Traditional building skills & conservation courses, craft kits and handcrafted gifts

This summer course explores creative thinking, drawing, model making and advanced technologies that architects use today. The course will introduce you to contemporary approaches to architecture, with ingenious projects that will develop your awareness of how designers are shaping the modern world we live in. In addition to talks and demonstrations, you’ll be set projects that you’ll work on in groups, presenting your ideas in 2D as well as simple 3D models - to give you a taste of what it’s like to work in industry. There’ll be short, quick...

This summer course explores new ways of thinking and advanced technologies that are being used by professional architects today. The course will introduce you to contemporary approaches to design, with ingenious projects that will develop your awareness of how designers are shaping the modern world we live in. During this course you will: - investigate current building projects in the UK and around the world - learn the various stages of design development that professionals must go through - go on excursions to see local projects in progress, as well...

This course will explore the concept of place through drawing. It will introduce you to the notion of drawing and design as tools for recording, reflecting and communicating ideas around architecture and the built environment. The course is therefore ideal for anyone currently studying architecture, or thinking about studying it in the future, or anyone who's simply interested in drawing and the urban landscape who wants to learn more. This will be a practical course based on location and in the design studio. On this course you will undertake projects...

A two day practical course for those looking to expand their existing lime plastering knowledge so that they can confidently tackle their own projects. Course content: Repairing lath Plastering on lath Patch repairs Repairing holes and cracks Using beads to create straight edges Finishes Pre-mixes and when to use Suitability This course is for those who have already attended our Introduction Lime Plastering course or who already have some lime plastering experience. If you are not sure if this is the course for you, please email us.

Back due to demand, this is your chance to get the 'hands-on' skills and knowledge to build a rustic pole barn using traditional methods. About this Event Enjoy this 3-day course with a small group, outside in the beautiful Brendon hills of West Somerset. This unique course will provide you with the tuition and experience to construct an open-sided timber barn, using mainly hand tools. Our tutor, Paul Calvert, is an expert forester and barn builder. With delicious artisan, locally sourced refreshments, including lunch, you'll have the energy you need...

This two day course will teach you how to select the correct materials for your job and mix them to the correct consistency. A practical demonstration will be given followed by the opportunity to have a go yourself. ​The aim of the course is to give participants the confidence to carry out small repairs to their own homes. ​Course content •Why and when to use lime •Choosing the right materials •Wall preparation •Creating the perfect mix •Practical application of lime plaster •Looking after your plaster

This practical one day course will give you a solid introduction on how to work with lime building materials. Find out about the properties and different uses of lime in building and why lime is such an essential material when looking after older buildings. The day starts with classroom time: learning about the different types of lime, their uses and the best type of lime to use where. The afternoon will see you getting practical hands-on experience: making a traditional lime mix and then using it to carry out pointing...

This practical one day course will give you a solid introduction on how to work with lime building materials. Find out about the properties and different uses of lime in building and why lime is such an essential material when looking after older buildings. The day starts with classroom time: learning about the different types of lime, their uses and the best type of lime to use where. The afternoon will see you getting practical hands-on experience: making a traditional lime mix and then using it to carry out pointing...

Come and explore the unique and breathtaking geometry behind some of the world's most ancient architecture. From Stonehenge to Castlerigg, learn the methods of these ancient geometers. ​ ​ ​

This course aims to demystify and plainly explain solar electricity to those who want to know what goes on beyond the panel. You will be given practical demos and hands-on experience. You will be shown how to build your own small/medium solar set up for an off-grid cabin, shed, workshop or vehicle. How to calculate your energy needs and how to size a system. Where to find the parts and how not to pay more than you need to. If you don't have a project in mind it is still...