Orientation and Surveying the Building

Before begin­ning construction of any building it is necessary to consider several problems connected closely with the lot where the building is to be erected. Some of these problems are as follows:

1. Soil. —Soil is a very important problem in the build­ing of any house. The land may have a sufficient depth of rich top soil, but beneath it may be a ledge of soil rock, which will make the excavation for a basement very expen­sive especially in climates where the footings must be car­ried down below the frost line.

2. Transportation. —The problem of transportation is the most important one during the whole period of construction on the building site. One must see if there is a sufficient means of erecting ways for bringing up the materials and men for construction work.

One must also see if there is a sewerage line, water supply line, gas line, the electric power line, and how all of them can be used.

3. Surveying. —A survey is a plan of a piece of land show­ing its exact dimensions and levels, the lot boundaries with relations to adjacent streets and lanes, the location and the levels of existing sewer and water mains, electric light, gas services, etc.

Styling of a Building. —When all things mentioned above are carefully considered, another point must be kept in mind. This is the ''style" in which the building is to be planned or, in other words, its exterior appearance.

If we have to design a house, there is a number of practi­cal considerations which will have an effect upon the design of a house.] Some of these are as follows:

1. Height of first floor above ground.

2. Ceilings' heights. The height of the ceiling, that is clear height from floor to ceiling, is a matter to be deter­mined by the designer.

Other Constructions. —The first houses were merely shelters built for the purpose of protecting their owners from weather and therefore were very simple—a roof to keep off the rain, and the walls to keep out the wind.

In the beginning there were no windows. A little later each house had its fireplace and a masonry chimney. For many years, even centuries houses were built without any conveniences. There was no plumbing, no water supply, no heating system, no electric light. Very gradually a change came about, especially in cities.

First there was plumbing, running water in the kitchen, then hot water, then fully equipped bathrooms.

The latest thing is air conditioning and comfort cooling. To the work of the carpenter, to mason, the plasterer and the roofer, has added the work of the so called mechanical trades: the plumbers, the steam-fitters and the electricians.

The requirements of these mechanical trades must be pro­vided for in the planning.

Lines of heating and water drainage pipes and air ducts must run through the house, and, as they are not orna­mental, arrangements must be so that they can be concealed in the walls and floors.

The same is concerned of the electric wiring. For a long time people were so proud of their heating system that they did not mind looking at the radiators, but now the central heating is commonplace; many people dislike their ugliness and want them concealed in the walls.

Now the architect who makes plans for a house must fore­see what is necessary for all the piping and wiring and must make suitable allowance.

Tasks after reading: