Understanding Your Old Building

Saturday 13 June 2026
9am - 5.30pm

In partnership with the Jersey Preservation Trust, this course introduces the SPAB conservation approach and offers guidance on how best to tackle common problems and maintain the character and value of your home. 

If you live in or look after a period property, or are a professional who needs to brief their clients on understanding their old building, this course is ideal for you. The SPAB is an IHBC-recognised CPD provider and certificates of attendance are available on request.

Topics we will cover

•    An Introduction to Old Buildings and Conservation: putting ideas into practice 
•    Construction and Performance: understanding why old buildings are different 
•    Introduction to Lime: a beginner’s guide 
•    Maintenance Matters: the importance of the routine care of buildings 
•    Understanding the Legal Framework and Working with Professionals 
•    Energy Efficiency: upgrading old buildings without compromising character and integrity 

The course also includes a walking / observation activity in the local area to look at different building types and identify potential maintenance issues.

You will need

• You will need to wear sturdy (flat and closed) walking shoes for the observation activity. Please wear comfortable layers of clothing and be prepared for sunshine or rain.   
• A notebook and pen (if required for note-taking). 

Tutors 

The course is presented on behalf of the SPAB by James Innerdale and Libby Watts. James is an accredited architect, historic buildings consultant and SPAB Technical Adviser. Libby is a RIBA Specialist Conservation Architect, director of Liberty Rose Architects and SPAB Education and Training Guardian.On behalf of the Jersey Building Preservation Trust, Antony Gibb is a historic buildings consultant with a background in archaeology, design, construction and planning. Antony is the founder and a Trustee of the Jersey Building Preservation Trust, which provides building conservation skills training in Jersey.

Accreditation 

The SPAB is an IHBC-recognised CPD provider and attendance certificates for CPD are available on request.

Accessibility 

This is a lecture-based course but includes a 70 minute walking / observation activity in the local area, which will require periods of standing. Public paths may be uneven and narrow during the observation activity. 

Step-free access to the venue if from the Weighbridge corridor entrance via a lift to Member’s Room.  

There is an accessible toilet on the third floor of the building (accessible by lift).

An audio loop is available.

Parking is available nearby at Pier Road multi-storey carpark.

Anything we can do to make this event more accessible for you? Please email education@spab.org.uk. 

Photos and filming: We may take photos or videos at this event to be used in future promotion, including in print and online. Participants may take photos and short videos for personal use, with permission of the course leader and all other participants in frame. If you want to post on social media, please message SPAB's Comms Team (press@spab.org.uk or @spab1877) for permission. If your material is good, we might ask to share it with our followers.

All bookings are subject to our Terms and Conditions.

Photo credit: Antony Gibb. 

This event is in partnership with the Jersey Building Preservation Trust.