These eight semi-detached houses (4 buildings) were constructed as prototypes to test a prefabricated building system utilising cast iron components (framing and panels) developed immediately following the drop in work experienced by the castings department of Newton Chambers following the loss of orders for shells at the end of World War II. The development coincided with a period in which the cost of traditional building materials was especially high and government policies were spearheading a drive to provide 'homes for heroes'. Around 500 such houses are thought to have been produced before the design was discontinued (See illustrations in Jones and Jones 1993,31 and further info in Elliot 1958 Chap XIII).