Update on 549 lordship lane (Concrete House)

[fazer71]

There's no mention of underpinning.

It's probably settled now anyway it's the fact it was built using concrete without andy reinforcing steel in the concrete to give it strength. I though I'd read it was just concrete sheet shuttered when built so no integrated reinforcement. If it was build today it'd have steel reinforcing inside the concrete.

So without the steel I would have though it'll just crack again probably where there were no cracks before.

[Jeremy]

It is suffering from subsidence. Underpinning is the usual remedy for subsidence, and would reduce future cracking. Perhaps Col.J.Stev could shed some more light on it.

[bluecanary]

Hey Admin, do you think it might be helpful to change the name of this thread tosomething more positive now the house is no longer being demolished?

[Applespider]

Col.J.Steve - is there any chance of getting one of those perspex windows in the hoardings so that we can peek through and see progress?

[colin.s]

Due to the condition of the house, the repair strategy is to do stabilising works the the building first, reconstruct roof, install the floors then the underpinning .

[colin.s]

Due to the condition of the house, the repair strategy is to do stabilising works to the building first, reconstruct roof, install the floors then the underpinning .

[colin.s]

if i did that, then you wouldn't read my blog?

[Applespider]

Oh I would do both. Window to give the big picture and blog for the nice to know details!

[fazer71]

There's a housing association board up there now?

I guess this a loss leader for them.

So will the tax payer foot the final bill one way or another?

[Applespider]

Sadly the blog for the redevelopment died a death last July.

But the main fencing has now come down as they're landscaping and wow, the house looks amazing. It's so lovely to see it restored to its former glory. I do hope that there will be a chance for interested locals to have a look before it gets sold on. Well done colin.s if you're still involved!

[uncleglen]

Nice choice of colour scheme as well- and it looks as if there are sash windows- just needs some calico blinds and an aspidistra!

[citizenED]

I go past that site every day and it's been good to see the recent developments.

[Pickle]

For years we have driven past the "spooky house" and our eldest child covered his eyes due to it, apparently, being too scary. Now he moans that it's not spooky any more.

I think it looks great, would love to have a look inside.

[Louisa]

The house has an amazing history attached to it. To see it restored to its former glory after all these years of neglect leaves a warm glow inside me.

Louisa.

[Otta]

Is it being sold as a whole house, or is it to be divided?

Imagine it will cost a fortune!

[JC]

[text removed by author]

[steveo]

Try and keep up JC

[JC]

Sound advice - I think I stopped reading at page 1.

[Sue]

Anybody got any recent pictures of the house they could post on here?

[GinaG3]

3 x 1 bed apartments

2 x 2 bed apartments

http://www.hexagon.org.uk/scheme/71/the-old-concrete-house.aspx

[Sue]

Thanks GinaG3 - I must go up and have a look in person!

So glad to see it!

[MaryT]

It's not being demolished! It's being renovated by Hexagon housing association. The building will be conserved and turned into flats. About time too! It's been in a state of terminal decline for over 20 years. I'm glad it's finally being turned into homes, whilst preserving it historic features.

[katerpiller]

Open House London are running tours of the Concrete House in September- link here http://events.londonopenhouse.org/building/17481

[Otta]

They've squeezed 5 flats in there? They must be pokey!

[owlwise]

It looks fantastic! I used to despair when I drove past it everyday seeing it slowing declining into a point of no return. Thanks to English Heritage and Hexagon Housing for saving this original example of a concrete house.