x, bran Digitized by the Internet Archive — in 2023 with funding from Columbia University Libraries --es _ https://archive.org/details/vitrolitebettertOOvitr NEW YORK CITY BOSTON CHICAGO PHILADELPHIA CLEVELAND “Better Than Marble” wo a Bx b CUTIE TOREICES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUILDING Gil Gra G® Fully equipped shops in the following cities at the architect’s service: DETROIT LOS ANGELES PORTLAND SEATTLE SAN FRANCISCO je} {a} fay MINNEAPOLIS KANSAS CITY ST. LOUIS CINCINNATI COLUMBUS HOUSTON ROCHESTER PARKERSBURG ROANOKE MONTREAL WINNIPEG TORONTO LONDON HAVANA CHRISTIANIA “THE PLANT, BEHIND GHEE: PRODUCT” PARKERSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA Specify Vitrolite for Sanitation, Permanence and Economy. ee OM Lee tae OG KL) Vitrolite is a manufactured material that has »many distinct advantages over marble for toilet partitions, wains- coting ‘and wall surfacing,” and that is also especially well adapted for table tops’and counters. The data here presented we have endeavored to make thoroughly practical and in conformance with our under- standing of what would be most useful to an Architect. The impervious structural material is now an impor- tant one among those required in building due to the ever increasing demand for sanitation in all that pertains to the home, office and public building and hospital. The various applications of Vitrolite together with a technical description of its nature and qualities and authen- tic tests comparing its physical and chemical properties with those of marble are here presented, together with complete details and specifications ‘covering the Vitrolite Toilet Partition. TY LENO P hE COMeEANY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUILDING - - CHICAGO “A Manufactured Material—Unit Construction—Ask the Contractor.” Page Three General Data Regarding Vitrolite Specify Vitrolite for Sanitation, Permanence and Economy. WHAT VITROLITE IS VITROLITE is the product of the fusion at 3000° Fahrenheit, of Sand, Feldspar, Fluerspar, Kryolith, Silica, and several other natural ingredients which, in passing from a fluid state to that of a solid, becomes homogeneous in substance, impermeable to the absorption of foreign matter and acid-resisting. It is manufactured in the form of large slabs of various thicknesses which are subject- ed to a thorough process of annealing, making them tough, with a tensile strength and surface wear- ing qualities exceeding that of marble. Vitrolite may be had in slabs up to 50 inches in width and 10 feet in length and in thicknesses of 5/16 in., 7/16 in., 14 in., 9/16 in., 5g in., 34 in., 7% in. and I in. WHY IS, VITROLITE SANITARY? Vitrolite is absolutely sanitary because it has a natural fire polished surface that is non-porous, therefore, non-absorbent. Glass and marble are artifically polished and therefore porous. Vitrolite will not react with alkalis or any acid except hydrofluric. “The surface of Vitrolite has a greater abrasive resistance than marble. Vitrolite is homogeneous and does not craze and its depth of rich white color gives it an appearance of wholesome cleanliness that completes its sanitary qualities. THE MANY USES OF VITROLITE Vitrolite is largely used for toilet and shower partitions—wainscoting in office and public buildings and residences and for wall surfacing in the operating, utility and diet rooms of hospi- tals. It is also extensively used for splash boards and for table tops. Decorated Vitrolite may be had in large true surfaced panels in a number of artistic designs, fired in ceramic art colors, at 1800° Fahrenheit and may be used for friezes and borders in restaurants and lunchrooms and produces an artistic and pleasing effect. For wainscot cap decorated Vitrolite affords pleasing contrast and adds a note of distinctiveness. Note the illustration of decorated Vitrolite capping in the Great North- ern Hotel toilet room featured on page II. HOW VITROLITE IS INSTALLED The Vitrolite Company is so organized that it has operating construction shops in the princi- pal cities of the country, with crews of trained specialists who are thoroughly experienced in the handling and installation of Vitrolite, which makes for efficient speedy and satisfactory work with the least possible attention on the part of the Architect. Vitrolite is attached to walls and ceilings with Vitro cement which is plastic and although holding the Vitrolite securely allows for read- justments due to settling. Page. Four “4 Manufactured Material—Unit Construction—Ask the Contractor.” Specify Vitrolite for Sanitation, Permanence and Economy. Authentic data based on tests covering relative physical and chemical properties of Vitrolite and Marble. VITROLITE is impermeable to stains of any character VITROLITE is proof against organic acids as well as alkalis The following data was compiled as a result of tests conducted by Mr. F. M. McCullough, Assistant Professor of Materials, Carnegie Institute, Pittsburgh, Pa.: VITROEITE vs: MARBLE CROSS-BENDING TEST In cross-bending, the specimen was carefully placed on two supports and the load applied at the center until the specimen failed. ae Width Depth Span Load of DEE in in in in Rupture inches inches inches Lbs. Sq. in. WAGHOUONS: 38 onde 3.016 1.018 8 1,625 6,240 Olivo Marble .... 3.067 .933 8 PHO BINiPXO)e, 6 Light Cloud Ver- mont Marble ... 3.02 B77 8 BO UpyC English Vein Ital- ian Marble ..... HOO) on (3 Mgr wBsryio Grey Tennessee Miarbillemrra es 3.00 866 8 350 1,870 VALTROLTLE meceeresytoyers 3.00 428 4 £475 5,145 English Vein Ital- ian Marble .... 3.01 A794) 205. 1,870 Grey Tennessee Miazblemareniice: 2.033. «ASS 4. 305 2,560 COMPRESSION TEST This compression test was performed by slowly in- creasing the load on the specimen until it crushed. Cross- Height Load Load in Material Section in Total Unit in Lbs. per Sq. Inches inIns. Lbs. Sq. in. WATROLIDE genes 1.084. X1.069 .974 30,000 25,900 WAGNXOHUNS 54 coec 1.0665X1I.052 .975 38,690 34,500 Olivo Marble... .982 x .984 .951 9,540..9,880 ‘Olivo Marble... .876 x .965 1.015 5,370 6,360 Grey Tenn. Miarbley vss: 998 x .862 1.049 14,390 16,720 Italian English Vein Marble.. 1.0725x .928 1.042 14,710 14,770 *Italian English Vein Marble. 1.016 x1.0095 .435 11,450 11,160 ViIEROLITE See. 1.030 X1I.030 .467 49,000 46,200 Italian English Vein Marble .. Meadow Tenn. Mia: bllemmeaes-r 999 X .977. .481 18,370 18.810 The total load is the load registered by the machine when the specimen failed; the unit load is obtained by dividing the total load by the area of the cross- section. ‘The results on * and * are double because of bearing surfaces. 1.007 X1.044 .456 18,260 17,350 “A Manufactured Material—Unit Construction—A sk the Contractor.” Page Five = Specify Vitrolite for Sanitation, Permanence and Economy. New Features Embodied in the Vitrolite Toilet Partition The Vitrolite Toilet Partition UNIT CONSTRUCTION The new Vitrolite Toilet Partition is constructed in units that are standardized throughout and are factory assembled and fitted. All parts are interchangeable, therefore, giving the greatest degree of flexibility and permitting quick installations. GRAVITY PRINCIPLE OF CONSTRUCTION The new Vitrolite Toilet Partition is constructed in conformance with the principle of gravity settlement, the partition proper being held rigidly in slotted stiles, but without strain or stress at any point. NO BOLTS, SCREWS OR HOLES DRILLED A new and highly desirable feature is the entire absence of bolts, screws or nuts in the con- struction and there is not a single hole drilled in the Vitrolite. SELF CONTAINED SHOCK ABSORBING CUSHION The Vitrolite partition is 1-inch thick, double faced and contains within itself a shock absorbing cushion, which absolutely protects it against the most severe shocks. FOLDING DOOR The folding door is practical and durable and allows three square feet greater available area than with the ordinary door. VITREOUS CHINA COVE BASE The vitreous china base used makes a nice appearance and when set in a tile or terraza floor forms a sanitary coved joint, CONSTRUCTION PREVENTS DAMAGE FROM FLOOR SETTLING We go beyond the limit of any other manufacturer and agree to replace any partition which it can be proved has been damaged as a result of floor settlement. We are able to do this because we know that the construction is based on the right principle and will meet all conditions in actual service. EASY READJUSTMENT Anyone can easily readjust the partition to'the proper floor level without disassembling, which is a new and highly desirable feature of the construction. “A Manufactured Material—Unit Construction—Ask the Contractor.” Page Seven Specify Vitrolite for Sanitation, Permanence and Economy. WE 4xXZ°T USED WHERE REAR WALL IS FREE- STANDING. OTHERWISE. FURKING ATTACHED | DIRECT TO ROUGH 4 WALT. oy) J tA) {7 3 SS N.FP. THROW LATCH <—Ss ~ AS IN Ye i f 5 S ey, f = MHA 0 z NZ 2 : i Nez, — & NG RSIS AS WET a a lee lear ny “A Manufactured Material—Unit Construction—Ask the Contractor.” Page Eight Specify Vitrolite for Sanitation, Permanence and Economy. Specifications for Vitrolite Gravity Principle Toilet Partition and Stiles All W. C. partitions and backs shall be of Vitrolite constructed in the following manner, in accordance with shop drawings submitted by the Contractor doing this work and subject to the approval of the Architect. Vitreous China Standards: Provide a vitreous china standard 12 inches high with sanitary cove at base and top recessed to receive 2-inch square section metal stile here- inafter described. Stiles: All stiles to be of sheet metal 2 inches square in section with spring lipped channel extending throughout its length. The lower end to telescope into the vitreous china standard at least 1 inch, the upper end finishing with a cast metal tee connection 6 feet and 5 inches above the finished floor. Head Rail: Provide head rail (of similar section to the stile) which shall serve as a trolley track or guide for the collapsible door described below. This head rail shall be secured in a workmanlike manner to the tee castings at the top of each stile. The hardware, such as spring butts, strikes, ete., shall be throughly secured. All metal work described above is to be rust-proofed and to receive four coats of celluloid enamel. “A Manufactured Material—Unit Construction—A sk the Contractor.” Page Nine Page Ten Specify Vitrolite for Sanitation, Permanence and Economy. Vitrolite Partition: Each partition to consist of a base 10 inches high, a panel 44 inches high and a cap 6 inches high; the base to be supported at the front by a vitreous china standard and at the wall to rest upon a Vitrolite base 12 inches high, which shall have been previously set along the wall. The various members of this partition shall be constructed as follows: Base and Cap shall be made up of two pieces of Vitrolite 7/16” thick mounted back to back with plastic cement upon a felt core. The vertical faces of the Vitrolite shall be grooved to a depth of. 14-inch along the short ends. These grooves to engage the spring lipped channel of the stile at the front and to receive rust-proofed sheet metal strips at the end engaging the wall. The cap shall be similarly grooved and secured. The panels or die shall be made up of two 5/16-inch pieces of Vitrolite mounted in a similar manner. In assembling this partition sheet metal dowels shall be inserted into the top edge of the base imbedded in the plastic cement between the Vitrolite and the felt and shall extend into the plastic cement core of the die. In a similar manner the top edge of the die and bottom edge of the cap shall be doweled together, thus insuring the alignment of all members. The partition shall be erected as above described and the use of bolts and angles or the drilling of holes will not be permitted. Doors: The doors if included in this contract shall be of collapsible type, hung by spring butts and hinged in the center by Soss hinges. The free swinging end of the door to be suspended from the head rail by a ball bearing trolley hanger of a special design. ‘‘In public work where statutes prohibit the specification of a single product the words ‘‘or other similar fire finished product,’’ may be inserted. All necessary holes for plumbing, ete. must be drilled by Vitrolite men. Separate copies of specifications as well as details we will gladly furnish for specification writers upon request. “A Manufactured Material—Unit Construction—Ask the Contractor.” Photographs of Representative Installations of the new Vitrolite Toilet Partition Toilet Room, Great Northern Hotel, Chicago Washroom and Urinal, Great Northern Hotel Showing Decorated Vitrolite Frieze Showing Decorated Vitrolite Frieze Girls Toilet Jefferson School Washroom and Urinal, Safety Deposit Vault Red Wing, Minnesota " Chamber of Commerce Building, Chicago Specify Vitrolite for Sanitation, Permanence and Economy. Vitrolzte as the Modern EAT The Architect who specializes in the design of hospitals knows only too well the insistent demand for asepticism in everything that enters into the construction and equipment of an Operating, Diet or Utility room especially. Vitrolite is aseptic and can be installed in large slabs so that seams and joints are reduced to the minimum. No chemicals can possibly stain or react with it, it does not craze and can be sterilized without injury. Permanence is also an important feature of Vitrolite walls and ceilings as they will last a life time and always look clean and sanitary. Not only is redecorating expense eliminated, but the disturb- ing of the operating program is dispensed with. Vitrolite is widely used in hospitals for wainscoting in the bath rooms for toilet partitions —for wainscoting halls and corridors—for surfacing the walls and ceilings of operating, diet and utility rooms and for table tups in the dining rooms of asylums and sanitariums. We show details of recom- mended types of construction on page 19. “The modern surgeon demands aseptic material in the operating room.” Page Thirteen Vitrolite inthe Modern Hospital A Few Representative Hospital Installations s Cree anitarium, Battle Architect. ; ie corhings in Operating k, Mich. Room NS Battl e Creek . Vitrolite Walls and Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Mich. Albert Kahn, Architect. Vitrolite Walls and Ceiling in Sterilizing Room. Evanston Hospital, Evanston, III. Fairview Hospital, Minneapolis, Minn. _ Meyer J. Sturm, Architect. Hewitt & Brown, Architects. Vitrolite Wainscoting in Entrance. Vitrolite Wainscoting in Bathroom. Specify Vitrolite for Sanitation, Permanence and Economy. The Adaptability of Vitrolite for Wainscoting Vitrolite is well adapted for use as a wainscot because it possesses the durable qualities of marble and in addition highly desirable sanitary Vitrolite features which the latter does not possess. A Vitrolite wainscot can be For made to look as spotlessly clean after years of service as the day it Wains- was installed. It has an exceedingly high light reflecting factor which coting means economy in current consumed for lighting. It is also lighter in and many weight than marble. fee Vitrolite can be quickly and easily washed at any time by merely sponging with water. It is impossible to stain it and acids and alkalis do not affect it. These practical considerations together with its pleas- ing appearance make it a satisfactory and economical wainscot. “A Vitrolite wainscot is impermeable to stains and acid resisting.” Page! Fitteon COOLING ROOM STROH BREWERY DETROIT, MICH. Paserdixtcen “A few illustrations of typical uses of Vitrolite.” Specify Vitrolite for Sanitation, Permanence and Economy. The Many Uses of Vitrolite We mention here and illustrate on the page opposite and one following, some of the many uses of Vitrolite. Vitrolite is unexcelled for toilet and shower partitions and toilet room wainscoting in clubs, office and public buildings and hospitals. It is equally well adapted for wainscoting in the halls and corridors of the class of buildings men- tioned, as well as for apartment building entrances. In residences there is nothing more likely to please the owner and reflect greater credit on the architect’s judgment, than the selection of Vitrolite for the bathroom, kitchen and pantry walls and for table and cabinet tops. For light shafts Vitrolite claims consideration on the basis of its high light reflecting factor. In the industrial field Vitrolite is used for laboratory walls and ceilings—for brine-freezing rooms in ice cream factories, for walls and ceilings in bakeries, for walls in electric power stations, for cooling rooms and refrigerators in breweries and for walls in creameries and dairies. Where the architect is called upon to design interiors for markets, bakeries, restaurants and lunchrooms, he will find Vitrolite decidedly satisfactory for surfacing walls and ceilings, as well as for counters bulkheads and basing. In barber shops in large buildings, Vitrolite is widely used for mirror frames and wainscoting because it is pleasing in appearance, sanitary and easy to keep spotlessly clean. “A Vitrolite wainscot is impermeable to stains and acid resisting.” Page Seventeen VITROLITE _ SURFACED BATHROOM ST.LOUIS Page Eighteen “A few illustrations of typical uses of Vitrolite.” baat’ I. ime) NOBEL OW x 2 ROK Kus ST HU ecece a7 ” aM ° > @ Sx Ores KX £o A Peed ? — xx. 7 s *h Bt Ree EC say 6 Ie ey ae OS va Cir cS . ra = . me, ) wpe EA OTT 2 4 nee ne G ri Oro Sal OMe NaS Lee Ra oe ew “i pen < . ~ 5 Phd Oral 0: irae 48 “VN ter at St tiXe ° xe « eA re Fees] ‘ Ae 1 CEMENT BOLT IN WAL LEAVING HEAD PROJECT Key To MATERIALS VITROLITE. & BEYOND VITROLITE SOR YITRO-CEMENT - ES Cm Ba ter 4 be r ° s me ie VES oars Oe 4 os se! ’ Pee COS ~ Zz OHIO FLINT Cove (BY OTHERS) te el Rd a So at