Smyrna Times

Homes in U.S. Found Better By British

After six weeks of studying home building in the United States, 17 leading British architects and contractors decided that American houses are superior to those in Great Britain principally because of central heating and wood framed sidewalls, which are so common in America that most householders take them for granted.

Robert Owen Lloyd, British builder and leader of the group, said, "We were intrigued with the design and general construction of American homes. Most of the homes we saw have framed wall and basements. This is almost unknown in Britain. We were also glad to see that every home is provided with its own heating plant. This we consider essential for maximum comfort."

Solid brick sidewalls, without framing, are used in the vast majority of British homes, Mr. Lloyd said. He explained that "framing adds to rapid construction and offers easy fixing for interior finishes and insulation."

Homes in England usually are heated by a system of open fireplaces which, the British builder said, "is wasteful of fuel and creates extra work for the housewife." He added that he would like to see central heating plants installed in every British home.

Referring to framed walls and heating plants, Mr. Lloyd emphasized that "these two important items, together with the asphalt shingle roof covering, will excite our minds for many days." He explained that most roofs in England are slate or tile and said he was impressed with the long life and ease of application of asphalt shingles and with the variety of solid and blended colors available.

He also pointed out that British builders do not provide "anything like the equipment we found in American homes, primarily because some of this equipment is too expensive in Britain."

Members of the British building team were surprised to find that all external doors and windows, even in low-cost homes, are fitted with weatherstripping which reduces heat loss, Mr. Lloyd said.

The British group came to the United States under sponsorship of the Economic Cooperation Administration and the Anglo American Council.