The Repair of Old Buildings Course (RC2 22)

Event details

17-22 October 2022

Online Course

Booking closes at 23:45 on Tuesday 11 October 2022

"The course is really great. The content and subjects are wide- ranging. The speakers are really good. I consider myself lucky to have attended this year, even virtually." - Course delegate, May 2021

This popular short course has been presented by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings since the 1950s. As a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 postponed course was successfully run online in May 2021 and again in November 2021. Following positive feedback, and in keeping with the SPAB’s commitment to sustainability and accessibility, the course will again be held virtually this Autumn.  

The Repair of Old Buildings course delivers an extensive programme of lectures and recorded site visits demonstrating building repair projects, accompanied by a series of live online Q&A sessions with speakers and site hosts. The online format provides delegates with an extended learning period until early December, enabling them to view content at their own pace, in addition to offering at least 30 minutes per speaker for questions.  All pre-recorded content will be made available a few weeks before the course dates so you have plenty of time to view and consider the materials in advance. Furthermore, the course is now accompanied by a our Repair of Old Buildings Course Handbook: a series of articles written by specialists on historic building repair topics, which is provided to all delegates and is exclusive to the course.  

Presented by leading building conservation professionals, the Repair Course considers British and international approaches to the conservation of old buildings.  The SPAB philosophy of repair and maintenance - established by William Morris in 1877 - underpins the course programme of case studies, presentations and site visits. 
 

WHAT WILL BE COVERED? 

The Repair Course offers an extensive programme of pre-recorded lectures.  These typically include the following topics, each of which is accompanied by a comprehensive reading list: 

• Conservation Principles: The SPAB Approach 
• An Introduction to Historic Building Controls  
• Construction and Performance of Traditional Buildings 
• Conservation Structural Engineering: Issues, Diagnosis and Solutions 
• Dealing with Damp in Old Buildings 
• An Introduction to Lime 
• Stonework Repairs 
• Flintwork Repairs in Historic Structures 
• Plasterwork in Historic Buildings 
• An Introduction to Historic Paints and Wallpapers 
• Repair of Traditional Brickwork  
• Services in Historic Buildings 
• The Care and Repair of Historic Roofs 
• An Introduction to Timber Repairs 
• Metalwork 
• Conservation of Stained Glass 

In addition to the lectures, there will be a series of recorded site visits.  At previous online Repair Courses, these virtual visits have included looking at the SPAB's Old House Project, receiving in depth tours of the recent works at Hampton Court Palace and Kensington Palace Orangery, and a look into the repair works at Kibworth Harcourt Post Mill. These visits are a key part of the course, allowing delegates to see how the principles discussed in the lectures are applied, or not, in the real world.  

There is plenty of time for questions and discussion as part of the five-day programme of Question and Answer Sessions. Delegates will get 30 minutes to ask each site visit host and speaker questions about their project or lecture. These sessions will be held live via Zoom throughout the week of 17-22 October 2022. It is advised that delegates view as much of the pre-recorded content as possible before attending the Q&As.

Recordings will be held on the dedicated Repair of Old Buildings Course website so that delegates can pause, rewind and rewatch content as often as they like. After the Q&A Sessions have finished airing, they will also be available to view as a recording, in the event delegates are unable to attend the live session. 

WHO IS IT FOR?

The course welcomes students and professionals interested in deepening their understanding of old buildings, and who may be interested in developing work in this area.

Past delegates on this course have included:

Architects;

Architectural Technologists;

Builders;

Building Surveyors;

Buildings Archaeologists;

Conservation Officers and Planners;

Craftspeople;

Project Officers and Managers;

Structural Engineers and others.

Not sure if the course is suitable for you? Contact us at education@spab.org.uk, 020 7377 1644 and we will be happy to give you a steer.

REPAIR COURSE BURSARY

The SPAB has a small fund to allow it to award bursaries to individuals who might not otherwise be able to afford a place on the Repair Course.

Please note that a bursary does not necessarily equate to the full course fee. If you would like to apply, please contact education@spab.org.uk with your CV and a covering letter explaining your need for the bursary and how attending the course will support your career. The deadline for applications is 23:45 on Sunday 11 September 2022.

GROUP BOOKING DISCOUNTS

We are pleased to offer discounts of 10% off for group bookings of 3-5 delegates (bringing the cost down from £805 to £724.50 per person) and 15% off for group bookings of 6-10 delegates (down to £684.25 per person).  To make a group booking, please contact education@spab.org.uk.

ASSESSMENT

There is no formal assessment for this course; delegates will receive a Certificate of Attendance upon completion.

The Repair of Old Buildings Course is recognised by the IHBC for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and the RIBA for Career Learning.

Booking Terms & Conditions

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