Building record MHG51105 - WWII Handcraft Hut, Portmaculter

WWII seven sided 'handcraft' hut.

HCAU site visit with Contaminated Land took place on 4 March 2008 following the receipt of an application to demolish the hut to make way for a new house. Seven-sided asbestos sheets, which are bolted together, form the main structure. Cement rendered brick forms structure of the end elevations. Internally, it is probable that the original flexible asbestos sheets line the walls; a poorly constructed modern partition wall divides the hut. The SE elevation retains the original door spacing. The two windows have been half blocked up. The remaining opening of the most easterly window contains the original 2x4 window frame; the westerly window has been boarded over. The ventilation duct above the doorway has been blocked up. The NW elevation is much changed with a sliding door replacing the original door opening and one window. The other window has been blocked up. <1>

Handcraft Huts were constructed by the Universal Asbestos Co Ltd at their Handcraft Works, Tolpits Lane, Watford, Herts. See example in <2>

A photographic survey of the building was carried out in 2008 prior to proposed demolition in relation to planning application 08/00030/REMSU. <3>