Traditional Building Exhibition and Conference

 Boston 2007

Denotes programs in Contractor Series. The Contractor Series consists of workshops and seminars that are of interest to all building and design professionals but may be important to the practice and education of contractors, builders and tradespeople. 

Denotes programs in the Residential Series. 

Introducing a special 2-day series of seminars for those who love old houses, own a historic-home, or who will be building a new “old” house.  This program will feature two tracks with information about historic home restoration or traditionally inspired new design and construction.  NOTE: Residential Series track is available with special pricing for specific sessions only or can be included in your regular full day conference pass.

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Friday, March 9

8:00am–11:15am  Workshops (pre selection required)

W08 Slate Roofing Techniques

Intermediate to Advanced                 3 AIA HSW CEUs

SPEAKER:  BILL MARCUM, Martech Associates, Inc., Millheim, PA

• Understand the origin and quality of slate as factors in its projected lifespan.
• Prepare proper repair and installation specifications, details and techniques.
• Appreciate the art of slate shingling.

This workshop will describe methodology for the investigating aged in-place slate shingle roof applications focusing on deck substrates, under-layments, affixment types, flashing components, guttering/drainage components, and slate shingles.  The history of slate suppliers and current suppliers, snow retention systems and slate roof system ventilating, and the mitigation/elimination of ice dams will be covered.  Other items discussed will be:  slate shingle quarry operations and fabrication, contractor’s qualification and capability requirements, roof insulation, current construction methods and trends

W09 Understanding Lime Mortar

Introductory to Advanced                    3 AIA HSW CEUs

SPEAKERS:  MARIO MACHNICKI, President, U.S. Heritage Group, Inc. Chicago, IL and JOHN SPEWEIK, Vice President, U.S. Heritage Group, Inc., Chicago, IL

• Learn to identify ingredients in historic mortar and understand the differences between Portland cement, hydrated lime, lime putty, and hydraulic lime.
• Recognize failures caused by inappropriate mortar formulations.
• Discuss ASTM Standards that relate to specifying traditional lime materials with no cement.

Will you specify lime putty, hydraulic lime or hydrated lie for re-pointing the mortar on your next preservation project?  Through lecture and demonstration, this session will explore one of the hottest topics in preservation architecture – lime mortars.

8:00am–10:00am

N08 Classical and Vernacular Traditions in New England Architecture

Introductory to Advanced                          2 AIA HSW CEUs

Sponsored by:

SPEAKERS:  JOHN TITTMAN, Principal, Albert Righter & Tittman, Boston, MA, and DONALD POWERS, Principal, Donald Powers Architects, Providence, RI

• Learn the history and visual characteristics of both classical and vernacular traditions.
• Trace the lineage of each tradition from early settlement to the early 20th century.
• Understand how both traditions are being practiced today.

This seminar will look at the two most discernable trends in New England architecture:  the Classical and the Vernacular building traditions.  The recent work of these two firms will show ways that both traditions are being currently practiced.

Recommended Reading:  A Comprehensive Handbook to the Tradition of the Classical Style by Robert Adam

8:30am–9:30am

L13 Campus Expansion: 

          Historic Buildings and 21st Century Designs

Intermediate                     1 AIA HSW ECU

SPEAKERS:  RON SIMONEAU, Director/Project Executive, Shawmut Design and Construction, Providence, RI, and FRAN GAST, former Associate Vice President for Facilities Planning, Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI

• Learn how to design and build a facility that is sympathetic to the historic fabric and yet is a modern expression of the 21st building design.
• Understand how to maximize revenue generating potential through living learning centers.
• Appreciate the importance of team dynamic and composition in such projects.

Faced with growing pains and a constrained campus, Rhode Island School of Design, a design school that embraces pushing the envelope, found a solution in an unusual place, a Historic Trust building across the river from the campus.  The insertion of modern elements into the historic fabric required skilled craftsmanship, coordination, and creativity.  The juxtaposition of vastly differing architectural styles fits into the existing neighborhood.

R01 Restoring a Victorian Home: An Old House Diary

Introductory to Intermediate                    1 AIA HSW CEU

Sponsored by:

SPEAKER:  LUCINDA A. BROCKWAY, Owner, Past Designs, Kennebunk, ME

• Learn from the trials and tribulations of a homeowner who has been through the process.
• Share the humor of some of the worst situations.
• Make sensitive design decisions that fit a vernacular building.

This presentation will share process of a twenty-year restoration of a “Downing Cottage” built without the flourishes envisioned by Downing.  This Victorian farmhouse combined the durability of old wood with the simplicity of Maine farm life.  Held together by vinyl siding, duct tape and plastic pipe, this is the story of the love and madness of restoring a house on a limited budget, with limited time. 

10:00am–11:00am

R10 Preserving Old Houses:

                         Making Plans, Setting Priorities 

Introductory                     1 AIA HSW CEU

Sponsored by:

SPEAKERS:  LIISA REIMANN, Historic Preservation Consultant, New England Preservation Collaborative, Inc., Montpelier, VT, JEFF FELLINGER, Restoration Carpenter, Montpelier, VT, SARAH VUKOVICH, Consultant, Montpelier, VT, JAMES DUGGAN, Historic Preservation Consultant, Montpelier, VT

• Understand basic definitions, terminology, and preservation philosophy.
• Learn what to look for when trying to determine the age of a building.
• Explore the ways to begin a preservation plan.

This presentation will provide a practical introduction to historic preservation philosophy and practice for owners, maintenance personnel, general contractors, realtors, and funding personnel of historic buildings.  Discussion will focus on the material and technological changes that have shaped building construction practice.  Attendees will learn where to look, as well as what to look for, when assessing the overall condition of a structure, how to prioritize their work and maintenance schedule, and where to look for help with projects beyond their capacity.

T04 Historic Surface Design and Decoration

Intermediate                     1 AIA HSW CEU

SPEAKER: MARYLOU DAVIS, Owner,Marylou Davis, Inc,Woodstock CT

• Appreciate how slight hue changes can vastly affect the outcome of a project.
• Differentiate between polish and gloss.
• Discuss historic finish techniques.

This presentation will discuss historic interior design and decoration principles with an emphasis on the nineteenth century and the practical applications and adaptations of current historic finish techniques currently in use within historic house museums, churches, and private homes.  The importance of color choices and the surface sheen will be discussed.

L12 Developing The New Urbanism

Introductory                     1 AIA CEU

SPEAKER:  DAVID SCHEUER, President, The Retrovest Companies, Burlington, VT

• Understand the historical antecedents of New Urbanism.
• Appreciate conservation and smart growth arguments for Traditional Neighborhood Development planning.
• Discuss mixed-use development.

This presentation will begin with a brief overview of the evolution of New Urbanism as a response to post-war suburban development patterns.  Some of the major design principles underlying the movement, including pedestrian-friendly community design, street layout, civil engineering, and architecture will be discussed.  It will explore how these principles were used as a design basis for a specific conservation-based Traditional Neighborhood Development community and focus on the developer’s role in creating a TND.

L14 Large Scale Preservation Projects:  From Planning Through Completion

Advanced                         1 AIA HSW CEU

Sponsored by:

SPEAKERS:  GEORGE C. SKARMEAS, AIA, Director of Historic Preservation, Hillier Architecture, Philadelphia, PA, JOHN DEVLIN, Managing Principal, Schirmer Engineering, Philadelphia, PA, and GEORGE BALLARD, Owner, GB Geotechnics, Philadelphia, PA

• Understand building performance and limitations.
• Learn to create a common framework with partners.
• Explore the use of 3-D to coordinate areas of complicated infrastructures.

The restoration and systems upgrade of large scale/monumental historic landmarks presents a series of planning, design, and preservation challenges that are unique to projects of this scale.  This presentation will outline key issues in this type of project, including:  pre-design services, planning of infrastructure/systems/zones, partnering opportunities, resolving design and coordination issues, and reaching agreements with owners and constructors.

11:00am–5:00pm      Exhibit Hall Open

12:00Noon-1:30pm

Lunch & Learn (Pre selection required)

S07 Substitute Materials: 

                 The Changing Face of Trim Products

Introductory                                   1 AIA HSW CEU

Sponsored by:

SPEAKER:  KRISTEN BAER, Territory Sales Manager, AZEK Trimboards, Moosic, PA

• Learn what PVC cellular is.
• Understand how trim products are used in the traditional building industry.
• Understand why cellular PVC is an appropriate wood trim replacement product.

This presentation will provide an in-depth study of cellular PVC, including its manufacturing.   It will explain their varying types and uses and examine the installation and specification considerations.  In this session you will learn what PVC cellular is and understand how trim products are used in the building industry.  Is cellular PVC is an appropriate wood trim replacement product?  Come see why Historic Districts around the country are accepting substitute materials

Lunch & Learn (Pre selection required)

  T15 Historic Windows

Introductory to Intermediate                   1 AIA HSW CEU

Sponsored by:

SPEAKER:  MIKE HOFFART, Territory Manger, Marvin Windows and Doors, Eagan, MN

• Learn how to evaluate historic windows in order to develop an appropriate rehabilitation plan.
• Identify elements to consider when specifying windows for historic replacement.
• Understand the National Park Service Standards for Rehabilitation as they apply to windows.

This program examines fenestration issues inherent in historic building projects.  Seemingly minor changes in window configuration can have surprisingly major effects on the overall appearance of a building so most historic district guidelines pay special attention to windows.  Evaluation and preservation methods are reviewed, as well as rehabilitation planning and window specification for historic buildings are addressed.  Commercial and residential case studies are included to illustrate successful solutions to historic building challenges.

12:00noon-1:30pm

Live in the Exhibit Hall

T03 The Painter and The Plaster

Introductory to Advanced                         1 AIA HSW CEU

Sponsored by:

SPEAKERS:  RORY BRENNAN, Preservation Plastering, Ltd., Brattleboro, VT and DUFFY HOFFMAN, Owner, Hoffman Painting and Refinishing, Inc., Pipersville, PA

• Learn when to paint plaster.
• Understand the importance of good preparation to insure long-lasting paint job.
• Explore options to fix common problems. 

Join veteran painter Duffy Hoffman and plaster preservation specialist Rory Brennan for some straight talk about painting plaster.  Information on each craft - its tools, timing, curing, cleaning. priming, prepping, finishing, vapor barriers, and more will be discussed.

2:30pm-3:30pm

A02 Tree-Ring Dating Historic Structures in the Northeast

Introductory                     1 AIA HSW CEU

SPEAKERS:  WILLIAM FLYNT, Architectural Conservator, Historic Deerfield, Inc., Deerfield, MA and ANNE A. GRADY, Architectural Historian, Lexington, MA

• Assess the suitability of a building’s timbers for a dendrochronological study.
• Understand the steps and procedures necessary in this kind of study.
• Discuss the potential problems that can arise in a dendrochronological study.

Tree-ring dating (dendrochronology) is a scientifically accurate means of dating historic buildings by the tree-ring patterns in construction timbers.  Dendrochronology was developed in the 1920’s and refined in succeeding decades but only recently has the technique become available for studying the early buildings in the northeast.  The techniques used and the ramifications of the results will be included in this talk. 

N04 How to Create a New Old Home Through Traditional Design

Introductory to Intermediate                     1 AIA HSW CEU

Sponsored by:

SPEAKER:  CHRISTINE G.H. FRANCK, Owner, Christine G. H. Franck, Inc., New York, NY

• Understand the use of proportion to humanize a building’s mass and space.
• Study the details that establish scale and texture.
• Learn how the manipulation of light and color can enhance a building.

When we design a home using traditional architecture we create an environment, both inside and out, that is warm, welcoming, comfortable, and beautiful.  How does traditional design achieve this?  This lecture will use case studies of both historic and new homes to show how traditional principles of design can help homeowners, designers, architects, and builders create homes that fulfill our needs and dreams

  R06 Period Kitchens in Old Homes

Introductory to Advanced                         1 AIA HSW CEU

Sponsored by:

SPEAKER:  MARK LANDRY, President, Landmark Services, Inc., Walpole, MA

• Learn how to conceal modern appliances.
• Discover ways to make cabinets resemble furniture.
• Explore non-standard floor plans for kitchens.

This presentation looks at one contractor’s approach to designing new kitchens for historic houses.  Using furniture-like cabinetry, hidden appliances, kitchen fireplaces, and traditional materials such as wood floors and soapstone sinks, an innovative kitchen can result in an historic home.

L15 Tweed Courthouse:  A Model Restoration (90 mins.)

Intermediate                                   1.5 AIA HSW CEUs

SPEAKER:  JOHN G. WAITE, Principal, John G. Waite Associates, Architects, Albany, NY

• Learn how to approach the rehabilitation of an historic public building.
• Explore ways to comply with fire safety code in a public building.
• Discuss methods to resolve technical problems.

The Tweed Courthouse, designed by prominent architects John Kellum and Leopold Edlitz, was built between 1861 and 1881, and is one of New York City’s great civic monuments.  The building has an immense cast-iron structure and decorative elements in the five-story central rotunda.  The project to reclaim the Tweed Courthouse was unique and has been fully described in Tweed Courthouse:  A Model Restoration, published by W.W. Norton.

4:00pm-5:00pm

  N03 Adding Period Hardware to a Traditional   

                                 Home  

Introductory                                        1 AIA HSW CEU

Sponsored by:

SPEAKER:  NANCY BERRY, Editor, Old-House Journal's New Old House Magazine, Washington, D.C.

• Learn which period style is appropriate for your traditional design.
• Discuss tips on what to look for when buying salvage hardware.
• Identify the differences between antique and reproduction hardware.

One of the easiest ways to enhance the design of a traditional home is through the use of decorative hardware.  This session will focus on all aspects of incorporating architectural hardware into the home, including history, styles, and finishes appropriate to your house.  Also included in the discussion will be:  incorporating salvage pieces into your design, where to find period hardware, and how to retrofit old hardware for doors and windows

P14 All Preservation Is Not Local: Federal Preservation Policy and its Impacts

Introductory to Intermediate                     1 AIA HSW CEU

Sponsored by:

SPEAKERS:  SHANON PETERSON WASIELEWSKI, Development Chair, Preservation Action, Historic Preservation Officer, City of Franklin, TN; JAMES W. IGOE, President, Preservation Massachusetts, Boston, MA; and LARRY CURTIS, Managing Partner, Winn Development, Boston, MA

• Understand existing or pending federal legislation that has an impact on local preservation practice.
• Learn about federal incentives for historic preservation.
• Discuss ways to become an advocate for preservation at all levels.

Local preservation practitioners are not always aware of the impacts of the federal legislative process on what they are trying to accomplish in their communities, even though it shapes a wide range of preservation activities.  This panel discussion will explore current federal legislative opportunities and threats to historic preservation, such as proposed changes to the federal rehabilitation tax credit that would enhance incentives and threats to the Federal Section 106 review process.  Discussion will include the perspective of a local developer, a local preservation advocate and a local municipality.

R04 Paint:  Conservation, Removal, and Preparation

Intermediate to Advanced                         1 AIA HSW CEU

SPEAKERS:  MARYLOU DAVIS, Owner, Marylou Davis, Inc., Woodstock, CT, ANDREA GILMORE, Building Conservation Associate, Dedham, MA, and BENJAMIN HAAVIC, Historic New England, Inc., Waltham, MA

• Learn to recognize important finishes, document them and conserve them.
• Understand why surface preparation and condition are so important.
• Evaluate the best methods to remove paint for various finishes.

Three of New England’s leading architectural conservators will discuss painted finishes inside and out of the home.  This seminar will include discussions of ways to leave a finish alone, ways to clean historic finishes, how to prepare a surface for a compatible new layer of paint, when it is time to call a conservator. 

T12 Assessing and Reconstructing a Deteriorated Brownstone Structure

Intermediate to Advanced                           1 AIA HSW CEU

SPEAKERS:  MATTHEW TONELLO, Project Executive, Consigli Construction Co., Inc., Portland, ME, and CHRIS DABEK, Project Manager, Consigli Construction Co., Inc., Milford, MA

• Explore how to reattach delaminating vermiculation with ceramic pins and surgical stainless bone screws.
• Understand the importance of documentation.
• Learn the basics of tower construction.

This presentation will describe the reconstruction of an historic brownstone tower from assessing deteriorated brownstone to epoxy pinning decorative stones.  The removal and documenting of each and every stone, preserving deteriorated carved vermiculated corner quoins and installation methods, and the meticulous setting of stones and replication of mortar joints will be included.

P13 Weaving New Systems into Historic Structures: 

         No Room For Error (90 mins.)

Intermediate                     1.5 AIA HSW CEUs

Sponsored by:

SPEAKER:  MARK THALER, AIA, Principal and Director of Historic Preservation, and Peter Ottavio, P.E., Principal and Director of Engineering, Einhorn Yaffee Prescott Architecture & Engineering, P.C., Albany, NY

• Learn to weave modern engineering systems into historic structures         
• Understand the collaborative relationship between architects and engineers working on an historic preservation or adaptive reuse project.
• Explore creative ways to balance historic preservation design when integrating HVAC systems.

The renovation of historic structures is a unique challenge.  The buildings may be architectural treasures that define the traditions of a community, yet they are technologically obsolete with faulty building systems that do not meet modern life-safety standards or accessibility standards and require tremendous maintenance.  Modernizing these buildings, while maintaining their essential character, requires a creative balance of new design and historic preservation capabilities.  This session will discuss the HVAC systems necessary to restore buildings that were not originally designed for 21st century requirements.

5:30pm-6:30pm    Keynote Address 

R08 Where We Lived:  How Early American Families Built & Lived in Their Houses

Introductory                     1 AIA HSW CEU

Sponsored by:

SPEAKER:  JACK LARKIN, Chief Historian, Old Sturbridge Village, Warren, MA

• Identify Early American regional styles.
• Understand the social, cultural, and economic nature of the house building process in early America.
• Appreciate the Historic American Building Survey as a resource.

This presentation is based on the book, Where We Lived:  Discovering the Places We Once Called Home, 1775-1840, published by Taunton Press/National Trust for Historic Preservation.  The talk will focus on how ordinary American families built their houses, explore the great diversity of regional house forms, describe what the early housing landscape looked like, and provide a sense of how rich and useful the Historic American Building Survey images are for understanding early American houses.

6:30 pm-10:30pm

Traditional Building Pub Crawl

Join your colleagues and friends as we explore the finest pubs and taverns of Boston.

Drinking establishments were more than places to drink and dine. Taverns were where the community conducted business, got its news, argued politics, attended concerts and socialized. 

Registration includes transportation, commemorative pint glass and lots of laughs.  Register early, space is limited!!

Click to Register

Sponsored by: Seekircher Steel Window Repair

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