Overview
When considering a property purchase in the UK, understanding different non-traditional construction types is important. The Sunskeeme house, also known as the Sunley System House, is one such system-built property dating from the late 1960s. This article outlines its construction, identifying features, and the inspection considerations that commonly arise.
Typical characteristics & construction
Sunskeeme houses are generally two-storey terraced properties constructed using a combination of reinforced concrete and prefabricated timber frame panels. They were designed to provide durable, repeatable housing during a period of high demand.
Externally, front and rear elevations are clad with asbestos cement panels up to ground floor window sill level, with upper storey finishes varying between horizontal timber boarding, aluminium sheets, or tile hanging. Gable walls are typically brick, either full height or to first floor level with tile hanging above.
| Element | Typical construction | Inspection focus |
|---|---|---|
| Substructure | Concrete strip footings and concrete slab with DPC | Settlement, moisture transfer, visible cracking |
| External walls | Timber frame panels with asbestos cement and upper cladding | Panel condition, fixings, weathering, asbestos management |
| Gable walls | Brick with cavity and reinforced concrete elements | Cracking, carbonation indicators, mortar condition |
| Floors | Concrete ground floor and RC first floor slab | Cracking, deflection, moisture staining |
| Roof | Prefabricated sectional roof with tiles | Tile condition, alignment, shallow pitch performance |
Potential hazards & inspection priorities
The most significant inspection issue is the presence of asbestos cement panels to the external walls. While generally stable if intact, damage or deterioration requires careful management due to associated health risks.
Reinforced concrete elements should be assessed for signs of carbonation or corrosion-related distress. Reference is often made to BRE guidance including Digest 444, BR 254, and BR 19 when considering durability and repair.
Moisture ingress remains a secondary but important consideration, particularly around DPC continuity, external junctions, and areas where cladding details have been altered.
Is this house right for you?
Sunskeeme houses can perform well when maintained, but purchasers should be comfortable with non-traditional construction and the presence of asbestos-containing materials.
- Commission a full building survey
- Review any previous concrete or cladding repairs
- Understand ongoing maintenance responsibilities
Mortgage & resale considerations
Lender attitudes to Sunskeeme houses can vary depending on condition, documentation, and professional reporting. Clear survey findings and evidence of responsible maintenance are often influential.
What a survey can — and cannot — tell you
A building survey provides an informed assessment of the visible condition and construction of a Sunskeeme house. Inspections are non-intrusive and limited to areas that are accessible at the time of inspection.
- Identify visible cracking to reinforced concrete and masonry elements
- Assess signs of dampness, moisture ingress, and condensation risk
- Comment on roof coverings, drainage details, and external envelope condition
- Review the general condition of accessible floors, ceilings, and structural elements
- Highlight defects that may require repair, monitoring, or further investigation
However, there are limitations to what a survey can determine without intrusive investigation.
- Confirm the condition of concealed reinforcement within concrete elements
- Assess hidden structural components behind finishes or linings
- Determine the full extent of carbonation or internal concrete deterioration
- Inspect areas that are inaccessible or covered at the time of inspection
Where higher-risk indicators are identified, further specialist or intrusive investigation may be recommended.
