The Studio yearbook of decorative art (1916)

UNITED STATES
establishment of a Department of Landscape Architecture at the Ohio
State University ; and elsewhere scientific activity is encouraged.
In the sphere of Domestic Architecture the opportunities are very
much the same in America as in England, with no definite line of de-
marcation between the work of yesterday and to-day. Occasionally
there is a chance to build on an extended plan, with the co-operation of
a number of specialists in fitting and decoration, but in the great majority
of cases the habitations to be built are of moderate dimensions. Most
of the houses illustrated in this section of the Year Book are of this
character, showing understanding of the clients’ requirements and
striking the keynote of homely simplicity. One private house, however,
may be singled out to denote the somewhat wider scope allowed to some
fortunate architects. In this case there were ample funds in the possession
of an appreciative client, with the result that an estate was laid out with
artistic sympathy and to the greatest advantage from a practical and
picturesque point of view. The ten illustrations of this residence indi-
cate the pleasure with which the architect, Mr. D. Knickerbacker
Boyd of Philadelphia, approached his task ; and they reveal his success
in fulfilling the intentions of his design.
The house of Mr. Charles S. Walton, alluded to above, is situated at St.
Davids, on the outskirts of Philadelphia, and while it is interesting in
itself, its value is supported by the accessory buildings and the various
features in the grounds which contribute not a little to the interest of
this beautiful modern home. The success of the whole scheme is de-
noted by the opportunities given for the varied life which makes the
country so agreeable and refreshing. As a matter of fact the Walton re-
sidence is within easy reach of the city, which makes the development
of the estate still more noteworthy. To take the main building first, it
will be seen that it is happily placed on rising ground and the architect
has not failed to make the most of his approaches and vistas. The house
itself owes its character to the Mission style of architecture which once
prevailed in California, a source of inspiration suggested by the client.
As a preliminary measure the gate lodge (p. 152) was erected and the
architect at once became impressed with the possibilities of this roman-
tic line of thought. It maybe noted in passing that this delightful lodge
fits comfortably into the wooded scenery, which was disturbed as little
as possible ; and being by the water’s edge it was made to serve also as a
boathouse. The landing-stage, with its concrete piers, adds to the beauty
and usefulness of the lake. Mr. Boyd, entirely satisfied with this experi-
mental voyage of discovery in the ocean of design, proceeded with the
main building and the result was as satisfactory to his artistic percep-
tions as it was to those who shared his work. The illustrations show the
mass of the building, with its main lines, its tower, and its ideal surround-
ings, but the colour effect has to be imagined : the grey stonework is
in harmony with the red, brown, and black of the tiled roof, and the
Hi