The Rumble House

The Rumble House is a rare non-traditional property type designed in the early 1950s by architect Hugh Casson and manufactured by Tersons Ltd. Constructed between 1952 and 1953, only eight examples were built, making these houses an unusual find within the UK housing stock. They are typically encountered as two-storey semi-detached or terraced houses and are defined by their reinforced concrete construction and distinctive roof design.

A Rumble House showing shallow pitch gable roof construction and rendered reinforced concrete external walls.

Rumble Houses were constructed using dense reinforced concrete as both the main structural frame and the primary walling material. The design reflects early post-war efforts to achieve durability and speed of construction through prefabricated and in-situ concrete elements.

Roofs are shallow pitch gable in form and constructed using reinforced concrete roof and gutter panels with an asphalt waterproof covering. The structural system integrates rolled steel angle roof trusses cast into the first-floor ceiling slab.

External walls are formed with a reinforced concrete cavity construction, rendered externally, with the cavity remaining discontinuous and open at eaves level.

The most significant issues identified in Rumble Houses relate to deterioration of reinforced concrete components. Spalling and cracking of precast reinforced concrete roof panels is a known issue and is commonly associated with corrosion of embedded steel reinforcement.

Horizontal cracking at eaves level to gable walls is also a recognised defect, often linked to the absence of movement joints. Vertical cracking to chimney stacks has been recorded and may arise from thermal movement, settlement, or material ageing.

Rumble Houses can be suitable for purchasers who understand non-traditional reinforced concrete construction and are prepared to base decisions on condition rather than rarity alone.

• Commission a detailed building survey
• Pay particular attention to roof and concrete panel condition
• Consider the implications of any previous structural alterations

Where modifications have been carried out, such as removal of original roof trusses, the impact on overall structural behaviour requires careful assessment.

Mortgage and resale acceptance for Rumble Houses is influenced by their non-traditional construction, overall condition, and the clarity of professional reporting. Awareness of this construction type among lenders may be limited.

Clear survey findings and evidence that known defects have been appropriately managed are commonly influential factors.

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

• Identify visible cracking and spalling to reinforced concrete elements
• Assess signs of dampness, moisture ingress, and condensation risk
• Comment on roof coverings, integral gutters, and external envelope condition
• Review the general condition of accessible floors, ceilings, and structural components
• 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 steel reinforcement within concrete
• Assess hidden structural elements behind finishes
• Determine the full extent of internal concrete deterioration
• Inspect areas that are inaccessible 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.