Overview
The Arcon house is a rare form of post-war non-traditional housing developed in 1947 during the acute housing shortage that followed the Second World War. Manufactured by Taylor Woodrow Ltd and designed by Arcon, only two examples of this house type were constructed, making surviving properties highly unusual within the UK housing stock.
Often located in suburban settings, Arcon houses formed part of the wider programme to deliver permanent, quickly constructed homes using industrialised building methods. The house is also referred to as the Arcon Permanent House or Stewart & Lloyd.
Typical characteristics & construction
The Arcon house is a two-storey semi-detached property with a shallow pitched gable roof finished in profiled asbestos cement sheets. Externally, the front and rear elevations are constructed in brickwork up to first-floor level, incorporating a concrete band course, with vertically ribbed asbestos cement sheets above.
Gable walls are either entirely brick or rendered. Steel doors, windows, and surrounds are a defining feature, along with a concrete canopy over the front entrance and a single-storey brick outbuilding.
Internally, the layout incorporates a block spine wall with additional partitions of unknown construction. The ground floor is concrete, while the first floor consists of tongue-and-groove boarding supported on timber joists. Ceiling construction details are not documented.
| Element | Typical construction | Inspection focus |
|---|---|---|
| Substructure | Concrete slab thickened at perimeter with DPC | Damp ingress, cracking, DPC performance |
| Frame | Steel frame with RS base plates, RSA stanchions and beams | Corrosion, protective coating condition |
| External walls | Brick to first floor, asbestos cement cladding above | Cracking, cladding condition, fixings |
| Roof | Shallow pitched gable with asbestos cement sheets | Sheet damage, fixings, asbestos risk |
| Floors | Concrete ground floor, timber first floor | Damp, rot, movement |
Potential hazards & inspection priorities
The most significant hazard associated with Arcon houses is the presence of asbestos cement within the roof covering and wall cladding. While generally stable if undisturbed, deterioration or alteration can release harmful fibres.
The steel frame is robust in principle but vulnerable to corrosion if protective coatings have failed. Given the lack of documentation regarding original protection, inspection access to frame elements is particularly important.
Damp and moisture remain ongoing considerations. Although the concrete slab incorporates a damp-proof course, age-related failure can lead to moisture ingress if not maintained.
Is this house right for you?
An Arcon house requires a clear understanding of non-traditional construction and acceptance of its inherent risks and maintenance requirements.
- Commission a full building survey with non-traditional housing experience
- Understand asbestos management responsibilities
- Review the condition of steel framing and corrosion protection
Careful assessment of condition is essential due to the rarity and specialist nature of this house type.
Mortgage & resale considerations
Mortgage acceptance for Arcon houses is influenced by construction type, condition, and the clarity of professional reporting. Lender criteria can vary and may change over time.
Clear survey findings, evidence of ongoing maintenance, and the absence of unresolved structural or asbestos-related issues are commonly influential factors.
What a survey can — and cannot — tell you
A building survey provides an informed assessment of the visible condition and construction of an Arcon house. Inspections are non-intrusive and limited to areas that are accessible at the time of inspection.
- Identify visible defects to asbestos cement cladding and roof coverings
- Assess signs of corrosion to accessible steel frame elements
- Comment on dampness, moisture ingress, and condensation risk
- Review the general condition of accessible floors, walls, and structural elements
- Highlight defects requiring repair, monitoring, or further investigation
However, there are limitations to what a survey can determine without intrusive investigation.
- Confirm the condition of concealed steelwork or protective coatings
- Assess hidden frame elements behind finishes or linings
- Determine the internal condition of asbestos-containing materials
- Inspect areas that are inaccessible at the time of inspection
Where higher-risk indicators are identified, further specialist or intrusive investigation may be recommended.
