Event explores sustainable conservation of older buildings

An event this spring will explore conserving traditional buildings with climate change and sustainability in mind.

Traditional Buildings Weekend (30th April-2nd May) is being organised by Ashley Pettit, of the Isle of Man Building Conservation Forum, in conjunction with the Building Limes Forum.

The weekend will include a day of lectures and discussions, with speakers from Ireland, the UK and the Isle of Man; practical sessions, mixing clay mortars and hemp/lime renders, and field trips to examine tholtans and other abandoned buildings.

Ashley is keen to explore the links between traditional, environmentally friendly, practices in the sustainable conservation of older buildings, for example the ability of hemp and lime renders to improve the thermal performance of stone structures.

The weekend will also consider the possibilities for the conservation of the tholtans that characterise the Manx countryside.

Ashley said: 'Many of the Isle of Man's older stone structures are built using local clays. This requires skill but is a very sound form of construction if properly protected. These are much more sustainable than cement based mortars and renders.'

Attendance at the event costs £180 for Building Limes Forum and Institute of Historic Building Conservation members and £200 for non-members.

There is a day rate of £60-£75 and bursaries will be available for those who would find attendance financially difficult.

To book:

- click here or 

- email admin@buildinglimesforum.org.uk

for further details.