Studio: international art (45.1909)

Recent Designs in Domestic Architecture

either flat or of very steep pitch, in the West
climatic conditions impose no restrictions on archi-
tectural design beyond suggesting requirements
that tend, if anything, to enhance the possibilities
of securing a pleasing effect. Thus in many houses
a most important feature of the elevation is not
uncommonly the long line of the verandah roof
and its supporting pillars —a verandah being nearly
always a sine qua non in a country where the
twilight lingers long and late, and one may sit in
the open air to enjoy a view of unparalleled love-
liness for nearly six months in the year. Again,
no heating other than that afforded by grates and
fireplaces is required, and hence, in planning his
interior, the architect has not, as in the East, to
take into consideration the disposition of unsightly
radiators ; while, on the other hand, the inclusion
of a fireplace may readily become a valuable aid
in carrying out a decorative or effective scheme of
interior arrangement.

“ It is but just at this point to remark that the
present high average standard attained in domestic
architectural achievements in Western Canada is
very largely, if not wholly, due to the example set
and the influence exerted by one individual,
Mr. S. Maclure, a Western
Canadian architect whose
ability and success are the
more marked in that he is
entirely self-trained, and
has enjoyed none of the
usual advantages of acquir-
ing professional profici-
ency. In the accompany-
ing illustrations will be
seen typical examples of
his skill in design.

“ In British Columbiaand
throughout the West, wood,
of which the forests produce
several valuable varieties,
notably Douglas fir and
cedar, is usually employed
for house construction,
although not infrequently a
local granite of fine quality
is used in carrying the out-
side walls up as far as the
first storey. This plan was
adopted in the case of
the house built for Mr. B.

Wilson, on Rockland
Avenue, Victoria, the
lower walls being of split

granite, pointed with cement mortar ; the upper
storey outside walls being formed of studding, to
which are nailed i-inch boards, lined with tar-
paper, and then lathed and plastered on both sides.
The hall is finished in native fir—a cross-grained
wood—stained a golden brown and waxed to a
dull finish, the flooring being of Australian
mahogany—the only material employed not of
native production.

“ The house of Mr. J. J. Shallcross is situated on
a rocky prominence facing east, and also com-
mands a view of the straits and mountains. The
walls are of split granite boulders, the boarding in
the gable being of rough sawn pine stained a dark
brown with creosote ; and the roof of cedar shingles
painted a slate colour. The roof rafters are exposed
in the hall, the upper part of which is finished
with rough plaster, and the lower hall panelled in
red cedar of selected grain. The wood-work in the
bedrooms is enamelled white.

“ In planning interiors considerable care and fore-
thought is invariably exercised to provide an arrange-
ment of rooms and offices whereby the work of the
household may be performed with a minimum ex-
penditure of labour. This in a country where few

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PLAN OF HOUSE FOR MR. J.

SHALLCROSS AT VICTORIA, B.C.

S. MACLURE, ARCHITECT

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