The Chartered Institute of Building is to hold a conference exploring the latest thinking on how to get the best out the country’s traditional, pre-1919 building stock, in the setting of London’s historic Somerset House.
How to Make Traditional Buildings Work for You, on 17 March, will include a range of expert speakers looking at the re-use of older buildings, and sustainable refurbishment strategies – but also the potential for causing damage through ill-thought-out insulation retrofits.
The National Trust’s head of building Rory Cullen, who is chair of the CIOB’s Maintenance, Adaptation, Restoration and Conservation special interest group, said: “While the focus is on historic buildings, the event should appeal to anyone in the CIOB, in any role.”
A scene-setting speech from a government minister will launch the conference, which will be followed by a detailed case study of the ongoing development plan for Somerset House, which includes the opening-up of the west wing of the Edmond J Safra Fountain Court. A highlight of this is the 2014 installation of the Miles Staircase, designed by architect Eva Jiricna and structural engineer Techniker. The new stair is a lightweight spiral made in a specially strong concrete, largely self-supported but anchored to a central newel post.
Delegates will then have the chance to view the staircase at close quarters, as well as the exhibition area, the renewable energy Combined Heat and Power system and retail and dining areas.
This will be followed by break-out sessions, where delegates can attend three from a menu of five. These will include: David Philp on the technology of 3D scanning and BIM; a guide to the confusing world of Energy Performance Certificates and Display Energy Certificates; a guide to restoration and renovation legislation; harnessing the potential of existing buildings, and how to manage for damp, mould and ventilation.
Afternoon sessions will feature Colin King, director of the BRE in Wales, on upgrading housing and Charles Anelay, chairman of restoration contractor William Anelay, on commercial buildings. Tim Pollard, head of sustainability at Wolseley UK, will present a session on money-saving tips. The event concludes with a champagne reception.
