🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on - Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and any of your other favourite podcasting apps!

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Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast!

In this episode of the Heritage Buildings podcast, host Vincent Reed sits down with Charles Bain-Smith, a senior building conservation manager at the National Trust. A RIBA chartered architect and SCA accredited conservation specialist, Charles shares his journey from a three-year-old boy witnessing the dramatic demolition of an 18th century tar mill to becoming a leading figure in architectural conservation.

Charles delves into his experiences working on various restoration projects, his insights on the dynamic nature of heritage conservation, and his reflections on the importance of preserving the 'ness' of places like Hastings' old fishing port.

Whether you're an enthusiast of architectural history or curious about the future of building conservation, this conversation offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.

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Below is a more detailed breakdown of the video with relevant timestamps

Click the time on the left to jump straight to that section

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:52 Early Inspirations and First Act of Conservation

05:43 Spiritual Connection to Heritage

06:36 Involvement with Chillingham Wild Cattle

08:59 Durham Cathedral and the Love of Craftsmanship

14:19 Early Career and Mentorship

23:37 Hands-On Experience and Passion for Timber

31:23 Starting a Practice and Team Collaboration

42:18 Creative Evenings and the 2000 Crash

43:17 Joining the Creative Folkestone Scene

45:12 Maintaining Friendships in Architecture

46:30 Transition to the National Trust

48:06 Exploring Employment Opportunities

49:42 Architects vs. Surveyors

53:24 National Trust Projects and Challenges

01:04:53 Traveling Across the UK for the National Trust

01:07:23 Standout Projects: Sissinghurst and Yard House

01:17:58 Unexpected Challenges on Site

01:19:14 Gaining Respect Through Practical Skills

01:20:21 Balancing Leadership and Client Expectations

01:21:48 The Importance of Craftsmanship

01:24:33 Preserving the Spirit of Places

01:38:24 Advice for Aspiring Conservationists

01:40:50 The Role of AI in Conservation

01:45:17 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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Connect with Charles Bain-Smith and learn more:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-bain-smith-a495672/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smithcharlesbain/

Email: charles@cymaarchitects.co.uk

Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/

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Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association:

https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com

Join the conversation:

https://heritagebuildings.forum/share/dDYOnkLWJAkaA5xE?utm_source=manual

#HeritageConservation #ArchitecturalRestoration #NationalTrust

🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on - Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and any of your other favourite podcasting apps!

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Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast!

In this episode, Vincent Reed is joined by Dr Coralie Mills, a leading dendrochronologist and wooded landscape archaeologist, and founder of Dendrochronicle, a consultancy based in Scotland. Coralie shares her journey into dendrochronology, how her early love of landscapes grew into a lifelong passion for understanding Scotland’s timber history.

She discusses some of her most notable projects, including work on St Giles’ Cathedral and Needpath Castle, offering fascinating insights into past woodland management and timber use.

The conversation also explores the challenges and opportunities within the field today, the importance of preserving historic timbers in buildings, and the future of dendrochronology research in Scotland.

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Below is a more detailed breakdown of the video with relevant timestamps

Click the time on the left to jump straight to that section

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Coralie Mills

01:26 Coralie's Early Influences and Education

03:53 Journey into Environmental Archaeology

07:47 Exploring Dendrochronology

10:59 Historic Wooded Landscapes

16:18 Timber Trade and Woodland Management in Scotland

32:15 Challenges in Scottish Dendrochronology

42:46 Differences in Timber Conservation Between England and Scotland

44:24 Challenges with Structural Engineers and Old Timber

51:36 The Importance of Context in Historic Timber

53:16 New Research Framework for Dendrochronology in Scotland

58:00 Notable Projects and Personal Favorites

01:04:19 Challenges and Opportunities in Dendrochronology

01:04:32 Training the Next Generation of Dendrochronologists

01:06:23 The Ridge Project and Future Prospects

01:11:02 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

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Connect with Dr Coralie Mills and learn more:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coralie-mills-138a1924/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/dendrochronicle/#

Website: www.dendrochronicle.co.uk

Further Links & Resources:

Learn more about Dr Coralie’s work and the field of dendrochronology through the Scottish Archaeological Research Framework:

👉 Dendrochronology | The Scottish Archaeological Research Framework

https://scarf.scot/thematic/dendrochronology/

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Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association:

https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com

Join the conversation:

https://heritagebuildings.forum/share/dDYOnkLWJAkaA5xE?utm_source=manual

#Dendrochronology #TimberHeritage #WoodlandArchaeology

🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on - Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and any of your other favourite podcasting apps!

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Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast!

In this episode, host Vincent Reed interviews Marianne Suhr, a renowned chartered building surveyor, broadcaster, and co-author of the Old House Handbook. With over 30 years of experience in historic building conservation and sustainable retrofit, Marianne shares her journey from her early influences and education to her hands-on experiences with the National Trust and various historic buildings.

They discuss the challenges and techniques of making period properties more energy-efficient while maintaining their authenticity. Marianne also talks about the importance of craftsmanship, the role of SPAB scholarships, and the need for encouraging the younger generation to join the traditional trades.

This insightful discussion covers practical tips for retrofitting old buildings, preserving historic windows, and the evolving field of building conservation.

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Below is a more detailed breakdown of the video with relevant timestamps

Click the time on the left to jump straight to that section

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

01:10 Marianne's Early Career and First Job

02:07 The SPAB Scholarship Experience

05:04 Hands-On Experience and Specialization

07:10 Founding the Old House Consultancy

09:25 Understanding Retrofit

10:43 Challenges and Solutions in Window Retrofit

21:12 Practical Retrofit Solutions and Considerations

28:02 Applied Glazing Bars: A Controversial Solution

29:21 The Future of Windows: Vacuum Glazing

31:52 Balancing Conservation and Modern Efficiency

35:07 Challenges in Retrofitting Sash Windows

37:20 Draft-Proofing Doors: Simple Solutions

39:38 Adapting to Colder Homes: Lessons from the Past

46:37 The Decline of Traditional Crafts

51:23 Teaching and Mentorship in Building Conservation

54:20 Final Thoughts and Future Discussions

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Connect with Marianne Suhr and learn more:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-suhr-2ab421349/

Website: https://oldhouseconsultancy.co.uk/

Email: marianne@oldhouseconsultancy.co.uk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oldhouseconsultancy/

Publications & Courses:

- Old House Handbook: https://oldhouseconsultancy.co.uk/old-house-handbook/

- Old House Eco Handbook: https://oldhouseconsultancy.co.uk/old-house-eco-handbook/

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Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association:

https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com

Join the conversation:

https://heritagebuildings.forum

#OldHouseRestoration #SustainableRetrofit #BuildingSurveyor