Document 934kJmzYr7eJayqe0YV5JqQXL

FILE NAME: Asten Hill (AH) DATE: 1957 DOC#: AH058 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Book Excerpt BUILDINGS FOR INDUSTRY An Architectural Record Book Published by F. W . Dodge Corporation 1957 by F. W . Dodge Corporation '1 y Asten-ffill Manufacturing Co. Philadelphia, Penn. The Ballinger Co., Architects and Engineers APART FROM THE USUAL CONSIDERATIONS for efficient Adryerprfoecltespslianngt wlaeyroeuftasc,edthwe itdhesaigmnearjos r'opfrotbhliesmasobfecsotons trolling asbestos dust. Uncontrolled, the dust accumu lates on all projections and rough surfaces in process areas, and presents a silicosis-like health hazard to employees. Dependable control of temperature and 'humidity is also vital in manufacturing the felts. The goal of the owners was to construct a plant which would combine production efficiency and product control with pleasant and healthy working conditions. The resulting design succeeds in providing good so lutions to these problems within a neat, attractive structure. Especial attention was given t;o the employ ees' welfare, even to selection of a site near the workers' homes, although it was known that the deeply filled ground would require pilings. Other provisions include a parking area, pleasant locker, shower and toilet rooms, good lighting, and a general purpose room for lunch and i c e . i o n . Asbestos dust is removed from segre gated process areas fay a carefully planned system of hoods, ducts and fans, together .with tunnels under the floor. The dust is then conveyed to electro-static filters and to a cvelone tower where it is salvaged for other use. A portion of the airois/wrewcloitniodniitniogneisd fporrorveicdierdcuilnatiothne. The one story plant is surfaced with bonds o i light and dark brick, lime stone trim, polychrome terracotta at main door. Flat roof employs special ./mart nrninaan discharge system Provision o dean, comfortable working areas has considerably improved employees' morale, with resultant increased effi ciency The well-lghled, air conditioned weaving section lleftl is typical o f these areas. The steel frame structure is de signed around a continuous materials flow line, passing successively through the blend ing, carding, twisting, spooling, sowning, weaving and calen dering departments Expansion space for additional equipment Idotted lines on plant is pro vided in each section Glazed tile walls and hung plaster ceilings in (hese areas help minimize dust problem. Ceilings ore left exposed in suer a ire ' rooms as 're raw jr,d h'-'shed materials section hop n g 'd Oihces tbollom 'ighii hove o'ester Mrolls, a co u s' C ce u ^ g s asphalt the floors i i m p ,11 ;