The Sectionafly Buift Lumber House

By Frank P. Cartwright Chief Engineer, National Lumber Manufacturers Association

Is it a timely idea? Is it structurally feasible? Are plans so far developtd acceptable?

An opinion on these and other pertinent questions recently was sought from leading lumber manufacturers and retail distributors by the National Lumber Manufacturers Association. Plans for a sectionally built, one-story, fiveroom bungalow, of a popular, rectangular plan were distributed by previous arrangement to trventy-two of the more active lumber manufacturers and to ten leading retailers for review and criticism. Since only sixteen of the recipients, including four retailers, forwarded comments, the consensus may or may not be representative of current opinion on the sectional idea in home construction. The comments are summarized below, according to the principal questions raised.

1. Is the'stage set for sectional house constructiou? Should the lumber industry seriously consider ways and means of providing houses in this fashion ?

Of fourteen manufacturers eight expressed no definite opinion on this point. Of the other six, four appeared convinced that the departure, in one form or another, is inevitable, and two were doubtful of its necessity. Of three retailers, two were adverse and one favorable to the idea.

2. At what point should a compromise be made between supplying lumber in its customary condition, and supplying the complete, fabricated structure ?

Three manufacturers and one retailer hold the opinion that "ready-cut" lumber is preferable to built-up sections of two-man size. One retailer reports plans for building the complete side walls and roof slopes in single assemblies for derrick erection. There were no votes for the readycut house as supplied in previous years. Perhaps because of the design submitted, most respondents seemed to take it for granted that the two-man section is a satisfactory solution.

3. Should the prospective manufacturer of sectional lumber houses plan a series of standardized sections with which by adding or subtracting items numerous floor plans can be secured, or should he first fix upon a standardized floor plan, panels for which can be supplied in complete sets?

The consensus, both among manu{acturers and retailers, strongly favored a variety of plans capable of being constructed with a few standard sections, though several respondents recognized the desirability of starting with one, or at most a very few plans.

4. Will the low-price house prospect be willing to accept a house exactly similar in floor plan to others, if it gives him more than usual value for his money?

Opinions are diverse on this point. The house plan and 'elevation proposed received a number of favorable comments, but manufacturers expressing an opinion feef that a single standardized house plan will enjoy only a limited market. Others predict no difficulty if the standardized houses are not too closely grouped. Retailers discussing this point hold that exactly similar houses will evolve no marketing difficulty.

(On this point there is, of course, a vast volume of independent evidence in the housing already constructed and sold. In most parts of the country there is indisputable evidence that houses exactly alike can be sold by the thousand to purchasers of the wage classes to which the proposed sectional house is to be offered.)

5. Is a rectangular house plan, with its advantages for sectional construction, preferable to an L or T shaped plan, with its opportunities for greater eye appeal ?

Six respondents, including two retailers, hold that the economical aspects of the rectangular floor plan will outweigh in the prospect's mind the greater individuality obtainable with L or T shaped plans. Five respondents take the opposite view.

(In this connection, again, there is obvious proof from past building experience both that rectangular houses are saleable and that aesthetics, in some localities at least, are secondary considerations.)

6. Opinion almost universally favored a thoroughly insulated house, except in southern climates, and a modern heating plant. The type of heating plant recommended varies with the locality, emphasis being placed for the most part on warm air heat.

7. The project, as originally proposed, calls for siding or shingles, roofing, and finish flooring to be put on after the panels are assembled. Reviewers uniformly took the attitude that this would be necessary. Opinion favored a series of plans for local reference, showing preferred exterior treatments, the house manufacturer to furnish the necessary bills of materials bundled in convenient form.

In addition to those whose opinions were sought on the preliminary plans, several manufacturers and over sixty lumber retailers, building firms and prospective builders have applied for plans. The requests were from concerns all over the country, disclosing a keen and widespread interest in the new departure.

A large number of constructive criticisms were received regarding the floor plans and construction methods. These points, together with valuable suggestions from equipment manufacturers and housing experts, have been utilized in revising the plans as originally issued. The new plans were finished October 1, and are now obtainable with descriptive text, for $1 per set, from the National Lumber Manufacturers Association, 1337 C<innecticut Ave., Washington, D. C.