Episodes

  • [HBP #41] - Andrew Rudge - Heritage Planning & Sustainability

    [HBP #41] - Andrew Rudge - Heritage Planning & Sustainability
    Oct 20 2026

    From Archaeology to Heritage Planning: Andrew Rudge on Managing Change, Sustainability & Inconsistent Decisions

    *🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and your favourite podcast apps.*

    Welcome to the Heritage Buildings Podcast!

    Host Vincent Read welcomes Andrew Rudge, Regional Historic Environment Director at Landpro in Birmingham, to discuss his career journey from environmental archaeology and archaeological science into field archaeology, historic building recording, curatorial heritage roles (including Cornwall County Council and Historic England), and finally consultancy supporting clients through development. They explore what draws people from archaeology into historic buildings, the detective work of understanding building change, and the importance of storytelling.

    The conversation examines sustainability, local materials, and how post-war pressures and later-20th-century practices contributed to more disposable construction. Andrew and Vincent discuss the often inconsistent relationship between heritage and planning, resourcing gaps, risk-averse decision-making, impacts on homeowners, and the need for better communication and access to skilled specialists. Andrew outlines his new role building Landpro’s Midlands heritage offer across varied projects.

    Topics covered include:

    • Andrew Rudge's journey from archaeology to heritage planning consultancy
    • Understanding historic buildings through investigation, recording, and storytelling
    • Traditional building materials, sustainability, and construction waste
    • The influence of post-war development on Britain's building culture
    • Challenges and inconsistencies within the heritage planning system
    • The impact of planning decisions on homeowners and building conservation
    • Improving guidance, communication, and access to trusted specialists
    • Building Landpro's Midlands heritage consultancy and conservation team

    Whether you're an archaeologist, heritage consultant, architect, building surveyor, planning professional, conservation specialist, student, or simply passionate about historic buildings and sustainable architecture, this episode offers valuable insights into the challenges of heritage planning, the importance of traditional building practices, and the need to balance conservation with modern development while protecting Britain's built heritage for future generations.

    *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 Welcome and Guest Intro

    02:19 Andrew’s Current Role

    03:12 From Archaeology to Buildings

    06:46 Why Historic Buildings Hook Us

    11:12 Sustainability Then vs Now

    16:22 Waste and Reuse in Construction

    24:13 Local Materials and Identity

    28:50 Heritage vs Planning System

    35:34 Inconsistency and Homeowner Frustration

    42:14 Ideas to Improve Guidance

    43:48 Finding Better Guidance

    45:47 When Decisions Defy Logic

    50:15 Fear of Change Debate

    52:38 Skills Shortage and Bad Advice

    55:55 Signposting Trusted Experts

    59:05 Databases and Liability Fears

    01:02:34 Beyond Accreditations

    01:04:02 New Role at Lampro

    01:06:57 Building a Hands On Team

    01:12:51 Project Examples and Deadlines

    01:17:05 Switching Off and Sleep Tips

    01:18:11 Wrapping Up and Next Steps

    *Connect with Andrew Rudge using the links below:*

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-rudge-88638644/

    Email: andrew.rudge@lanpro.co.uk

    *🔗 Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association*

    https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com

    *Click here to join the conversation:*

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

    👉 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this video to support the heritage buildings community!

    #HeritageConservation #HeritagePlanning #HistoricBuildings
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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • [HBP#40] - Louis Curtis - Historic Timber Frames

    [HBP#40] - Louis Curtis - Historic Timber Frames
    Sep 22 2026
    🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and your favourite podcast apps.Welcome to the Heritage Buildings Podcast!In this episode, Vincent Reed sits down with Louis Curtis, founder of Breakspear Conservation, to discuss his journey from school and kitchen fitting into conservation carpentry and specialist timber frame repair across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and Buckinghamshire. Curtis shares how he developed his skills through the Building Crafts College and specialist timber frame repair courses, as well as a formative early project repairing a major eight-bay barn. He explains how enthusiasm, practical problem-solving, and a willingness to take on challenging work helped him establish his career in conservation.The conversation also explores the realities of running a small conservation business, including pricing work on historic buildings, managing unknowns, investigating existing structures, and setting realistic expectations with clients. Curtis discusses completing the MSc in Timber Building Conservation at the Weald and Downland Museum, support from the QUEST Scholarship and business training, his dissertation research into historic lime finishes and evidence of formerly plastered timber frames, and an experimental archaeology project in Copenhagen recreating a 1620 Stock Exchange roof truss using traditional tools.Topics covered include:• Louis Curtis's journey into conservation carpentry and specialist timber frame repair• Training at the Building Crafts College and learning through practical experience• Repairing historic timber frames, including a major eight-bay barn• Running a small conservation business, pricing work, and managing unknowns in old buildings• The MSc in Timber Building Conservation, QUEST Scholarship, and business training• Research into historic lime finishes, formerly plastered timber frames, and experimental archaeology• Recreating a 1620 Stock Exchange roof truss in Copenhagen using traditional toolsWhether you're a conservation carpenter, timber framer, architect, building surveyor, heritage professional, student, or simply passionate about historic buildings and traditional craftsmanship, this episode offers valuable insights into the skills, research, and practical challenges involved in conserving Britain's historic timber buildings.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 Welcome & Guest Intro: Louis on Heritage Timber Framing 01:38 From Skateboarding to Carpentry03:01 Discovering Building Conservation05:14 Falling for Timber Frames08:49 Finding Work and Mentors09:33 First Big Barn Breakthrough12:49 Why Enthusiasm Wins Jobs14:40 Growing Breakspear Conservation15:38 Pricing and Opening Up17:54 Managing Clients and Scope21:16 Running a Small Team24:34 MSc at Weald and Downland27:57 How the Masters Is Taught31:24 Getting In and Who It Suits33:10 QUEST Scholarship Support36:38 Inspiring Kids Into Crafts38:17 AI and the Craft Revival40:04 Hiring Young People Today42:58 Lime Finishes Research48:06 Exposed Frames Debate53:42 Limewash Benefits Explained55:58 Brick Infill And Mortar57:36 Hair Lime Plaster Mixes01:00:12 Copenhagen Truss Project01:07:55 Traditional Tools And Timber01:15:40 Home Renovation And Wrap Up Connect with Louis Curtis and explore his work using the links below:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-curtis-a8929360/Breakspear Conservationhttps://www.breakspearconservation.com/https://www.instagram.com/breakspearconservation/Louis Curtis’ Presentation at the Historic England & Lime Finishes Group Symposium:https://vimeo.com/1190484023/2fdac7828c?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci More interesting presentations:https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/technical-advice/buildings/maintenance-and-repair-of-older-buildings/what-s-the-point-2-lime-finishes-in-a-changing-climate-symposium/ Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trusthttps://www.qest.org.uk/ Inspiring the Futurehttps://www.inspiringthefuture.org/ Weald and Downland MSc courseshttps://www.wealddown.co.uk/courses/msc-degrees/. Kongevaerk- Reconstruction of a roof truss from the Copenhagen Stock Exchangehttps://stolpverk.org/projekt-kongevaerk-i-kobenhavn-20-29-april-2026/https://stolpverk.org/invitation-till-invigningen-av-kongevaerket-fran-borsen/*🔗 Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association*https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com*Click here to join the conversation:*https://heritagebuildings.forum/share/dDYOnkLWJAkaA5xE?utm_source=manual👉 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this video to support the heritage buildings community!#ConservationCarpentry #TimberFrameRestoration #ConservationCarpenter
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    1 hr and 23 mins
  • [HBP#39] - Zoe Hooton & Jess Barrow - Architect + Heritage Consultant: Two Experts, One Mission

    [HBP#39] - Zoe Hooton & Jess Barrow - Architect + Heritage Consultant: Two Experts, One Mission
    Sep 1 2026
    🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and your favourite podcast apps.Welcome to the Heritage Buildings Podcast! In this episode, Vincent Reed sits down with Zoe Hooton, Specialist Conservation Architect and Director at HPA Architects and Woohoo, alongside Jessica Barrow, Heritage Consultant and Director at both HPA Architects and Woohoo. They discuss how conservation architects and heritage consultants work together to deliver successful listed building, historic building conservation, and heritage planning projects. From early collaboration and pre-application advice to working with conservation officers, they share practical insights into navigating the UK planning system.The conversation also explores the challenges facing heritage conservation, including inconsistent planning decisions, reduced conservation resources, managing change in historic buildings, and balancing heritage significance with modern requirements. They also share lessons from their work on Lancaster Castle's Well Tower (Witches' Tower).Topics covered include:• What does a conservation architect do?• The role of a heritage consultant in listed building projects• Historic building conservation and adaptive reuse• Listed Building Consent and heritage planning permission• Working with conservation officers and local planning authorities• Heritage statements, significance assessments, and public benefit• Pre-application advice and avoiding planning delays• Managing change in historic buildings and conservation best practice• Challenges facing UK heritage planning after COVID-19• Conservation of Lancaster Castle's Well Tower (Witches' Tower)• Balancing accessibility, archaeology, fire safety, and conservation• Why collaboration leads to better heritage outcomesWhether you're an architect, heritage consultant, planning professional, building surveyor, student, or simply passionate about historic buildings, listed buildings, and heritage conservation, this episode offers valuable insights into conserving Britain's built heritage.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 Podcast Introduction01:35 Meet Zoe and Jess02:16 How They First Met04:19 From Council to Collaboration08:26 Architect vs Heritage Consultant11:33 Managed Change and Tradeoffs14:45 Team Decisions and Stakeholders18:01 Working Together With Clients21:41 Pre-Application Advice Explained23:48 Planning System Frustrations29:32 Skill Shortages and DIY Heritage33:04 Bad Heritage Statements and Myths38:06 Delisting a Troubled Hotel44:59 Non-Designated Heritage Challenges46:20 Listed Windows and Proportionate Info47:57 Restoring Timber Windows48:31 Why People Skip Consent48:47 Fixing The Planning Process50:11 Training And Better Tools51:10 Hastings Fishing Heritage52:54 Intangible Heritage And Gentrification01:00:07 Have We Gone Too Far01:06:37 Lancaster Castle Witches Tower01:15:26 Budgets Samples And Surprises01:21:33 Bring Trades In Early01:22:35 Heritage Action Zone Wins01:27:19 Where To Find Them01:29:41 Conservation Community And Events01:32:47 Final Thanks And Goodbye Connect with Zoe Hooton using the links below:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-hooton-64875740/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zjlock/Email: zoe_hooton@hotmail.comWebsite: https://www.harrisonpittarchitects.co.uk/Connect with Jess Barrow using the links below:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-barrow-bsc-msc-ihbc-96aa9460/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicabarrow3/Email: jess.barrow@woohoo.ltdHPA ArchitectsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hpa-ltd/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hpa_riba_architects/Website: www.hpa.ltdWoohooLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/woohooltd/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woohooltd/Website: www.woohoo.ltd🔗 Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Associationhttps://heritagebuildingsassociation.comClick here to join the conversation:https://heritagebuildings.forum/share/dDYOnkLWJAkaA5xE?utm_source=manual👉 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this video to support the heritage buildings community!#HeritageConservation #ListedBuildings #ConservationArchitecture
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    1 hr and 34 mins
  • [HBP#38] - Nigel Castell - Traditional Gilding: The Art of Gold Leaf

    [HBP#38] - Nigel Castell - Traditional Gilding: The Art of Gold Leaf
    Aug 18 2026

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

    Welcome to the Heritage Buildings Podcast!

    In this episode, Vincent Reed sits down with Nigel Castell, an experienced gilder and antique restoration specialist, to explore the traditional craft of water gilding and gold leaf application.

    Nigel shares his journey into antique restoration at just 17 and explains how he learned traditional gilding skills through hands-on, bench-based training. He takes us through the complete water gilding process, from preparing wood and applying rabbit skin size and gesso, to sanding, gesso cutting, preparing clay bole, laying gold leaf, and finally burnishing with agate stones.

    The conversation also explores the differences between water gilding and oil gilding, the tools and materials used by traditional gilders, the challenges of working with gold leaf, and why these specialist craftsmanship skills are becoming increasingly rare.

    Topics covered include:

    • Nigel's journey into antique restoration and traditional gilding

    • Learning gilding techniques at the bench

    • Preparing wood, gesso, and rabbit skin size

    • Gesso application, sanding, and cutting

    • Yellow ochre and traditional clay bole

    • Preparing and applying gold leaf

    • Traditional gilding tools and techniques

    • Water gilding vs oil gilding

    • Repairing and gilding carved decorative details

    • Burnishing gold with agate stones

    • The time, skill, and cost involved in traditional gilding

    • Preserving traditional craftsmanship and heritage skills

    Whether you're a gilder, conservator, antique restorer, architect, heritage professional, or simply interested in traditional craftsmanship, this episode offers a fascinating insight into the techniques and expertise behind traditional water gilding, gold leaf, and historic restoration.

    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 Podcast Welcome

    01:17 Meet Nigel Castell

    01:47 How He Started

    04:37 Learning at the Bench

    08:41 Gilding Process Overview

    09:41 Cleaning and Prep

    10:58 Rabbit Skin Size Basics

    14:31 Thin White Primer

    17:36 Hot Gesso Application

    28:45 Coats and Period Styles

    33:59 Sanding and Gesso Cutting

    35:52 Puttying and Abrasives

    38:46 Wet Sanding Gesso

    40:21 Matte Finish for Gilding

    42:35 Sealing Coat Yellow Ochre

    44:22 Matching Period Yellows

    48:54 Bole and Clay Basics

    52:26 Applying Gold Size Coats

    59:34 Sanding and Buffing Bole

    01:04:25 Water vs Oil Gilding

    01:12:51 Proper Gold Leaf Handling

    01:15:42 Gold Leaf Book Basics

    01:17:37 Gilding Cushion Setup

    01:18:39 Gilding Knife Cutting

    01:20:06 Handheld Tool Workflow

    01:23:44 Wetting and Laying Gold

    01:29:28 Overlaps and Fault Repairs

    01:30:21 Gilding Carved Details

    01:32:25 Costs and Time Reality

    01:33:12 Burnishing with Agate

    01:41:19 Craft Preservation Wrap-Up

    Connect with Nigel Castell using the links below:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigel-castell-82a82a337/

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

    https://www.instagram.com/reepham_antiques/

    Website: www.butlerandcasstell.co.uk

    🔗 Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association

    https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com

    Click here to join the conversation:

    https://heritagebuildings.forum/share

    👉 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this video to support the heritage buildings community!

    #Gilding #GoldLeaf #GildingTechniques

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    1 hr and 47 mins
  • [HBP#37] - Pierre Bidaud - The New Stone Age: Rethinking How We Build

    [HBP#37] - Pierre Bidaud - The New Stone Age: Rethinking How We Build
    Jul 21 2026

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

    Welcome to the Heritage Buildings Podcast! In this episode, Vincent Reed sits down with Pierre Bidaud, an experienced French stonemason, heritage conservation specialist, and advocate for innovative stone construction.

    Pierre shares his journey from joining Les Compagnons du Devoir to spending nine years travelling across France and the UK, restoring some of Europe's most important historic buildings, including Gloucester Cathedral. Along the way, he discusses the craftsmanship, precision, and passion behind traditional stonemasonry and heritage restoration.

    Discover how historic stone buildings are repaired using centuries-old techniques, from setting out and templating to hand-carving decorative details and assessing natural stone. Pierre also explores how modern engineering is transforming the industry through post-tensioned stone, prefabrication, and sustainable products like Rock Block and Augmented Stone, helping shape the future of low-carbon construction.

    Topics covered include:

    • Pierre's journey through Les Compagnons du Devoir

    • Restoring historic buildings including Gloucester Cathedral

    • Traditional stonemasonry and architectural stone carving

    • Stone setting out, templating, and repair techniques

    • Assessing natural stone and conservation best practices

    • The emotional connection between craftspeople and historic buildings

    • Post-tensioned and prefabricated structural stone

    • Sustainable stone construction and low-carbon building materials

    • Rock Block, Augmented Stone, and the future of natural stone

    Whether you're a stonemason, architect, conservation professional, heritage enthusiast, or simply fascinated by traditional building crafts, this episode offers valuable insights into both the timeless skills and exciting innovations shaping the world of heritage construction.

    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 Who is Pierre Bidaud

    00:19 Finding a Trade in France

    01:58 Compagnons Journey Years

    05:16 Cathedrals and Craft Mindset

    07:16 How French Heritage Works

    13:30 Apprenticeship Reality Check

    16:14 Becoming Pro and Advising

    18:38 Setting Out and Templates

    25:15 Stone Selection and Faults

    30:44 Repairs and Architect Education

    34:20 Reinforced Stone Innovation

    36:24 Stone vs Concrete Explained

    41:58 Floating Stone Staircases

    43:21 Sagrada Familia Stone Towers

    44:27 Rebar and Post Tensioning

    45:51 Why Stone Got Expensive

    49:06 Concrete Creep vs Stone

    51:40 Georgian Torsion Stairs

    54:26 Modern Cable Stair Build

    57:10 Company USP and Origins

    59:17 Rock Block and Augmented

    01:05:23 Stone Demonstrator London

    01:06:37 Screen Share Staircase Tour

    01:12:10 Teamwork Love and Challenges

    01:15:50 Stone Collective and Farewell

    Connect with Pierre Bidaud using the links below:

    Website: www.thestonemasonrycompany.co.uk

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierre-bidaud-82364b16/

    Company: The Stonemasonry Company Limited

    Email: Pierre@thestonemasonrycompany.co.uk

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

    https://www.instagram.com/pierre.bidaud/

    *🔗 Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association*

    https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com

    *Click here to join the conversation:*

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

    👉 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this podcast to support the heritage buildings community!

    #Stonemasonry #StoneCarving #NaturalStone

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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • [HBP#36] - Nicholas Downing - Traditional Blacksmithing Explained | Ancient Tool & Iron Age Craft

    [HBP#36] - Nicholas Downing - Traditional Blacksmithing Explained | Ancient Tool & Iron Age Craft
    Jun 30 2026

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

    Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast.

    Vincent Reed sits down with Nicholas Downing of Downing Arts, a Maine-based custom blacksmith and metalworker specialising in traditional timber framing tools, hand-forged axes, bespoke ironwork, and historic hardware. Nicholas shares his journey from early exposure to blacksmithing and metalsmithing to helping revive Maine’s historic axe-making tradition at Brant & Cochran before launching his own business during the COVID pandemic.

    The conversation explores traditional blacksmithing techniques, the history of bloomery iron and early steel, forge welding, and the craftsmanship behind multi-piece, hand-forged axes. Nicholas also discusses experimental archaeology, historic timber framing tools, and his fascination with rare forms such as the offset goose wing, or “brightbill,” hewing axe.

    Other topics covered include:

    • The path from metalsmithing to custom blacksmithing and entrepreneurship

    • Reviving Maine’s historic axe-making tradition

    • Building a small-batch handcrafted tool business through Etsy and online sales

    • Traditional ironworking, bloomery iron, and early steel production

    • Forge welding and constructing multi-piece hand-forged axes

    • Historic timber framing tools and their modern relevance

    • Experimental archaeology and recreating historic metalworking techniques

    • The design and use of the offset goose wing (“brightbill”) hewing axe

    • Craftsmanship, toolmaking, and preserving traditional trades

    Whether you're a timber framer, blacksmith, conservation professional, or heritage enthusiast, this episode offers fascinating insights into traditional toolmaking and the enduring value of handcrafted tools and historic metalworking techniques.

    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 Welcome and Guest Intro

    02:37 Heritage Craft in Maine

    04:02 Early Blacksmith Spark

    06:24 Mentors and Apprenticeship

    08:06 Art School and Finding Direction

    10:12 Back to the Forge

    20:31 Juggling Jobs and Studio Life

    25:49 Axes and Brant and Cochran

    33:32 Pandemic Pivot to Solo

    37:08 Bespoke Tools and Inspiration

    41:30 Iron Was Precious

    43:21 Bloomery Smelting Explained

    46:02 From Iron To Steel

    49:03 Modern Axe Steel Choices

    51:27 Forge Welding The Pieces

    53:03 Wrapped Eye Construction

    56:12 Time Risk And Failure

    57:01 Favourite Axe Makers

    59:26 Future Projects And Niches

    01:05:47 Grinding Edges Then And Now

    01:09:06 Handmade Value And Story

    01:10:54 Goose Wing Hewing Axe

    01:13:56 Where To Find Nicholas

    01:15:28 Final Thanks And Farewell

    Connect with Nicholas Downing and learn more:

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

    Email: downingarts@gmail.com

    Website: https://www.downingarts.com/axerestoration

    Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association:

    https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com

    Join the conversation:

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

    #Blacksmith #ForgeLife #IronAge
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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • [HBP#35] - Mariachiara Faliva - Seeing Buildings Beyond the Facade

    [HBP#35] - Mariachiara Faliva - Seeing Buildings Beyond the Facade
    Jun 9 2026
    *🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and your favourite podcast apps.*Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast.Vincent Reed sits down with Mariachiara Faliva, accredited conservation architect and façade specialist, to explore the science behind historic buildings, material decay, and the investigative work required to understand why buildings fail. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in conservation, diagnostics, and failure analysis, Mariachiara shares how studying chemistry for conservation in Italy led her into building pathology, laboratory analysis, and the study of historic materials. She explains why many conservation challenges stem from poor diagnosis and incompatible repairs, and why successful interventions begin with understanding how materials behave and deteriorate over time.Mariachiara also reflects on her work investigating historic structures in New York, including early steel-frame masonry buildings and terracotta façades, before moving to London to specialize in building performance and façade engineering. She discusses the importance of balancing repair and replacement, the role of maintenance in preventing water-driven damage, and how tools such as WUFI hydrothermal analysis support informed retrofit decisions. Through projects including Tate Liverpool and the Barbican renewal, she highlights the value of early-stage investigations, data-led design, material reuse, and collaboration across disciplines to deliver more sustainable outcomes for historic buildings.*Other topics covered include:*• How chemistry and material science support building conservation• Investigating historic materials through laboratory analysis• Why poor diagnosis often leads to failed repairs• The challenges of conserving early steel-frame masonry buildings• Repair versus replacement in historic façades• Water ingress, moisture movement, and long-term building deterioration• The role of maintenance in preventing costly failures• Building performance testing and façade engineering for heritage projects• WUFI hydrothermal analysis and retrofit risk assessment• Lessons from Tate Liverpool and the Barbican renewal projects• Planning for material reuse in conservation and retrofit projects• The importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration from project inceptionWhether you're an architect, engineer, conservation professional, or heritage enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into the investigative side of conservation and how a deeper understanding of materials, moisture, and building performance can lead to more sustainable and effective preservation of historic buildings.*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 Building Conservation and Heritage Retrofit01:14 From Architecture to Conservation Architecture03:23 Materials Science, Building Diagnostics, and Failure Analysis07:34 Conservation Research at Politecnico di Milano09:33 Facade Engineering and Historic Buildings in New York13:35 Terracotta Facade Repair vs Replacement17:33 Building Maintenance Lessons from Historic Building Failures20:14 Moving to London and Transition into Building Performance25:03 How Historic Building Investigations Are Conducted32:06 Holistic Retrofit Design and WUFI Analysis38:18 Moisture Modelling and Wall Performance Simulation40:59 Data-Led Design for Heritage Buildings43:39 Writing Effective Building Investigation Briefs45:09 Tate Liverpool Retrofit and Internal Insulation Project49:42 Barbican Estate Renewal and Conservation Challenges54:30 Why Site Experience Matters in Conservation57:07 Material Reuse and Circular Economy Strategies01:02:42 Career Advice for Conservation Professionals01:07:22 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks*Connect with Mariachiara Faliva and learn more:*LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariachiara-faliva-510a0915/Email: chiarafaliva@gmail.com Website: sandberg.co.uk *Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association:*https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com*Join the conversation:*https://heritagebuildings.forum/share/dDYOnkLWJAkaA5xE?utm_source=manual#BuildingConservation #HistoricPreservation #FacadeEngineering
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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • [HBP#34] - Valeria Passetti - Victorian Architecture & Church Conservation

    [HBP#34] - Valeria Passetti - Victorian Architecture & Church Conservation
    May 19 2026

    *🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and your favourite podcast apps.*

    Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast.

    Vincent Reed sits down with Valeria Passetti, Italian-born conservation architect and MD of Conception Architects, to explore her journey from studying restoration in Florence to leading a UK practice focused on historic churches and Victorian architecture. She explains why these buildings are often misunderstood and celebrates their craftsmanship in stone and timber.

    Valeria also shares insights into conservation practice, from building a reputation through church projects to setting ethical client boundaries and promoting breathable, sustainable retrofits. A must-watch for anyone passionate about heritage, architecture, and historic buildings.

    *Other topics covered include:*

    • Why Victorian architecture deserves more recognition

    • The evolution of conservation architecture in the UK

    • Breathable buildings vs airtight retrofits

    • Church conservation and diocesan work

    • Craftsmanship in stone, wood, and traditional materials

    • Portland cement, terracotta, and Victorian innovation

    • Ethical practice and working with clients

    • Building a reputation in heritage architecture

    • Architects in media and public education

    Whether you're an architecture student, conservation professional, or heritage enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insight into preserving historic buildings for future generations.

    *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 Welcome and Guest Intro

    00:49 From Tuscany to UK Conservation

    02:35 Why Victorian Architecture Matters

    04:08 Victorian Style Abroad

    07:57 Choosing Conservation Architecture

    10:51 Early Career and Reuse Ethos

    14:02 Founding Conception Architects

    19:32 Building Reputation and Clients

    22:07 Ethics and Client Boundaries

    25:36 Breathable Buildings and Retrofit

    29:19 Victorian Churches Everywhere

    32:14 Industrial Innovation and Portland Cement

    38:19 Craftsmanship in Stone and Wood

    42:34 Eclectic Victorian Creativity

    45:52 Color, Ritual and High Church

    48:33 Valuing Victorian Craftsmen

    50:12 Victorian Rosewood Room

    52:26 Rubbed Bricks and Terracotta

    53:35 Damage from Bad Repairs

    58:56 Custodianship and Breathable Buildings

    01:00:44 Media Work and New Voices

    01:05:51 Dream Show Pitch

    01:08:09 Favorite Projects and Newton Church

    01:15:04 Why Architecture Matters

    01:19:15 Where to Find Valeria

    01:21:48 Off Mic Wrap and Collaboration

    *Connect with Valeria Passetti and learn more:*

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/valeria-passetti-osi-friba-192525a

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riba4members/

    Website: conceptionarchitects.com riba4members.com

    *Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association:*

    https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com

    *Join the conversation:*

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

    #VictorianArchitecture #ConservationArchitect #ChurchRestoration
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    1 hr and 22 mins