Did you know that after world war II the Lustron corporation manufactured prefabricated, porcelain steel-enameled homes, referred to as ‘America’s Modern Metal Marvel’? These postwar prefabs presented a solution for affordable housing, between 1948-1950, as well as a better quality of living for middle-class Americans.
Lustrons were one-story, ranch style homes, featuring a stylish open floor plan, built-in cabinetry and appliances, and virtually maintenance-free all metal construction resistant to fire, termites and vermin. Lustrons were originally priced below $10,000!!! Unfortunately, just under 2,500 houses were produced before the company went bankrupt in 1951.
“…You get the beauty of of porcelain combined with the strength and permanence of steel.”
Today, a small yet dedicated group of Lustron enthusiasts try to preserve these small prefabs from disappearing from America’s architectural landscape. In 2008 a lustron home was featured in the main gallery of the MOMA in an exhibition called: Home Delivery – Fabricating the Modern Dwelling.
I was contacted by Steve Sparks from Hays, Kansas. He is a proud prefab owner. A Lustron home owner, to be exact. Steve describes his house as a Westchester Deluxe edition in Desert Tan, built in 1949.
“…I knew nothing about Lustrons at the time but I saw it for sale and was intrigued by its almost Japanese or Dutch look with the textured enamel roof and paneling. It was for sale by the owner who had lived in it for almost 40 years and kept it in remarkable condition.”
According to Steve, the Lustron prefab is also extremely durable, withstanding the high plains conditions of Kansas as well as the occasional tornado. Alas, the house is for sale, due to relocation, at approx. $85,000 and ‘deserves a nice retirement!’.
* All images courtesy of Steve Sparks and The Lustron Preservation.org
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