44 Milton Street

Modern Features of Model Factory – WONDERS OF INDUSTRIAL ARCHITECTURE l Elfficiency, Economy, Comfort
IN the present period of international stress, Australia is fortunate in !i»e possession oii a well-balanced system of primary and secondary production. Not only is the Commonwealth able to produce an abundant supply of food and clothing for its own
population, and a large surplus oi primary products for export, but in addition it is now in a position of being able to manufacture the greater part oi the other requirements essential to the life and progress oi the nation. This satisfactory condition has come about throuah the development of secondarv industry on a large and orderly scale. Thus it is that Australia’s internal position now is incomparably better than it was during the period oi the Great War of 1914-18. ‘The present war must have some effect upon the overseas trade, but Australia’s internal trade and industrial activity go on- In some respects war conditions are actually advancing Australia’s industrial progress. Essential goods which cannot now be imported must be manufactured here. Many factories already are extending their plant. New industries are being established. Art, science and industry adroitly combined are giving to Melbourne many attractive Industrial buildlhgs. Typical of these handsome modern structures Is the new factory which has been built in Milton-street, West Melbourne, for the Cellular Clothing Company Ltd., manufacturers of Aertex underwear, as an addition to the company’s
factory nt the northern end of William-strect. Before the present century — In fact, up to a few years ago — cheap- .liess and durability were the chief factors (in many cases the only factors) governing the construction of factory buildings. Little attention was paid
to outward appearance, Interior comfort or hygienic conditions. The main purpose was to “house the plant!’cheaply, possibly also with an eye to strength and durability and consequent low maintenance costs. The comfort and general well-being of working staffs was not a major consideration, and little care was given to outward appearances. Old and New All that is now changed. Economy Is still, an important consideration in the building or factories, but men of Industry have discovered that one of the greatest economies In their field of nction is to be effected by providing the best possible working conditions for their factory employes. Ventilation,plenty of working space and sound hygienic conditions are now regarded as first essentials in a factory. An attractive external appearance also Is
recognised as an asset of considerable advertising value. Some conception of the advance that has been made in industrial architecture may be obtained from even a casual comparison between a modern factory building and one of the older types, of which many are to be seen In Melbourne and suburbs. Most of the old industrial structures are drab and ugly, unhygienic and wholly unscientific in construction. Many of ihe modern factories, on the other hand,arc handsome buildings, pleasing to the eye, and so designed as to ensure the utmost efficiency arid economy of opcr-llon. Attractive Features The new factory of Cellular Clothing Co. Ltd. Is a typical example of modem Industrial architecture. A two-story building, of bold outline, It presents nn attractive exterior and a bright, airy Interior. Outstanding features of the facade arc the color effects obtained by the use of cream brickwork, with white horizontal ribs of concrete, the upper concrete hood In tints of .turquoise blue, arid the spacious facing of glass windows. Throughout the Interior is evidence of the attention given to the comfort of employes. To ensure admission of every available ray of light, Luxcrctcconcrete window frames, extending from floor to ceiling, are used on the front elevation, .and fitted with glass lenses, which spread the light far back into the building, so that employes in all parts may work with outrisk of eye strain. On the upper story roof windows sot on the saw-tooth principle give south lighting, which Is claimed to be equal to daylight at floor level, and more than sufficient for the most delicate needlework. A steel roof, constructed on a single span of more than 80 feet, leaves the floor entirely unobstructed by columns. It is lined with white sheets of fibrous plaster, which act as light reflectors, and Is also insulated against extremes of heat and cold. A mechanical system of ventilation assures a free circulation of fresh air, and draws off all particles of fluff anaother minute waste associated with the manufacture of clothing. By this system the air throughout the whole of the factory Is completely changed six times every hour. Fresh air is drawn into the building at floor levels through ducts which extend down from the roof, and the used air is drawn away through other ducts. Before entering the building the air Is cleansed and filtered, and the internal temperature is controlled by a thermostatic system’. The floors, of concrete, have a granolithic finish, and In the sections where girl operatives work ore to be covered -with a cork composition. Facilities for Staff For the convenience of the factory staff, rooms provided with steel lockers are available, and showers, with dressing rooms and other facilities, are pro-,vlded for employes of both sexes. Morning tea and lunch will be servedv to employes in a large dinlng room, to which Is attached a well equipped kitchen. Radio and telephone service :ore being Installed, and first-aid equipment, lire and burglar protection systcms also are provided. J Machinery of the most modern type Is being installed for the manufacture Iof cellular material and its conversion into garments. To form the innumerable air cells which characterise this particular typo of cloth special weaving machinery Is required. In addition to a full range of weaving and knitting machines, the electrical installation at the factory includes cloth-> cutting machines, a high-speed hoist,electric Inns and motors.The building was designed by Mr.Rhys E. Hopkins, architect, or Flinders-lane, and erected under his supervisionby Messrs. Rlspin Bros.,’ Collins-street.Mr. Cyril Hudspeth, of Little Collins-street, was. responsible for the structural engineering work.