Harvard Cuts Tile to Slice Mather Costs

The University has decided not to cover the outside of the Tenth House, Mather, with an experimental tile finish. The building's exterior will now be precast concrete--about $200,000 cheaper.

Jean-Paul Carlhian, the architect for Mather, had hoped to make the exterior terra-cotta tiles attached to the concrete frame by steel hooks. The tiles would have been dark brown, giving Mather's 21 story tower and three low-rise sections a dark, glazed appearance.

According to Carlhian, the tile exterior had advantages of great strength, good insulation of the building, and the attractive dark finish. The tiles could easily be molded in any shape in order to fit around windows and protruding edges of the building.

A First

The terra-cotta exterior would have been the first of its kind in the nation. An apartment building in Washington, D.C. has a similar finish, but with a different method of attachment.

Earlier this month, the Corporation requested Carlhian to develop a new exterior for Mather. According to Arthur D. Trottenberg '48, assistant dean of the Faculty, the decision was largely due to the high cost of the tile finish.

The experimental nature of the tile exterior, and possible difficulties in obtaining replacement tiles from their only manufacturer also led to the decision, Trottenberg said.

No Major Changes

According to Carlhian, the use of a pre-cast concrete exterior will not require major changes in the plans for Mather, just a few changes in the jointing of the building will be needed. The exact finish of the concrete has not yet been determined, but it probably will be tinted dark-brown, in order to give Mather the desired dark appearance.

Construction of the House will begin this Fall, with an occupancy date of September, 1969.

The House will provide separate bedrooms for everyone, with single and two-man rooms in its 200-foot towers and suites for four and six men in the low-rise secion.