end to offer one or two remarks ?
You suggest that " houses of cement slabs or wood " might be built. Many years ago, in conjunction with Mr. Norman Shaw, RA., I produced a volume of simple designs showing how this type of construction could be carried out with cheapness and pleasing picturesqueness. Building by-laws precluded the com- bination of timber and concrete for external walls, and fire risks were urged against its adoption. Thousands of historic old wood-framed and weather-boarded cottages can be seen up and down England which for ages have, however, withstood such risks, and a great number of wooden maltings have escaped demolition by fire, while so-called "fire-proof " new brick-and-iron- built maltings I have seen destroyed. Having been personally engaged in the reconstruction after fire of a very large malting of the kind referred to, I speak from individual experience. Every expert knows that stout timbers resist fire far better than iron. In cottage-building, cheaply done, of course, timbers of big scantling are beyond the limits of cost, and lath-and-plaster houses, such as you suggest, even if the County Councils would allow them to be put up, would not, as now possible, make remunerative houses. They would not be solid enough to stand the wear and tear of labourers' rough usage. The cost of repairs in the upkeep would soon outrun the difference saved in initial outlay.
As a practical alternative to such methods I advise the employ- ment of ferro-concrete, which consists of breeze and Portland cement concrete, combined with ties of iron wires or embedded rods, giving enormous strength with a comparatively small quan- tity of material and great economy of labour. It occupies very little space, so that the utmost amount of enclosed cubic area is available for useful purposes. By erecting either a brick or concrete foundation on which to bed an asphalt damp-course, the ferro-concrete superstructure can be made as dry as an ordinary erection, while externally the walls so built can be rough-tasted in the customary way. Of course, an artistic character and pleasing proportions in this material, as in any other, can only be ensured by thought and good taste. Such qualities do not depend upon money outlay, any more than convenience and economy of contrivance, which alone can be ensured by experience and brains.
I am, Sir, &c., MAURICE B. ADAMS, F.R.I.B.A.
Chiswick.
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