Historical Context and Manufacturing

The Falkiner-Nuttall house, a distinctive type of system-built property, emerged in the post-World War II era, specifically in 1947. This period marked a significant push towards rapid housing development to address the acute housing shortage in the UK. The Falkiner-Nuttall house, also known simply as the Nuttall, was one of the many innovative solutions devised to meet this demand.

Designers and Manufacturers

The Falkiner-Nuttall house was designed by a collaboration of architects and engineers who sought to create a durable, cost-effective, and quickly assembled housing solution. The primary manufacturers were local construction firms that specialized in prefabricated building techniques. These firms were adept at producing the necessary components in a factory setting, which were then transported to the construction site for assembly.

Typical Locations

These houses were predominantly built in suburban areas, where there was ample space for new housing developments. They were often part of larger housing estates designed to provide affordable homes for working-class families. The Falkiner-Nuttall houses can still be found in various parts of the UK, particularly in regions that experienced significant post-war reconstruction.

Identification Characteristics

The Falkiner-Nuttall house is easily identifiable by several key features:

• Semi-detached chalet bungalows: These houses are typically semi-detached, meaning they share a common wall with an adjacent property. The chalet bungalow design includes a steep pitch gable roof and dormer windows.
• Steep pitch gable roof: The roof is covered with interlocking concrete tiles, providing a distinctive appearance and robust weather protection.
• Rendered external walls: The external walls are rendered throughout, giving the house a uniform and clean look.
• Gable apex clad with tile hanging: The gable apex is clad with tiles, adding to the aesthetic appeal and providing additional weatherproofing.
• Rendered dormers: The dormer windows on the front and rear elevations are also rendered, maintaining the overall design consistency.

Construction Details

Understanding the construction details of the Falkiner-Nuttall house is crucial for potential buyers and investors. This knowledge helps in assessing the property’s condition and identifying any potential issues.

Substructure

The substructure consists of a concrete raft foundation, which is thickened around the perimeter. This type of foundation provides a stable base for the house and helps distribute the load evenly. A damp-proof course (DPC) is also included to prevent moisture from rising through the foundation.

Frame

The frame of the Falkiner-Nuttall house is constructed using bolted rolled steel channel (RSC) frames. These frames are typically 2′ or 3′ in storey height and are reinforced with steel rod bracings above and below the windows. Additional steel strap bracings are used below the windows in the dormers. The floor support beams are made of rolled steel joists (RSJ), while the rafters and purlins are constructed from rolled steel angles (RSA). The roof stanchions and dormer ceiling binders are also made of steel, providing a robust and durable framework.

Protective Coating

To protect the steel frame from corrosion, it is coated with red oxide and bituminous paint. In some cases, the frames are also galvanized for additional protection.

External Walls

The external walls are constructed using expanded metal lathing, which is rendered on both sides. This creates a cavity wall with a vapour barrier and woodwool slabs for insulation. The gable apex is clad with tiles and lined with woodwool slabs, providing additional insulation and weatherproofing.

Separating Wall

The separating wall between the semi-detached properties is a block cavity wall. In the roof space, this wall is a single leaf, providing adequate separation and fire resistance.

Partitions

Internal partitions are constructed using block walls, providing robust and soundproof separation between rooms.

Floors

The ground floor is made of concrete, providing a solid and durable base. The first floor consists of a screed with a mastic asphalt finish on galvanized corrugated steel sheets. This construction method provides a strong and level surface for the upper floor.

Ceilings

The ceilings are made of plasterboard, which is a common and cost-effective material that provides a smooth and paintable surface.

Roof

The roof is constructed using bituminous felt, timber battens, and interlocking concrete tiles. The flat dormer roof is made of corrugated steel sheets, concrete screed, and bituminous felt, providing a durable and weatherproof covering.

Typical Hazards and Risks

While the Falkiner-Nuttall house was designed to be a durable and cost-effective housing solution, there are several typical hazards and risks associated with this property type.

Corrosion

One of the primary concerns with the Falkiner-Nuttall house is the potential for corrosion of the steel frame and other steel components. While the protective coatings provide some level of protection, over time, these coatings can deteriorate, leading to superficial corrosion. This is particularly common in the underside of corrugated steel sheets and expanded metal lathing.

Cracks in Render

Minor horizontal cracks in the render are another common issue. These cracks can occur due to natural settling of the house or thermal expansion and contraction. While minor cracks are not usually a cause for concern, they should be monitored and repaired to prevent water ingress and further deterioration.

Defective Premises Act

The Falkiner-Nuttall house is not typically classified as defective under the Defective Premises Act. However, it is essential to conduct a thorough inspection to identify any potential issues that could affect the property’s safety and habitability.

Inspection Guide for Surveyors

When inspecting a Falkiner-Nuttall house, surveyors should pay close attention to several key areas to ensure a comprehensive assessment.

Frame Condition

Inspect the condition of the RSC frames, looking for any signs of corrosion or damage. Pay particular attention to the steel rod bracings, steel strap bracings, and RSJ floor support beams. Ensure that the protective coatings are intact and that there is no significant rust or deterioration.

External Walls

Examine the external walls for any signs of cracks or damage to the render. Check for any areas where the render may be separating from the expanded metal lathing. Look for signs of water ingress or dampness, particularly around windows and doors.

Roof

Inspect the roof for any missing or damaged interlocking concrete tiles. Check the condition of the bituminous felt and timber battens. Pay particular attention to the flat dormer roof, looking for any signs of corrosion or damage to the corrugated steel sheets and bituminous felt.

Floors

Check the condition of the ground floor concrete and the first-floor screed and mastic asphalt finish. Look for any signs of cracking or unevenness, which could indicate underlying issues with the foundation or floor structure.

Ceilings

Inspect the plasterboard ceilings for any signs of cracking, sagging, or water damage. Ensure that the ceilings are securely attached and that there are no signs of mould or dampness.

Internal Partitions

Examine the internal block partitions for any signs of cracking or damage. Ensure that the partitions are structurally sound and provide adequate separation between rooms.

Typical Defects and Maintenance

Understanding the typical defects associated with the Falkiner-Nuttall house can help homeowners and investors plan for necessary maintenance and repairs.

Superficial Corrosion

Superficial corrosion of steel components is a common issue. Regular inspections and maintenance of the protective coatings can help prevent further deterioration. In cases where corrosion is more advanced, it may be necessary to replace affected components.

Cracks in Render

Minor horizontal cracks in the render should be repaired promptly to prevent water ingress and further damage. This can be done by filling the cracks with a suitable filler and repainting the affected area.

Roof Maintenance

Regular inspections of the roof are essential to identify and repair any missing or damaged tiles. Ensuring that the bituminous felt and timber battens are in good condition can help prevent leaks and water damage.

Dampness and Water Ingress

Addressing any signs of dampness or water ingress promptly is crucial to prevent further damage. This may involve repairing damaged render, sealing gaps around windows and doors, and ensuring that the DPC is functioning correctly.

Conclusion

The Falkiner-Nuttall house represents a significant chapter in the history of post-war housing in the UK. Its distinctive design and construction methods provided a practical solution to the housing shortage of the time. However, like any property, it requires regular maintenance and careful inspection to ensure its continued habitability and safety.

For home buyers and investors, understanding the unique characteristics and potential issues associated with the Falkiner-Nuttall house is essential. By conducting thorough inspections and addressing any defects promptly, you can ensure that this historic property remains a valuable and comfortable home for years to come.

At Flettons, we’re committed to safeguarding your investment. When considering a property purchase, trust our seasoned expertise to reveal any hidden threats. For a thorough building survey, get your instant quote through our quote calculator or reach out directly at 0203 691 0451. Your home’s safety is our top priority.

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