The Post-War Prefab Housing Boom
To solve the massive housing crisis after WWII, the UK government built thousands of temporary 'prefab' homes designed to last 10 years. Some are still lived in today.
During the Blitz in World War II, over two million British homes were destroyed or heavily damaged. The country faced a catastrophic housing shortage when the soldiers returned home.
Winston Churchill championed the temporary housing program, leading to the mass production of 'prefabs' (prefabricated homes). These were built in factories using materials like steel, aluminum, and asbestos, then assembled on-site in a matter of hours. They were highly prized because they featured indoor toilets and fitted kitchens—a luxury at the time. Though designed with a lifespan of only 10 years, some were so well-loved that they have been preserved and are still inhabited today.