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housing accommodation much of which is unsuitable for young
or old not to mention the difficulties, already demonstrated,
associated with future slum clearance of high rise flats.
With regard to the cost of new housing, it is reliably estimated
that over 80% of all local authorities are finding great difficulties
in keeping within the government's "yardstick" and there is some
evidence that this is leading to the introduction of questionable
economies such as the reduction of noise and thermal insulation
to the barest minimum standards. Parsimony of such a nature is
likely to produce literally, "built-in" problems which could last
throughout the lifetime of the building and prove of some social
significance.
Modern designs and constructions, having largely deserted
traditional methods, especially in respect of local authority urban
housing schemes, involve extensive use of industrialised building
techniques. That this has given rise to a number of problems of
public health concern, not the least of which is that of condensation
and mould growth, is indisputable.
Precipitation of water vapour in modern high rise flats is due
mainly to :—
Faulty Design
—With the absence of chimney flues, insufficient ventilation
has been provided to remove excess moisture and vapour.
Even that which has been introduced is often deliberately
occluded by the tenant on account of "draughts".
—Over-use of single glazed areas (probably for cheapness)
leading to excessive heat loss.
—Insufficient heat insulation.
Use of Inappropriate Construction Materials
—Heavy, high thermal capacity walls with dense nonabsorbent
internal finishes {concrete rather than plasterwork).
Insufficient Background Heating
—Normally outside the control of local authority designers
and planners, there is a need for a cheap and reliable
method of heating this type of dwelling.
Speed of present day change and an emphasis on the strictly
functional, loosens attachments to, and diminishes an appreciation
of the past. Ever mounting values of works of art reflect not only
their scarcity but the fact that there exists a great hunger for
things of beauty in a period which is technically exciting but
rapidly becoming aesthetically barren. Flexibility, a proven and
valuable attribute of the Georgian terrace, is a feature notable