Historical Context and Manufacturing

The Arcon house, a notable example of post-war British architecture, was manufactured by Taylor Woodrow Ltd and designed by Arcon. These houses were built in 1947, a period marked by a significant housing shortage in the UK following World War II. Only two of these unique properties were constructed, making them rare and intriguing for both home buyers and property investors.

Typically found in suburban areas, these houses were part of the broader effort to provide quick and affordable housing solutions. The Arcon house, also known as the Arcon Permanent House or Stewart & Lloyd, stands out due to its distinctive construction and design features.

Key Characteristics and Design Features

Structural Design

The Arcon house is a two-storey semi-detached property with a shallow pitch gable roof covered with profiled asbestos cement sheets. The front and rear external walls are constructed of brick up to the first-floor level, topped with a concrete band course. Above this, the walls are clad with vertically ribbed asbestos cement sheets. The gable wall is either entirely brick or rendered.

Doors and Windows

Steel doors, windows, and surrounds are characteristic of the Arcon house. These materials were chosen for their durability and ease of maintenance. A single-storey brick outbuilding and a concrete canopy over the front door are also typical features.

Internal Layout

Internally, the Arcon house features a block spine wall and other partitions, although the exact materials of these partitions are not well-documented. The ground floor is made of concrete, while the first floor consists of tongue-and-groove (T&G) boarding on timber joists. The ceilings’ construction details are not known.

Construction Details

Substructure

The substructure of the Arcon house includes a concrete slab thickened around the perimeter, with a damp-proof course (DPC) to prevent moisture ingress.

Frame

The frame comprises two RS base plates, six double RSA single-storey stanchions each forming a T, two RSA horizontal beams, one tubular steel roof truss, and RSA purlins and cladding rails. The protective coating of the frame is not documented, which could be a point of concern for potential buyers.

External Walls

The front and rear walls are constructed of brick, cavity, and block up to the first-floor level, topped with a concrete band course. Above this, the walls are clad with double-skin vertically ribbed asbestos cement sheets, cavity, and timber framing lined with plasterboard and backed with woodwool slabs. The gable wall is entirely brick or rendered throughout.

Roof

The roof is covered with profiled asbestos cement sheets, a common material in post-war construction but now known for its health hazards.

Typical Hazards and Risks

Asbestos

One of the most significant risks associated with Arcon houses is the presence of asbestos in the roofing and wall cladding materials. Asbestos, when disturbed, can release harmful fibres into the air, posing serious health risks. It is crucial to have a professional asbestos survey conducted before any renovation or demolition work.

Structural Integrity

The steel frame of the Arcon house, while robust, may suffer from corrosion over time, especially if the protective coating is inadequate or has deteriorated. Regular inspections are necessary to assess the condition of the steel frame and address any issues promptly.

Damp and Moisture

The concrete slab foundation and the damp-proof course (DPC) are designed to prevent moisture ingress. However, over time, these elements can deteriorate, leading to damp issues. Regular maintenance and inspections are essential to ensure the integrity of the DPC and address any signs of damp promptly.

Defective Premises Act

The Arcon house is not classified as defective under the Defective Premises Act. However, given its age and the materials used in its construction, it is essential to conduct thorough inspections and maintenance to ensure its continued safety and habitability.

Inspection and Assessment Guide

External Inspection

1. Roof: Check for any signs of damage or wear on the asbestos cement sheets. Look for cracks, loose sheets, or any signs of asbestos fibre release.
2. Walls: Inspect the brickwork and asbestos cement cladding for any signs of damage, cracks, or deterioration. Pay particular attention to the concrete band course and the condition of the timber framing behind the cladding.
3. Doors and Windows: Examine the steel doors and windows for signs of rust, corrosion, or damage. Ensure that they are functioning correctly and provide adequate security.
4. Outbuilding and Canopy: Inspect the single-storey brick outbuilding and the concrete canopy over the front door for any signs of structural issues or damage.

Internal Inspection

1. Ground Floor: Check the concrete floor for any signs of cracks, damp, or unevenness. Ensure that the DPC is intact and functioning correctly.
2. First Floor: Inspect the tongue-and-groove boarding and timber joists for any signs of damage, rot, or pest infestation.
3. Partitions: Examine the block spine wall and other partitions for any signs of structural issues or damage.
4. Ceilings: Although the construction details of the ceilings are not known, inspect them for any signs of damage, sagging, or water ingress.

Frame Inspection

1. Base Plates and Stanchions: Check the RS base plates and double RSA single-storey stanchions for any signs of corrosion or damage. Ensure that they are securely anchored and in good condition.
2. Horizontal Beams and Roof Truss: Inspect the RSA horizontal beams and the tubular steel roof truss for any signs of corrosion, damage, or structural issues.
3. Purlins and Cladding Rails: Examine the RSA purlins and cladding rails for any signs of damage or deterioration.

Maintenance and Improvement Tips

Asbestos Management

Given the presence of asbestos in the roofing and wall cladding, it is crucial to manage it safely. Avoid disturbing the asbestos materials and consider encapsulation or professional removal if necessary. Always consult with a qualified asbestos professional before undertaking any work.

Corrosion Prevention

Regularly inspect the steel frame for signs of corrosion and address any issues promptly. Consider applying a protective coating to the steel elements to prevent further corrosion and extend the lifespan of the structure.

Damp Proofing

Ensure that the damp-proof course (DPC) is intact and functioning correctly. Address any signs of damp promptly to prevent further damage to the structure and maintain a healthy living environment.

Energy Efficiency

Given the age of the Arcon house, it may benefit from energy efficiency improvements. Consider upgrading the insulation, windows, and doors to improve thermal performance and reduce energy costs.

Conclusion

The Arcon house, with its unique post-war design and construction, offers a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal period in British housing history. While these properties come with their own set of challenges, including asbestos management and potential structural issues, they also offer unique opportunities for home buyers and investors.

By conducting thorough inspections and regular maintenance, you can ensure the continued safety and habitability of an Arcon house. Whether you are considering purchasing one of these rare properties or already own one, understanding its construction and potential risks is crucial.

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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