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SPAB
37 Spital Square
LONDON
E1 6DY
T: 020 7377 1644
F: 020 7247 5296
E: info@spab.org.uk
Charity No. 111 3753
37 Spital Square
LONDON
E1 6DY
T: 020 7377 1644
F: 020 7247 5296
E: info@spab.org.uk
Charity No. 111 3753
Scottish Charity No. SC 039244
Company No. 5743962
VAT No. 577 4276 02
Technical Courses
We run a number of different technical courses - topics vary each year. If you're
after a specific subject, you might like to consider arranging a bespoke course.
View events by date on the events page here.
View events by date on the events page here.
The Repair of Old BuildingsSix-Day Repair Course for Architects, Surveyors and anyone actively employed in building conservation:
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Lime Coursesfor building contractors:
2-day Lime Plastering Workshop - Fri 4th - Sat 5th Apr 2008 1-day Practical : Roughcasts and Renders - Sat 7th June 2008 1-day Introduction to Lime - Monday 8th September 2008 |
Technical Days |
CPD - Short Events |
Six Day Repair Course
THE REPAIR OF OLD BUILDINGS: A COURSE OF LECTURES AND VISITS
12th - 17th May 2008 (Mon - Sat) Spring Repair Course 2008
6th - 11th October 2008 (Mon - Sat) Autumn Repair Course 2008
The Society’s Repair Course has been run annually since 1950 and is now held
twice a year. The course is intended for architects, surveyors, structural engineers,
planners, conservation officers, builders and craftsmen. It is likely to meet
Continuing Professional Development requirements for architects and surveyors.
The object of the course is to illustrate by lectures and practical examples
the manner in which the conservative repair of old buildings can be achieved.
The methods demonstrated include those evolved and proved by the Society over
almost 130 years. The lecturers are all practising architects or other experts
with long experience of this type of work.
Subjects covered are likely to include:
Subjects covered are likely to include:
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The format of the two courses will be the same, though there may be minor changes in timetable & lectures.
Venue: The lectures are held at the Society’s offices at 37 Spital Square, London E1
- near Liverpool Street Station. Accommodation in London is not provided.
Accessibility: Delegates who may require special access requirements should contact the Education
department before booking.
Tour & Site Visits: A central part of the course will be visits to buildings under repair. As well
as site visits in the London area for afternoon trips, there will be a 2 day tour
(normally Wednesday and Thursday) to a different region of the country. Course
members will need to be able to climb scaffolding on some sites. Accommodation
on the Wednesday night is arranged as part of the tour. Hard hats will be provided,
but we ask that you come prepared with stout footwear and suitable clothing.
The fee for the course includes lectures and relevant papers, morning coffee,
afternoon tea, and coach travel for site visits. It also covers the 2-day tour,
including overnight accommodation, transport, insurance and meals when travelling.
Booking Conditions:
A booking is only confirmed on receipt of a booking form and a non-refundable deposit of £100, or the full course fee. If just a deposit is made, the balance is due no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course, after which the place may be offered to another delegate. No refunds will be made for bookings cancelled after that date. Cancellations must be confirmed in writing.
A booking is only confirmed on receipt of a booking form and a non-refundable deposit of £100, or the full course fee. If just a deposit is made, the balance is due no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course, after which the place may be offered to another delegate. No refunds will be made for bookings cancelled after that date. Cancellations must be confirmed in writing.
Fee: £700
The course is VAT-exempt.
Please print off and return the Booking Form here or Book Online at the end of this web page.
Plastering Workshop
Lime Plastering Practical Course
A two-day course for modern (gypsum and cement) plasterers, providing an introduction to lime plastering. The course covers the use of fat lime and hydraulic lime for masonry, re-pointing, plasterwork, rendering and roughcasting.
Delegates will be using different materials (riven lath, sawn lath, reed) and
practising 3-coat lime plastering which covers the pricking-up coat, the floating
coat and the setting coat. Practise is done on the walls and ceilings needing
repair in the old servants quarters of the farm house.
This is a chance to meet skilled craftsmen who have been using lime for decades.
These are practical experts, not just theorists, and you are encouraged to get
hands-on experience of a wide variety of skills. As well as the workshops, topics
include:
- Why use lime?
- Slaking
- Analysing and mixing plaster
- Roughcast
- Hydraulic Lime
- Limewash
Unfortunately we are not able to offer this course to people without existing
trowel skills, but recommend that they check the details of the homeowners weekends here as they include practical sessions in the use of Lime on the Sunday.
Date: Friday 4th - Saturday 5th April 2008
Venue: Wheathills Farm, Nr. Mackworth, Derbyshire
Cost: £175
Unfortunately it is not possible to book this course online. Please download
and return the Booking Form.
Roughcasting and Other External Lime Rendering
Date: Saturday 7th June 2008 (with an option on Saturday 14th June in case of bad weather)
Venue: Oxfordshire
Fee: £95
Fee: £95
A one day practical course teaching the art of roughcasting and other external
lime renders. The day will start with a short informal lecture, looking at why
and when we want to use lime renders, and roughcasting specifically. The rest
of the day is given over to long practical sessions, that will give delegates
lots of hands-on time to get to grips with the skills and knowledge required.
This course is aimed at Building Contractors who already have trowel skills.
Roughcasting can be messy work, so delegates will need to bring protective working
clothes, and a basic set of tools. The practice work is done on real walls rather
than demonstration frames which makes the practical sessions entirely realistic,
and will highlight some of the real-life issues that crop up outside of the classroom
environment.
All materials are provided. The cost of the course includes lunch and all refreshments.
Download the Booking Form or Book Online at the end of this page.
CPD Morning : Lime Plasters and Renders
Technical Session
Date: Tuesday 8th April 2008 - Morning
Venue: Gosfield, Nr Halstead, Essex
Fee: £40
Fee: £40
A morning learning about lime for plasters and renders for conservation work.
We will cover the use of different lime-based mixes for different applications,
as well as the identification of problems and suitable repair methods. There
is the opportunity for a little hands-on experience.
CPD Afternoon: Pargetting
Technical Session
Date: Tuesday 8th April 2008 - Afternoon
Venue: Gosfield, Nr Halstead, Essex
Fee: £40
The afternoon session will demonstrate the art and craft of combed, stamped and free-hand pargetting. Bill will talk about the common problems and solutions encountered, and offer essential advice for those specifying new or replacement work.
Venue: Gosfield, Nr Halstead, Essex
Fee: £40
The afternoon session will demonstrate the art and craft of combed, stamped and free-hand pargetting. Bill will talk about the common problems and solutions encountered, and offer essential advice for those specifying new or replacement work.
CPD Afternoon: Sand Cast Lead
Technical Session
Date: Tuesday 29th April 2008
Venue: CEL Leadworks, Peterborough
Fee: £40
This CPD afternoon will start with a presentation and a demonstration of sand cast lead where delegates will see the sand bed being prepared, the lead poured to the required CODE and then the lead sheet being cut into manageable rolls. After a tea break, the group will visit a local roofing project to see the lead being repaired, laid and dressed insitu. The afternoon will be useful for any professional keen to learn more about lead sheet production, dressing techniques and general specification information.
Download the Booking Form or Book Online at the end of this page.
Venue: CEL Leadworks, Peterborough
Fee: £40
This CPD afternoon will start with a presentation and a demonstration of sand cast lead where delegates will see the sand bed being prepared, the lead poured to the required CODE and then the lead sheet being cut into manageable rolls. After a tea break, the group will visit a local roofing project to see the lead being repaired, laid and dressed insitu. The afternoon will be useful for any professional keen to learn more about lead sheet production, dressing techniques and general specification information.
Download the Booking Form or Book Online at the end of this page.
Introduction to Lime
Introduction to Lime
A one-day course for modern (gypsum and cement) plasterers, providing an introduction to lime.
As well as workshops in slaking, mixing and using lime, topics include:
- Why use lime?
- Slaking
- Analysing and mixing plaster
- Roughcast
- Hydraulic Lime
- Limewash
Unfortunately we are not able to offer this course to people without existing
trowel skills, but recommend that they check the details of the homeowners weekends here as they include practical sessions in the use of Lime on the Sunday.
Date: Monday 8th September 2008
Venue: Dunster Tithe Barn, Dunster, Somerset
Cost: £100
Unfortunately it is not possible to book this course online. Please download
and return the Booking Form.
Flooding
Date: Friday 20th June 2008
Venue: Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire
Fee: £100
Since last summer's flooding, the worst since 1947, the SPAB has heard from many
enquirers desperate to save their old buildings, not only from the flood waters
but also from the destructive advice given by many building insurance companies.
It appears from our research that whether a flooded building is new or old the
same blanket approach to cleaning up, drying out and reinstatement is used. Unfortunately
this approach has meant the loss of important historic fabric and the damaging
effect of reinstatement using inappropriate materials. Through the use of case
studies combined with sympathetic environmental specialist and conservation professional
advice, this course will address the main issues found when dealing with flood
damaged old buildings and their repair.
Download the Booking Form or Book Online at the end of this page.
CPD Morning: Clay Roof Tiles
Date: Tuesday 8th July 2008
Venue: Keymer Tiles, Burgess Hill
Fee: £40
For over 400 years, Keymer have been making traditional hand made clay roof tiles that have adorned buildings throughout the world from cottages to castles. During the morning, delegates will be split into two groups and rotate between a presentation on clay roof tile production, application and installation, and a tour of the Keymer workshop where they’ll see the process end to end, from digging out the wealden clay, to hands-on demonstrations where you can try making your own roof tile.
Download the Booking Form or Book Online at the end of this page.
Venue: Keymer Tiles, Burgess Hill
Fee: £40
For over 400 years, Keymer have been making traditional hand made clay roof tiles that have adorned buildings throughout the world from cottages to castles. During the morning, delegates will be split into two groups and rotate between a presentation on clay roof tile production, application and installation, and a tour of the Keymer workshop where they’ll see the process end to end, from digging out the wealden clay, to hands-on demonstrations where you can try making your own roof tile.
Download the Booking Form or Book Online at the end of this page.
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CPD Afternoon: Roof Shingles
Date: Tuesday 8th July 2008
Venue: Weald and Downland Museum, West Sussex
Fee: £40
Peter Harknett, during a lecture and practical demonstration will pass on some of his vast knowledge on timber roof shingles. Aided by John Deal, a local conservation architect, they will provide information on shingle size, setting out a shingle roof and general fixing techniques.
Download the Booking Form or Book Online at the end of this page.
Venue: Weald and Downland Museum, West Sussex
Fee: £40
Peter Harknett, during a lecture and practical demonstration will pass on some of his vast knowledge on timber roof shingles. Aided by John Deal, a local conservation architect, they will provide information on shingle size, setting out a shingle roof and general fixing techniques.
Download the Booking Form or Book Online at the end of this page.
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CPD Afternoon: Thatch
Date: Tuesday 2nd September 2008
Venue: Hertfordshire
Fee: £40
An afternoon lecture and demonstrations, suitable for anyone who would like to learn more about specifying thatch work. Learn about the repair and protection of thatch. Topics will include types, techniques, specifications, insulation and fire safety.
Download the Booking Form or Book Online at the end of this page.
Venue: Hertfordshire
Fee: £40
An afternoon lecture and demonstrations, suitable for anyone who would like to learn more about specifying thatch work. Learn about the repair and protection of thatch. Topics will include types, techniques, specifications, insulation and fire safety.
Download the Booking Form or Book Online at the end of this page.
Sandstone
Date: Tuesday 16th September 2008
Venue: Southern Scotland
Fee: £100
The format for the day is still being finalised, but will be a mix of technical
lectures and demonstrations. Topics to include: information on the structure
of sandstone, the correct mortars to use, common defects and methods of repair
and conservation. Experts with years of experience will talk about the issues
and demonstrate some of the craft techniques. Of interest to anyone needing more
information about working with sandstone.
Download the Booking Form or Book Online at the end of this page.
Conservation Engineering
Date: Tuesday 28th October 2008
Venue: York
Venue: York
Fee: £100
Engineers with experience of working with historic buildings will talk about
the issues. How should the engineering approach be altered when faced with ancient
materials? Information will be shared during a series of lectures and case studies,
looking at the process of surveying, assessing and diagnosis of historic structures
and how modern building regulations can be satisfied. Lectures to include:
* Philosophy of Conservation Engineering
* Historical Building Development
* Structural Form
* Case Studies
* Historical Building Development
* Structural Form
* Case Studies
Download the Booking Form or Book Online at the end of this page.
Introduction to Historic Paint Technology
Date: Tuesday 11th November 2008
Venue: Birmingham
Fee: £100
This course aims to provide all interested architects, surveyors, engineers,
builders, conservation officers etc. with the basics of traditional paint technology.
The course will include practical demonstrations in using limewash, soft/glue
size distemper, oil bound water paints, oil paints as well some later paints:
emulsion, acrylic resin, silicates etc. Each demonstration will consider substrate
preparation, constituent materials, application and post-application care. The
workshop sessions will be supplemented by illustrated
lectures on The History of Paint, substrate compatibility and cleaning considerations.
lectures on The History of Paint, substrate compatibility and cleaning considerations.
Download the Booking Form or Book Online at the end of this page.