The Technology and Construction of Houses Built for the Munition Workers of the First World War

ABSTRACT The increase in the production of armaments following the outbreak of the First World War led to an expansion of existing factories and the building of new manufacturing facilities. Alongside this rapid growth was a need for additional accommodation for the workers. Due to the shortage of both traditional building materials and tradesmen, many of these developments used non-traditional materials, and several housing estates were built using concrete blocks or precast concrete systems. Despite being over 100 years old, most of these estates remain, and in many cases are still highly regarded. As with many housing estates for industrial concerns, they were built to high standards with modern facilities to attract workers to the area. The research presented in this article is based to a significant extent on contemporary reports and descriptions, coupled with visits to a selection of housing estates of the period.