New Ideas for Old Buildings: SPAB-STBA Conference 2024

Tuesday 5 November 2024, 9.30am - 5.30pm *

* We're delighted to announce that Simpson & Brown are generously hosting a drinks reception to conclude the conference.  This will be from 6pm - 8pm at York Art Gallery, just a few minutes walk from the Hospitium, and will include a talk and tour of the award winning 'Secret Gallery' co-designed by Simpson & Brown and a private viewing of the William Morris wallpapers exhibition.

Our traditional and historic buildings are facing unique challenges in the face of climate change, technological advancements, skills shortages, and economic pressures.  

With this year’s theme, we’re exploring where tradition meets innovation, and how the past informs the future.  

You’ll hear from a wide array of experts sharing the latest research, ideas and innovations to give our built heritage a sustainable future.   

As a bonus, participants will have free entry to the nearby Yorkshire Museum during the lunch break. 

Who is this conference for?  

This conference is aimed at building and heritage professionals, as well as students in relevant fields.

The SPAB is an IHBC-recognised CPD provider. Certificates of attendance are available on request. 

Programme

Join us to discover the latest on: 

1. Materials for the Future: Exploring sustainable materials and building techniques that respect the traditional performance of old buildings while meeting contemporary demands for efficiency and environmental responsibility.  

2. Educational Initiatives: Discussing strategies for educating professionals, craftspeople and the public about the significance of traditional buildings and fostering the skills necessary for their preservation and enhancement.  

3. Innovative Applications: Showcasing projects and case studies that demonstrate innovative approaches to the repair and adaptation of traditional buildings for modern use.  

4. Community Engagement: Highlighting successful community-driven initiatives aimed at preserving heritage, revitalising historic areas, and promoting sustainable development practices.  

5. Technological Advancements: Presenting advancements in technology, digital tools, and methodologies that aid in the documentation, analysis, and conservation of traditional buildings. 

Speakers

Keynote: Anna Liu & Mike Tonkin, Tonkin Liu - New Stories Old Buildings

• Andy Beardsley, Terra Measurement - Reinventing Heritage: Empowering Old Building Conservation with Best Practice 3D Geospatial Surveys
• Laura Brain & Joel Cady, Welsh School of Architecture - Transforming Homes & Houses for Future Generations research project 
• Christian Clarkson & Nicholas Uglow, Simpson & Brown - Dalmeny House: Not Without Foundation
• Dr Louise Cooke with panel of postgraduate students, University of York - Conservation, Crafts and the Changing Climate: Pilot Project
• Dale Copley with Megan Breen, Owen Bushell, Lynn Mathias & Joe Orsi – Meeting the Heritage Craft Skills Shortage Head On
• Domenico D'Alessandro, Historic England - Paints and Coatings for Conservation: HE Research Overview
• Rachel Elliott, Lynch Architects - Jankes Barn: An Essex Barn Non-Conversion
• Jo Lugg, National Trust - New Ideas for Old Buildings: The National Trust
• Katie Steele, Cheribim - New Ways of Assessing & Managing the Thermal Performance of Historic Church Buildings (Diocese of Sheffield Project)

Accessibility

• Total or partial step-free access 
• Accessible toilets 
• Accessible parking spaces 
• Catering for dietary restrictions, if indicated on the booking form 

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

Conference Sponsors

With thanks to our sponsors:

Ecological Building Systems

Ecological Building Systems was set up in Athboy, County Meath, Ireland in 2000. The UK division was established in 2007 and is based near Carlisle in Cumbria.  Ecological's parent company is MacCann & Byrne, a family owned company steeped in history, which has been on the same premises in Athboy since 1906. Their ethos is to achieve 'Better Building' by adopting a 'Fabric First' approach to design, with the use of more natural materials to optimise building performance and durability. They research, stock, and supply high-performance sustainable products with unrivalled technical support, and offer comprehensive training on all the products they supply.

VELUX roof windows have been bringing daylight and fresh air into homes around the world for more than 80 years. Their products help create bright, healthy and energy-efficient places in which to live, work, learn and play. VELUX have an objective to find ways for the building industry to be sustainable. Preserving and improving our existing building stock is the best way to reduce use of material and energy. Daylight and fresh air with roof windows is a key element to increase the future value of traditional and historic buildings, making it a healthy and comfortable place for the occupants.  

And to our exhibitors:

Gowercroft Joinery

Sisaltech

Thank you also to Simpson & Brown for hosting the evening reception.

About us

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) is here for old buildings and the people who care for them. Based on years of experience and research we understand how old buildings work.

The STBA (Sustainable Traditional Buildings Alliance) is an alliance of the UK's leading organisations associated with the conservation and improvement of traditional buildings. The STBA aims to develop policy, guidance and training to minimise risks and maximise benefits to traditional buildings and their owners.

We may take photos or videos at this event to be used in future promotion, including in print and online.  

All bookings are subject to our Terms & Conditions

Main image: York Hospitium © Sean Richardson