Heritage Buildings Podcast

Vincent Reed
  • 5.0 (6)
  • HISTORY

Welcome to the Heritage Buildings Podcast with your host Vincent Reed, where we bring you in-depth interviews with leading experts, passionate enthusiasts, and industry professionals from across the heritage buildings sector. Join us as we explore captivating stories, uncover the artistry behind historical buildings, and dive into the challenges and successes of conserving our architectural heritage. This podcast is available as audio format across all of your favourite podcasting apps and as video format on our official YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@HeritageBuildingsAssociation Be sure to join in on the discussions in our forum - https://heritagebuildings.forum Connect with us on social media - https://linktr.ee/heritagebuildingsassociation

  1. FEB 24

    [HBP#28] - Karl-Magnus Melin - Medieval Carpentry, Timber Churches & Ancient Techniques

    🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on - Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and any of your other favourite podcasting apps! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast. In this episode, Vincent Reed speaks with Karl Magnus-Melin, historic carpenter and craft researcher trained in archaeology at Lund University. The discussion centres on the reconstruction of a 14th-century Swedish log timber church, rebuilt between 2007 and 2021 as a national heritage knowledge project in collaboration with the Craft Laboratory at the University of Gothenburg. They explore medieval timber construction, roof design research, experimental archaeology, traditional axe work, hand-split boards, tool mark analysis, timber species selection, moisture content, and how rebuilding lost techniques strengthens conservation practice and historic building knowledge. Topics covered include: Medieval timber construction and historic carpentry techniquesReconstructing a 14th-century Scandinavian log churchExperimental archaeology and craft-based research methodsTraditional axe work, tool marks, and timber splitting by handDendrochronology, tree-ring dating, and timber provenance analysisRoof construction research and medieval geometryApotropaic marks, taper burn marks, and ritual protection symbols in historic buildingsDriftwood construction in the Faroe Islands and Nordic timber tradeCraft education, heritage skills shortages, and conservation funding challenges This episode is essential viewing for conservation architects, heritage consultants, dendrochronologists, archaeologists, historic carpenters, timber framers, building historians, and anyone passionate about medieval construction techniques and experimental craft research. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 & Introducing Craft Researcher Karl Magnus-Melin 01:41 Family Roots: Grandfathers, Churches, and Early Curiosity 03:19 Archaeology Meets Carpentry: Learning by Doing, Not Just Digging 07:42 Burned Medieval Log Church Reconstruction Begins 12:35 Documentation Gaps: Roof, Attic & Research Challenges 17:48 Defining Roles: Leading Medieval Roof Construction Research 22:04 Building as a Knowledge Project for Swedish Heritage 26:32 Splitting Timber by Hand: Species, Seasoning & Tool Marks 35:56 Axe Work, Fitness & the Physical Reality of Medieval Craft 42:57 Rebuilding Lost Traditions: Lessons & Long-Term Impact 45:52 Funding Frustrations vs. Slow Restoration Wins 46:35 Turkey 2017: Inside a 700 BC Timber Tomb 49:39 Ancient Construction Knowledge Across Regions 51:41 Hidden Attics, Soot Lines & Craft...

    1h 18m

  2. FEB 10

    [HBP#27] - Faye Davies - Rescuing Britain's Forgotten Buildings

    🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on - Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and any of your other favourite podcasting apps! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast! In this episode, host Vincent Reed speaks with Faye Davies, a RIBA-registered specialist conservation architect at Burrell Foley Fisher Architects, a London practice with over 40 years of experience in historic building conservation. Faye shares her journey into heritage architecture and her work adapting at-risk and listed buildings for modern, sustainable use. The discussion explores creative conservation, including how complex historic sites like medieval guild halls and roundhouses are unlocked through heritage statements, client education, and practical problem-solving. Faye also reflects on major projects including York Guild Hall and Birmingham Roundhouse, alongside wider challenges in the sector such as training, sustainability, and unqualified contractors. Topics covered include: RIBA conservation architecture and career pathways in historic building preservationCreative conservation strategies for adapting at-risk heritage buildingsProtecting and reusing listed buildings while meeting modern sustainability standardsReal-world conservation case studies: York Guild Hall restoration and Birmingham Roundhouse conservationWriting heritage statements and navigating planning, archaeology, and budgetsCommon challenges in the heritage sector, including unqualified contractors and skills shortagesSustainable conservation approaches for medieval, Tudor, and 20th-century buildingsProfessional advice for conservation architects, heritage consultants, and historic property owners This episode is essential viewing for heritage professionals, conservation architects, RIBA members, historic building owners, planners, and anyone passionate about preserving UK heritage buildings through sustainable and creative conservation. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 and Guest Welcome 01:30 Faye's Path to Architecture 04:15 Falling into Historic Buildings 07:00 Covent Garden Slum Stories 09:45 RIBA Conservation Specialist Training 14:20 Wide Portfolio: Tudor to 20th Century 18:30 Repurposing At-Risk Buildings 22:00 Sustainability in Conservation 25:15 Practice Overview (43 Years, Nationwide) 29:00 Heritage Statements & Industry Challenges 35:45 Client Battles and Mediation 41:00 York Guild Hall Project Deep Dive 50:30 Budgets, Archaeology, and Wins 56:15 Winning Tenders: Enthusiasm & Vision 1:02:00...

    1h 19m

  3. JAN 27

    [HBP#26] - Keith Scobie-Youngs - Restoring Big Ben: Inside Britain’s Great Clock

    🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on - Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and any of your other favourite podcasting apps! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast! In this episode, Vincent Reed sits down with Keith Scobie-Youngs, a distinguished horologist and conservation specialist, and founder of the Cumbria Clock Company. With decades of experience working on some of the UK’s most significant historic clocks, Keith shares insights from his career, including the monumental task of restoring the Great Clock of Westminster, commonly known as Big Ben. This engaging conversation explores Keith’s early fascination with clocks, growing up in Fairford, and the formative experiences that led him into the world of horology. He reflects on his journey into conservation, the skills required to work on historic mechanisms, and the responsibility that comes with preserving nationally significant timepieces. The discussion further examines the intricate and highly technical process of clock restoration, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs involved in working on Big Ben. Keith also shares his philosophy on craftsmanship, longevity, and the importance of maintaining traditional skills in an increasingly modern world. This insightful episode is filled with expert knowledge and inspiring perspectives on heritage conservation and the art of timekeeping. Tune in next time for another deep dive into the people and practices shaping our 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 Introduction to Today's Guest: Keith Scobie-Youngs 01:21 Keith's Early Life and Introduction to Clocks 02:13 First Steps in Horology 05:20 Transition to London and Early Career 12:12 Founding the Cumbria Clock Company 23:34 Challenges and Growth of the Business 30:31 Innovations and Product Development 40:45 Restoring Big Ben: The Ultimate Challenge 51:28 Team Effort and Project Management 51:40 Pricing and Contractual Challenges 54:08 Historical Overhauls and Repairs 55:39 Major Breakdowns and Repairs 57:25 Clock Mechanism Removal and Discoveries 59:42 Dimensions and Weight of Clock Hands 01:03:34 Workshop Challenges and Electric Winding System 01:09:49 Restoration and Testing of the Clock 01:16:21 Tolling the Bell for the Queen 01:27:53 Industry Insights and Future Prospects 01:36:00 Final Reflections and Contact Information --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with Keith Scobie-Youngs and learn more: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-scobie-youngs-fbhi-acr-63340a15/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cumbriaclockco/ Website: https://clockmaker.co.uk/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association: https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com Join the conversation: https://heritagebuildings.forum/share/dDYOnkLWJAkaA5xE?utm_source=manual #Horology #BigBen #HistoricClocks

    1h 40m

  4. JAN 13

    [HBP#25] - Ross Balharry - Traditional Log Cabins: Building for Sustainable Living

    🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on - Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and any of your other favourite podcasting apps! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast! In this episode, Vincent Reed sits down with Ross Balharry, founder of Bedrock Buildings, a specialist in round timber construction including Canadian log style, scribe log homes, and post-and-beam framing. Holding a first-class degree in structural engineering from Heriot-Watt University, Ross discusses how he combines technical expertise with hands-on craftsmanship to champion sustainable building through natural materials and heritage techniques. This engaging conversation explores Ross’s early passion for building, his university experiences, and the challenges faced in the early stages of his career, including significant health issues that reshaped his outlook. Ross also shares the story behind founding Bedrock Buildings, the steep learning curves of his first projects, and the critical role of securing funding to grow the business. The discussion further examines the realities of competing in the log cabin market, the demands of wearing multiple hats as a business owner, and the value a business mentor can bring. The episode also highlights the importance of SAP energy ratings and advocates for low-carbon building standards that prioritize natural materials. This insightful episode is filled with practical lessons and thought-provoking perspectives on the future of sustainable building. Tune in next time for a deeper look into the intricacies of constructing log cabins. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 Ross Balharry and Bedrock Buildings 01:29 Ross's Early Interest in Building 02:26 University and Early Career Experiences 04:49 Health Challenges and a Change in Perspective 06:35 Starting Bedrock Buildings 07:46 First Projects and Learning Curves 11:21 Challenges and Growth in the Business 15:51 Building Techniques and Client Projects 25:47 Funding and Expanding the Business 39:47 Global Competition in Log Cabin Building 41:55 Challenges of Wearing Multiple Hats 44:43 The Importance of Business Mentors 49:35 Exploring SAPs Energy Ratings 52:05 The Benefits of Natural Building Materials 01:01:01 Advocating for Low Carbon Building Standards 01:12:17 The Future of Log Cabin Building ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Connect with Ross Balharry and learn more: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bedrockbuildings/ Email: enquiries@bedrockbuildings.co.uk Website: https://www.bedrockbuildings.co.uk/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association: https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com Join the conversation: https://heritagebuildings.forum/share/dDYOnkLWJAkaA5xE?utm_source=manual #SustainableBuilding #TimberConstruction #HighlandLogBuilding

    1h 17m

  5. 12/16/2025

    [HBP#24] - Peter Boyd - Trim Carpenters: The Craic Down Under

    🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on - Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and any of your other favourite podcasting apps! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast! 🎙️ In this episode, Vincent Reed sits with Peter Boyd, Director of Trim Carpenters, a heritage timber restoration specialist based in Sydney, Australia. Peter shares his fascinating journey from arriving in Australia on a working holiday visa to founding a well-respected company focused on fine timber finishes.  Peter emphasizes his deep commitment to craftsmanship and heritage conservation, guided by meticulous attention to detail and respect for historical accuracy. The discussion covers the challenges of running a business, building a skilled team, and navigating the complexities of heritage protection laws in Australia.  Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with insights, professional tips, and stories from the field of heritage timber 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 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:53 Peter's Journey to Australia 01:35 Starting in Construction 04:09 Transition to Carpentry 05:59 Visa Challenges and Solutions 07:52 Apprenticeship and Early Career 11:24 Building a Business 15:36 Challenges in Hiring and Team Building 26:46 Specialising in Heritage Timber Work 42:06 Meeting Robert and Starting the Journey 43:03 Heritage Buildings in Sydney 44:24 Architectural Influences and Woodwork 45:32 Restoration Projects and Wood Species 50:00 Heritage Protection in Australia 59:42 Managing Carpentry Teams 01:04:37 Balancing Passion and Business 01:14:24 Imposter Syndrome and Taking Risks 01:22:23 Final Thoughts and Future Plans --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with Peter Boyd and learn more: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trimcarpenters/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trimcarpenters/ Email: peter@trimcarpenters.com.au Website: trimcarpenters.com.au --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association: https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com Join the conversation: https://heritagebuildings.forum/share/dDYOnkLWJAkaA5xE?utm_source=manual #Carpentry #Australian #SkilledTrades

    1h 25m

  6. 12/02/2025

    [HBP#23] - Charles Bain Smith - Inside the World of a National Trust Architect

    🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on - Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and any of your other favourite podcasting apps! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast! In this episode of the Heritage Buildings podcast, host Vincent Reed sits down with Charles Bain-Smith, a senior building conservation manager at the National Trust. A RIBA chartered architect and SCA accredited conservation specialist, Charles shares his journey from a three-year-old boy witnessing the dramatic demolition of an 18th century tar mill to becoming a leading figure in architectural conservation.  Charles delves into his experiences working on various restoration projects, his insights on the dynamic nature of heritage conservation, and his reflections on the importance of preserving the 'ness' of places like Hastings' old fishing port.  Whether you're an enthusiast of architectural history or curious about the future of building conservation, this conversation offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 and Guest Welcome 00:52 Early Inspirations and First Act of Conservation 05:43 Spiritual Connection to Heritage 06:36 Involvement with Chillingham Wild Cattle 08:59 Durham Cathedral and the Love of Craftsmanship 14:19 Early Career and Mentorship 23:37 Hands-On Experience and Passion for Timber 31:23 Starting a Practice and Team Collaboration 42:18 Creative Evenings and the 2000 Crash 43:17 Joining the Creative Folkestone Scene 45:12 Maintaining Friendships in Architecture 46:30 Transition to the National Trust 48:06 Exploring Employment Opportunities 49:42 Architects vs. Surveyors 53:24 National Trust Projects and Challenges 01:04:53 Traveling Across the UK for the National Trust 01:07:23 Standout Projects: Sissinghurst and Yard House 01:17:58 Unexpected Challenges on Site 01:19:14 Gaining Respect Through Practical Skills 01:20:21 Balancing Leadership and Client Expectations 01:21:48 The Importance of Craftsmanship 01:24:33 Preserving the Spirit of Places 01:38:24 Advice for Aspiring Conservationists 01:40:50 The Role of AI in Conservation 01:45:17 Final Thoughts and Farewell ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Connect with Charles Bain-Smith and learn more: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-bain-smith-a495672/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smithcharlesbain/ Email: charles@cymaarchitects.co.uk Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association: https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com Join the conversation: https://heritagebuildings.forum/share/dDYOnkLWJAkaA5xE?utm_source=manual #HeritageConservation #ArchitecturalRestoration #NationalTrust

    1h 52m

  7. 11/18/2025

    [HBP#22] - Coralie Mills - Discovering Scotland's Past with Dendrochronology

    🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on - Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and any of your other favourite podcasting apps! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast! In this episode, Vincent Reed is joined by Dr Coralie Mills, a leading dendrochronologist and wooded landscape archaeologist, and founder of Dendrochronicle, a consultancy based in Scotland. Coralie shares her journey into dendrochronology, how her early love of landscapes grew into a lifelong passion for understanding Scotland’s timber history.  She discusses some of her most notable projects, including work on St Giles’ Cathedral and Needpath Castle, offering fascinating insights into past woodland management and timber use.  The conversation also explores the challenges and opportunities within the field today, the importance of preserving historic timbers in buildings, and the future of dendrochronology research in Scotland. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Dr. Coralie Mills 01:26 Coralie's Early Influences and Education 03:53 Journey into Environmental Archaeology 07:47 Exploring Dendrochronology 10:59 Historic Wooded Landscapes 16:18 Timber Trade and Woodland Management in Scotland 32:15 Challenges in Scottish Dendrochronology 42:46 Differences in Timber Conservation Between England and Scotland 44:24 Challenges with Structural Engineers and Old Timber 51:36 The Importance of Context in Historic Timber 53:16 New Research Framework for Dendrochronology in Scotland 58:00 Notable Projects and Personal Favorites 01:04:19 Challenges and Opportunities in Dendrochronology 01:04:32 Training the Next Generation of Dendrochronologists 01:06:23 The Ridge Project and Future Prospects 01:11:02 Closing Remarks and Contact Information --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with Dr Coralie Mills and learn more: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coralie-mills-138a1924/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/dendrochronicle/# Website: www.dendrochronicle.co.uk Further Links & Resources: Learn more about Dr Coralie’s work and the field of dendrochronology through the Scottish Archaeological Research Framework: 👉 Dendrochronology | The Scottish Archaeological Research Framework https://scarf.scot/thematic/dendrochronology/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association: https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com Join the conversation: https://heritagebuildings.forum/share/dDYOnkLWJAkaA5xE?utm_source=manual #Dendrochronology #TimberHeritage #WoodlandArchaeology

    1h 18m

  8. 11/04/2025

    [HBP #21] - Marianne Suhr - Retrofits: Making Old Homes More Sustainable - YouTube Description

    🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on - Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and any of your other favourite podcasting apps! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast! In this episode, host Vincent Reed interviews Marianne Suhr, a renowned chartered building surveyor, broadcaster, and co-author of the Old House Handbook. With over 30 years of experience in historic building conservation and sustainable retrofit, Marianne shares her journey from her early influences and education to her hands-on experiences with the National Trust and various historic buildings.  They discuss the challenges and techniques of making period properties more energy-efficient while maintaining their authenticity. Marianne also talks about the importance of craftsmanship, the role of SPAB scholarships, and the need for encouraging the younger generation to join the traditional trades.  This insightful discussion covers practical tips for retrofitting old buildings, preserving historic windows, and the evolving field of building conservation. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 the Podcast and Guest 01:10 Marianne's Early Career and First Job 02:07 The SPAB Scholarship Experience 05:04 Hands-On Experience and Specialization 07:10 Founding the Old House Consultancy 09:25 Understanding Retrofit 10:43 Challenges and Solutions in Window Retrofit 21:12 Practical Retrofit Solutions and Considerations 28:02 Applied Glazing Bars: A Controversial Solution 29:21 The Future of Windows: Vacuum Glazing 31:52 Balancing Conservation and Modern Efficiency 35:07 Challenges in Retrofitting Sash Windows 37:20 Draft-Proofing Doors: Simple Solutions 39:38 Adapting to Colder Homes: Lessons from the Past 46:37 The Decline of Traditional Crafts 51:23 Teaching and Mentorship in Building Conservation 54:20 Final Thoughts and Future Discussions --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with Marianne Suhr and learn more: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-suhr-2ab421349/ Website: https://oldhouseconsultancy.co.uk/ Email: marianne@oldhouseconsultancy.co.uk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oldhouseconsultancy/ Publications & Courses: - Old House Handbook: https://oldhouseconsultancy.co.uk/old-house-handbook/ - Old House Eco Handbook: https://oldhouseconsultancy.co.uk/old-house-eco-handbook/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association: https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com Join the conversation: https://heritagebuildings.forum #OldHouseRestoration #SustainableRetrofit #BuildingSurveyor

    56 min
See All (28)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Heritage Buildings Podcast with your host Vincent Reed, where we bring you in-depth interviews with leading experts, passionate enthusiasts, and industry professionals from across the heritage buildings sector. Join us as we explore captivating stories, uncover the artistry behind historical buildings, and dive into the challenges and successes of conserving our architectural heritage. This podcast is available as audio format across all of your favourite podcasting apps and as video format on our official YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@HeritageBuildingsAssociation Be sure to join in on the discussions in our forum - https://heritagebuildings.forum Connect with us on social media - https://linktr.ee/heritagebuildingsassociation

Information

  • Creator
    Vincent Reed
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Vincent Reed
  • Show Website
    Heritage Buildings Podcast

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