This module provides you with an understanding of traditional building construction and appropriate repair techniques. The module covers the study of the different building techniques and materials used in the construction of buildings. It provides you with a practical understanding of the various craft techniques and the use of traditional materials. You will also study areas of construction that will be vulnerable to decay in order that you can advise on appropriate repairs. The module covers inspection of historic buildings, appraisal and identification of decay.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
The module will be taught by lectures to introduce topics and guide students in directed reading in preparation for workshop discussion and seminars sessions. Tutorials will be held to provide feedforward advice in relation to the formative tasks set and to the development of work for summative assessment. A series of visits and follow-up workshops may be organised to show students historic buildings in situ and to reinforce knowledge of concepts introduced during lecture sessions and support practical work respectively. The use of sketchbooks will be an integral element, and will be used to examine and analyse historic buildings methods and repairs.
Emphasis will be on developing knowledge and skills through practical activities and through problem solving tasks.
The virtual learning environment (VLE) Canvas acts as the main online location and portal for course and School information and news. Course Materials such as handbooks, module guides, timetables and information on talks, programmes, lectures and events are all accessible through the VLE.
All courses running in partnership with Kingston School of Art offer students free access to the online video tutorial platform Lynda.com. This provides a wide range of subjects to choose from, many with downloadable exercise files, including software tutorials covering photography, graphics, web design, audio and music, CAD and Microsoft Office software, as well as courses on Business and Management skills.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | Lectures (presentation) Tutorials (small group) Workshops/Seminars (large group) Site visits (to support learning) | 120 |
| Guided independent study | Applied reading, preparation for lectures, tutorials, site visit, keeping a sketchbooks, preparation and completion of assessments | 180 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
Assessment will be through a portfolio, including written and drawn elements. This will include the maintenance of an annotated sketchbook. To support learning and provide feed-forward, in-class tests may be included for formative assessment.
Students will be expected to take an active role in workshop session including problem-solving and informal presentations on which they will receive formative feedback. Formative feedback and feedforward will be provided in tutorials.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the development of building materials and traditional craft techniques and of their incorporation and use in traditional building construction | Portfolio |
| 2. Recognise and describe the properties and use of different types of wall, floor and roof construction in historic buildings | Portfolio |
| 3. Competently identify common building defects associated with historic buildings and make recommendation regarding appropriate repairs | Portfolio |
| 4. Identify various methods and consequences of the use of those methods in respect of cleaning and repair of buildings | Portfolio |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Portfolio including Annotated Sketchbook | Coursework | 100% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS a requirement that the element of assessment is passed in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
English Heritage (2012) Practical Building Conservation. London: English Heritage
Feilden, B. (2003) Conservation of Historic Buildings. 3rd ed. Architectural Press
Forsyth, M. (Ed) (2008) Material and Skills for Historic Building Conservation. Oxford: Blackwells
Clifton-Taylor, A. (1987) The Pattern of English Buildings. Faber
Dan Cruickshank Neil Burton Life in the Georgian City (London 1990)
Jack Stroud Foster Structure and Fabric Part 1 and Part 2, Mitchell's Building Construction, Batsford London
R. Harris Discovering Timber Frame Buildings
Nathan Lloyd A History of English Brickwork
Gerard Lynch. The History of Gauged Brickwork Conservation Repair and Modern Application Butterworth
Brunskill, R Timber Frame Buildings in Britain
Charles, F Conservation of Timber Buildings
Cruickshank, D and Wyldn, P (1975) London: the Art of Georgian Building London
Ellis, G. (1987) Modern Practical Joinery: A Treatise on the Practice of Joiner's Work by Hand and Machine. Linden
Ecclesiastical Architects' and Surveyors' Association (1994) Conservation of Plasterwork Crambeth and Allen
Essex County Council Regional Variations in Timber Frame Building
English Heritage (1993) Georgian Joinery 1660-1840: The history, design and conservation of interior woodwork in Georgian Houses. London
English Heritage (1996) London Terrace Houses 1660 -1860: A guide to alterations and extensions London
Graham, R.G. (1996) Building Damage due to Ground Movement. Stem Systems
Guillery, P (2004) The Small House in Eighteenth Century London. Yale University Press
Graham, R.G. (1996) Building Damage due to Ground Movement. Stem Systems
Ellis, G. (1987) Modern Practical Joinery: A Treatise on the Practice of Joiner's Work by Hand and Machine. Linden
Brown, R. W. (1992) Foundation Behaviour and Repair.
Graham, R.G. (1996) Building Damage due to Ground Movement. Stem Systems
Brebbia, C.A and Binda, C (2011) Structural Studies, Repairs and Maintenance of Heritage Architecture: No. 12 (Transactions on the Built Environment). Southampton: WIT Press
Details of further reading will be supplied within the Module Guide issued at the start of the Teaching Block.