The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) has released a four-part online CPD series, New Ideas for Old Buildings, following its recent SPAB–STBA conference on the pressures facing traditional and historic buildings. The talks address climate challenges, emerging technologies, skills shortages and economic pressures, while highlighting how heritage techniques continue to inform modern practice.

Aimed at building professionals, students and anyone with an interest in conservation, the sessions offer practical insight into current research and project work across the sector. Details fo each talk are as follows:

Technology and Tradition: Using Digital Tools to Support the Traditional Woodcarving Process with Matt Bateman and Greg Meeson, Refinery Studio

Matt Bateman, a conservation joiner and woodcarver, teams up with digital artist Greg Meeson of Refinery Studio to demonstrate how CGI and digital modelling can aid the repair of carved timber features. Their award-winning workflow blends technology with hand skills, improving efficiency without displacing traditional craftsmanship.

Using Site Excavated Subsoil to Make Earth Blocks for Building Construction with Nikolay Shahpazov, Bennetts Associates

Bennetts Associates’ Nikolay Shahpazov presents the Tribeca development at King’s Cross, where subsoil excavated on site was transformed into earth blocks for the London BioScience Innovation Centre. The material, used at unprecedented scale in the UK, emits around one-tenth of the CO₂ of cement alternatives, pointing to new opportunities for low-carbon construction rooted in long-standing building traditions.

A Lime Seamless Floor at the Royal Hospital Chelsea: An Experimental Approach with Laura Morgante, Peregrine Bryant Architects

Laura Morgante of Peregrine Bryant Architects outlines the creation of a seamless lime floor in the Royal Hospital Chelsea’s Stable Block. Inspired by the Venetian ‘cocciopesto’ technique, which dates back to Roman times, the breathable, durable flooring offers a sustainable alternative for future projects, despite being relatively rare in the UK.

Light Touch to Old Buildings: New Ideas at the Old House Project with Jonathan Garlick, SPAB and Mal Fryer, Malcolm Fryer Architects

Architect Mal Fryer and SPAB project manager Jonny Garlick discuss recent interventions at St Andrew’s Chapel, Boxley. Their presentation covers the project’s rammed-earth wall and new oak walkway, designed to connect historic fabric with modern needs while offering acoustic protection for the site. The team also examines conservation challenges posed by the rediscovery of an ornate doorway previously concealed behind a fireplace.

 These online CPD sessions are £10 each and can be bought individually or as a package of four at the discounted price of £30.

All four CPD recordings are available through the SPAB website