Overview
The Trybo house is a timber-framed detached bungalow from the 1960s, manufactured by the Norwegian Log Construction Co. Ltd, a company with expertise in timber construction. Only 200 were built.
The houses came out of a period of architectural experiment, and were designed to meet growing demand for affordable, efficient housing. Timber runs through the whole design, from the vertical boarding outside to the boarded partitions and floors inside.
Typical characteristics & construction
The substructure is concrete pads with a damp-proof course. The external walls are of platform frame construction: storey-height timber frame panels clad directly with vertical timber boarding, with mineral fibre insulation between the frame studs. Internal partitions are timber studs.
The roof is built from timber purlins and double-skinned timber boarded panels, covered with bituminous felt. The ground floor is timber boarding on timber joists, and the ceilings follow the roof pitch.
Variants include brick piers, a concrete foundation slab and a concrete ground floor. Any alteration to a house should be identified and its effect on the structure and performance assessed.
| Element | Typical construction | Inspection focus |
|---|---|---|
| Substructure | Concrete pads, DPC; brick piers or concrete slab in variants | Movement, settlement, presence and condition of the DPC |
| External walls | Platform frame; storey-height timber panels clad with vertical timber boarding, mineral fibre insulation | Rot, decay, insect infestation, especially around windows and doors |
| Partitions | Timber studs | Rot, decay |
| Ground floor | Timber boarding on timber joists; concrete in variants | Rot, decay, moisture |
| Roof | Timber purlins, double-skinned timber boarded panels, bituminous felt | Cracks, blisters, missing sections, leaks |
| Ceilings | Following the roof pitch | Water stains, damp patches |
Potential hazards & inspection priorities
Primary concern: timber rot and decay
Timber is susceptible to rot and decay, particularly where a house has not been adequately maintained, and moisture ingress leads to significant structural issues. The external and internal timber boarding should be inspected for rot, decay and insect infestation, with particular attention to places where moisture collects, such as around windows and doors. The DPC should be present and effective.
Primary concern: the felt roof
The bituminous felt covering deteriorates over time and then leaks. The felt should be examined for cracks, blisters and missing sections, and the ceilings for water stains or damp patches that point to leaks. Damage needs prompt repair to stop water getting in.
Secondary concerns: foundations, ventilation and services
The concrete pads and any visible foundation elements should be checked for movement or settlement. The mineral fibre insulation should be in reasonable condition, and the house adequately ventilated to prevent condensation and moisture build-up. The electrical wiring and plumbing should meet current safety standards and be in good working order.
Maintenance that keeps these houses sound
- Regular checks of the felt roof, with prompt repair of leaks or cracks
- Preservative treatment of the timber boarding, and prompt replacement of decayed timber
- Clear, working gutters and downpipes that take water away from the building
- Adequate ventilation, including extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms
- Insulation upgrades for better thermal performance and lower heating costs
Is this house right for you?
The Trybo house has character and historical interest, and only 200 were built. It needs more maintenance than a modern house, and a purchase should rest on a clear understanding of its construction and condition.
- Commission a full building survey
- Establish the condition of the timber boarding and frame
- Check the felt roof and ceilings for leaks
- Identify any alterations and their effect on the structure
Regular inspection and timely repair are what preserve these houses and their character.
Mortgage & resale considerations
The Trybo house is not designated defective under the Housing Defects Act 1984. Its age and materials still bring the potential for defects, and regular maintenance and timely repairs are what preserve its value and longevity.
What a survey can — and cannot — tell you
A building survey provides an informed assessment of the visible condition and construction of a Trybo house. Inspections are non-intrusive and limited to areas that are accessible at the time of inspection.
- Identify visible rot, decay or insect damage to timber boarding
- Assess signs of dampness, condensation and moisture ingress
- Comment on the felt roof covering and any staining to ceilings
- Note visible signs of movement or settlement and the presence of the DPC
- 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 the timber frame concealed behind the boarding
- Assess the insulation within the walls and the roof panels
- Test the electrical and plumbing installations, which needs specialist inspection
- 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.
