The Longford Academy was established in 2010 by the APT Australasia Chapter, and 9 editions were coordinated by the Chapter. In 2019, an independent board, the Longford Academy, was established, and that group now has responsibility for the ongoing operations.
The APT Australasia Chapter is pleased to be associated with the Longford Academy as a supporter.
The following information has been provided by the Longford Academy.
The Longford Academy is proposing to offer two separate courses in 2022, as follows:
Summer: Summer School in Building Conservation — theory, site visits
Autumn: Practical Building Conservation — practical sessions plus theory, discussions
Both courses are based at the World Heritage inscribed Brickendon and Woolmers Estates at Longford, Tasmania, twenty minutes from Launceston airport.
Outline of courses
Summer: Summer School in Building Conservation
This seven-day course focuses on traditional building materials including stone, brick, mortar, plaster, wood, metals and finishes. It covers their properties, how they weather and decay, and how they are best conserved. Topics include salt attack and rising damp, repointing of mortar joints, timber decay and termites, and galvanic corrosion of metals. Theory sessions are supported by inspections on the Brickendon and Woolmers Estates.
Autumn: Practical Building Conservation
This six-day course introduces participants to the practical aspects of building conservation. Topics covered include documentation of works, dealing with damp and extracting salts, lime-based materials, diagnosing timber decay and repair needs, roofing and metals. Practical activities are reinforced by theory sessions and discussions.
Spring: Specialist Masterclasses (not offered in 2022)
A number of masterclasses are run concurrently, focusing on particular aspects of conservation practice. In recent years these have included:
- lime mortars and plasters in conservation practice
- carpentry and joinery conservation techniques
- roofing and roof plumbing repair & reproduction methods
- traditional and decorative finishing
Participants choose one masterclass stream, but are able to ‘cross’ streams for certain sessions to view other class activities.
Attendance
Summer: architects, engineers, archaeologists, planners, site managers, heritage officers and others who specify or oversee works to heritage buildings; tradespeople and builders who want to extend their understanding of materials and heritage issues.
Dates: generally the second week of February, 7 days, Sunday to Saturday.
Next offered: 6-12 February 2022
Autumn: all those involved in building conservation (whether specifiers or those who are hands-on) who want some hands-on practical and theoretical exposure to a range of topics that they’re likely to come across in their normal work.
Dates: generally the second week of May, 6 days, Monday to Saturday.
Next offered: 9-14 May 2022
Spring: builders and tradespeople who want to focus on their trade (or expand into another); specifiers who want an in-depth understanding of a particular trade or conservation technique.
Dates: late August or early September, 6 days, Monday to Saturday.
Next offered: TBA
In what order should I undertake these courses?
Architects and others who specify or oversee works should first attend the Summer School to obtain the theory that underpins practice. They may then wish to extend their knowledge and experience by attending the Autumn practical session. If they’re keen to get more practical experience on a particular topic then a Spring Masterclass should follow.
Tradespeople, particularly young tradies, should begin with a Spring Masterclass in their chosen trade to learn how it is applied to the conservation of historic buildings and structures. Then, if they want some exposure to other trades and different aspects of conservation practice, they should attend an Autumn practical session. If they’re keen to understand heritage theory and some basic science of the materials they work with, they should then undertake the Summer School.
The Autumn session caters to all levels, from asset managers to experienced trades people and other professionals committed to advancing their knowledge in heritage conservation practice. The size & diversity of course staff is able to handle the needs of all levels.
For those who aren’t sure where to start, the Autumn practical sessions provide an introduction to a range of topics which might then lead to a Summer School or a Masterclass.
Costs
Details of costs will be provided in advance of each course. Registration fees are charged to cover program development and delivery costs, lunches and morning and afternoon teas. Travel and accommodation costs are not included.
Funding support
Tasmanian builders and tradespeople may be eligible for support from the TBCITB (the Tasmanian Building and Construction Industry Training Board) who have supported previous Longford Academy programs.
Accommodation
Accommodation is available on-site at both Brickendon and Woolmers Estates and also in Longford and surrounding district. Accommodation costs are the responsibility of participants.
Transport
Launceston airport is twenty minutes away. Jetstar and Virgin fly direct to/from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Qantas flies direct to/from Melbourne. Hire cars are available at Launceston airport. Participants are encouraged to share cars.
Continuing Professional Development
Course participants will receive certificates of attendance, and CPD points may be available for credit through your registration body or industry association.
Enquiries
For all enquiries and to express interest in these courses, please email Longford Academy.
Download the 2022 Longford Academy flyer for more information.
APT Australasia Chapter 