Page:An Encyclopædia of Cottage, Farm, and Villa Architecture and Furniture.djvu/974

 950 COTTAGE, FARM, AND VILLA ARCHITECTURE. Construction, &c. p. 234. The terrace seats, u', may be formed as shown in fig. 1 635 ; the elevation is shown in fig. 1654; the section in fig. 1656; and the end view in fig. 1657. 1917. Remarks. " The great scarp, or upright wall of the terrace on the entrance front," Mr. Mallet observes, " with its two flanking towers, would be imposing ; and the building intended as a museum or ball-room at the extreme end of the upper terrace would have a fine efifect, as would the long colonnade with its covered walk. Coal-vaults, cellaring, &c., may be made, communicating with the underground passage to the kitchen ; and the upper terrace might also be vaulted, if that were desirable. It is to be remembered, that a viUa is generally to be considered as a summer residence, and that, therefore, open passages, and the generally open style of Italian construction, are not only ad- missible, but characteristic. There are some minor apartments and offices, which have no place in this Design, which, liowever, may be placed under the main court or terrace, and lighted from a range of windows in the grand or entrance front scarp. The other terrace might also be made subservient to the same end, and lighted in the same manner. The long and lofty range of PaUadian windows that would thus become requisite would have a mag- nificent effect. Fireplaces are still retained in this Design ; because, although, as they are commonly constructed, they are the very worst manner of heating a room, habit has rendered them necessary to our comfort. To prevent the draught of air to the backs of those who sit near the fire, air tubes from the exterior of the house, with openings under the ash-pan of the grate, and ventilators covering them, should be provided to each fireplace. These tubes might have cocks to regulate the admission of air ; and thus, by increasing or diminishing the draught up the chiimiey from the air of the room, to regulate its temperature at pleasure. In addition to these advantages, air so admitted would be an effectual preventive of smoky chimneys. The prin- cipal staircase in this Design is proposed to be heated by hot water from a boiler placed under the hall, and supplied with fuel, &c., from a short sunk passage, entermg from beside the grand portico, and from its situation, hidden from view. Architectural pedestals in each room, placed where taste and con- venience may dictate, would diffuse the heat through- out the apartments. Such pedestals," continues Mr. Mallet, " I have been and am constantly erecting. They are susceptible of much variety, and of a great display of beauty and rich ornament. They may be made in various forms ; and one of the best of these, when it is applicable, is a series of concentric circles of plate iron, with alternate spaces between them for the heated air to pass through. Concentric cylin- ders thus formed are surrounded by a case, which may be rendered as ornamental as is deemed proper. Under no circumstances should pipes for circulating steam or hot water be admitted into dweUing- rooms ; for I have uniformly observed that when these are introduced as skirtings, &c., they fail, from the walls absorbing most of the heat. The heat usually wasted at the back of the kitchen grate, in such a Design as the present, may be made sub- W "^