Historical Context and Manufacturing

The Atholl 1926 house, a product of the interwar period, represents a significant chapter in the history of British housing. Manufactured by Atholl Steel Houses Ltd, these properties were constructed between 1926 and 1928. During this period, approximately 1,000 units were built, primarily in semi-detached and terraced configurations. These homes are also known by alternative names such as Atholl, Atholl Prewar, and Boiler Plate houses.

The Atholl houses were part of a broader movement towards system-built properties, which aimed to address the housing shortage in the UK by using innovative construction techniques and materials. The designers of these homes focused on creating durable and cost-effective housing solutions that could be rapidly assembled.

Identification Characteristics

Identifying an Atholl 1926 house involves looking for several distinctive features:

• Structure: These are typically 2-storey semi-detached or terraced houses.
• Roof: The medium pitch hipped roof is covered with interlocking clay tiles or asbestos cement slates.
• Exterior: The exterior walls are made of painted or paint-harled (roughcast) flat steel sheets. Exposed stanchion flanges or narrow cover plates mask the vertical joints of the steel sheets.
• Entrance: A flat or sloping canopy often covers the front door.

These characteristics make the Atholl houses easily recognizable and distinguishable from other property types of the same era.

Construction Details

Understanding the construction details of Atholl 1926 houses is crucial for both buyers and investors. These homes were built using a combination of steel and timber, with specific attention to durability and ease of assembly.

Substructure

The substructure consists of a concrete underbuilding stepped internally, with a damp-proof course (DPC) to prevent moisture ingress.

Frame

The frame is composed of:

• Corner Stanchions: 2 RSA (Rolled Steel Angle) corner stanchions.
• Stanchions: 8 RST (Rolled Steel Tee) stanchions.
• Perimeter Floor Support Beams: 2 RSA beams.
• Perimeter Ties: 5 RSA ties at the first floor and roof level.

The frame layout is designed to provide structural integrity and support for the entire building.

Protective Coating

The steel components are protected with a coating of red lead and bituminous paint to prevent corrosion.

External Walls

The external walls are constructed using painted flat steel sheets bolted to the back of stanchion flanges. Horizontal timber fillets are fixed to the flanges of the steel sheets, supporting timber studs lined with horizontal timber boarding and asbestos cement sheets. The back of the steel sheets is also protected with red lead and bituminous paint.

Separating Wall

The separating wall between properties consists of flat steel sheets, timber fillets, and studs lined with tongue-and-groove (T&G) timber boarding and asbestos cement sheets.

Partitions

Internal partitions are made of timber studs lined with asbestos cement sheets.

Floors

• Ground Floor: Concrete with T&G boarding on timber battens bedded in concrete.
• First Floor: T&G boarding on timber joists.

Ceilings

Ceilings are constructed using asbestos cement sheets.

Roof

The roof structure includes timber purlins and rafters, bituminous felt, and clay tiles.

Typical Hazards and Risks

While Atholl 1926 houses were innovative for their time, they come with certain hazards and risks that potential buyers and investors should be aware of.

Corrosion

• Stanchions: Minor corrosion at the bases of stanchions.
• Steel Sheets: Moderate corrosion at the edges and rear faces of steel sheets.
• Fixing Bolts: Corrosion of fixing bolts is common.

Structural Issues

• Cover Plates: Buckling of narrow cover plates.
• Gaps: Gaps in steel sheets in the roof space of the separating wall.

Timber Issues

• Rot: Rot in timber studs and fillets.
• Infestation: Infestation of timber floor joists and boarding.

These issues can compromise the structural integrity of the property and may require significant repairs.

Defective Premises Act

The Atholl 1926 houses are not classified as defective under the Defective Premises Act. However, the presence of asbestos cement sheets in the construction poses a health risk if disturbed. Proper handling and removal by certified professionals are essential to ensure safety.

Inspection Guide for Surveyors

When inspecting an Atholl 1926 house, surveyors should pay close attention to the following areas:

Exterior

• Steel Sheets: Check for signs of corrosion, especially at the edges and rear faces.
• Fixing Bolts: Inspect for corrosion and ensure they are secure.
• Cover Plates: Look for buckling or other signs of structural stress.

Interior

• Timber Studs and Fillets: Check for signs of rot and infestation.
• Floor Joists and Boarding: Inspect for structural integrity and signs of infestation.
• Separating Wall: Ensure there are no gaps in the steel sheets and that the wall is structurally sound.

Roof

• Steel Sheets: Inspect for gaps and corrosion.
• Timber Purlins and Rafters: Check for signs of rot and structural integrity.

Asbestos

• Asbestos Cement Sheets: Ensure they are intact and not disturbed. If removal is necessary, it should be done by certified professionals.

Variants

There are some variants of the Atholl 1926 houses that may have different construction details:

• Terraced Houses: These may omit stanchions and perimeter ties in the separating wall.
• Separating Wall: Some variants have a 9″ brick separating wall.
• Partitions: Brick or block partitions may be used instead of timber stud partitions.
• Ceilings: Lath and plaster linings and ceilings may be present.
• Ground Floor: Some variants have a suspended ground floor of T&G boarding on timber joists.

Conclusion

The Atholl 1926 house is a unique and historically significant property type in the UK. While these homes offer a glimpse into the innovative construction techniques of the interwar period, they also come with specific hazards and risks that potential buyers and investors should be aware of. Understanding the construction details, typical defects, and inspection guidelines can help ensure that these properties are maintained and preserved for future generations.

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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