Vernacular Building Materials

Event details

Presented by SPAB Ireland
The third lecture in the 10-part on-line series, 'Conserving Irish Vernacular Houses'
The series is part of the SPAB Ireland Vernacular Irish Buildings Campaign 2021 and is generously supported by the Heritage Council under the Heritage Sector Support Fund 2021

Lecture 3: Vernacular Building Materials

Wednesday 1 September 2021, 19.00 -  20.30 
Live Online Lecture

Individual lectures
£5/€6 pp - SPAB members
£6/€7 pp - Non-members 

Book all lectures 
£4.30/€5 each - Members
£5/€6 each - Non-members

Lecture description:

Every vernacular building is unique.  Whilst usually reflective of a pattern, as a result of centuries old practises developed by people having to make a living and a home from the land, each are different in terms of their material and detailed form. 

This talk on vernacular material looks at vernacular houses and farm buildings, mostly in County Donegal, and considers the local and regional factors that have shaped these structures, and how an analysis and better understanding of these can be applied to inform their repair.

 A discussion of the approach to ways of looking has practical application to bringing these buildings back into daily use.

About the speaker:

Duncan McLaren

After studying at The Bartlett School of Architecture (UCL) and practising architecture in London, Duncan moved to Dublin in 1993 working for a number of practises including as Associate Director with Henry J Lyons & Partners.  Duncan’s interest is historic buildings, and he has been accredited as a conservation architect for over 15 years.  Duncan established Dedalus Architecture, a grade 1 accredited conservation practice, in Inishowen, County Donegal in 2001. The practice has been involved with conservation and repair of buildings dating from the medieval period onwards, throughout Ireland.

Work by the practice also includes heritage research and heritage-led urban regeneration projects, including guidelines for: Ballyshannon, Letterkenny, Ramelton and the Fountain & Bogside areas of Derry city.  In response to conservation planning, Dedalus Architecture has also delivered several of these projects funded under the Heritage Council Historic Towns Initiative in Letterkenny, Ramelton, Ballyshannon and Sligo city centre.

Duncan is conservation adviser to the Heritage Council & Irish Landmark Trust and has undertaken heritage projects for community groups, commercial & statutory bodies including: Allied Irish Banks PLC, Donegal County Council, Galway City Council, Sligo County Council, NI Office of First Minister & Deputy First Minister and the National Trust.

About SPAB Ireland:

SPAB Ireland was established in 2017 as the inaugural Irish branch of the SPAB. Following the return of several recent Irish SPAB Fellows and Scholars to live and work in Ireland, the lack of an SPAB presence has been acutely felt. After a successful open meeting in February 2017, we have established a committee and have started planning how we will bring the SPAB philosophy and ethos to Ireland.

The lecture will be recorded and available to watch on demand for a limited time after the live presentation. Bookings must be made in advance to receive this recording link.

IT requirements: Please note that this is an online lecture and will be held via a webinar platform (Zoom). You will be sent instructions on how to join the session the day before the lecture. 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 Group Organiser before booking to discuss any special access requirements.

Booking Terms & Conditions

Image Credit: Duncan McLaren