Macchi House Plans Stress Strength
New House Plans Stress Strength
Architect Utilizes Reinforced Concrete Slabs Tied to a Metal Rib Frame
(The New York Times, November 28, 1948: VIII, 4:5)
Sturdiness is a keynote in snug house which has been designed by Robert Carroll May, architect, of Hartford, Conn., utilizing a new type of construction developed by A.J. Macchi, structural engineer, also of Hartford.
Mr. May, in adapting this new wall construction system to his design, says it gives the quality and appearance of masonry. The Macchi systems consists of pre-cast reinforced concrete slabs tied continuously to a metal rib frame of studs and beams. The shell stiffens the frame in the same manner that the stressed skin of an airplane wing stiffens the fuselage.
The side slabs can be given a variety of textures, colors and quality in manufacture. With the four-foot spacing of vertical ribs the structure is designed to offer an economical unit on which windows and door openings can be placed. On the interior, either plaster or dry wall panels of standard dimensions may be applied without cutting.
Floors are of precast concrete panels supported over the plenum on short columns. They are similar to the wall panels but darker in color. The roof with either wood or steel framing and wood sheathing utilizes vermiculite (expanded mica) plaster and ceiling. The shown in accompanying illustration is of aluminum.
Though actually small in floor area, Mr. May said, the rooms give a sense of freedom not usually associated with a structure of this size. This is achieved by contrast in ceiling heights in bedrooms and living room and by utilizing for windows the open space between the structural members.
This effect is further achieved by extending the windows up to the eaves. A combination of fixed glass and casements makes this possible. The window frames are aligned with the masonry joint lines, and the window openings are distributed so as not to block the observer’s line of vision along ceiling lines and wall planes to the outside. The living room -dining room area is laid out to overlook a garden and arboreal front.
