The first story, being subjected to more glass exposure and cold from the doors, is sometimes supplied directly from the risers, and the discharge returned by separate pipes to the tank, while the other radiators, being supplied by a descending current, are supplied and discharged into the same pipe without interfering with the circulation. The system of indirect steam heating by a fan is often to be preferred for the large stores or corporation offices, which usually occupy the lower story of a city block. For the heating of the smaller upper offices it is a good plan to drop a riser, as described, between each pair of windows, placing a small radiator in front of each window. These may be supplied with fresh air by means of sash venti lators or other fresh air inlets, or they may warm the room by direct radiation.
Lavatory Fittings. The plumbing fixtures of an office build ing need not differ to a great extent. from house fittings, and the principles of construction will apply. The fixtures will consist mainly of bowls or sinks and water closets and urinals. All fittings should he strong and of simple construction, easily accessible for repairs or cleaning. The use of wood for partitions or floors should he
avoided when possible, marble slabs and marble, mosaic, or tile floors being preferable. Water closets should be placed in well ventilated ranges, with partitions of marble, and slatted doors kept up a foot from the floor. All hinges, fastenings, and metal fixtures should be of nickel-plated brass. ITrinals of the ventilated hood pattern are to be preferred and these should have a dished floor slab of ample dimension.
Inside Finish. While wood is used to a large extent for the inside finish of fireproof buildings, the use of incombustible material is increasing. The forms of metal sash construction which we have described for outside windows may all be adapted to interior uses, and, with metal doors and frames, and marble or mosaic floors, each office may be made practically fireproof in itself. Doors with sheet metal covering arc often used, and these may be set in cast-iron frames made with rebates or channels to receive the plaster or block parti tions. (Fig. 24f1.) The doors are sometimes made of hollow metal, but more often of a pine core completely encased in sheet metal. (Fig. 250.)