20th century solutions
A hands on or hands off choice it’s the ultimate model kit for enthusiasts or it’s the way to get exactly what you want without necessarily having to do it yourself.
In reality, the kit home is just another example of prefabrication, but without some of the more negative connotations. While timber frame versions still dominate in consumer consciousness (accounting for 90% of all self-build) there re also interesting developments in metal structures, even including using former freight containers, that may well yet become a common sight in the UK.
While the concept of producing the components for a home off-site is nothing new, kit homes enjoyed their heyday in the early decades of the 20th century in America.
From around 1910-1920 there were around seven nationally respected companies selling homes in kit form. The most well-known was probably Sears Roebuck, a mail order company synonymous with mass retail in the USA. Between 1908 and 1940 selling from a yearly produced catalogue the company would provide purchasers with building plans, materials and the house in kit form which were then delivered along the country’s extensive rail network.
One of the most popular house styles with purchases was the bungalow. The USA, having none of the land restrictions suffered in the UK (USA very big, UK quite small), has maintained a love affair with single floor or low-rise dwellings to this day.
The Sears Roebuck Houses were quick and easy off the peg answers to housing needs, and while in some instances still being of considerable charm and appeal to their owners, offered less in terms of flexibility and bespoke styling.
20th century solutions
Monday, 10 September 2007
