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ved to be one of the most expensive items in the project.

For the framing of the house. the pillars and beams. Malayan primary hardwood chengai was used. Weatherboarding consisted of over- lapping planks of red meranti. The Malayan secondary hardwood keru- ing was used for floor joints and roof framing and kempas was used for strip flooring.

Except for the hardwoods the other timber used were tanalised against termites and other forms of attack. including fungus.

Timber

Haji Sheppard says: houses are as stable as masonry houses. They are cooler because their walls. being lighter and due to their nature, throw off instead of retain heat.

is

"Psychologically, however. they

because wood pleasantest to live with.

are

warmer

"It is not true that insurance com- panies don't accept timber houses for insurance. They do so. though at a slightly higher premium.

"Anyway, regarding fire risk. it makes little difference. Fires usually start on draperies and ceilings and the framing of roofs and ceilings even in masonry houses is in tim- ber,"

The house that Haji Sheppard built uses a lot of glass to give maximum light but all such areas are well protected by deep overhang- ing eaves. Window grilles of Mala-

Interior of the ▼all-timber house.

yan design and louvre windows help to make the house airy.

Maintenance consists of varnishing the outside of the walls once in 18 months with marine varnish.

The inside of the building also deserves mention. The wall panel. ling is of plywood specially import- ed from North China. The Malay artisans have with infinite care and patience fitted the waxed but unstain. ed panels on the walls and doors to present a charming interior.

In fact. externally and internally. the house stands as a fine example of what timber can do in building. An example which has since been followed by other house-owners in Petaling Jaya where two other all- timber houses have recently been built.

THE HONG KONG & FAR EAST BUILDER-VOLUME 18. NUMBER 2

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