RECENT NEWS AND EVENTS

Stained Glass Windows: Managing Environmental Deterioration 07/07/2020

I am happy to say that the Historic England guidance on environmental protective glazing has now been published. Stained Glass Windows: Managing Environmental Deterioration https://lnkd.in/gcWtRHR Many thanks to co-authors and contributors who have worked so hard on the document.

The research behind the document was published previously as - Curteis T, Seliger L, Conserving Stained Glass Using Environmental Protective Glazing, Historic England Research Report number: 43/2017 https://lnkd.in/g9R2G5e

The guidance is aimed at building owners and custodians, professional advisors and conservators and all others involved in the process of protecting historic stained glass and environmental protective glazing.

David Parr House project wins the 2019 Cambridge Construction and Design Award for Best Small Conservation Projec 07/04/2020

Very many congratulations to all of those involved in this inspiring project. https://lnkd.in/dTX8J8H For those not familiar with this remarkable 19th century church painters house, see https://lnkd.in/eYAfJWu and plan a visit as something to look forward to when normality has returned to the world.

The Practical Path to Net Zero Carbon for Churches 07/05/2020

As a member of the Church Buildings Council’s Conservation Committees, it has been great to contribute to the Church of England’s new Practical Path To Net Zero Carbon For Churches guidance document. This should be of interest to all involved in the conservation, development and use of church buildings. https://www.churchofengland.org/more/church-resources/churchcare/advice-and-guidance-church-buildings/practical-path-net-zero

ASCHB Annual Conference 20/02/2020

It will be a pleasure to be speaking at the ASCHB Annual Conference on 6th March at the National Archives, Kew, on Environment and Historic Archive Buildings https://lnkd.in/ek5wAeH

 

New Glazed Lobbies at Durham Cathedral 17/02/2020

The new glazed lobbies at Durham Cathedral, designed by Purcell, have been completed, improving the environmental and energy performance of the cathedral and revealing the wonderful Romanesque carving, which had previously been obscured. TCA are beginning a programme of post-completion monitoring to evaluate the effects of different design elements on environmental and conservation performance, which will allow the system to be fine tuned and will also provide a more detailed understanding of this type of partial-enclosure for other cathedrals and churches considering the use of lobbies and porches. https://lnkd.in/esS5B6y.

Conference in Commemoration of Sharon Cather 10/02/2020

t is an honour to be speaking at the conference in Commemoration of Sharon Cather at the University of York 16th - 18th April 2020. Registration is now open at https://lnkd.in/eD7nUQ6
 

Nick Cox Architects creates exhibition space in Winchester Cathedral 22/01/2020

Congratulations to Nick Cox and all involved. Kings and Scribes has been a remarkable project to be involved with.  https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/buildings/nick-cox-architects-creates-exhibition-space-in-winchester-cathedral/10046083.article#.XilxtWkW0iM.linkedin
 

Nea Paphos, Cyprus: Call for Expression of Interest for Architectural Services for the Shelter Design 22/12/2019

The Shelter Design for the Protection of Mosaics project at the World Heritage Archaeological Site of Nea Paphos in Cyprus is moving forward with a call for Expression of Interest for architectural services for the role of design architects for a new shelter concept. It is a privilege for TCA to be working with colleagues at the Getty Conservation Institute and the Department of Antiquities of Cyprus on so fascinating a project. https://lnkd.in/dgzZSHq

Protective glazing for historic stained glass

We are currently working with Historic England on a research project investigating the use of protective glazing as part of the approach to the conservation of historic stained glass. Topics under discussion are the current state of understanding of protective glazing (including an extensive literature review), the impact of microbiological growth on the deterioration of stained glass and the controlling influence of protective glazing, the effect on functionality of variation in design details, including interspace and vent geometry (for which an extensive CFD modelling study has been undertaken), as well as the aesthetic impact of different approaches to protective glazing. The aim is to provide information to assist with the evaluation of the risks and benefits of the use of protective glazing in specific cases. Project partners include Historic England, Element Energy and the Canterbury Cathedral Stained Glass Department. The work is expected to be published as an Historic England research transaction and as an Advisory Note later in 2017. The project included a translation of a key text on microbiological deterioration of stained glass, which is now available via the CVMA website

Practical Building Conservation, Building Environment

Building Environment, the sixth volume of the Historic England Practical Building Conservation series has now been published. Co-edited by Robyn Pender, Brian Ridout and Tobit Curteis the book covers topics from the basic physics of water behaviour in building materials to environmental investigations and monitoring and practical approaches to the repair of the building and rainwater disposal system. Aimed at the building professional and the interested client, the book draws together much of the research conducted in the field over recent decades into a single book, which is intended, as the series title indicates, to provide a tool for practical building conservation.

Heritage Lottery Fund environmental assessment

In 2015 we were commisioned by the Heritage Lottery Fund to develop advice for applicants on how to assess the effect of building performance and environment on projects involving the development of historic buildings. Many projects have an unintended effect on the building environment risking damage to the historic fabric, which can require modifications to the project design at a late stage. The advisory document provides applicants with the tools to assess the risk involved and allow mitigation measures to be built into the project at the earliest stage. The guidance document was published in 2017 alongside an introductory article which are both available on our Publications page.

Historic England environmental survey guidance

We are currently working with Historic England on the development of environmental survey and assessment guidelines for those involved in historic building conservation or development projects including professional adviors, conservators, owners and funding bodies, to provide guidance on best practice for assessment of environmental deterioration and developing practical and effective control measures. It is anticipated that this will be published in 2018.