Japan Building Standardized; No Construction Changes Expected

The type of building used by the Japanese for residences and shops has been gradually evolved and is now practically standardized, says Assistant Trade Commissioner Paul Steintorf. It is invariably of light wooden construction and in reality resembles cabinet work rather than a house in the western sense. The greater part of the lumber is cut and finished by hand on the spot. Although the general dimensions are standardized they permit of wide adaptation to meet the taste of the owner.

To a western,er the Japanese house seems to be poorly adapted to the climatic conditions obtaining in the country. The Japanese, however, are much attached to this type of construction and extremely un'ivilling to change. There has been much discussion regarding the possibility of modifying it, to better withstnad earthquake shocks and be less liable to destruction by fire. The disaster of September I gave a vivid illustration of the need for a change. N.evertheless these seems to be little doubt that in most cases there will be little variation from present types. It is probable that lighter roofs will replace the present heavy tiles which were responsible for the collapse of many buildings, and there may be certain minor modifications to reduce the fire risk.

The sills of the Japanese house consist of squared timbers ranging in size from 6x6 to l2xl2 inches, depending on the size of the building. These are morticed and fitted, either on a cement base or one of wooden piles. The floor level is us.ually from 18 to 24 inches above the ground. The exterior finish is of weatherboarding or plasterl Sliding panels of peculiarly Japanese construction take the place of American doors and windows.

The usual roofing is of tile. The floors consist of rough, unfinished softwood boards on which thick straw mats, known as "tatami," are laid. The usual height of rooms is approximately 8 feet.

EDWARD P. IVORY TALKS TO LUMBER SALESMEN

At the Monday luncheon of the Lumber Salesmen's Clulr of San Francisco held at the Palace Hotel on Mav 26. Edrvard P. Ivory of the California White and Sugar-Pine Manufacturers' Association gave an interesting talk on the physical characteristics and uses of California white and sugar pine. The meeting \ ras largely attended and President Charles Moody presided over a short business session.

Banner Year Expected In San Francisco

Approximately 5@ ner,v buildings were constructed in San Francisco during the month of May, making it one of the best construction months of the year according to information given out by Building Inspector John P. Horan.

Permits for May totalled in value $5,478,111.00, the largest of any month since August, 1922. Mr. Horan hopes to see San Francisco top its 1923 record of constructing 34,000 homes. The monthly building totals for the first five months of the vear are as follows:

The ceiling consists of thin unpainted wooden boards, laid edge to edge, lvith narror,v, unpainted cross strips. One of the outstanding features of a typical Japanese house is the fact that no paint is used, with the exception of a small amount of lacquer. The Japanese are great admirers of natural wood and attach considerable importance to its figure or grain. They also admire. gnarled.- twisted or unusual varieties, a pillar or panel of such rvood usually fgrming the "motif" for the room. Another peculiar characteristic of the true Japanese house is the very limited rrse of nails. Nearly all corners and joints are morticed and fitted by hand. Nails are seen onlv in the shinglrrrg :iud tl-r,e flooring.

L. J. WOODSON RETURNS FROM NORTHWEST TRIP

L. J. Woodson, well known San Francisco lumberman, has returned from a two weeks' trip to Portland, Seattle and Tacoma- While in Tacoma, he spent a ferv days at the plant of the Wheeler-Osgood Co., the large Northwest door manufacturers. He states that building operations throughout the Northwest is very active this year. Mr. Woodson is the Pacific Coast representative of the Hardwood Products Corp. of Neenah, Wisconsin and the Northern California representative of the Wheeler-Osgood Co.

Building Operations In San Jose Increase

SAN JOSE, June 6.-Building operations in San Jose during the month of May showed a considerable gain over the preceding month, according to the report of City Building Inspector M. C. Woodruff, which shows the value of building permits for May as $2D,650, as against $152,450 for the month of April. Permits issued during May included those for thirty-nine new residences, one apartment house, a business block and a nelv parochial school.

HUMBOLDT LUMBER CO. TO BUILD MILL

The Humboldt Lumber and Building Co. of Eureka will erect a mill and dry kilns on Lawrence Creek in Humboldt County. D. H. McFarlan'is vice-president and general manag'er of th,e company.