in the deck of the principal roof; four of them are placed 3 feet behind the chimneys, and one near the rear, connecting with a flattened tube leading directly from the bath-room.... The following ESTIMATE of the quantities of materials and labor, of their several kinds, and their cost, embraces everything necessary to the completion of the house, excepting the appliances for heating, which may consist of a furnace, fire-place heaters, or open grates, as shall be best adapted to the location. In this vicinity, where hard coal is the chief fuel, we would suggest a furnace, placed in the cellar, with large pipes arranged to convey warm air to the different parts of the house. In localities where bituminous coal is used, the open grate gives good results, and is exceedingly cheerful in appearance. There are ranges and parlor stoves constructed to burn soft coal successfully, and it is undoubtedly possible that heating furnaces may be adapted to the use of the same fuel.

ESTIMATE OF COST:

80 yards excavation, at 20c. per yard. $16.00
60,000 brick, complete, at $10 per M. 600.00
120 ft. stone sills and coping, at 30c. per ft. 36.00
1,000 yards plastering principal, complete, at 28c. per yard. 280.00
120 yards plastering ceiling of cellar, complete, at 15c. 18.00
4,763 ft. of timber, at $15 per M. 71.44
2 sills, 4 × 8 in. 28 ft. long.
68 beams, 3 × 8 in. 15 ft. long.
34 beams, 3 × 8 in. 8 ft. long.
4 beams, 3 × 7 in. 16 ft. long.
9 beams, 3 × 7 in. 19 ft. long.
4 girts, 4 × 6 in. 28 ft. long.
1 brace, 3 × 5 in. 30 ft. long.
4 hips, 3 × 6 in. 14 ft. long.
1 deck tie, 3 × 8 in. 138 ft. long.
1 deck plate, 3 × 6 in. 188 ft. long.
1 main plate, 3 × 8 in. 139 ft. long.
1 tower plate, 3 × 8 in. 34 ft. long.
4 tower posts, 4 × 6 in. 14 ft. long.
1 piazza, 3 × 7 in. 220 ft. long.
100 rough plank rafters, at 25c. each. 25.00
360 wall strips, 2 × 4 in., 12 ft., at 11c. each. 39.60
308 hemlock boards, 10 in. × 13 ft., at 18c. each. 55.44
250 mill-worked flooring boards, 9-in., at 30c. each. 75.00
130 furring strips, 1 × 2 in., 13 ft., at 5c. each. 6.50
31 squares of tin, at $8.50 per square. 263.50
16 windows, 1st story and tower, complete, at $16 each. 256.00
12 cellar windows, complete, at $8 each. 96.00
13 dormer windows, complete, at $20 each. 260.00
Cornices, principal and deck. 130.00
Piazza stoop and wing finish (except tin), complete. 300.00
Finial on tower. 8.00
Stairs, complete, $100.00; 38 doors, at $10 each,
complete, $380. 480.00
Finish in closets. 25.00
Mantels and shelves (of marble). 100.00
Range (with elevated oven and water back). 80.00
Plumbing and gas-pipes. 220.00
Nails and anchors. 27.10
Painting, $200; Cartage, $30. 230.00
Carpenter’s labor not included in the completed works. 250.00
Incidentals. 51.42
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Total cost, complete. $4,000.00

DESIGN XXXIV.

COUNTRY RESIDENCE COSTING $4,750.

On the next page is a perspective view of a residence built for Dr. B. Clark, of Washington, Pa., from special designs made by me in 1876. The style and general arrangements are similar to the one built for Dr. McClure, last described, with the addition of a side extension or office, and the completion of rooms in the basement for laundry purposes, and a laboratory. This Building is substantially constructed, and tastefully finished throughout. The hight of the ceilings in the first story are 12 feet, in the second 10 feet, and for the basement 8 feet. It has two heaters, four open grates, a range, complete apparatus in bath rooms, and distributing pipes for cold and hot water. The principal rooms are frescoed, all others are kalsomined. A Reservoir constructed in the rear part of the cellar, and provided with running spring water, is arranged as a receptacle for milk cans, and supplies the Fountain shown in the front lawn (this fountain, owing to the sloping surface of the grounds, is several feet below the foundations of the house).... Dr. Clark moved into his new house during the first week in February last, and writes with reference to it, that “all in all it is the most tasteful in outside appearance, convenient, and economically constructed building in this section, and attracts a great deal of attention.”

The cost of this building, everything complete, was $4,750.

DESIGN XXXV.

A HOUSE COSTING $4,000.

These plans were designed for a suburban residence, to take the place of one recently destroyed by fire. The original structure was cubiform in outline, resembling a huge box; with unbroken facades, and flat roof, destitute of beauty, and in strange contrast with the tasteful surroundings. The owner desired to use the old foundations, still in fair condition, without disturbing the grounds, underlying pipes, etc., and thus retain the nearly square ground plan, but a building with an exterior agreeing with the surroundings. While the main object in presenting this design is to show that the ground plans do not necessarily determine the style of exterior dress, its general arrangement and character will be found to deserve favorable consideration.... ELEVATION, (fig. 150.)—There is a constant demand for “Mansard Roofs,” arising from an aspiration for structures signifying originality and progressiveness. The animated features of this style accord with activity, rather than of retirement, and adapt it to prominent situations, skirting the more public thoroughfares. The objections to such roofs result from their frequent misapplication. They are manifestly inappropriate for retired or secluded situations, or for persons of purely domestic tastes. They also lose their identity and expressiveness when duplicated in close and continuous proximity, as is often done in towns. But this is true of any other style. Variety is the spice of architecture.... CELLAR, (fig. 151.)—Hight of 8 feet in clear. It has an outside rear entrance, is well lighted, and contains ample space for the furnace, and divisions for coal, vegetables, etc.... FIRST STORY, (fig. 152.)—Hight of ceilings, 10 feet. The accommodations are conveniently arranged, and sufficient for a large family. The main entrance from the piazza is through large double doors and a vestibule. The Hall is central and spacious, communicating with the principal rooms, and rear entry, and contains the main stairs, which are unusually wide and easy. The Parlor and Library, divided by large sliding doors, can be used separately, or together as one spacious room when desired. The Dining-room and Kitchen adjoin, and have the necessary pantries, range, pump, sink, and stationary wash-tubs, with cold and hot water. A Conservatory is entered from the dining-room through double sash doors, adding a cheerful feature to this apartment, where the family spend much of their time. The rear may be reached from the dining-room in three ways—by the main hall and rear entry, or through the kitchen, or most pleasantly through the conservatory.... SECOND STORY, (fig. 153.)—Hight of ceilings 9 feet. The divisions include a hall, four large chambers with closets to each, a front hall bed-room, and a bath-room. Each of the chambers has windows in two sides, giving opportunity for plentiful light and fresh air. The clear width of the room sections, (5 yards each), favors the economical cutting of carpets. The main stairs are made continuous to the attic story. The Bath-room is furnished with a bath-tub, wash-bowl, and seat-closet, and with cold and hot water.... CONSTRUCTION.—The foundations, stone-sills, area stoops, framing, inclosing, flooring, plastering, and painting, are similar to those described for Design XIII. Care should be taken in covering the roofs, as the materials used (wood, tin, and slate), are entirely foreign to each other, and can only be placed in _contact_, and indirectly united. The wood should be thoroughly seasoned, to prevent a future disturbance of the exterior covering. All flashings along the sides of the dormers and other uprights should be 10 inches wide, and double painted before being used. The conservatory is not floored, but is filled in with earth level with the foundation walls. A walk is laid through the center, of 1⅛ × 4-inch slats, and the remaining space is devoted to plants. A furnace is placed in the cellar, with pipes to convey warm air to the principal rooms and halls of both stories, and to the conservatory. The pipes and register boxes for conveying warm air to the second story, are placed in the chimneys while building them. There are open fire-places in the principal rooms, with marble mantles in the first story, and marble shelves in the chambers. Stucco cornices and centers, of appropriate patterns, are put in the principal rooms and hall of the first story. A hall and stairway leading to the tower, is completed in the ATTIC, the other portions of the third story are unfinished, but may be converted into pleasant rooms for school purposes, or chambers, as desired.

ESTIMATE, Cost of materials and labor:

114 yards excavation, at 20c. per yard. $22.80
84 perches stone-foundation, at $2.75 per perch. 231.00
60 ft. blue-stone sills, steps, and coping, at 28c. per ft. 16.80
8,000 brick, furnished and laid, at $12 per M. 96.00
1,000 yards plastering, at 28c. per yard. 280.00
230 feet stucco cornices and centers, at 25c. per ft. 57.50
8,305 ft. of timber, at $15 per M. 124.57
2 girders, 4 × 8 in. 30 ft. long.
2 sills, 4 × 8 in. 30 ft. long.
2 sills, 4 × 8 in. 40 ft. long.
2 sills, 4 × 8 in. 23 ft. long.
2 sills, 4 × 8 in. 11 ft. long.
9 posts, 4 × 7 in. 23 ft. long.
2 posts, 4 × 7 in. 32 ft. long.
2 posts, 4 × 7 in. 12 ft. long.
2 posts, 4 × 6 in. 11 ft. long.
Ties, 4 × 6 in. 350 ft. long.
Plates, 4 × 6 in. 247 ft. long.
Perlines, 3 × 8 in. 215 ft. long.
51 beams, 3 × 8 in. 25 ft. long.
15 beams, 3 × 8 in. 21 ft. long.
50 beams, 3 × 8 in. 16 ft. long.
4 hips, 3 × 7 in. 14 ft. long.
Piazza, 3 × 7 in. 176 ft. long.
Piazza, 3 × 5 in. 86 ft. long.
6 locust posts at 30c, $1.80; 150 joists, at 16c., $24. 25.80
150 wall-strips, at 11c. each. 16.50
220 sheathing, at 18c., $39.60; 500 lbs. tarred felting, $20. 59.60
400 clapboards, at 12c. each. 48.00
870 hemlock boards for roof, at 16c. each. 59.20
14 squares slate, at $8½ per square. 119.00
20 squares tin, at $7½ per square. 150.00
Cornice materials. 89.62
335 pieces flooring (9-inch), at 18c. each. 60.30
Piazzas and porches, complete. 160.00
9 cellar windows, complete, at $5 each. 45.00
24 plain windows, complete, at $12 each. 288.00
18 dormer windows, complete, at $16 each. 288.00
Stairs, complete, $100; 45 doors, complete, at $10, $450. 550.00
Closets, $30; nails, $20. 50.00
3 marble mantles, $75; 4 marble shelves, $25. 100.00
Range and plumbing. 260.00
Sky-light in conservatory. 12.00
Furnace and pipes. 150.00
Carting, average 1 mile. 40.00
Carpenter’s labor, not included above. 300.00
Painting, $220; incidentals, $80.31. 300.31
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Total cost, complete. $4,000.00

DESIGN XXXVI.

A FARM HOUSE COSTING $5,000.

The plans here given were originally designed for the residence of Mr. F. H. Johnston, Easton, Md. They will interest those desiring a good-sized, comfortable farm-house.... EXTERIOR, (fig. 154).—The site in this case being midway between the highway and a water front, (facing a tributary of the Chesapeake,) made it desirable to have two main entrances, adapted to either approach, and indicated the position of the kitchen wing at the _side_. The Conservatory is in an angle facing the southeast. The Piazza and Roof Projections are of ample breadth to give abundant shade, and proper effect. As a whole, the outlines are rounded and compact, indicating completeness and strength—always desirable features in buildings of this class.... CELLAR, (fig. 155).—Hight of ceiling 8 feet. It has 13 windows, and outside and hatchway doors. Openings in the chimneys provide ventilation. The ceilings are plastered, to prevent the ascent of damp and unwholesome vapors through the frame-work of the house.... FIRST STORY, (fig. 156).—Hight of the ceilings in the main house, 11 ft. 4 in., and in the wing 9 ft. The main entrances lead from the piazzas, through large double doors, to the principal Hall, which is wide, and extends, unobstructed, through the house. The main stairs occupy the space at the right, which is separated by an arch that preserves the continuity of the hall ceiling. The ordinary or family entrance is by way of the passage, and is convenient to all the parts of the house in daily use. A private stairway leads from the passage to the second story. The Parlor and Library are separated by sliding doors, and each has a bay and other windows. The Dining-room at the right is pleasantly arranged; it may be entered from the main hall, or through the conservatory, or by the passage, or through the butler’s pantry. Wide double sash-doors lead to the conservatory, and single sash-doors open to the piazza through the passage. The Kitchen has doors leading to the passage, butler’s pantry, cellar, and yard, and has three windows. It is provided with a range, pump, boiler, wash-tubs, and sink. The Butler’s Pantry is spacious; one end is dresser finished, with counter-shelf and doors above and below. A counter-shelf is also placed at the opposite end, with wash-tray and closet. The sides are shelved around, and have cleats and hooks.... SECOND STORY, (fig. 157).—Hight of ceilings in the main house 10 feet; in the wing 9 feet. The divisions embrace six rooms, six closets, and the required halls. The platform of the main stairs is level with the second floor of the wing, and from it a door leads to the wing passage. The Bath-room has a bath-tub, wash-stand, and seat-closet, and a good-sized closet for towelling, etc. All closets have the usual shelving and hooks. Each chamber has marble shelves and stucco trusses.... ATTIC.—The stairs leading to this story are above the main flight, inclosed with narrow ceiling, and have a door at the foot. There are two circular windows in each end gable, and one in each front. The whole is floored, but otherwise unfinished, to be used as an open garret.... CONSTRUCTION.—The excavations are 4 feet deep, and the loose earth thrown out is neatly graded around, leaving three feet of the foundations exposed to sight. The foundations are of hard burned brick, 12 inches thick for the main house, and 8 inches for the wing and conservatory. Brick piers, 12 inches square, are built for the piazza supports. The first story frame-work is beam-filled with bricks, where they rest on the foundation. This prevents draughts of air from entering the house between the foundation and the frame, and also keeps mice out of the frame at this point—_the latter is especially necessary along the lines of the main partitions_. The chimneys are of hard brick, arranged with continuous flues from each fire-place to the top. Tin 8-inch pipes, with the necessary elbows and register boxes, are inserted while building, to convey warm air from the cellar to the large chambers in the second story. The frame-work is constructed in the most thorough manner, of sound pine or spruce timber. The siding is of clear pine clapboard, laid on sheathing felt. Cornices of dressed pine. Principal roofing of cedar shingles. Piazza and bay window roofs of tin. Flooring of narrow yellow pine. The first and second stories are completed in every respect, ready for occupation. Each of the principal rooms and the main hall have stucco cornices and centers. Arches with neat ornamental corbels are built across each bay window, over the =L= adjoining the main hall, and at the entrance of the passage leading to the bed-room in the second story. All sashes are 1½-inch thick, and glazed with four lights in each pair. Blinds (outside) are properly hung and fastened to each window above the cellar. The conservatory is substantially constructed of light frame-work, with no superfluous dressing to obstruct the light, and glazed with plain, single-thick glass at the sides, and ribbed glass for the roof, has a narrow walk of slat-work leading from the dining-room door, and is arranged to be heated in winter from a furnace in the cellar. All parts usually painted, have two coats of best paint, of color and materials selected by the owner.

ESTIMATE, cost of materials and labor:

268 yards excavation, at 20c. per yard. $53.60
50,000 bricks, (furnished and laid,) at $12 per M. 600.00
88 ft. blue-stone sills, at 30c. per ft. 26.40
1,300 yards plastering, at 28c. per yard. 364.00
175 ” ” cellar ceiling, at 16c. per yard. 28.00
330 ft. cornices, complete, at 20c. per foot. 66.00
4 centers, complete, at $4 each. 16.00
14,300 ft. of timber, at $14 per M. 200.20
Sills, 4 × 10 in. 276 ft. long.
Ties, 4 × 6 in. 490 ft. long.
Plates, 4 × 8 in. 138 ft. long.
Perlines, 4 × 9 in. 214 ft. long.
Ridges, 3 × 9 in. 67 ft. long.
Ridges, 3 × 7 in. 20 ft. long.
Gables, 4 × 6 in. 200 ft. long.
4 posts, 4 × 8 in. 26 ft. long.
8 posts, 4 × 8 in. 23 ft. long.
4 posts, 4 × 7 in. 13½ ft. long.
2 posts, 4 × 7 in. 12 ft. long.
50 beams, 3 × 10 in. 19 ft. long.
8 beams, 4 × 10 in. 19 ft. long.
10 beams, 3 × 10 in. 18 ft. long.
1 beam, 4 × 10 in. 18 ft. long.
11 beams, 3 × 9 in. 18 ft. long.
28 beams, 3 × 9 in. 19 ft. long.
28 beams, 3 × 10 in. 10 ft. long.
14 beams, 3 × 9 in. 10 ft. long.
78 rafters, 3 × 6 in. 25 ft. long.
34 rafters, 3 × 5 in. 15 ft. long.
Braces, 3 × 5 in. 240 ft. long.
175 joists, at 13c., $22.75; 400 wall strips, at 10c., $40. 62.75
800 lbs. felt, at 4c., $32; 800 siding, clapboards, 10c., $80. 112.00
Cornice materials. 120.00
500 rough roofing, at 14c. each. 70.00
12,000 singles, at $10 per M. 120.00
11 squares tin, at $9 per square. 99.00
450 ft. valleys, gutters, and leaders, at 10c. 45.00
5,366 ft. flooring, at 3c. per foot. 160.98
13 cellar windows, complete, at $6 each. 78.00
30 plain windows, complete, at $12 each. 360.00
2 bay windows, complete, at $60 each. 120.00
2 dormer windows, complete, at $20 each. 40.00
4 stairs, complete. 150.00
38 doors, complete, at $12. 456.00
Piazza and stoops, exclusive of floors and roofing. 250.00
Conservatory, complete. 150.00
Mantles, complete. 102.00
Pantry and closets, complete. 75.00
Nails, $24; Carting, average 1 mile, $50. 74.00
Range and plumbing, complete. 250.00
Carpenter’s labor, not included above. 450.00
Painting. 272.00
Incidentals. 29.07
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Total cost, complete. $5,000.00

DESIGN XXXVII.

A HOUSE COSTING $7,000.

The accompanying plans were designed for a suburban residence erected during the past year by Mr. Bernhard Greeff, at College Point, Long Island, N. Y. The general outlines were determined with especial reference to the location—which is elevated, overlooking the East River to the north and west, Flushing bay, and the village to the south, and with an eastward frontage to the street, giving pleasant views in all directions. With these points fixed, it is easy to see the propriety of placing a broad side to the bleak or northern exposure, and putting such breaks or angles as are required in the more sheltered directions.... EXTERIOR, (fig. 158.)—The style of this example is homelike, and shows to the best advantage when placed in comparison with those of more fanciful design. Sufficient irregularities are made in angles and projections to give variety. The details shown in the front finish are continued around the sides and rear. The hight of the rear wing is one story less than the main house. While the appearance of this house is agreeable on every side, the most pleasing is from the southerly direction.... CELLAR, (fig. 159.)—Hight of ceiling 7 feet, of which 4 feet are above ground. All parts are well lighted with windows, except the hall, which has a sash-door with iron guard. The Laundry has an open stairway to the kitchen, and is provided with wash-tubs. A water-closet is placed under the stair. A furnace is placed in the northern division of the cellar, with pipes for conducting warm air to each room and hall in the two stories of the main house, and to the bath-room.... FIRST STORY, (fig. 160.)—Hight of ceilings in main house 11 feet; in rear wing 8 feet 5 inches. The Front Entrance is through a vestibule leading to the main hall. The Hall is large, contains the principal stairs, with a closet under them, and communicates with the parlor, sitting-room, and rear entry. The Sitting or Family-room is arranged to be the pleasantest apartment, has double windows front and rear, (the rear ones opening to the floor), and a large bay-window giving an outlook in three directions. Each of the principal rooms has grates for open fires, side registers leading from the furnace, and marble mantles. The Rear Entry communicates with the several apartments, and the rear piazza. The Kitchen has an elevated range, boiler, sink, drain-board, two closets, and enclosed stairways leading down to the laundry, and up to the second story; it communicates with the dining-room through the butler’s pantry, the latter is “dresser-finished” with sash-doors, copper wash-trays, etc.... SECOND STORY, (fig. 161.)—Hight of ceiling in main house 10 feet, in wing 9 feet, with side breasts 5 feet. The floor of the wing is level with the platform of the main stairs. The full ceiling above this platform is arched over, and conceals the roof angle of the wing. An inside and smaller arch leads to the passage beyond. Both of these arches may be seen from the lower hall, and are pleasing features. An arch between the closets at the opposite end of the hall makes an alcove to the hall window. The room divisions are similar to those of the first story. Closets are provided for each chamber. The Bath-room is conveniently arranged and furnished.... ATTIC.—Hight of ceiling 9 feet, with breast-walls 3 feet. There are 3 good-sized chambers, a hall, and 7 closets in this story. Four dormer and three gable windows are provided.... CONSTRUCTION.—The _time_ allowed for the erection of most buildings is too limited. Although this house was built by contract, no haste was enjoined, six months being allowed for its completion, giving the builder an opportunity of selecting the materials and workmen, and of applying the parts in their proper time and order. The exterior foundation walls, to the level of the ground, are of broken stone, 18 inches thick; the balance of hard brick, 12 inches thick. The frame is of full-sized timber; all beams and studding are placed 16 inches from centers. The siding-boards are 6 inches wide, rabbeted, and laid 5 inches to the weather, on stiff tarred “sheathing-board,” weighing 1½ pound to the square yard. The exterior frame is “filled in” with pale brick. The main and wing roofs are covered with Keystone slate on tarred felt over hemlock boards. The main gutters are of double cross tin, laid in with the slate as shown in Design V. The roofs of the piazzas, and bay-window, are of single cross tin. The cellar bottom is concreted with hydraulic cement and gravel, 3 in. thick. The laundry and cellar hall have the usual wide flooring, and are thoroughly plastered and finished. The partitions in the cellar, and the coal-bins are of dressed plank. All the floors in the two principal stories are double, the first being of ordinary dressed flooring—the second is “_parquet_” flooring laid of ¾ × 2½-inch yellow pine, and black walnut. The black walnut is used only in the borders and centers. These borders are made by laying from five to eight courses of alternate woods all around the rooms, ending at the hearths. The widths and arrangements are changed slightly in the different apartments, to give variety. These floors are intended to dispense with the use of carpets; rugs, covering the central portions of the floor, being adopted in their place. Unlike the stationary carpet, these may be easily removed for airing, and the floors cleaned daily if desirable. The three upper stories are hard-finished, on two coats of brown mortar. Each room and hall in the first and second stories of the main house have suitable stucco cornices and centers. The interior wood-finish is complete, all of clear and seasoned materials. Bronzed hardware is used in the first story, and porcelain in the balance of the building. Gas-pipes are inserted for thirty lights, properly distributed through the house. Five bells are included in the fittings. All wood, tin, and exterior brick work has two coats of best paint. The outside doors, and the halls, are grained in imitation of hard woods. The stair rails, door saddles, and the hard-wood flooring, are rubbed with linseed oil. The following are the estimates of the _cost_, as per contracts:

Mason work, completed. $1,650.00
Roofer’s work, ” 337.00
Carpenter’s work, ” 3,573.00
Plumber’s work, ” 590.00
Furnaces, ” 200.00
Mantles, ” 300.00
Painter’s work, ” 350.00
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Total. $7,000.00

DESIGN XXXVIII.

A HOUSE COSTING $8,000.