Given a site of sufficient area, it should be possible to design a house free from hygienic or sanitary objections. Rooms containing sanitary fittings should be grouped together and isolated from other rooms by means of lobbies for better hygiene. The staircase should be central for ventilation purposes. Windows should be large and positioned centrally on walls for maximum light and air circulation. Rooms should have at least one outside wall, and all lobbies and passages should communicate directly with the outside air. Placement of the building is crucial to ensure proper lighting and aspect for different rooms. Sanitary fittings should avoid exposure to cold winds that might cause freezing.
Let us next consider the construction of the house in terms of sanitation. It should be put on a dry, porous soil and subsoil. If this is impossible, drainage can improve the situation. Subsoil drains around the outside walls are recommended for smaller houses, while larger buildings may require internal subsoil drainage systems. These drains should be below the level of the foundations and connected to an outfall or natural watercourse.
In cases where a house is built close to a hillside, trial holes should be sunk at various points around the site to observe the water level and nature of the subsoil. Proper measures such as open areas around walls and deep subsoil drains can prevent water from flowing towards the foundations.
The principal causes of dampness include moisture rising from the ground, rain beating on walls, soaking through walls, defective waste pipes, roofs, gutters, and fittings or burst pipes. Prevention is better than cure, so measures such as concrete layers over the site, sub-floor ventilation, and damp-proof courses are essential.
Damp-proof courses should be durable, non-absorbent, and placed at least 6 inches above ground level in all walls. Common materials include slate, asphalt, lead, copper, or blue bricks with waterproofing solutions added to mortar joints. The Knapen system uses porous clay tubes that absorb moisture and release it through small triangular gratings.
<Callout type="important" title="Critical Design Principle">Rooms containing sanitary fittings should be grouped together and isolated from other rooms by means of lobbies for better hygiene.</Callout>
<Callout type="tip" title="Pro Technique">Subsoil drains around the outside walls are recommended for smaller houses, while larger buildings may require internal subsoil drainage systems.</Callout>
Key Takeaways
- Grouping and isolating rooms with sanitary fittings improves hygiene.
- Subsoil drains are essential for preventing dampness in houses.
- Damp-proof courses should be placed at least 6 inches above ground level.
Practical Tips
- Use subsoil drainage systems to prevent moisture from rising into walls.
- Ensure proper ventilation and lighting by positioning windows centrally on walls.
Warnings & Risks
- Avoid building houses close to hill-sides without careful consideration of subsoil conditions.
- Improper placement of damp-proof courses can lead to structural damage due to moisture penetration.
Modern Application
While the chapter's focus on sanitation and dampness prevention is still highly relevant today, modern materials and technologies have improved upon some traditional methods. For instance, while concrete layers over sites are still used, advancements in waterproofing membranes offer more effective solutions against rising damp. Additionally, contemporary building codes often mandate specific standards for drainage systems that go beyond the recommendations of this historical text.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the recommended placement of sanitary fittings within a house?
Sanitary fittings should be grouped together and isolated from other rooms by means of lobbies to prevent smells from spreading into main living areas.
Q: How can dampness caused by ground moisture be prevented in houses?
A layer of cement concrete over the whole site of the building, at least 6 inches thick, effectively prevents moisture and air from rising through the soil.
Q: What are some common materials used for damp-proof courses?
Common materials include slate, asphalt, lead, copper, or blue bricks with waterproofing solutions added to mortar joints. The Knapen system uses porous clay tubes that absorb moisture and release it through small triangular gratings.