An Introduction to Lime in Building

Event details

An Introduction to Lime in Building

15 September 2022
09:30 - 17:00
Heritage Skills Centre, Coleshill Home Farm (National Trust), Coleshil, near Swindon, SN6 7PT
£165 per person   FULLY BOOKED 

"It is critical as a homeowner, with massive amounts of conservation work to do, to be able to do as much as possible myself. These courses empower attendees to have the confidence to do these repairs." - 2021 course delegate

This introductory, one-day course led by expert tutors is ideal for anyone new to using lime in building or keen to expand their basic understanding. Through a combination of illustrated talks and demonstrations, it will explain the different forms of lime available and look at a range of uses, from pointing to plastering and lime washing.    

The course will be delivered by a specifier (Marianne Suhr), a conservation builder/plasterer (Michal Wolf) and a heritage consultant (Rob Workman).

This beginner / intermediate course will appeal to builders already working with lime and looking to extend their knowledge, or who want to begin using lime. It is also suitable for owners of period houses or other old buildings looking to develop their understanding of traditional materials, and specifiers wishing to develop or enhance their understanding of lime and its many applications.   

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

Lunch and refreshments are provided. Accommodation is not included.

Introduction to Lime and Hot Limes in Building course package: 
The Introduction to Lime in Building course will also provide valuable background knowledge to anyone wishing to also attend the Hot Limes in Building course the following day. These courses can be booked together as a package for the special price of £295 per person - book here.

Programme (subject to change if required):

Thursday, 15 September 2022
09:30   Registration 
10:00   Welcome
10:15   Introduction to lime (demonstrations):
            - the Lime Cycle, the raw material, slaking, mixing, carbonation  
            - looking at sands  
            - understanding hydrated limes (wet and dry hydrates)
            - cold and hot mixing mortars
11:15   Break
11:45   Practical demonstrations, with an opportunity to have a go at:
            Group A - mixing mortars and pointing
            Group B - plastering 
12:45   Lunch
13:45   Practical demonstrations, with an opportunity to have a go at:
            Group A - plastering
            Group B - mixing mortars and pointing
15:00  Mixing and applying a limewash
15:15   Break
15:30   Hydraulic Lime explained 
16:00   Case Studies of lime in use / Questions
17:00   Close

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): 
The course will take place in a workshop and outside. Delegates should wear suitable clothing and sturdy footwear. PPE (hi viz, goggles, gloves) and all tools and materials will be provided. Delegates are welcome to bring their own goggles and gloves if they wish. 

Accessibility:
Please contact us if there are any adaptations we can make that would make the course more accessible for you. We would be happy to have an informal chat about the course and possible access issues before you book.

Tutors:

Marianne Suhr - historic buildings surveyor
Marianne is a chartered building surveyor, writer and broadcaster specialising in the repair of historic buildings. After completing a scholarship with the SPAB, she spent seven years in architectural practice. Marianne gave up her desk job to concentrate on practical building projects, whilst co- presenting three series of BBC2’s ‘Restoration’ programme. She has repaired and adapted four houses of her own, and used the experience gained to set up ‘The Old House Consultancy’. Marianne lectures extensively on building repair and runs courses for builders, homeowners and professionals. 

Michal Wolf - plasterer and conservator in lime
Michal is the founder of All Things Lime, a small but dynamic company which helps owners of traditional buildings and national charities to look after their historic buildings. Michal believes in a positive and sensible approach towards caring for historic buildings, and is also interested in traditional methods of working and keeping the craft alive by researching and using different lime plasters (such as chalk lime and hot lime).

Rob Workman - heritage consultant
Rob has over 15 years specialist experience in the heritage construction sector, both project managing conservation building works utilising traditional craft skills and appropriate materials, and as a Conservation Officer for South Oxfordshire and Vale White Horse District Councils more recently.  Rob is a member of the SPAB and has a post graduate diploma in Historic Building Conservation from Oxford Brookes University.  He now runs his historic building and heritage planning consultancy, Lime&Listed, in South Oxfordshire. 
 

Booking Terms & Conditions

Image credit: Ralph Hodgson