Students will gain a range of practical skills for working on heritage properties, which will introduce them to a range of trade occupations within the Heritage Construction Industry. Curriculum emphasis will be tailored to the particular needs of each cohort, but will include:
Overview of conservation basics – damp, why traditional materials, breathability – focus on practicality and function of good traditional building skills and materials rather than delve into philosophy; why good for the building etc.
Lime skills practical and theory – What is lime, how it is made and the different types available and what they are used for. lime repointing, (how to apply and finish work) mixing lime (pan mixer/whisk/drum mixer) Pozzolans & lime washing.
Cob – practical and theory – what is cob, how to carry out a repair to a cob wall using cob blocks and lime mortar. Toothing in and using helifix bars.
Stonework – practical and theory. Introduction in stonemasonry principles, different types of stonework (rubble stone, ashlar etc) mortar choice, working stone by hand, matching existing finishes. Using lime mortar to bed stonework. Indent or repair of damaged stone.