The Miller Temporary Bungalow

The Miller Temporary Bungalow, also known as the Miller No-Fines or simply No-Fines, is a distinctive form of non-traditional housing manufactured by J Miller & Partners Ltd between 1945 and 1946. These properties were developed in response to the immediate post-World War II housing crisis, providing rapid, functional accommodation at a time of acute national shortage.

Only 100 units were constructed, primarily in areas heavily affected by wartime destruction including parts of London, Birmingham and other major cities. Although designed as temporary dwellings, many remain in occupation today, often with varying levels of alteration and maintenance.

A Miller Temporary Bungalow showing shallow pitch gable roof construction and rendered no-fines concrete external walls typical of immediate post-war housing.

The Miller Temporary Bungalow is a detached, single-storey structure with a shallow pitch gable roof clad in asbestos cement sheets. External walls are fully rendered, and a flat canopy over the entrance is a common identifying feature. The design is functional, with minimal architectural detailing.

The substructure comprises a concrete raft foundation. Perimeter and internal dwarf walls are formed in no-fines concrete, a material lacking fine aggregates such as sand, selected for speed and economy of construction during the post-war period.

External walls are formed in 8-inch no-fines concrete, lined internally with hardboard fixed to timber battens. Internal partitions are generally timber stud construction with hardboard linings. Floors are formed with tongue-and-groove boarding on timber battens, supported by timber joists bearing onto timber wall plates.

Ceilings are plasterboard. The roof structure incorporates timber battens cast into the no-fines concrete walls, with timber rafters and purlins supporting asbestos cement sheets.

The most significant hazard associated with this construction type is the presence of asbestos cement roof sheets. While asbestos cement is lower risk than friable asbestos products, deterioration, breakage or inappropriate removal can present serious health implications.

No-fines concrete can be prone to cracking and localised spalling. Prolonged exposure to weathering can weaken surface integrity, particularly where render coatings have failed.

Damp and moisture ingress are common concerns. The concrete raft and solid wall construction can allow moisture transfer, leading to mould growth and timber decay in battens, joists and roof timbers.

Although asbestos offers fire resistance at roof level, the internal structure incorporates substantial timber elements which remain combustible.

Miller Temporary Bungalows are non-traditional dwellings constructed using post-war emergency methods. Purchasers should be prepared for ongoing maintenance relating to ageing concrete, asbestos management and timber durability.

• Commission a full building survey by an experienced surveyor
• Establish the condition of asbestos-containing materials
• Assess evidence of cracking, movement and dampness
• Review any past structural or roofing alterations

Understanding the implications of no-fines concrete construction is essential before committing to purchase.

As a non-traditional construction type, mortgage lending decisions may be influenced by the property’s condition, asbestos management and evidence of structural performance. Requirements can vary between lenders.

Clear documentation of repairs, asbestos surveys and maintenance history will generally assist in supporting lending and future resale.

A building survey provides an informed assessment of the visible condition and construction of a Miller Temporary Bungalow. Inspections are non-intrusive and limited to areas that are accessible at the time of inspection.

• Identify visible cracking to no-fines concrete walls and associated render
• 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 no-fines concrete
• Assess hidden structural elements 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.

For a thorough building survey in Greater London, an instant quotation can be obtained through the online survey calculator.