Increasing Fire Protection
Lessons from Europe
The loss by fire which the people of this country suffer every year, both in human lives and in property values, is appalling. The loss of life, according to conservation estimates of the National Board of Fire Underwriters amounts to 15,000 persons annually, and the destruction of property approaches an average of a quarter of a billion dollars every year. This certainly is a fearful tribute to pay for our criminal negligence and mistaken economies.
We have recently been learning the science and art of war from Europe to combat unjust aggression, but we have a much better lesson to learn from the older country in our fight against the ruthless fire fiend. Making all allowance for difference in the purchasing value of money between Europe and America, it still speaks ill for our good sense that we, over a hundred million strong, besides enduring all the suffering involved, should allow our National “ash heap” to cost us upwards of $2.00 a piece, when the European countries manage to get through on a per capita cost of from 11 to 49 cents. The Demon of Carelessness may account for much of this inexcusable difference, but our mistaken sense of economy, in using cheap, combustible types of construction, is largely to blame.
Individual Duty
The cure for this disgraceful status in our fire losses should not be left entirely to municipal ordinances and fire insurance requirements, but should begin with every individual who builds a home. He should make it his first concern to see that his house is as completely protected from fire as possible, not only for the safety of himself and family but also for that of the community in which he lives and of which he should form a responsible part.
Therefore, brick as a building material makes the strongest sort of appeal to your prospective clients because of its entire proofness against fire.
Every brick you put into a house is fireproof, so that the more brick you use, the more completely is the house free from the risk of fire. But in situations where brick are not or cannot be used in house construction, as much protection against fire as possible should be secured.
The Roof
As the roof is always a very vulnerable part of the house, in case of outside fires, it should be covered with a non-combustible or fire-resisting material such as shingle tile, slate, asbestos, or asphalt. This will not only reduce insurance rates but will complete the house consistently with the permanent fireproof nature of face brick wall construction.
Serious consideration should be given this point when planning a house; for, by adopting a roof of this character, each individual owner not only guards his own welfare but helps to reduce the enormous annual fire loss in this country which rests as a burden upon everyone.
Wooden Shingles
The wooden shingle roof is just so much tinder ready to be set ablaze by an adjacent fire or a flying firebrand and in turn throws off similar sparks which are carried by the wind, thus communicating fire from one house to another.
Fire Resistive Shingles
Shingle tile, slate, and asbestos are the most fireproof as well as the most expensive in the group of permanent roof coverings. They are heavier than the wooden shingle and generally require a stronger roof construction to support them. Each has artistic qualities of its own in the way of permanent textures and colors which recommend it. Asphalt shingles, while not fireproof, are fire-resistive to a very great degree. They do not support combustion, cannot be set afire by flying brands, and thus retard the spread of fire. They are light in weight and can be placed over the same roof construction as the wooden shingle. We strongly recommend the use of any of the above mentioned roof materials in connection with a face brick house.
Costs
As a general approximate estimate, we might say that a slate roof of 3/16-inch commercial slate would increase the cost of the house two per cent, as compared with the use of a wooden shingle roof. Shingle tile would cost perhaps a little more than slate, while asbestos shingle would come a little less. Asphalt would cost no more than wooden shingles, perhaps not quite so much. But we suggest your seeing the local dealer who will gladly furnish all information on these different materials as to durability and exact local cost.
Fire Risks
According to the figures of the National Board of Fire Underwriters, the relation of outside to inside fires, for 1916 to 1918, is presented in the table given below. The figures for 1919 were not compiled at this writing but the ratios would doubtless run about the same, and the lesson is obvious. If the 25 to 30 per cent of fires started from without call for fire-safe exterior construction, the 70 to 75 per cent of interior fires demand special care against fire within. Much of the interior of a house is of burnable material, and the matter becomes very serious when it concerns the wooden floors and partitions which in case of fire may be consumed, resulting in the total collapse of the interior. These portions may be protected from the attack of fire by the use of a first-class metal lath or even gypsum plaster board, as a base for plastering, which would at least retard the fire from spreading until it could be subdued and put under control.
Protect Weak Parts
Instead of protecting the entire interior by metal lath or gypsum board the desired result may be obtained by using it in certain places considered most hazardous. First of all, the frame bearing partitions through the middle of the brick or tile house, which are the main supports for the floors above, and ceilings under inhabited floors, should be protected; and, in case of veneer construction, similar treatment on the inside surface of exterior walls would add greatly to the safety and value of the house.
As fires may originate in the ceiling over the heater and coal bins, at chimney breasts, and around flues, metal lath or gypsum board at these points would retard the spread of fire; and its use around, but especially under, stairs would give a far safer exit from the upper story of the house.
Having built a face brick house for your client, as the most substantial and attractive construction to be had, protected on the outside with a roof of permanent material, and on the inside with fire-resistive material at the weakest points, you have given him the best possible value for his money, in a structure at once beautiful, enduring, economical, and safe against fire.
Outside and Inside Causes of Fire
| 1916 | 1917 | 1918 | ||||
| Claims | Loss | Claims | Loss | Claims | Loss | |
| All Causes | 361,742 | $208,705,340 | 356,896 | $231,628,000 | 328,737 | $283,103,101 |
| Outside Causes | 114,900 | 56,684,837 | 88,549 | 61,971,156 | 104,622 | 79,947,935 |
| Outside Causes Percentage | 31.76% | 22.36% | 24.81% | 26.75% | 31.83% | 28.24% |
The thirty-one face brick houses here shown were designed for us by Messrs. Dean & Dean, well-known architects of Chicago, who have been especially successful in planning the small house. To get the effect of various color-toned brick, we had the architects’ perspectives done in oil, and were fortunate enough to secure for this purpose the skillful hand of Mr. Alfred Juergens, an artist who has won an enviable reputation in this country for his exquisite color work. While the reproductions, here presented, cannot adequately give the effect of the originals, they fairly represent the possibility of beautiful color effects in brickwork.
If you study the floor plans carefully, you will find them modern in arrangement and conveniently planned so as to save steps for the woman of the house. This economical interior arrangement also effects an economy in cost of construction. The dimensions of the rooms are shown, also the location of the furniture is suggested, helping more than anything else to visualize the size and proportions of the plans. The lighting outlets, switches, and receptacles are indicated according to the table of symbols given below.
Working Drawings
The full working drawings, done at a scale of one-quarter inch to the foot, include floor plans, elevations, and all necessary details. The elevations show the size and shape of all windows, doors, cornices, porches, steps, chimneys, and the pitch of all roofs. The plans give the size of all rooms and closets, the location of all doors, windows, stairs, plumbing fixtures, cabinets, lights and heating registers, and are fully dimensioned. The details drawn to a larger scale include sections of all interior trim, kitchen or pantry cabinets, and sections through the exterior wall, giving story and window heights.
One of the special merits of these drawings is that three wall sections are given for each house, showing the complete wall construction for solid brick, face brick on hollow tile, and face brick on wood studs.
This feature is valuable as the purchaser may build the house according to the method of construction he wishes; he is also thus put in a position to obtain figures each way to determine for himself the costs of the different types of construction in his locality.
Specifications
The specifications give full description of all materials and items not usually shown on the plans. They are very clear and explicit, so that there can be no possibility of misunderstanding. Such items as kind and grade of lumber, interior finish and floor, and kind of brick, are left for the individual to determine for himself, as they are matters of personal preference. Different kinds of roofs are specified, including tile, slate, asbestos, asphalt, and wooden shingle. The owner may strike out from the specifications the ones he does not wish.
Quantity Survey
The quantity survey is a complete bill of materials for the brickwork, carpentry, and plastering work, with blank columns for the use of the estimator in filling in his prices. This feature is not only of great assistance to the contractor when estimating, but assures the owner that competing contractors are figuring on the same materials. This survey is compiled to list the materials necessary for a house with walls of solid brick, giving at the same time alternative quantities for walls of face brick on hollow tile, and face brick on wood studs.
The quantity survey given is based upon a level lot so that if the house is to be built upon a slope, certain changes will have to be made in the quantities of face and common brick.
It must also be noted that the porch foundations are shown four feet below grade, a depth meeting the average climatic conditions. If the house, therefore, is to be constructed in a warm climate, these foundations need not extend so deep. If in a very cold climate, on the other hand, all foundations may have to be extended to the customary depth for that locality. In either case, the quantity of common brick should be adjusted.
Reversal
A very valuable feature of these plans and elevations is the fact that each set is drawn in the reverse with a different exterior design, so as to meet the requirements of any location you desire. If, however, you prefer the plans of one set and the elevations of the reverse, order the drawings that way. We will send both elevations, so that for your convenience you can use the figures on the original in place of the reversed figures on the reverse. You thus have in the case of each house three choices, the original, its complete reverse, and its partial reverse.
In locations where no public method of sewage disposal exists, the owner will have to install a disposal system of his own. If this is the case, let us know when ordering your plans, and we will send you, without additional charge, details and description of an inexpensive system of sewage disposal that will fill your requirements. You will find this subject amply treated in Bulletin No. 57 of the U. S. Department of Agriculture on “Water Supply, Plumbing, and Sewage Disposal for Country Houses.”
Costs
We could not venture to state the total cost of any of the houses shown, as prices not only vary in different localities throughout the country and fluctuate from time to time in the same locality, but each prospective owner’s taste would require different materials for both exterior and interior finish, so that it would be impossible to make any definite statement of cost hold good.
We are prepared to supply you with complete working drawings, specifications, and quantity surveys of materials, for any house you may desire, at an extremely low fee. In view of the fact that these instruments are the work of architects of high standing and long experience, the prices indicated in connection with the designs are merely nominal. Additional copies of the plans, specifications, and quantity surveys may be obtained at the following prices: Plans $1.25, specifications $1.25, quantity surveys 50 cents. Working drawings with bill of materials of fireplaces shown on pages 30 and 31 will be sent for $1.00 each.
We shall be glad to be of any help we can on points that are not clearly understood.
An attractive exterior and a cozy interior characterize this house. The living room, exposed on three sides, is light and airy. The cozy corner, formed by the fireplace and stairs, looks out upon the garden. There is a convenient coat closet off the living room near the front entrance. The stairs to the basement are close to the kitchen and have an entrance door at grade giving access to the basement from outside.
The kitchen is large enough for dining purposes, frequently convenient, and has a large porch and pantry.
The second floor is complete with two bedrooms and their closets, a linen closet, and a bath.
Size 15’0” × 28’0”. This design and plan are the reverse of No. 42.
Full working drawing, specifications, and bill of materials may be had for $12.00 from The American Face Brick Association, 110 South Dearborn Street, Chicago.
It is seldom that a small house which comes within the limits of a modest income is as complete as this attractive home. The living room with its open stairway and fireplace, forming an ingle nook, is very cheery.
A coat closet is convenient to the front entrance. The combination kitchen and dining room is well-arranged and has a large pantry and porch.
The two bedrooms on the second floor are exposed on two sides and the closets have windows. The bathroom and linen closet complete the plan.
Size 15’0” × 28’0”. This design and plan are the reverse of No. 41.
Full working drawing, specifications, and bill of materials may be had for $12.00 from The American Face Brick Association, 110 South Dearborn Street, Chicago.
An excellent house, reduced in size so that it represents a moderate investment, yet completely fulfilling the requirements of a small family. As one enters the living room he is greeted by the attractive fireplace opposite. The open stairway at the end of the living room gives exposure on that side so that the room is light and airy. The coat closet is located on the stairs convenient to the entrance. The kitchen is large enough for dining purposes, and is connected with the living room by a good-sized pantry. The basement stairs have an entrance at grade, thereby saving the cost of outside stairs.
The two bedrooms on the second floor are good-sized, have large closets, and exposure on two sides. One of the rooms has an additional closet and there is a fine linen closet off the hall.
Size 19’0” × 26’6”. This design and plan are the reverse of No. 44.
Full working drawing, specifications, and bill of materials may be had for $12.00 from The American Face Brick Association, 110 South Dearborn Street, Chicago.
A very cozy and convenient home for the family of moderate means. The welcome of an open stairway is always pleasing and in this house it serves a double purpose by adding to the apparent length of the room. The kitchen is especially large for this small house and may also be used, if desired, as a dining room. It is connected with the living room through the pantry. Stairs lead to the basement from this pantry with a landing and entrance at grade. There are two rooms on the second floor well supplied with closets, a bathroom, and a linen closet. There is no waste space anywhere throughout the house, every square foot being put to use.
Size 19’0” × 26’6”. This design and plan are the reverse of No. 43.
Full working drawing, specifications, and bill of materials may be had for $12.00 from The American Face Brick Association, 110 South Dearborn Street, Chicago.
The convenience of a home with all the rooms on one floor is appreciated not only by those who have dwelt in an apartment, but by many others. This small bungalow is very compact and complete. Notice how the bedroom group is secluded from the living quarter. Both rooms have access to the bathroom and linen closet by a private hall. The kitchen being small, saves many steps for the housewife. It is supplemented by a good pantry in which is placed the refrigerator, with an outside icing door. There is an excellent rear porch large enough to be screened in and used, if desired, either as a summer kitchen or dining room. The basement stairs are within the house and have an outside entrance at grade.
Size 28’0” × 30’0”. This design and plan are the reverse of No. 46.
Full working drawing, specifications, and bill of materials may be had for $12.00 from The American Face Brick Association, 110 South Dearborn Street, Chicago.
An attractive little bungalow with hipped roof, suitable for a small family, and very conveniently arranged.
The bedroom and bath are separated from the living room by a hall. A linen closet at the end of the hall completes this part of the house. The living room is of a good size and is connected with the kitchen by a pantry in which is placed the refrigerator which is iced from the porch. The basement stairs are within the house.
Size 28’0” × 30’0”. This design and plan are the reverse of No. 45.
Full working drawing, specifications, and bill of materials may be had for $12.00 from The American Face Brick Association, 110 South Dearborn Street, Chicago.
A most livable home for a small family. The one large living room, extending from front to rear of this house, makes it appropriate for a location on the south side of the street or with an attractive view to the rear. The kitchen has been combined with the dining room but has the advantage of a door opening through the pantry to one end of the living room which, on occasion, may be used for large dinners, and convenient connection is also made with the front hall.
On the second floor are a bath and three bedrooms with ample closets.
Size 22’2” × 30’8”. This design and plan are the reverse of No. 52.
Full working drawing, specifications, and bill of materials may be had for $15.00 from The American Face Brick Association, 110 South Dearborn Street, Chicago.
A cozy little home, substantial and comfortable. In this plan the living room is larger than usually found in houses of this size, arranged so that the far end, connected with the kitchen by a pantry, may be used, if desired, for dining purposes. The kitchen is of such dimensions and so arranged that it may be used regularly as the dining room, a point readily appreciated by the woman without help. The second floor contains three bedrooms, with the customary closets, and a bath.
Size 22’2” × 30’8”. This design and plan are the reverse of No. 51.
Full working drawing, specifications, and bill of materials may be had for $15.00 from The American Face Brick Association, 110 South Dearborn Street, Chicago.
A very conveniently arranged home. The roomy front porch, all of brick, affords a delightfully cool spot for hot summer evenings. Entrance is through a vestibule to a hall with an open stairway, and a coat closet on the lower landing.
The living room has an attractive fireplace across the corner of the room and wide openings to dining room and hall. There is a large pantry and a good porch in connection with the kitchen. The basement stairs have an entrance at grade, a point readily appreciated in stormy weather. On the second floor there are two very large bedrooms. The closet space is much larger than is found in most houses.
Size 23’0” × 28’8” exclusive of pantry and porches. This design and plan are the reverse of No. 54.
Full working drawing, specifications, and bill of materials may be had for $15.00 from The American Face Brick Association, 110 South Dearborn Street, Chicago.
A simple design with good proportions and roof lines, and an excellent plan. The living and dining room are connected by a wide cased opening, and the hall is practically a part of the living room because of the large opening between them. There is a coat closet adjacent to the vestibule, and a direct connection from the hall to the kitchen and basement stairs. A large pantry is connected with the kitchen and convenient to the dining room. The entire second floor is devoted to two large bedrooms and a bath. Note the dimensions of the bedrooms and the large closets, also the extra closet in the main bedroom. There is a fine linen room off the hall.
Size 23’0” × 28’8” not including pantry and porch. This design and plan are the reverse of No. 53.
Full working drawing, specifications, and bill of materials may be had for $15.00 from The American Face Brick Association, 110 South Dearborn Street, Chicago.
Simple in design, this bungalow requires nothing more than the color and texture of face brick for its success. The arrangement of the plan is excellent and all the rooms are large.
The bedrooms are placed on the corners to obtain light and air from two directions, and have exceptionally large closets. In addition, there are two closets off the hall. The dining and living rooms are connected by a wide cased opening. There is a built-in sideboard in the dining room and an attractive brick fireplace in the living room. Connecting with the kitchen there is a fine pantry with an outside window, a large rear porch and stairs to the basement and attic. The basement stairs have an entrance at grade, very convenient on washday, for garden use, for the removal of ashes, etc.
Size 28’0” × 38’0”. This design and plan are the reverse of No. 56.
Full working drawing, specifications, and bill of materials may be had for $12.00 from The American Face Brick Association, 110 South Dearborn Street, Chicago.
Country or town, seashore or mountain, this bungalow is suitable for all locations. Cleverly arranged, with fireplace, built-in sideboard, and closets ample in size and number, this plan has much to recommend it. The bedrooms and bath are grouped together and separated from the main rooms of the house by a hall. The main porch is enclosed for all-year-round use. There is a large attic over the entire house.
Size 29’0” × 38’0”. This design and plan are the reverse of No. 55.
Full working drawing, specifications, and bill of materials may be had for $15.00 from The American Face Brick Association, 110 South Dearborn Street, Chicago.
The pleasing lines of the roof, combined with the color and texture of the brickwork, make this design a success for either town or country use. The porch is recessed under the main roof, an economy in a small house. The living and dining rooms have a large cased opening between them and there is a coat closet adjacent to the entrance.
In the dining room there is a recess for a sideboard. The bedrooms are exposed on two sides and have good closets. The bathroom, placed between the bedrooms, is connected directly with them, an arrangement preferred by many.
The kitchen is equipped with cabinets to take the place of the pantry. The refrigerator is iced from outside.
Size 24’6” × 36’0”. This design and plan are the reverse of No. 58.
Full working drawing, specifications, and bill of materials may be had for $15.00 from The American Face Brick Association, 110 South Dearborn Street, Chicago.
The very simplicity of this attractive little bungalow makes a strong appeal to some tastes. The recessed porch which may be easily glazed in and used during the winter leads to the living room. The living and dining room are practically one, due to the large opening between them. The bedrooms have the convenience of the bath placed between them. The kitchen has a fine back porch from which the refrigerator may be iced. There are cabinets in the kitchen in place of the usual pantry. Stairs lead from the kitchen to the attic, which extends over the entire house.
Size 24’6” × 36’0”. This design and plan are the reverse of No. 57.
Full working drawing, specifications, and bill of materials may be had for $15.00 from The American Face Brick Association, 110 South Dearborn Street, Chicago.
One can easily imagine the comfort of a house like this. The plan is cleverly arranged and complete. The hall, with its open staircase and view across the living room to the fireplace beyond, will charm the visitor and delight the owner. The passage from the kitchen to the hall or to the basement stairs will be appreciated by the housewife. As in its reverse, No. 62, the convenience of the porch to the kitchen permits outside dining in pleasant weather.
The second floor contains three bedrooms, with closets, a bath, and a large linen closet. All bedrooms are exposed on two sides, thereby securing excellent cross draft.
Size 28’9” × 30’0”. This design and plan are the reverse of No. 62.
Full working drawing, specifications, and bill of materials may be had for $18.00 from The American Face Brick Association, 110 South Dearborn Street, Chicago.
A very pleasing and convenient home for a small family. The low, rakish effect of the roof sweeping down over the porch produces a very charming exterior and should make this design a great favorite. The porch exposed on three sides, affords an ideal summer lounging place. As it covers a kitchen door it may be used in pleasant weather as a dining porch also. The entrance hall opens into the living room with a large cased opening. It has a good coat closet, and connects with the kitchen and basement stairs. The pantry between the kitchen and dining room is very convenient from either room, and is considered by many as an ideal arrangement. The bedrooms on the second floor are well arranged and have large closets. Size 28’9” × 30’0”. This design and plan are the reverse of No. 61.
Full working drawing, specifications, and bill of materials may be had for $18.00 from The American Face Brick Association, 110 South Dearborn Street, Chicago.
An attractive and substantial looking house, with a broad porch suggestive of rest and quiet. The fireplace and open stairway in the living room welcome the stranger and give a feeling of cheerfulness to the home. The dining room and living room are connected by a wide opening. The kitchen is small and conveniently arranged and has a large rear porch. There is a pantry between the kitchen and dining room from which one may go to the basement. The basement stairs have the convenience of an entrance at grade.
The three bedrooms on the second floor are each provided with a large closet. The bathroom is conveniently located at the head of the stairs with a linen closet adjacent. The balcony over the rear porch will be much appreciated as a convenience for domestic purposes.
Size 24’0” × 28’8”. This design and plan are the reverse of No. 64.
Full working drawing, specifications, and bill of materials may be had for $18.00 from The American Face Brick Association, 110 South Dearborn Street, Chicago.
Because of its convenient arrangement and economical shape, this house should become a great favorite. In addition to the fine front porch there is a good-sized porch in the rear, overlooking the garden. The open stair at the end of the living room is attractive and especial attention is called to the novel pantry arrangement by which one may go to the side entrance or basement.
The second floor has three large bedrooms, each with ample closet room, a bathroom, and a linen closet. Over the rear porch there is a flat deck accessible from the rear bedroom and useful for airing of bedding, beating rugs, etc.
Size 24’0” × 28’8”. This design and plan are the reverse of No. 63.
Full working drawing, specifications, and bill of materials may be had for $20.00 from The American Face Brick Association, 110 South Dearborn Street, Chicago.
A very popular plan in which the owner gets most for his money. The combination entrance porch and sun parlor is a feature most desired nowadays. The hall, with its open stair, window seat, and large opening to the living room, gives a feeling of spaciousness and welcome.
The kitchen is very conveniently arranged with cabinets, and is connected with the dining room by the pantry. The refrigerator, iced from outside, is placed in this pantry where it is convenient to both kitchen and dining room. There is also a rear stairway from the kitchen connecting with the main stairs midway to the second floor.
The second floor has four corner bedrooms and one bath. Each room has its closet, and there are two closets off the hall.
Size 28’8” × 34’8”.
Full working drawing, specifications and bill of materials may be had for $20.00 from The American Face Brick Association, 110 South Dearborn Street, Chicago.
A well-proportioned home of the bungalow type, with the advantage of a commodious second story, having three large bed rooms. This result is made possible by the graceful gambrel roof which dominates the whole design, as it sweeps down over the enclosed porch, and extends across the entire face of the house.
The large openings between the enclosed porch, living, dining and breakfast room give the effect of openness to the house, while the porch and breakfast room may be closed off by French doors. The den is conveniently placed and has a closet so that it can be converted into a bedroom.
The kitchen is compact and has a large porch and pantry arranged so that the refrigerator may be iced from outside. The basement stairs leading from the pantry have an entrance door at the grade, thus obviating outside steps, so frequently filled with snow in wintertime.
The size of the house, 24’8” × 51’0” makes it adaptable to a narrow or a wide lot. This design and plan are the reverse of No. 74.
Full working drawing, specifications, and bill of materials may be had for $20.00 from The American Face Brick Association, 110 South Dearborn Street, Chicago.
The unusually graceful roof lines make this a most attractive house and will appeal to the discriminating house owner. The first floor is very well-arranged. The effect of the living and dining room and the two porches thrown together is excellent. The den is a feature desired by many, not alone for such use as office or library, but for an emergency bedroom on the ground floor. The basement stairs are within the house but open on the outside at the grade line, serving the double purpose of outside and inside stairs.
There are three bedrooms with closets, a bathroom, and a storeroom on the second floor.
Size 24’8” × 51’0”, including porches. This design and plan are the reverse of No. 73.
Full working drawing, specifications, and bill of materials may be had for $20.00 from The American Face Brick Association, 110 South Dearborn Street, Chicago.
To those who admire the bungalow type for a home, this design, which is especially meant for rural localities, should make a strong appeal. Its low, horizontal lines immediately suggest “hominess,” enhanced by the winter scene in which it is depicted. The first floor provides in two good-sized bedrooms accommodations for the family, while there are two bedrooms with closets and a bath on the second floor for farm help or guests. The house is of the economical rectangular type and is so arranged that all the rooms are large, light, and airy.
Although primarily designed for the farm, this house is quite adaptable for town use.
Size 28’0” × 48’0”. This design and plan are the reverse of No. 76.
Full working drawing, specifications, and bill of materials may be had for $20.00 from The American Face Brick Association, 110 South Dearborn Street, Chicago.
In this charming house both the beautiful and practical have been attained to a high degree. The porch is exposed on three sides and is glazed in for winter use. The well-proportioned roof and the half-timber gables instantly catch and hold the eye. The first floor has been planned for the farmer and his family, while the second floor is specially fitted for the farm help, being complete with a separate bathroom. The stairway from the second floor descends to a side entrance from which access is had to the dining room. The living room is larger than found in most houses, and has a large open fireplace at one end with a nook and seat at the other. Especial attention is called to the arrangement of the bedrooms on the first floor. The kitchen is large enough for dining purposes, with a well-arranged pantry. There is a good-sized storeroom in the unoccupied part of the second story.
Size 28’0” × 48’0”. This design and plan are the reverse of No. 75.
Full working drawing, specifications, and bill of materials may be had for $20.00 from The American Face Brick Association, 110 South Dearborn Street, Chicago.
A unique and rambling design with an excellent plan. The wide, overhanging eaves and gentle slope of the roof give dignity as well as charm to the house. The plan speaks for itself. It is open, light and airy. The hall, pantry, and kitchen arrangement has been very cleverly worked out. There are two stairs, one from the hall and one from the pantry that meet on a common landing and continue to the second floor. The side entrance, giving access to the basement stairs and the first floor is very convenient, with closet under stairway at entrance for general use.
The second floor has four bedrooms and two baths. One bathroom is connected with one of the bedrooms and the other contains a shower stall in addition to the tub, a feature worth considering. This plan is especially adapted to a narrow lot, although it may be turned in any direction desired.
The size is 24’9” × 47’0”. This design and plan are the reverse of No. 82.
Full working drawing, specifications, and bill of materials may be had for $22.00 from The American Face Brick Association, 110 South Dearborn Street, Chicago.
Stately and dignified, a splendid example of the modern American home. The lines of the roof and fine proportion of the gables are very effective from all angles. The plan is simple. The rooms of the first floor are all open, giving a feeling of spaciousness. The hall, large and light, with its open staircase, is at once the keynote of the whole house, welcoming all who may enter. For convenience, a rear stairway leads from the service pantry to a landing over the side entrance where it joins the main staircase. The kitchen is of a good size, not too large, and has a fine rear porch. There is a closet under stairway at entrance, for general use.
Of the two bathrooms on the second floor, one is directly connected with one of the bedrooms. This arrangement meets the convenience of the family as well as that of guests or boarders.
The size of the house is 24’9” × 47’0”. This design and plan are the reverse of No. 81.
Full working drawing, specifications, and bill of materials may be had for $22.00 from The American Face Brick Association, 110 South Dearborn Street, Chicago.
A good type of farm house fitting snugly into the landscape. As in case of No. 84, it would also suit well as a country town boarding house. The large living and dining room is connected with the kitchen by a pantry. The six bedrooms may be used either for a large family or, if desirable, the upper rooms might be set aside for the help. Two baths, one on each floor, are necessary in an arrangement of this kind. There are ample closets and linen space. The porches are adequate.
Size 26’6” × 38’8”. This design and plan are the reverse of No. 84.
Full working drawing, specifications, and bill of materials may be had for $22.00 from The American Face Brick Association, 110 South Dearborn Street, Chicago.
This commodious house may be used admirably for either a boarding house in a country town, or a farm house when accommodation is desired for the help. The living and dining room has been made especially large on this account. There are four bedrooms with a bath on the second floor. There are two bedrooms with bath on the first floor. The rear porch is exceptionally large, being designed for family use, while the front porch is for the boarders or the help. There are both inside and outside stairs to the basement, a very desirable convenience.
Size 26’6” × 38’8”. This design and plan are the reverse of No. 83.
Full working drawing, specifications, and bill of materials may be had for $22.00 from The American Face Brick Association, 110 South Dearborn Street, Chicago.
A striking house for a village street, and yet quite appropriate for a country home. The porch, an outstanding feature of the modern American home, is here partly enclosed, forming a sun parlor for all-year-round use. From the reception hall with its open stairway and hall seat, one obtains an attractive view, across the living room, of the fireplace opposite. Likewise the vista from the dining room to the sun parlor is quite as charming. The kitchen is arranged with cabinets in addition to the pantry, and has the convenient feature of a stairway leading up to a landing where it meets the main stairs midway to the second floor.
The second floor arrangement is simple. The rooms are large and the closets ample, without an inch of waste space. There are two bedrooms with closets, and a bathroom on the third floor, not shown on these plans.
The size of the house is 28’8” × 34’8” exclusive of porches and pantry.
Full working drawing, specifications, and bill of materials may be had for $22.00 from The American Face Brick Association, 110 South Dearborn Street, Chicago.
A well-proportioned house with fine roof lines and charming brickwork which should arouse admiration throughout the country-side. It has been designed for the farmer and provides for the help.
There are two bedrooms with separate entrance and bath on the first floor, connected with the dining room. The living room, dining room, and porch form a very convenient group. The kitchen has a large pantry and a separate grade entrance on the basement stairs inside the house, a decided convenience.
Four bedrooms, with a closet each, a bathroom, a linen room, and a large storeroom, amply provide for the family.
Size 30’6” × 38’6”. This design and plan are the reverse of No. 94.
Full working drawing, specifications, and bill of materials may be had for $22.00 from The American Face Brick Association, 110 South Dearborn Street, Chicago.
A simple, dignified home, relying for its beauty upon its proportions and the exquisite charm of the brickwork. It has been designed with the farmer’s needs in view. The living room, with its low, open fireplace adjoins the dining room and both open directly on the main porch. The kitchen, which is large and conveniently arranged, may, on occasion, serve as a dining room for the family, and is provided with a commodious pantry. The basement stairs are inside the house, an appealing feature in cold or stormy weather. Particular attention is called to the bedroom arrangement, which provides two bedrooms on the first floor for the farm help, complete with closets, bath, and linen room. There is an individual entrance from outside and direct communication with the dining room, a feature readily appreciated by the woman on the farm.
The second floor is devoted to the family sleeping rooms, with exceptionally large closets and an ample storeroom. Size 30’6” × 38’6”. This design and plan are the reverse of No. 93.
Full working drawing, specifications, and bill of materials may be had for $20.00 from The American Face Brick Association, 110 South Dearborn Street, Chicago.
This building has been planned for a seventy-five foot lot, which, together with its specially planned form, would give a maximum of light and air. A party wall divides the building so that either half, complete in itself, might be sold separately.
The hall, living, and dining rooms form a pleasant group. Particular attention is called to the arrangement of the bedrooms, which together with the bathroom, are isolated from the balance of the house. An inside stairway leads to the basement from the first floor. The rear porches which too often are quite unsightly on the rear of the building, are here recessed between the bedroom wings, a feature which also gives considerable protection to the porches in the winter months. The second floor is the same as the first except that there is an additional bedroom, 8’8” × 10’3” in each flat, over the entrance vestibules.
Full working drawing, specifications, and bill of materials may be had for $25.00 from The American Face Brick Association, 110 South Dearborn Street, Chicago.