Overview
The Gee Walker & Slater house is a highly unusual post-war non-traditional property type manufactured in 1946. Only two examples were ever constructed, making this one of the rarest forms of system-built housing in the UK. The design reflects the material shortages and experimental construction approaches adopted immediately after the Second World War.
Gee Walker & Slater houses were two-storey semi-detached dwellings developed using a steel frame with aerated concrete panel infill. Their limited production makes them uncommon and unfamiliar to many modern professionals.
Typical characteristics & construction
Gee Walker & Slater houses are two-storey semi-detached properties with shallow pitch gable roofs clad in profiled asbestos cement sheets. External walls are formed using aerated concrete panels, pebble-dashed to first-floor level with roughcast finishes above. Distinctive features include a smooth rendered band at first floor and eaves level and a profiled asbestos canopy supported on square posts over the entrance door.
Internally, the structure relies on a steel frame formed from rolled steel joists and steel angle trussed purlins, with concrete and cork-based slab linings used for partitions and ceilings. Thermal efficiency reflects post-war standards and is limited by modern expectations.
| Element | Typical construction | Inspection focus |
|---|---|---|
| Substructure | Concrete strip footings and concrete slab with DPC | Movement, cracking, evidence of rising damp |
| Frame | RSJ stanchions, perimeter beams, trimmers, and RSA trussed purlins | Corrosion, coating breakdown, structural distortion |
| External walls | Aerated concrete panels on concrete posts, rendered externally | Cracking, moisture ingress, render failure |
| Floors | Concrete ground floor, timber joists with T&G boarding above | Cracking, deflection, timber condition |
| Roof | Profiled asbestos cement sheets | Damage, weathering, asbestos condition |
Potential hazards & inspection priorities
The most significant hazards relate to asbestos-containing materials, steel frame corrosion, and the long-term performance of aerated concrete panels. Asbestos is present in the roof coverings and entrance canopy and requires careful management to avoid disturbance.
Steel elements are protected with bituminous paint, but deterioration of this coating can allow corrosion to develop. Moisture ingress through cracked render or defective detailing can accelerate both steel corrosion and concrete panel degradation.
Is this house right for you?
Gee Walker & Slater houses require an informed approach and acceptance of non-traditional construction. Understanding the condition of the steel frame, external panels, and asbestos-containing elements is essential before proceeding.
- Commission a full building survey
- Review asbestos management arrangements
- Consider long-term maintenance and repair obligations
Mortgage & resale considerations
Lender acceptance for rare non-traditional properties is influenced by construction type, overall condition, and the clarity of professional reporting. The limited number of Gee Walker & Slater houses means they may be unfamiliar to some lenders.
Clear evidence of maintenance, controlled corrosion risk, and managed asbestos exposure are commonly important factors.
What a survey can — and cannot — tell you
A building survey provides an informed assessment of the visible condition and construction of a Gee Walker & Slater house. Inspections are non-intrusive and limited to areas that are accessible at the time of inspection.
- Identify visible cracking to aerated concrete panels and external 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 steel 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 concealed condition of steel framing behind finishes
- Assess hidden corrosion where protective coatings remain intact
- Determine the full internal condition of aerated concrete panels
- 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.
Considering a Gee Walker & Slater house?
A detailed building survey can help clarify construction-specific risks before committing to a purchase.
Get your instant survey quoteDisclaimer: This article is provided for general educational purposes only and is based on industry research, professional knowledge, and experience. It does not relate to any specific property and should not be relied upon when making a purchasing decision. Prospective purchasers should always commission an independent RICS-qualified surveyor to conduct a full inspection and provide a report on the actual condition of any property of interest.
