‘Hidden in Plain Sight’ – The survival of Domestic Architecture in Dublin in (1660 – 1714) Identification, Characteristics and Repair

Event details

Friday 25 June 2021, 13.30-14.30

This presentation is about current research of the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage in relation to cross-cutting remit of survey, protection, preservation and conservation in both archaeology and architecture.

The combined training and experience in Architecture, History of Art & Archaeology across the Department has provided the opportunity to work across sectional and professional divisions and to examine closely this rare collection of domestic buildings of the C17th and early C18th.

These structures, whose timber frames of roofs, floors and staircases can be examined using scientific techniques used regularly in archaeology such as dendrochronology and radiocarbon dating and where many of the construction and joinery forms derive from archaeology prototypes.

About the speaker: Nicki Matthews is a Senior Architect in Built Heritage Policy in the Dept. of Housing, Local Government & Heritage. Her remit is in the safeguarding of built heritage is wide-ranging and an interesting role in policy development and implementation of heritage-led urban regeneration, planning & development control, strategic infrastructure projects including strategic housing development, climate action and the implementation of flood relief schemes in terms of their impact on built heritage.

As a Grade 1 Conservation Architect, Nicki has achieved the highest level of accreditation in terms of knowledge and skills required to maintain and manage the wide range of buildings that form the material culture of society. Working as an Architectural Conservation Officer the shared learning experience and best practice gleaned through collaboration with contractors and practitioners alike, was greatly valued. This key experience led to the compilation of the RIAI ‘OLD House New Home’ to encourage the reuse of vacant or under-utilised buildings rural and urban to meet our housing crisis and to retain our distinctive built heritage and sense of place.

With Ireland’s ratification of the Granada Convention for the Protection of the Architectural Heritage Europe there is now an expectation that the care of historic buildings will meet the highest international standards. The conservation of buildings and the conservation of towns and urban areas are distinct but related concerns. They share a requirement for specialist knowledge and skills, usually require the collaboration of a range of disciplines, and make special demands on the theoretical frameworks and knowledge base of each discipline. Interest in addressing information ‘gaps’ has led to this current research on early urban buildings.

Nicki is am a member of ICOMOS Ireland and the Urban Design Committee of the RIAI, which keeps me informed of issues, thinking and practice

Nicki has published and contributed to a number of publications in relation to built heritage including;

• The Georgian Squares of Dublin
• The Farmhouse of Count Kildare
• Aungier Street the revitalisation of a historic streetscape
• The Advice Series on the Repair and conservation of Traditional Roofs
• RIAI Old House New Home

About the skill-share: Run by members for members, these short and informal online sessions are a great way to learn from the expertise and experience of your fellow historic building enthusiasts. We are really grateful to everyone who has volunteered to lead a session so far. If you are interested in leading a session please get in touch with our membership team: membership[at]spab.org.uk

These sessions are only available to SPAB members, so you will need to log in to the website in order to register. Please get in touch if you don't have a log in set up yet.

IT requirements: Please note that this is an online session and will be held via Zoom. You will be sent instructions on how to join the session when you book. To participate, all you need is an internet connection, and a laptop, computer or phone with the ability to play video and audio. 

Accessibility: please contact the SPAB before booking to discuss any special access requirements.