DIGSWELL LODGE, WELWYN GARDEN CITY: CENTRE BLOCK. Louis de Soissons, F.R.I.B.A., S.A.D.G., Architect.
Digswell Lodge, Welwyn Garden City
These two blocks of four houses are situated in the Orchard cul-de-sac on the Digswell Lodge. Mr.
Louis de Soissons, the architect of these blocks, has been careful to give wide frontages to the two middle houses of each block, so that it is found possible to have “ through ” living-rooms with windows at each end. In the end houses the living-rooms can, of course, be lit and ventilated from two sides.
It is obvious that the architect has been obliged to practice severe economy in the construction of these houses. A cottage style appears to have been called for in this instance. In the block of smaller cottages the front elevation shows the first floor storey placed in the roof. Gable ends mark the lateral extremities of the block, while in the centre portion the roof is
pierced by four dormer windows and also two little windows, which apparently are required to light the stairs. The back elevation shows an array of windows of different shapes and sizes, winch produce a somewhat unfortunate effect of restlessness. It is noteworthy, however, that in the other block the fagade at the rear is exceptionally well treated, and in fact has a more pleasant and orderly pattern of fenestration than has the front towards the road, in which the little staircase windows again break up the eaves line of the roof. These cottages form an interesting addition to the large body of work which Mr. de Soissons has already executed in the Welwyn Garden City.
Digswell Lodge, Welwyn Garden City
These two blocks of four houses are situated in the Orchard cul-de-sac on the Digswell Lodge. Mr.
Louis de Soissons, the architect of these blocks, has been careful to give wide frontages to the two middle houses of each block, so that it is found possible to have “ through ” living-rooms with windows at each end. In the end houses the living-rooms can, of course, be lit and ventilated from two sides.
It is obvious that the architect has been obliged to practice severe economy in the construction of these houses. A cottage style appears to have been called for in this instance. In the block of smaller cottages the front elevation shows the first floor storey placed in the roof. Gable ends mark the lateral extremities of the block, while in the centre portion the roof is
pierced by four dormer windows and also two little windows, which apparently are required to light the stairs. The back elevation shows an array of windows of different shapes and sizes, winch produce a somewhat unfortunate effect of restlessness. It is noteworthy, however, that in the other block the fagade at the rear is exceptionally well treated, and in fact has a more pleasant and orderly pattern of fenestration than has the front towards the road, in which the little staircase windows again break up the eaves line of the roof. These cottages form an interesting addition to the large body of work which Mr. de Soissons has already executed in the Welwyn Garden City.