Hi,
In the area of Harlow Green, Gateshead there is a large number of non traditional properties. Crosswall construction with infills.
On one street there are three sets of semi detached properties. On the rear elevation the wall is approx. 75% brick which is not in keeping with the surrounding properties. I’m struggling to find data and Council records. It may be given they are semi and the rest are terraced they are hybrid experiment types during their construction
Please could someone confirm the exact type/name?
Images below.
Thanks
SophieClaire 30 March 2026 8:21 AM @historybuild It does sound like a crosswall-type or hybrid non-traditional build, especially with the mixed rear elevation. You might need to check local council archives or ask a surveyor to confirm the exact type.
Hello History Build, I've had a look at the properties you mentioned and I can only assume at this stage that they are either variants of, or upgrades to the NEMA system of dwellings.
According to my Gateshead Housing and Gateshead MBC Housing records, the original council owned properties listed at this location are described as being NEMA which is also known as a Rationalised form of construction.
The System: NEMA (North East Major Authorities)
The term "NEMA" stands for the North East Major Authorities (sometimes referred to as the North East Major Authorities Housing Consortium).
This was a consortium formed in the 1960s/70s by local councils (including Gateshead, Newcastle, Sunderland, etc.) to pool their resources and build homes faster using a standardized "kit" of parts.
Construction Details: Rationalised Traditional
The BRE (Building Research Establishment) data, classifies NEMA as Rationalised Traditional and sometimes as Rationalised non-traditional, depending on the exact variant of construction (often shortened to "Rat-Trad").
Based on research and your photos, you are correct, these properties are Crosswall (Cross-wall) Construction:
The "Crosswall" (Structural):
The side walls (gable ends) and the party walls are built of traditional brick and block.
These are the walls that hold the roof up.
Visual Evidence: Your photos show a solid brick gable end.
The Infill Panels (Non-Structural):
The front and rear walls are likely timber-framed panels. They do not hold the weight of the roof; they just "fill in" the gap between the brick cross-walls.
These panels were often factory-made and clad in weatherboarding, tile hanging, brick slips or lightweight plastic/timber cladding (the grey/blue sections in your photo) and sometimes homeowners even replace these walls with traditional brick or block
Visual Evidence: The distinct vertical separation between the brick gable and the front facade is a classic sign of crosswall construction.
Is it Mortgageable? (The Crucial Part)
Because NEMA houses are generally identified as "Rationalised Traditional" (brick structure) rather than "Non-Traditional" (like concrete PRC or full steel frame), they are generally mortgageable with high-street lenders, but there is a catch:
The Good News: The main structure is brick, which lenders like. It is not considered "defective" under the Housing Act.
The Warning: Some surveyors flag the front/rear timber panels. If the surveyor simply ticks "Non-Standard Construction" without explanation, the lender's computer might simply auto-decline the application.
The Fix: You need a surveyor who correctly identifies it as "Crosswall construction with traditional brick flanks and timber infill panels."
Summary of 19 Dishforth Green
System Name: NEMA (North East Major Authorities).
Type: Rationalised Traditional / Crosswall Construction.
Walls: Brick gable/party walls; Timber-framed front/rear infill.
Risk Level: Low to Medium. (Much better than concrete prefabs, but still requires a specialist surveyor note).
Disclaimer: The identification of construction types in this article is speculative and based on visual evidence and desktop research only. This content is for general interest/entertainment and does not constitute professional advice or a structural survey. I am not a Chartered Surveyor and accept no liability for the accuracy of this information. You must always confirm construction details with a qualified RICS surveyor or structural engineer before making any property decisions.
Important: This assessment is based solely on the photographs and data provided and should not be relied upon as a definitive statement of fact. Construction types can vary significantly, even within the same estate. This information is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. I accept no liability for any financial loss, property defect, or transactional failure arising from reliance on this content. A full RICS Level 3 Building Survey is highly recommended.
