Type:	Course	Cost:	£160.00
Start Date:	16th Oct 2010	End Date:	16th Oct 2010
Contact Name:	Claire Martin: course organiser	Phone:	0207 456 0915
Website:	http://www.spab.org.uk

Description:

Caring for Your Timber Framed Building in the 21st Century

TV Restoration expert Marianne Suhr leads a two-day practical course for owners of these traditional period homes (October 2010)

Repair of Timber Framed Buildings
Dates: Saturday/ Sunday, 16th and 17th October
Location: Henley, Oxfordshire at the King’s Arms Barn Cost: £160 per person

Asked to picture a classic English country cottage, it’s likely that most people will conjure up images of attractive timber framed buildings, complete with roses round door, beamed ceilings and quaint, character-filled nooks and crannies. Many of us aspire to owning a picture-perfect timber-framed house, but along with the pleasure of owning such a special place comes the pain of finding out about the right ways to care for it, repair it and live in it. And in the 21st century that can be trickier than you might think!

In October, SPAB (The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) will be running a two-day weekend course for owners of timber framed buildings and for builders and professionals who work on them. Led by TV’s Marianne Suhr, presenter of Restoration, co-author of Old House Handbook and owner of a beautiful Oxfordshire timber-framed house, the weekend will cover construction, typical failures and conservation repairs.

The course is designed to give a good overall insight into all aspects of timber frame repairs, as well as advising on energy efficiency improvements compatible with a breathable, flexible structure. SPAB’s weekend will give practical advice and reassurance to anyone who already owns an old timber framed property and essential information for anyone thinking about buying one.

After successfully and sensitively repairing a series of timber–framed properties, Marianne Suhr, who trained as historic buildings surveyor, is ideally placed to lead the course. Her own house, Cotterills, is a beautiful, rambling 450 year old cottage which she has transformed from a near- ruin to a wonderful family home.
Marianne explains: “It’s easy to fall in love with these beautiful houses, but it’s so important to be aware that they need specialist repairs and understanding. Typically their walls are only four inches thick and they can be draughty and cold. In addition, if inappropriately treated or altered in the past, they can be vulnerable to damp, decay and even collapse!

“It is essential that home owners are aware of these potential problems. Timber framed buildings are complex to repair and maintain. It might surprise you to know that more surveyors get sued following the pre-purchase survey of a timber framed house than any other building type.”

It’s not all gloom, however. Timber framed buildings are still highly desirable - and sensitive and appropriate repairs add to their value and appeal. The right approaches can also improve a property’s energy efficiency while retaining its unique character for future generations to enjoy.

SPAB’s weekend course will begin at The Kings Arms Barn – a stunning, recently repaired and conserved building at the centre of Henley. Day 1 will feature a programme of illustrated presentations from timber frame experts and fascinating case studies from owners who have completed major projects. Sections will cover issues including:

• Understanding a timber framed house
• The conservation approach
• Damp
• Timber decay

Day 2 moves to a local builder’s yard where delegates will have the chance to gain practical experience of working with lime, traditional plastering, wattle and daub, limewash. The day will also cover frame repairs and working with ‘hemcrete’.

Running from 9.15am to 5.pm each day, Saturday and Sunday, SPAB’s Timber Framed Building course costs £160 per person, including lunch and refreshments on both days (accommodation is not included). To make a booking or find out more, call course organiser Claire Martin on 0207 456 0915. For more information about SPAB visit: www.spab.org.uk Ends

For more information contact Kate Griffin, SPAB press office, 0207 456 0905 or Claire Martin, SPAB course organiser, 0207 456 0915

Notes to Editors
Images available

SPAB is Britain’s oldest building conservation body. It was set up by William Morris to oppose the destructive restorations of the Victorian era and promote the alternative of “conservative repair”. By law it must be notified of applications to demolish listed buildings in England and Wales and comments on many hundred each year. The Society also trains architects and craftsmen; produces advisory publications on subjects such as damp; and campaigns on issues like VAT. It also has a separate section devoted to Mills.