Low Cost Housing Discussed bv Research Group

Washington, Dec. 11.-A discussion of low-cost housing featured a meeting of the Research program Committee on Building Matelials and Structures, representing the Central Housing Committee, held December g at the National Bu_ reau of Standards in Washington, D. C. Dr. Hugh L. Dry_ den, Chief of the Division of Mechanics and Sound, Bureau of Standards, and L. J. Markwardt of the Forest products Laboratory, U. S. Forest Service, Madison, Wisconsin, were the speakers.

Dr. Dryden outlined the activities of his department. He said his staff had carried on fundamental research in building problems for years, and would continue application of knowledge gained to these problems.

"There is no method by which we can measure the qual_ ity of a house," said Dr. Dryden, ,,and a study of the elements of a home such as the walls, floors, and ceiling will give us data relative to its quality.,,

The problem of obtaining satisfactory housing at a cost within reach of low-income groups is a problem that has no ready-made solution, and those solutions applicable to one section of the country may not be satisfactory to an_ other.

The solution will not come from any single agency, he said, adding that the Bureau believes it will come most quickly from encouragement of large numbers of groups within the building industry to attack the engineering prol_ lems, and by working with them to improve their products at costs within the limits set.

Mr. Markwardt, who was introduced by George W. Trayer, Chief, Division of Forest products, U. S. -Forest Service, spoke on "The place of Wood and Its Structural Behavior in Low-Cost Housing.,,

He said the Laboratory was trying to do three things, namely-reduce the cost of forest products to the "orrrrr-"r, reduce waste, and increase the products and uses of wood. He likewise said that U. S. Forest Service investigations have to do with the effective utilization of timber as well as its production and protection, and mentioned other objectives of the Forest Service, such as the regulation of stream flow, recreation and game preservation. Emphasizing that wood is a self-replacing building material, he stated that 75 per cent or more of all homes were built of frame, and 60 per cent or better of lumber output went into building and construction.

Discussing the unique qualities of plywood-its lightness,.strength and durability-the speaker, with the aid of lantern slides and motion pictures, described the construction of an all-plywood home erected at a total cost of but $3,600.

Showing how the panels, flooring, roofing, walls and ceiling were constructed, Mr. Markwardt illustrated the ease of building a home of this type.

Pictures were shown of a one-story dwelling now being erected, incorporating the results of the latest research findings as to moisture barriers, insulation and fire resistance. The house contains two bedrooms, a kitchen, bath, utility closet and living room and dining alcove. This demonstration home in some details was like the first one erected on the Forest Products Laboratory grounds at Madison to study feasibility of prefrabrication and assembly, and this first unit has been dismantled and rebuilt three times on various sites.

GEO. E. REAM CO. MOVES JANUARY ls

Preparations are being made by the Geo. E. Ream Company for moving to the company's new location at 235 South Alameda Street, Los Angeles, which will be pennanent headquarters.

Extensive alterations are being carried out which will make the new warehouse up-to-date in every respect. Centrally located in the commercial district, the new plant's facilities will be ample to take care of all business in the most efficient manner.

Complete stocks of all products distributed by the company will be carried and maintained.

Moving is expected to be completed by January 15.