The Turner & Newall House

Turner & Newall Ltd played a significant role in mid-20th century British construction, with a particular focus on industrialised building systems. In 1966, the company introduced the Turner & Newall house, often referred to as a T & N house, as part of the wider system-built housing programme developed to address post-war shortages.

A Turner & Newall house showing shallow pitch gable roof and asbestos cement external wall panels.

Turner & Newall houses are generally two-storey properties constructed in detached, semi-detached, and terraced forms. They are identifiable by shallow pitch gable roofs finished with profiled asbestos cement sheets and by extensive use of asbestos cement wall panels.

Front and rear elevations are formed using glazed timber frame infill panels, clad externally with flat asbestos cement sheets. Gable walls incorporate asbestos cement panels at eaves height with moulded asbestos cement corner panels. A flat-roofed single-storey porch and storage extension is a common feature.

The primary hazard associated with Turner & Newall houses is the extensive presence of asbestos cement in roofs, walls, ceilings, and partitions. While asbestos cement products are relatively stable when intact, deterioration or disturbance presents a recognised health risk.

Secondary concerns include corrosion of the galvanised steel frame where protective coatings have failed, and moisture ingress leading to timber decay within infill panels and floor structures.

Purchasers considering a Turner & Newall house need to be aware of the implications of asbestos-containing materials and the importance of condition-led assessment.

• Understand the extent and condition of asbestos cement components
• Review evidence of past maintenance and repairs
• Accept that specialist input may be required for future works

Mortgage and resale acceptance for system-built housing varies between lenders and is influenced by construction type, condition, and the quality of professional reporting.

Clear survey findings, documented maintenance, and evidence of controlled asbestos management are commonly influential factors.

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

• Identify visible deterioration to asbestos cement wall and roof panels
• 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 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 fixings
• Assess hidden elements behind asbestos cement linings
• Determine the full extent of corrosion or material degradation
• 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.