Property of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Helser | Lima, Ohio | Architect Robert Helser | Photos Fred Gund

Like Ado Annie in the play Oklahoma, most modern architects want all or nothin' when it comes to styling a house. That all means modern with a great big "M." Robert Helser, however, thinks otherwise, and his own house is a strong argument in favor of happily combining old and new. Its outside walls are of cement blocks; its extra-large horizontal windows with deep-shadowed overhanging eaves are in the best contemporary manner. Yet instead of flexible, double-purpose areas inside, this architect believes that there's lots to be said for the conventional room-size and shape. 

Imagine cutting down circulation space so that it's practically non-existent, and yet a single 9-foot hall serves not only living room, but three bedrooms and one bath. The house stands far back on its city lot, so that plenty of light comes through the large sash without loss of privacy. An ample utility-laundry room, placed between garage and kitchen, substitutes for basement. Radiant heating in floor slab is a modern touch.

An efficient ell-shaped kitchen not only serves the dining room but is conveniently near the back porch for those outdoor meals so welcome when the summer heat is on. One solid wall of the garage protects this graceful porch from the street.

Access to garage is possible without going out of doors, a boon during stormy weather. The utility- laundry space also comes in handy as a playroom for the Helsers' small child during the winter. Floors throughout the house are either cement or asphalt tile, and the owners find them easy to maintain as well as attractive. The flat roof has a rim around its entire perimeter, and during hot summer days, an inch of water over the entire top acts as extra insulation. This type of cooling system is used very often in our Southern states and has been found to be a most inexpensive way of gaining added comfort. Low ground planting follows the strong horizontal architectural lines.